Eugenia Cheng has built a “portfolio career” combining her passions for math, piano and education. Eugenia has a PHD in Pure Mathematics and is a Scientist in Residence at School of the Art Institute in Chicago. As part of her portfolio career, Eugenia also performs as a concert pianist and is a published author of two books about math. Eugenia also works to develop math training materials and curriculum, she does research in math within higher dimensional category theory, and she writes about math for media publications. Eugenia has built her career by finding ways to use her talents and work to help others. Eugenia suggests we build our careers by finding what we are really good at and then finding how to use our talents in the best possible way to contribute to society. Eugenia has a talent for showing how math relates to our world, and in describing the beautiful and mysterious intersections of math, science and art. We talk with Eugenia on how she got on her path and how playing the piano was her refuge when she was frustrated with the confinements of her school years. Eugenia offers suggestions for encouraging kids to enjoy math ( there is some great advice for those of us who have math phobias), we talk about Eugenia’s latest book, beyond infinity, and Eugenia’s thoughts on how math, science and art are spiritually related. Eugenia stepped away from a conventional tenured academic path to create a career where she could user her strengths and interests. Eugenia's thoughtful and analytical approach to creating a career that allowed her to contribute more to society, applies to those of us trying to find work where we can also use more of our strengths. We think you will love this conversation abut how to combine different interests, including Eugenia’s thoughts on the concept of  infinity, how “drunk cooking” and math are similar and how you can stretch the possibilities within your career.

Times are a-changing, and with it, comes new efforts to keep our planet healthy, which we are major supporters of at I Want Her Job. Today’s interview is with someone hustling to change the future of clean energy, Dawn Lippert. As the co-founder of Elemental Excelerator (formerly Energy Excelerator), a startup accelerator program based in Hawaii, Dawn and her team helps budding businesses change the world, one community at a time. As co-founder of the organization, Dawn talks to I Want Her Job: The Podcast Host Polina Selyutin about the iteration she went through to refine and design the model Elemental Excelerator uses to fund and support startups. With many startups having different needs and time frames to scale, Dawn says, the nonprofit helped develop a model that works by partnering with corporations to test products and services, as well as non-competing companies that can support and complement one another. Dawn also discusses her initial inspiration for the nonprofit, largely driven by the realization that the change the world needs to see, needed to be accelerated. “As I was working on these issues in Washington, D.C. on the policy side, it became really clear to me that the speed at which we needed to find solutions was astonishing,” she says. “Entrepreneurship to me is that tool … It’s our theory of change that by empowering entrepreneurs who are building quickly scalable business models that can really address these challenges at scale. That’s how we’re really going to change the world.” As of press time, Elemental Excelerator has awarded $20 million to 53 portfolio companies (up to $1 million per company), co-funding 28 demonstration projects across areas affecting infrastructure, the environment and quality of life (including energy, water, agriculture and transportation systems). The nonprofit was created in collaboration with Emmerson Collective, an investment and philanthropic platform.

Kimberly Cassady is VP of Talent for Cornerstone OnDemand, a company that provides businesses with software to recruit, train and manage their employees. Cortnerstone has made it on to many best places to work lists including Forbes and Glassdoor. If you only remember one thing from this show,  Kimberly suggests all of us just make the ask. If you hear about upcoming projects at your company, just ask for the opportunity.  Kimberly’s role leading a manufacturing floor scared her and forced her to adopt a fake it till you make it approach. Today, Kimberly’s operations experience has given her the confidence she uses every day in her role as VP of Talent.  Looking back on her career, Kimberly says “If you were to look at the aggregate of my career I probably have more failures than I do successes, but I am willing to take the chance and I am ok with the failure. I am ok if it's a learning experience as a result of it.”  Kimberly attributes some of her success in her willingness to test ideas and take action, "I would rather take the incorrect action as opposed to no action", says Kimberly, as she shares the trial and error approach that has resulted in more chances to learn and succeed.

If you love writing, blogging, photography, creating content — and having control of your future while developing your own business — we think you will enjoy hearing how Lauryn Evarts created her blog and brand, The Skinny Confidential. When Lauryn started blogging 6 years ago, she was broke and miserable working in a bartending job. Today, With six employees, Lauryn is running her own business.  In today's episode of I Want Her Job: the Podcast, we talk to Lauryn about how she engages with her audience, her mindset for setting goals and dealing with criticism. She also shares how she chipped away every day at the goals she made for her blog. "Every day when I laid my head on the pillow I had built The Skinny Confidential in some small way,” she says.  Now as a professional blogger, Lauryn shares some practical advice for what it takes. “If you can’t deal with criticism probably being an influencer is not the way to go,” she says. But if you can? Well, we think the upside could be that it's your dream job.    

Ida Tin is founder of Clue, the world’s fastest growing period tracking and fertility app. Ida shares why she is so committed to using technology to empower women with more knowledge and control of their bodies and for family planning. Ida is on a mission to help women become more aware and “friendlier with their bodies”. Hear how Ida founded Clue and and about Femtech, an emerging area of technology addressing women’s health. As Ida says “Within Femtech alone there is so much unmet potential. Everywhere we look we see needs that women have that are not being addressed where technology can play a role.” Prior to founding Clue, Ida had a business leading motorcycle tours around the world. Listen to hear how Ida’s background and early interests in women’s health evolved into her role as founder of Clue.

