Skimm'd From The Couch

Eve Rodsky was on a business trip when her husband texted saying someone left a beer bottle and jacket on their front lawn. She figured he’d take care of it. When she returned a day later, they were still there. That was when Eve realized unless she figured out why women take on so much invisible labor at home, she’d spend the rest of her life picking up beer bottles and jackets. Today, Eve shares how treating home like your most important organization can change your life.  In this episode, Eve shares: How growing up with a single mother shaped the way she thought about work A skimm of her Fair Play approach to home labor – and why it works  The difference in how society value men’s time vs. women’s time  Why having an identity outside of being a parent, a professional, a partner is essential to a happy life Ways to start finding your “unicorn space” 

As CEO, Indra Nooyi led PepsiCo through its most important strategic pivots and navigated the company through two financial crises. But during her time there, her male colleagues continued to disrespect her. To the point where she threatened to walk out. Today, Indra tells us how she demanded respect in the workplace and how it impacted her career.  In this episode, Indra shares: How her teachers described her – and why she worked against it her whole life The way she drew hard lines to be respected in the workplace How her cultural upbringing influenced why she never asked for a raise Why not everyone should aspire to be the CEO – and why it’s okay What you'll learn from her class on MasterClass Leading with Purpose

Before she went to college, Kristen Bell’s mom sat her down for a candid convo. It wasn’t about navigating the quad or the importance of office hours. It was about the mental health struggles that ran in her family. Despite having those struggles too, Kristen never talked about it publicly. Until she decided: she owed it to her fans – and her family. Today, we talk about mental health and how being open with your team makes work better for everyone.   In this episode, Kristen shares: How one story about her family’s mental health struggles was a gift Why she felt guilty about not sharing her mental health struggles earlier Her definition of confidence – and how it has nothing to do with being perfect Why having A+ creative partners enabled her to pursue jobs beyond acting A Skimm of her children’s book, The World Needs More Purple Schools   Want in on our upcoming Skimm Reads event, Book’d with Kelly Ripa? Get your ticket here. 

Born to immigrant parents on Long Island, Jen Wong says she was an introverted latch-key kid. Fast forward to today, and Jen leads people and business growth as Reddit COO. Talk about a turn of events. And as an LGBTQ+ woman, mother, Asian American and more, Jen says: holding these identities has given her the empathy she needed to lead effectively.  In this episode, Jen shares: Her fave sub-reddit (gardeners, this one’s for you) Her approach to prepping for events + talks as an introvert How working as a consultant gave her the business ed. she uses everyday Why her gut is her BFF when making decisions How being curious about people has led her to rewarding relationships 

Back when low-rise jeans and shoulder bags reigned supreme, Rachel Bilson played the iconic Summer Roberts on The OC. She later starred in TV shows and movies like Hart of Dixie and Jumper. And then…the pandemic happened. And she learned the importance of taking a pause to focus on what matters most. This week, we’re talking about reassessing your career and taking a pause when you need to.  In this episode, Rachel shares: The 2000s trend she wants to see come back (hello, platform flip flops) How the pandemic pushed her to take a pause on acting + focus on podcasting Her new criteria for projects + what kinds of work she says “no thank you” to How her friendships + support system has changed since the start of her career The episode she’s most excited to share on her new podcast PS: You can check out Rachel’s podcasts: Broad Ideas and Welcome to the OC, Bitches!

Kerry Washington blessed our TV screens on movies + shows like Django Unchained, Little Fires Everywhere, and Scandal. But before she popped off as Olivia Pope, Kerry says she was choosy about roles offered to her. Even if saying “no” meant having less financial freedom. In this episode, Kerry shares: How J-Lo subbed for her dance teacher in the Bronx (shout out @ Jenny from the block) Why she’ll never compromise on roles that perpetuate stereotypes about Black women + women of color  How side hustles gave her creative freedom – and the ability to say no to roles Her process of becoming her characters and why she nerds out about it  A quick Skimm of Prophecy, her upcoming narrative fiction drama podcast PS: 9 to 5ish is going on vacation for the next few weeks. We’ll be back in your feed with new episodes with some amazing women in September. Until then, keep up with Carly and Danielle @carlyanddanielle on Instagram.  