We strive to inspire women leading the future of business here at I Want Her Job. This is why we were so excited to speak with Cecilia Foxworthy, co-founder of Torus Teens, an online tool for connecting teens with afterschool and summer programs with the leaders of our future – teens – in mind. The idea for Torus Teens came about after Cecilia had the realization that the majority of the free afterschool programs for teenagers were available, and sometimes just around the block, but many of the teens she knew were not even aware of them. So, she made a move to fill the need. Now the idea has blossomed into an organization that is supported by Inc., ImpactLab, Urban Assembly, and A Better Chance, among other organizations. And it’s this drive to help others that we admire so much. “I just don’t accept that all teenagers don’t get the chance to make themselves who they want to be … and explore those interests,” she says. We already have the resources today to change lives and open the doors for teenagers, but we just need to connect them with the opportunities, people and organizations that will make this happen. “We have the real potential to move the needle on the achievement gap, which has been widening over the last 30 years,” she says. “We can close that by harnessing programs and methods that are already in existence … We don’t really need more resources, we just need to use them better.” Learn more about what else drives Cecilia, why she really likes to wonder ‘why’ and more on episode 34 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast.

At I Want Her Job we love a good startup story, and we like one that involves two friends destined to meet and create a business even more. One day in early 2016, Annie Dean called her friends – asking them to direct her to the smartest women they knew. As fate would have it, a few friends directed Annie to Anna Auerbach, a woman described by mutual friends as a “force of intelligence” and full of energy. Over a phone conversation, Anna shared her thoughts on a business that would help create a marketplace for women seeking flexible job opportunities. Annie was instantly hooked on the idea, and this first phone call ignited a passion and partnership between the two dynamic women. The idea became Werk, a business dedicated to helping women thrive in the workforce and find flexible job opportunities. Since launching earlier this year, Werk has received funding, created a marketplace for flexible jobs with over 60 companies – including Facebook, Uber and Samsung – and has hired a staff of four and developed a new product. Anna’s Harvard MBA and McKinsey background, combined with Anna’s experience in practicing law, they say, has given them a distinct advantage during their research, analysis and business planning phases for Werk. As self-professed data geeks, Annie and Anna knew that data was showing them a business opportunity for a site like Werk was there. And as ambitious young mothers to toddlers with demanding professional careers, Anna and Annie understand firsthand the challenges women face when they don’t want – or cannot take a break – from working. In fact, research shows more than 30% of women end up leaving the workforce after having children. And, of those that left, 70% say they would have stayed in their jobs if they had been given more flexibility. Furthermore, a Bain research study has shown that women value flexibility more than titles, location and pay. The data, as well as common sense, shows the supply is there, and from a business perspective, flexibility lowers costs and helps companies recruit and retain top talent. We’re thrilled to share episode 33 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast with you. We hope the story of Annie and Annie inspire you to shift your own thoughts on the work/life culture.  

In episode 32 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, we speak with Lauren Collins, staff writer at The New Yorker, and author of When In French: Love In A Second Language. The book, which is a memoir of falling in love, learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture, was recently selected as a “Notable Book of 2016” by The New York Times. And it’s easy to see why. With plenty of humor and fascinating details on linguistics and French culture, in the book Lauren recounts her journey of learning and adjusting to a life in France. In her interview, she shares the story of the one decision that changed her life. Weeks before her 30th birthday, Lauren decided to shake things up, requesting to work for The New Yorker from London. It was during this fateful trip that, in a decidedly American way, Lauren walked over and introduced herself … to her future husband! Eventually moving with him to Paris, When In French chronicles the cultural adjustments and clashes of living in a new country. Listen in to hear more about Lauren’s journey, details on her sought-after job at The New Yorker and more.

Felena Hanson was just another woman working from home when she came up with a brilliant idea. While working at home for eight years, she missed having a sense of community and often time struggled to focus. The options in the market at the time, while uber-hip and high tech, were lacking an environment that felt beautiful and clean to her. She realized she was craving a coworking space designed by women, for women, so Felena embarked on creating what she couldn’t find.   And now, five years later, Hera Hub is the first international coworking and shared office space for women (though open to men as well) from Washington, D.C. to Stockholm, Sweden. And although the company specializes in providing inspired spaces for women to work from, the company also hosts training sessions on planning, accounting and other business services – providing continuous support and advice for its members. They also offer an endless supply of coffee and wine! After all, Felena says, in Hera Hub spaces women are truly trying to help one another. “I wanted to create something that was bigger than myself, and bigger than the city that I’m in,” Felena says. “ … It’s an ecosystem of support, collaboration and community.” In episode 31 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor and Host Polina Selyutin speaks with Felena about launching a business, making mistakes and building a community.

Judy Robinett’s story begins in Franklin, Idaho. As a young girl who was bullied during junior high, Judy felt uncomfortable at social events, which she would often arrive late to and leave early from. Until her 40s, she felt shy, awkward, not good enough, not cute enough and not educated enough. Today, however, Judy’s life paints a different picture. As a well-known and highly respected investor and advisor, she is known as the woman with a titanium Rolodex. If you’re curious about how she made the leap from insecure young woman to confident businesswoman, then you will want to hear episode 30 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast. In today’s show, Judy shares how an attitude of, “Keep your head down; work hard; and wait your turn,” turned into advice worth tossing. She read Dale Carnegie’s How To Win Friends And Influence People and immediately realized that it was actually those leaving early on Friday to socialize at the golf club were the ones getting ahead at work. After reading this book, she began to make intentional choices in how she interacted with others. This fresh outlook aids Judy to this day. When she meets someone new, Judy immediately begins looking for ways she can help, which she explains further in her step-by-step approach in her book on networking – How To Be A Power Connector. In today’s episode, Editor and Host Polina Selyutin discusses the art of connection with Judy and tips that can help you develop your own titanium Rolodex.

According to Shopify’s Director of Talent Acquisition Anna Lambert, the recruiting industry is broken. And, we happen to agree. While most companies utilize a traditional process for filtering out candidates based on a list of experience and requirements, Shopify does things very differently. In fact, Shopify actually encourages candidates to apply if they don’t meet all the traditional requirements listed on a position. “We don’t want to exclude people who can be incredible in a role because they don’t think they’re qualified,” Anna says. Shopify’s website goes further, saying, “Experience comes in many forms, many skills are transferable and passion goes a long way.” Don’t you wish more companies thought like that? In episode 29 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor and Host Polina Selyutin speaks with Anna about how Shopify actively seeks to understand a job candidate historically and how the company factors in passion projects and career goals. If you’ve ever been discouraged by the traditional job application process, you won’t want to miss today’s show.

How does one make the transition from being interested in a job at a tech startup to becoming a sought-after technology investor, advisor and founder?   Sarah Kunst is the founder of Proday, a subscription-based workout app that allows you to: “Train alongside world-class athletes. Anytime. Anywhere.” In today’s show, this startup founder and former venture capitalist walks us through the steps she took on her path to attract some incredible opportunities. (Like backing from the Los Angeles Dodger’s accelerator program and funding from angel investors Arielle Zuckerberg and Sara Haider.) And she didn’t let statements like, “We really like you, but you don’t have the experience” get in her way. Not one little bit. In fact, Sarah became a female VC before she even turned 30, which is no easy feat.   Through hard work and a relentless drive to help startups, this 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 list-maker and contributing editor to Marie Claire, understands what it takes to carve out a career path and bring others up with you. In episode 27 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Sarah walks Editor and Host Polina Selyutin through the road she traveled and the decisions she made that led her to become a highly respected investor and advisor.  

Imagine you are two months pregnant and you are let go from your job. You begin to search for jobs with decent maternity leave policies, but you notice companies are not clear on this information. What would you do knowing you have a baby on the way?   Little did Georgene Huang know that this life-changing moment would allow her the opportunity to help make the workplace better for women. Partnering with Romy Newman, the two would soon found Fairygodboss, a community that provides women information about the ‘hard-to-ask’ questions when interviewing with a potential company.   In episode 26 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor and Host Polina Selyutin speaks with Romy Newman about how they started Fairygodboss, their business model, insights from the reviews they are receiving and key career advice.

Imagine wearing a beautiful gold choker with black onyx cabochons on the end. It’s on-trend, stunning … but wait, it’s only $200? And it’s real gold? Yes. Thanks to a dream of two best friends – Bouchra Ezzahraoui and Sophie Kahn – over a Sunday brunch, exquisite gold jewelry brand AUrate came to life. AUrate, which is “AU” for gold (thanks, chemistry class!) and is pronounced “OR-ate” (because, like an “orator” the brand tells a story), was launched in December 2014. Inspired by Warby Parker, what sets the brand apart is its ability to offer high-quality gold jewelry direct-to-consumer. By cutting out the middleman, the brand can offer customers stunning jewelry at up to 50-to-75% off typical industry prices. As Morocco-raised Bouchra says, “Gold is extremely expensive in the United States.” The duo, who met while attending graduate school at Princeton in 2009, built AUrate while holding full-time jobs, taking classes in design and hosting pop-up shops on the side. Beyond the hustle, what’s so impressive about Bouchra and Sophie is their deep passion for educating consumers about the differences in gold and other jewelry, saying stores carry, “Fine jewelry or fashion pieces you’d pay a lot for, but are not really made out of fine materials.” One example of that? Fashion jewelry that turns one’s fingers green! Facing this problem themselves, after some digging, research confirmed what they had already known: In retail there was either affordable fashion jewelry or expensive fine jewelry. There was nothing in the middle, and a gap needed to be filled.   Others caught on and quickly agreed. Once the demand took off, the two decided to dive into the company full-throttle. While Sophie focuses on the fashion and design side of the business, Bouchra is drawn to the business side. In episode 24 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor and Host Polina Selyutin speaks with Bouchra and Sophie about the strategies they used that resulted in 400% annual growth, advice to other entrepreneurs, and combining their individual background in math and finance with design, art and social purpose. Go to www.iwantherjob.com for more show notes and links to topics discussed in the show. Follow us @iwhjpodcast

Meet Therese Huston, author of “How Women Decide: What’s True, What’s Not, and What Strategies Spark the Best Choices.” In her book, Therese shares research that shows women and men are, however, actually equally skilled when it comes to decision making. And, as an expert on the topic of changing the conversation surrounding female decision-makers,  In this episode, Polina and Therese discuss high-pressure decision making, the gender myth and also some tactical advice that may help you when you’re stuck trying to make your own decisions. And for further reading on the topic, we highly recommend Therese’s Harvard Business Review article that illustrates women don’t always get the fair shake they deserve when it comes to how their decisions are perceived. To contact the show reach out to: [email protected] Sign up for our newsletter and find more interviews:  www.meantforit.com Follow us on @meantforit