As a kid growing up in Islamabad, Shiza Shahid volunteered in grassroots initiatives to help Pakistani women get an education. And that early interest in service pushed her to always advocate for important issues through her career. From the founding Malala Fund to her current biz, Our Place, Shiza says: a lot of good can be achieved through a combo of non-profit advocacy work and for-profit businesses.  In this episode, Shiza shares: Why she took on a variety of jobs and how that choice shaped her life How you can always find ways to create positive change – no matter how old you are Why ditching the idea of “perfection” is key to creating quality products The importance of understanding a brand’s history as a way to make better choices as a consumer PS: use THESKIMM15 to score 15% off Our Place kitchenware.

Hoda Kotb is a pro at a lot of things. And speaking with other incredible women is at the top of that list. In this special episode, Hoda flips the script and interviews our co-founders and co-CEOs, Danielle Weisberg & Carly Zakin, about the past ten years of theSkimm. This week, they discuss how they — as leaders — have evolved in the last decade, why being told no was important to their growth, and how theSkimm will continue to meet women where they are in the years to come.   PS: Keep up with Carly and Danielle between episodes. Follow @carlyanddanielle on Instagram.  

Lindsay Kaplan and Carolyn Childers were killing it as startup VPs. But as they put it: it gets lonely at the top. Especially for women. Enter: their company, Chief, a women’s exec network that takes networking beyond sticky name tags and awkward icebreakers. This week, we sat down with the Chief co-founders who tell us that everyone – even those with unconventional skill sets – has a place in a business.  In this episode, Lindsay and Carolyn share: The moment Lindsay realized a network like Chief needed to exist  Carolyn’s unconventional rise to becoming an entrepreneur The conflict that taught them the importance of always assuming best intent How Chief thrived during the pandemic by democratizing access for members Advice on how to take networking to the next level and develop meaningful work relationships   PS: Keep up with Carly and Danielle between episodes. Follow @carlyanddanielle on Instagram.

This week, we’re throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes from last year. Brooke Shields has been a household name ever since she did her first commercial, at just 11 months old. As a teenage model and actress being managed by her mother, Brooke found her own image sexualized — but refused to play along with the media’s expectations. Since then, she’s acted on Broadway, starred in sitcoms and TV dramas, raised two daughters and written two memoirs. We spoke to Brooke about how to survive and stay sane amid intense public scrutiny. In this episode, Brooke talks about: Working with her mother — and choosing to fire her The small things she does to help her compartmentalize  Staying true to herself under pressure Not taking criticism personally

From freelancing as a college student to logging tape, Dana Bash worked her way up the ladder at CNN. Now, she comes to us live on TV as CNN’s chief political correspondent, covering elections and the biggest political news. Dana says she wouldn’t have gotten there without luck– and some good old fashioned patience. This week, she spills the secrets of her career marathon, and how to pace yourself. In this episode, Dana shares: The show she’d most like to make a cameo on (RHONJ lovers, rejoice) How she went from freelancing to getting the FT gig at CNN The career-defining move she made – and why it looked like a step backwards Advice on how to talk to your boss about transitioning to a different role  Why being in the same workplace as her ex-husband actually isn’t so bad 

Maria Shriver never felt the pressure to go into politics like the rest of her family. Instead, her parents asked her: what moves you? She took that question and ran with it. Fascinated by storytelling, Maria led a decades-long career in journalism. But then she became first lady of California. And NBC asked her to leave. Looking back, Maria says: it was a blessing in disguise. In this episode, Maria shares:  Why she started at smaller stations before hitting the big networks How getting fired opened space for new opportunities for her  Why her Alzheimer’s work specifically centers the impacts on women  A quick skimm of her brain-healthy food company, Mosh

Before Audie Cornish made the jump to CNN, she was a longtime co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered. And while she made interviewing politicians and celebs look like NBD, she says she had to deal with a “professional identity crisis” after becoming a new mom. This week, we sat down with Audie to talk about how her professional life changed after she had kids, and how motherhood impacted her mindset at work.  In this episode, Audie shares: How she figured out her own communication style Why having kids allowed her to reframe her ideal career success  How recognizing her own accomplishments reframed her ideal career success  Why fostering work + personal relationships is the key to success in all aspects of life Her go-to bagel order 