Jessica Jackson Sloan is the youngest-ever elected official in the charming city of Mill Valley, California, located just 14 miles north of San Francisco. In her role as vice mayor of the city where she grew up, Jessica works on local politics. That would be enough of an accomplishment for many to be satisfied, but not Jessica, who has deep life experiences that motivated her to spend her time helping those less fortunate.   As national director of #cut50, a truly bipartisan initiative to end mass incarceration, Jessica works with her colleagues and a team of notable influencers (like Alicia Keys and Richard Branson) to cut the prison population in the United States by half within the next 10 years. The organization works to raise the issue in media and inform others that the issue has become massive – and not only is a huge resource suck in our society, but also one that has the potential for alternative options that would keep our communities safer.   Prior to her dual jobs, Jessica worked on death penalty cases, saying that when serving those on death row, “You see the worst of the worst of the system … Unfortunately the client pays the ultimate price … their life.” It was this background that prompted Jessica to join politics in the first place, as she had a desire to move into policy work to broaden her impact.   In episode 18 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, we hear about how Jessica’s very personal story led her to law school and then her work on death penalty cases and eventually, at #cut50 and for the city of Mill Valley. Her story is one you’ll want to hear.   TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: On Campaign Fundraising: Despite her experience with nonprofit fundraising, Jessica says that raising money for her campaign felt harder. “You have to sell yourself. If it’s an issue you’re passionate [about] and you’ve already been sold on [it], then it’s kind of easier to sell than to sell yourself, and brag on yourself, and ask close friends and family for money,” she says. Taking Action: One issue Jessica felt passionate about that she took action on as an elected official dealt with smoking in multi-family housing. While living in multi-family housing herself, Jessica’s neighbor fell asleep – cigarette in mouth – and burned down the neighboring apartment, as well as half of Jessica’s apartment – including her daughter’s room. Fortunately, she and her daughter were gone at the time. In addition to her personal experience, Jessica pointed out that the complications of smoke for neighbors with conditions like asthma, and the fact that many of these units share central air made smoking a problem. The ordinance is now passed, and tenants of multi-family housing can no longer smoke. On Thinking Local: “It feels like sometimes when you’re working on bigger issues on a national or state scale, things take a really long time to get done. On the local level, there’s an immediate return on your investment of energy,” Jessica says. Day In The Life: While Jessica attends official meetings on the first and third Monday of each month, she’s called on throughout the week to attend additional meetings, including participation in additional boards she shits on and the democratic party. When not working on city politics, Jessica spends her time leading #cut50 and taking care of her family. By The Numbers: The United States has 5 percent of the world’s population, yet it comprises 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated population. The U.S. is jailing people at a rate higher than any country.  Cost Versus Return: More than $80 billion is spent on the U.S. justice system in one year. “With that $80 billion a year, you would think that we’re taking individuals and turning out Harvard grads … In fact, the majority of people who get out of the prison system end up back in within five years, with our recidivism rates around 70 to 80 percent,” Jessica says. On Cut50: Right now the nonprofit is focused on federal sentencing reform, Jessica says. The nonprofit has worked the past 18 months to call on Congress to pass comprehensive justice reform. Of the 2.2 million incarcerated individuals in the U.S. right now, only about 200,000 are in the federal system. Despite this, Jessica says that Cut50 decided to start at the federal level to send a strong message to states and governors. How To Get Involved: Get informed by visiting cut50.org. You also can join more than 1 million other individuals and sign the petition for justice reform on change.org. Also, Jessica advises to start local – look at practices employed by your local Sheriff’s Office and police. Vote for district attorneys and judges that align with reform. Hitting Home: Jessica shares her personal story of dealing with incarceration. Her then-husband served more than three years in Georgia, right after her oldest daughter was born. “I saw firsthand how corrupt the system was, how they broke our family by charging excessive amounts for phone calls … the restrictions they put on visitation and whether or not I could bring the baby in … restrictions on even things like writing letters … All of this was because he had a drug problem, and he could have gotten help with rehabilitation, but instead he was incarcerated and never got that treatment he really needed,” she says. On Working Bi-Partisan: Running a bi-partisan organization can be tricky. But Jessica tells those on both sides of the aisle, “When it was my husband who was behind bars, and my child who was growing up without their child at home, I didn’t’ care whether it was a Republican who brought my husband home, or if it was a Democrat who brought him home, I just wanted him home.” Getting Into Government: Jessica’s advice for women considering jobs in local government is to be brave, have the ability to laugh at yourself, allow yourself to make mistakes and then learn from those moments. On The Topic: Podcast editor Polina recommends everyone read Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson to learn more about the issue of incarceration. Connect With #cut50: You can show your support by following #cut50 on Facebook and Twitter and by donating here.

  Many of us feel like we hit the lottery when we land our dream job. But today’s podcast guest has held a handful of dream jobs for some majorly crush-worthy companies. The last time we featured Rachel Hofstetter on I Want Her Job, her book about foodie entrepreneurs, Cooking Up A Business, was fresh off the press and stirring up quite the media buzz. She also had just launched guesterly, a memorable approach to introducing all of the special people at your special events – from weddings to bar mitzvahs – with her husband Lorne. Then last fall, guesterly was acquired by Chatbooks, makers of “super easy $8 photo books” and Rachel became vice president of marketing for the brand. This veteran food editor of O, The Oprah Magazine also found the time to share what she learned about crafting that perfect pitch while working at the publication and launched PR School, an online course, with former Leading Lady Angela Jia Kim. In episode 16 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor Polina Selyutin speaks with Rachel about pitching a business idea, managing a startup and her work/life balance philosophy. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: On Testing A Business Idea: Rachel believes in starting as small as you can, because ideas shift and change so much. That Work/Life Balance:  “You can do anything for a season of life,” Rachel says. By writing from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. every day for eight months, this mindset was the secret that helped Rachel complete her book while still holding down a full-time job. #HashtagInspo: Rachel coined 2015 her #YearOfHustle, and used that mentality to push herself – fully knowing that she was going to work harder than she ever worked before. Her other motivation tip? This defined time period helped give her the motivation to keep going. Discover Utah: Her 2015 hashtag was so motivating that she decided to make 2016 the #YearOfUtah, which she says for her is all about loving the awesome thing about where you are. (Rachel is Utah-based these days.) She says she sees moving to another city as an opportunity to “game another world.” New York State Of Mind: Rachel’s move to New York City at age 21 had a life-changing impact. Being surrounded by the doers and creators striving to make something and find out who they wanted to be made her who she is today. She advises moving somewhere when you’re young and don’t know anyone. “It will make you dream bigger and do more things,” she says. Give, Give, Get: Those three words will alter your whole PR strategy, says Rachel. She advises those seeking more PR to think about how you can create a win-win situation when reaching out to the media. Outlets want a great story, so think about how you can stand out in a big way. After all, she says, only a handful out of the 400 pitches she’d see in a day made the inbox cut. On Landing Your Dream Job: Create the opportunity for yourself, and “chisel” into your dream job, Rachel says. Don’t wait on others to give it to you. Eat A Frog, Sail A Ship: Here’s Rachel’s secret to time management: Do the hardest thing first. (Eat the frog.) Then, “sail a ship,” – put out new things every single day. Favorite Resources: PR School, Daily Action Planner, The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Learn More: Connect with Rachel on Twitter and Instagram. Follow Chatbooks on Twitter and Instagram. And, find guesterly on Twitter and Instagram, too!  

What if you could find an employer that not only allowed – but embraced – flexible work options? Enter The Second Shift, a business launched in 2014 to serve as a digital matchmaker for businesses seeking on-demand talent with professional women looking for flexible employment opportunities, including consulting and freelancing, in the fields of marketing and finance. Founded by Jenny Galluzzo and Gina Hadley, The Second Shift has caught the attention of female creatives and the media alike. (Editor’s Note: “Helping Moms Lean In, But Not Too Far” on the duo in The New York Times is a must-read.) Membership for the service is free, with The Second Shift taking a small percentage from both employer and employee once an individual is contracted. Even prior to founding The Second Shift, Jenny and Gina had vibrant careers. Jenny worked as a television producer, booker and on-air reporter for Good Morning America, News 12 The Bronx and Plum TV. She even started her own vintage caftan clothing line, Mayer Studio. Gina hailed from the world of advertising, and before having children worked as a creative coordinator at Ogilvy & Mather on the IBM account. After becoming a mom, however, Gina embraced the life of an entrepreneur – working at Ads.com, launching and selling Urban Monkeys and launching another company, Gina Hadley Consulting. In episode 15 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Editor Polina Selyutin speaks with Jenny and Gina about testing a concept prior to launch, bucking the 9-to-5 status quo, secrets to startup success and more. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: On Building A Business: Since founding The Second Shift, Jenny and Gina have staffed more than 100 projects and currently work with more than 70 companies. This year, they’re on track to double, if not triple, those numbers. Secrets To Startup Success: Jenny and Gina started small – testing The Second Shift concept for a year before launching saying, “Every time we did something, we did it very thoughtfully and pragmatically … We wanted to prove this concept without spending an enormous amount of money on development.” The Way We See It: While many companies still have a ‘bed check’ mentality, The Second Shift feels confident that women placed on projects will find a way to deliver excellent results based on their preferred schedules. Change is difficult, the ladies say and, “For a lot of people, they have a lot invested in the status quo … We are trying to disrupt the way businesses look at this kind of talent. We are asking companies to change the way they look at hiring practices. We really are creating the supply and demand.” Why It Works: While larger companies are often fully invested in the status quo, the needs of smaller companies are changing quickly. Because of this, many of these companies are open to flexible, project-based roles. Dipping A Toe In: When you want to test a new job opportunity or industry, Jenny suggests, “Try it out for a little bit and build up your tolerance.” Advice For Fellow Working Women: Jenny and Gina encourage women to stay involved in their careers, regardless of the job size or role, because it’s vital to stay engaged with the job market. Parting Lessons: 1/ Just keep swimming! “The moment will pass and you don’t want to have made any decisions that are going to negatively impact that.” 2/ Pay it forward. “If you’re listening to this, and you have the opportunity to hire someone through our network, you can help create that opportunity for them and get the best.”  Favorite Business Book: The Lean Startup Learn More: Connect with The Second Shift on Twitter and Facebook or email them at [email protected]