When you look at Beth Ford’s resume, you probably didn’t know the Land O’ Lakes CEO started out detasseling corn for $2 an hour and cleaning toilets as a janitor. And Beth told us she wouldn’t have ever become CEO without those jobs. Because being successful in business comes from learning about people – and celebrating wins at every level.  In this episode, Beth shares: The string of odd jobs she did to get by as one of eight children in Iowa How taking the job in the field helped her learn about business and people Why she decided to grow her career laterally instead of vertically in her early career The importance of asking for feedback regularly, and why it’s a gift Why humility is key to being a good leader

After a 30-year-career in law enforcement, Victoria Eady Butler did what most people do. She retired. But just days into relaxing and investing in new hobbies, she kicked retirement to the curb. And instead, opted for the chance to learn about what she says is in her blood: whiskey blending, at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.  In this episode, Victoria shares: Her favorite cocktail (hint: it includes Uncle Nearest whiskey) How she started her career over after 30 years How she connects to her great-great grandfather through her own whiskey blending What it’s like being part of an all woman executive team in the spirits industry Why her awards and accolades matter, but why being open to learning matters more

As a kid, Eva Longoria dreamed of being a professional volunteer one day. Her mother’s response? That’s not a job, sweetie. Instead, she was a Texas pageant queen, became a headhunter, and moved to LA. And despite knowing no one in Hollywood when she first arrived, Eva became a household name for her role in “Desperate Housewives.” Now, Eva’s defied expectations again and expanded her resume to include: humanitarian and parent.  In this episode, Eva shares: How her special needs sister taught her the importance of being in service to others What it was like to become a household name in her 30s How her Mexican-American roots shaped her activism Why she feels lucky to have had her son later in life A Skimm of her new podcast, “Connections with Eva Longoria”

When Fidji Simo was an exec at Facebook, she discovered she had a chronic health condition. That meant: taking meetings from her bed, fainting at work, and awkward conversations with her bosses. That experience taught Fidji how to be a leader while taking care of herself and putting her health first. A lesson she now brings to her team at Instacart, where she’s the CEO.  In this episode, Fidji shares:  The must-have in her weekly Instacart order (hint: it’s a sweet treat) Why being a woman in a male-dominated industry is actually an advantage How she integrates work and life instead of separating them  Why sponsorship means more than mentorship in work relationships How opening up about her chronic condition made her leadership stronger

Cindy Eckert co-founded the company Sprout Pharmaceuticals, which created the first FDA approved drug for low sexual desire in women (read: female viagra). In a made-for-TV twist, she sold the company for $1 billion… but then, had to take the company back. Intrigued yet? Same. Now, Cindy’s the founder of the investment and management firm, The Pinkubator, with the goal of making other women “really f***ing rich.” Talk about a mission we can get behind.  In this episode, Cindy shares:  How to rethink the classic career ladder Who inspired her to keep fighting for women’s health, in spite of FDA pushback How she got her company back – for free  Why securing funding is not the golden ticket to entrepreneurial success How one simple interview question can tell you a lot about a candidate

Every weekend growing up, Christine watched her mom and grandma go to the Korean bathhouses, rubbing things like tea and spoiled milk on their skin. And she’s been hooked on skincare ever since. Now, she’s the co-founder and co-CEO of the skincare brand, Glow Recipe. But before leading this new venture, she actually worked her way up the corporate ladder at L’Oreal. In this episode, Christine gives her advice on how to make the jump from corporate to startup, and what she learned at her desk job that she still uses today.  In this episode, Christine shares:  How she learned to lean on colleagues and mentors How having a co-founder eases the growing pains of a new business How her corporate experience helped in the startup mindset Why she and her co-founder turned down an offer from Shark Tank investors The important role that emerging technology like TikTok has played in her business

Before Rathi Srinivas became the co-founder and CTO of Droplette, she got her PhD in chemical engineering from MIT. NBD. And now, she’s developed an award-winning skincare device that’s grounded in science and backed by NASA. This week, Rathi joined us to share how she thinks about making stuff that’s never been made before – that can have a real difference for women everywhere. In this episode, Rathi shares:  The differences between traditional fundraising and scientific grants What it’s like to start a business with a friend How becoming a mom changed her career