Bea Arthur knows a thing or two about making a pivot. And no, just to be clear we’re not talking about the same Bea Arthur who starred among the OG Girl Squad – the Golden Girls. This Bea Arthur, like the other, was a bad ass. But, unlike the Bea of nostalgia’s past, this Bea Arthur has an entrepreneurial bug that bit her hard and never left – seeing her through two startups since graduating college in 2008. Now, as for that pivoting, as a licensed therapist and startup founder, Bea has learned the importance of making nimble, not-so-easy decisions and has mastered the art of picking herself back up again. Her company, In Your Corner (formerly Pretty Padded Room), is a leader in using telemedicine to offer counseling and coaching services online through video and text. Her idea was so standout that it landed her an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank. Even without getting an investment from the sharks, Bea used their feedback to tweak her idea, and as Fast Company put it, she “turned her mistakes into assets.” Now, Bea is about to make a pivot again, and has decided to close the virtual doors of In Your Corner to make room for her next business venture in the online therapy space. But this time she’s turning her attention to America’s warriors – service men and women – and is launching an online resource for them later this year called Inside the Wire. “[When you’re in the military] you can’t stop to think about your circumstances,” Bea says. “You can’t wallow and eat a burrito and watch Netflix. You have to keep your mind sharp. I got really into the idea of emotional endurance.” In addition to being a serial entrepreneur, Bea is a TEDx speaker who shared her ideas on the “Culture of Comparison” (which, we highly recommend you YouTube.) She also was the first African-American woman to be accepted into the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program in Mountain View, Calif. She’s also the co-host and co-producer of You’re Not Crazy, a comedic show about mental health on YouTube. She is a first-generation American who was born and raised in Houston, Texas, by her parents who immigrated from Ghana in West Africa. In episode 13 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Podcast Editor Polina Selyutin speaks with Bea about her college education at Columbia in New York City, her first startup fizzling out, her work helping domestic violence survivors and how the three have swirled together to give Bea business ideas that are helping to solve problems and assist others. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Ambitious In The Big Apple: Why Bea made the leap from working in real estate to her current field of therapy. “You eventually find your path,” she says. One Thing Leads To Another: How Bea’s first company, Me Too, led her to start her second company, Pretty Padded Room. Making Ends Meet: Bea says many therapists start out “making peanuts” as many get their start doing charity work, social work and grant work. Brain Lifting: “Mental health should be as much of a priority as physical health,” Bea says. On Idea Sharing: Don’t keep it to yourself, Bea advises. Tell as many people as possible as it will get you, “a lot further, a lot faster.” Do The Hustle: Bea discusses her cultural influences, including her parents whose hard work led to success and inspired her to work hard and hustle. Mamma Knows Best: “My mom is a blue collar hero,” Bea says. “It wasn’t until my first company failed and I was heartbroken and lying on the floor, and my mom was like, “Did I ever tell you about the first two years of my company?” Lessons Learned: The importance of knowing what you don’t know when it comes to a startup. “Once you get to a certain growth stage, literally your job as CEO is to put out fires,” she says. Eyes Wide Open: Bea discusses the importance of “being awake while you are learning” and discusses how paying attention to patterns, noticing what is working and what isn’t working are some of the therapy tools Bea has applied to her business. Fertility Freeze: Bea discusses her decision to freeze her eggs until she’s ready to start her family in two or three years. She recommends EggBanxx and is a brand ambassador for the company. Parting Advice: “I’m not that special,” Bea says. “The difference between successful people and people who don’t make it is persistence.” Some of Bea’s Favorite Resources: Women 2.0, Seth Godin’s blog, James Altucher, Marie Forleo, Gotham Gal Learn More: Connect with Bea on Twitter and Her Website

It’s 7:30 a.m., and your four-year-old waddles up to you in his pj’s, as you’re frantically trying to finish your at-home blowout. You need to get out of the house. You’re already late for your job, only he’s sick and wants you to stay home. So, his wee hands reach out and he asks you for a hug, and that’s it. You don’t want to leave. Moreover, you don’t want to go through this part of your morning routine ever again. And Inkwell’s Manon DeFelice would be right there with you. “It’s fine if you want to lean in to your career,” she says, “But what if you also want to lean in to being a mom?” Frustrated with a lack of flexibility in traditional corporate jobs, Manon founded Inkwell as a recruiting service to help match capable professionals with startups and forward-thinking companies in need of top-tier talent on a flexible basis. It’s a win-win. The women recruited by Inkwell find flexible jobs that grow their resumes, and the startups that hire them get exceptional seasoned talent. Prior to starting Inkwell, Manon led nonprofit AHA Foundation and served as its general counsel. At AHA Foundation, the first organization focused on ending honor violence, forced marriage, child marriage and female genital mutilation in the United States, she helped spearhead federal and state legislation. Previous to that role she served as assistant counsel in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Office of Criminal Justice. In episode 12 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Podcast Editor Polina Selyutin speaks with Manon about starting a company, how to get more women in the boardroom, and the importance of being an advocate for yourself and other women. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: On Getting Started: Manon is a big believer in outsourcing and hiring people better than her in a given area. How’d she find the team? It was right under her nose. The team Manon worked with to build her business ended up being her first talent pool for recruiters. Movin’ On Up: Inkwell’s talent pool has since grown into more than 3,000 – all individuals seeking flexible jobs. Her Nonprofit to For-Profit Switch: Starting her career as a women’s right’s attorney, Manon didn’t think she’d end up leading her own staffing company. “I come to this from the idea that, really, there has to be a staffing alternative to the work full-time or not work model … I still feel that I’m helping women and in turn helping their daughters by creating role models.” Having Cake, Eating It Too: “It’s fine to stay home if you want. It’s fine to work full time if you want. But if you want both, you have Inkwell.” The Secret Sauce: Manon believes offering flex time is a really great way to retain your female talent and attract new talent. On Her Resume: “It’s a long life. You can have several different versions of different careers during that time.” On Starting Inkwell: “ … I wanted to change the way companies hire women. I want not only the startups and the small business to use us, but to really get some big companies and organizations to realize that offering flex time is really a great way to retain your female talent and to attract new talent.” A Seat at the Table: “Historically, we have less women in power. I think the fact that we are the ones who carry the babies, and who deliver them, and breastfeed them, is part of that problem. So, if we can make work environments more flexible, we’ll have fewer people dropping out.” Convey + Convince: Everyone out there can be a mini inkwell, Manon says. She suggests women help one another find flexible roles for one another – a type of flexible job matchmaking. Learn More: Check out inkwellteam.com and Facebook  

If you love museums and art, chances are Maria Yoon has your dream job. As a performance artist, filmmaker, senior museum educator and founder of the recently-launched Private Museum Tours. Maria is a multi-hyphenate trailblazing her own path. With more than 20 years of museum education on her resume, including 17 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in her new business Maria guides individuals, VIP’s and groups through various museums and galleries in the greater New York City area. “The best part [of my job] is to be surrounded by beautiful things. It never gets old,” Maria says. “Why? Exhibitions change every three months. At a large museum like the Met, they have such a large scale of collections that every day I find something new, and I find beauty in that.” The last time we interviewed Maria Yoon on I Want Her Job, she had just said her final “I do” as part of her documentary, Maria the Korean Bride, in which Maria had 50 different marriages to 50 different “spouses” (including men, women – and even the Liberty Bell!) in 50 states, to bring greater attention to the cultural pressures and ostracism individuals feel when pressured to tie the knot. “When I was 30 years old, my dad, I think he panicked … He felt that he didn’t live up to his standard as a father because I was still single. I was alone in his eyes, me – living the life I do as an artist and museum educator was not good enough … ” Maria says. “We began to argue a lot … and then I said, ‘Let me see what I can do to meet you halfway.’ That conversation became a giant documentary film.” The film received attention from various film festivals, PBS, NBC News, Yahoo!, The Huffington Post, Timemagazine and even led to an appearance on TLC’s Cake Boss. But, after such acclaim, what comes next? In episode 11 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast, Podcast Editor Polina Selyutin speaks with Maria about the deep and unexpected impact her film had on her own life, insight into how the film was made, as well as Maria’s future plans for a documentary about ghosting. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: On Her Work: “It gives me a reason to educate myself, to learn more and study. And to know at the end that I actually get paid to study and educate myself … I can’t find any greater joy than that.” Lady Luck: The role a winning lottery ticket (and generous friend) had in bringing Maria’s film to life. Vegas, Baby!: How Maria found her first “spouse” and then her second … during a trip to Sin City. Selecting Stories: Maria was the collector and mediator of stories across 50 states while working to change people’s views on marriage in different ways. She listened to stories of people she met, and learned about cultures and communities across the U.S. The Final Wedding: Hear Maria’s heartbreaking story about the last time she said, “I Do” on her 50-state adventure. On Early Influences: Maria’s mom, a “poet at heart,” encouraged Maria to follow her interests. Lessons Learned: Before launching her next documentary effort, Maria says she’s going to focus more on marketing and funding up front and will aim to get more local artists involved. On Fate: When Maria’s mother was pregnant with her, a fortune teller predicted that Maria would be an artist that would travel far. Ghost Weddings: Why this topic will be the focus of Maria’s next documentary – and find out what it means! Learn More About Nepal Bracelets On Facebook: Check out @NepalDesigns Maria On Twitter: Follow @TheKoreanBride

The news cycle reminds us that the world has some serious figuring out to do when it comes to refugees – those individuals who have left their home country due to war, conflict or persecution. Thankfully, there are advocates out there working relentlessly to find solutions. One of these people is Jessica Therkelsen, global policy director for Asylum Access, a nonprofit devoted to refugee rights. And, while we know there’s a problem and that refugees are homeless while building a new life, what many of us may not realize is the scale of this crisis. There are more than 20 million refugees today, and a refugee (including children) stay in a refugee camp in exile for an average of 20 years. This isn’t okay with Asylum Access. The nonprofit believes refugees have a right to a fair chance at a new life – wherever they might be – and the group works tirelessly to help refugees in their new country obtain basic rights to live and work. Last year Asylum Access helped more than 20,000 refugees gain these basic rights through individualized legal services. And it doesn’t stop there. The nonprofit also advocates with the United Nations and government entities around the world to ensure the systems that help refugees obtain these basic human rights remain intact. “There is a growing recognition in the international community that the status quo of how we deliver aid is not meeting long-term needs,” Jessica says, “… What somebody experiences to become a refugee is something you never ever want your family or friends to experience.” Listen to episode 9 of I Want Her Job: The Podcast to hear her advice on how you can get involved and make an impact. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Understand and Access: How Asylum Access helps refugees understand their rights legally in the places where they are exiled. Tools of the Trade: While Jessica travels and can often be found in New York, Washington, D.C., and Geneva, Switzerland working on global policy, she swears by the power of Skype for connecting and working. On Perspective: “I try to be very cognizant of my own privilege and the luck that I’ve had to live a life that is very open and free. I have the right to live in the United States. I have the right to move freely in this country. I can choose where I live. I can choose where I work. I am able to go to school. That’s something that I am grateful for every day, and it’s also something that I fundamentally believe that everyone should have access to.” On Global Policy: “We’re not really talking about a special package of rights for a special package of people. We’re talking about families – parents, youths – people who want to live a normal life, who want to go to school and have opportunity. These are not crazy things to want. These are not crazy things to ask for.” I Got It From My Mama: The special woman who inspired Jessica’s career path. Food For Thought: “We don’t all have the same deck of cards that we’re playing with.” Dance Lessons: How Jessica’s days in ballet during law school gave her the ability to focus, the maturity to deal with rejection and the inspiration to shoot for really, really big goals. Resting + Recharging: How time outdoors and spent reading helps Jessica refuel. On Her Nightstand: The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine Creating Comfort: Find out how you can get involved and make a difference in the refugee rights movement. Learn More: AsylumAccess.org On Twitter: Follow her @JessTherkelsen and the nonprofit @asylumaccess

Six years ago, Malia Cohen was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the legislative branch of the City’s local government. She represents the southeast corner of San Francisco, District 10, home to more than 70,000 constituents living in neighborhoods like Bayview Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch and Visitacion Valley. District 10 also served as home to Malia, who grew up in the area she now represents. In her job Malia also serves as county supervisor (as San Francisco is both a city and a county). Her job is simple, yet complex: Solve problems. One of those problems? Along with her other 10 elected colleagues, determine who gets how much of San Francisco’s $9 billion budget. Malia also serves as chair of the Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee, as vice chair of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System, as a member of the Board of Supervisors Rules Committee and on the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. During her tenure she’s spearheaded efforts to develop policies and legislation that provides improved transparency with limited services pregnancy centers, regulated background checks by employers and affordable housing providers, led homeownership investment for San Francisco’s middle class and also authored ordinances for firearm regulation. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: A Moment Like This: The moment (in third grade!) when Malia just knew she was meant to work in public service. What Running In A Political Campaign Feels Like: “You kind of have to be tough about it,” she says, “and I would encourage any woman that is interested in running for office to definitely not talk herself out of it.” Political Warm-Up: Malia discusses her involvement in Emerge California, an organization she discovered in 2003 while working on the first mayoral campaign for Gavin Newsom. She credits the organization, which helps women who identify as Democrat with a crash course in politics, for helping her get her start. Discipline And Delayed Gratification: Find out how this instilled philosophy applies to where Malia is now. Yes, You CAN Get Involved: “I don’t want people to get caught up in, ‘I don’t have the education. I don’t have the background, or the connections or the network. Or, I don’t have the pedigree.’ I mean I don’t come from any of that. I don’t come from a wealthy family. I don’t come from a well-connected political family in San Francisco. I am a woman of color that really worked hard developed a strategy early on and really implemented the strategy.” Kitchen Cabinet: Why you need a strong advisory board. Cross-Industry Career Advice: “You can’t be afraid to ask questions.” On Women In Politics: “We need to lift as we climb,” Malia says. On Legacy: Malia hopes to be remembered for her time serving as Supervisor as being fair, compassionate, approachable and extremely thoughtful – a person who did not shy away from conflict, fear or intimidation. On Twitter: Follow her @MaliaCohen.

Alisha Gaddis is the consummate I Want Her Job Leading Lady. She’s an actress, musician, author, comedienne, wife and mom. Not only does Alisha wear a plethora of hats, but she’s also damn good at what she does. She is an Emmy-winning actress, to be exact, and along with her husband, Lucky Diaz, the two are the first Americans ever to win a Latin Grammy in the children’s category for their music in Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. In addition, the two lovable entertainers who are reminiscent of a modern-day, kiddo-friendly Lucy and Ricky, star in Lishy Lou and Lucky Too! on The Friday Zone on PBS. And with 26 episodes under their belt, Alisha and Lucky are set to film season two. In addition, Alisha is an editor and author of multiple books, including Women’s Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny, and the just-released book in the same applause acting series, Teen Girls’ Comedic Monologues That Are Actually Funny. And Alisha knows a thing or two about being funny. She’s performed comedy in top venues and on multiple network TV channels and has even opened for Ray Romano, Drew Carey and Sarah Silverman. Alisha also has an innate eye for design, and her Silverlake home with Lucky was even featured on Apartment Therapy – twice! At I Want Her Job we adore Alisha so much. Since our interview with her three years ago, we’ve watched her career in awe, and consider her the ultimate Leading Lady. She’s graceful, successful, kind, humorous and a champion of women. She even let us use her likeness for our “About” page. [Talk about nice!] Listen to our latest episode and you’ll walk away a fan girl, too. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S SHOW: Her Music: How Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band came to life and to living rooms everywhere! Success Sauce: Find out the secrets to Alisha’s wild success. A hint? Alisha always says “yes” when opportunities appear and does not stop at rejection. For reals. She got her first literary agent after 250 rejections! The Creative Process: Alisha discusses her self-study masterclass approach to teaching herself how to start new creative projects in music, theatre, TV shows and book publishing. “You have to know the structure of what comes before you in order to bust out and create your own work,” she says. Discovering Her Calling: “Be open to what the universe presents you,” Alisha says. The Art of a Deal: Despite an amazing opportunity with a big box store falling through, Alisha was determined a book was still in her future. Based on her inspiration by fellow female comedians, Alisha pitched her agent the idea for monologue series that’s now five books strong. Find them on Amazon here. In 5 Years: In an interview with our site five years ago, Alisha had just started out in her band. We asked her where she saw herself in five years. Her predictions, including winning a Grammy, game true! “Never let someone tell you your goals are too big or too silly,” she says. Family First: Alisha shares how her father, a successful football coach, and her mother, a kindergarten teacher, influenced her work ethic, ambition and joyful optimism. Pursuing Comedy As A Career: “You can make people see more truth if you are making them laugh than if you are preaching to them,” Alisha says. Never Give Up: Alisha believes in pushing past rejection and has a mantra of “work wins!” She advises to never stop pursuing your dream because, “You could be just three feet from gold.” Additional Advice: Read more about Alisha and find out her advice for fellow women entertainers on her I Want Her Job interview. Learn More: Get more information about Alisha Gaddis and her body of work here. Connect: Follow Alisha on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.