Founder, author, and speaker Jess Ekstrom shares how rejection, insecurity, and pressure became fuel for purpose. From building a mission-driven company to helping women get paid to speak, Jess opens up about confidence, motherhood, ambition, and creating opportunities instead of waiting to be chosen.
In this episode, you will learn...
• How to turn rejection into momentum and create your own next opportunity. • Why confidence grows when you stop comparing yourself to others. • How to pursue ambition while still protecting peace and presence.
"Make your own breaks." — Carol Burnett
Time Codes:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
02:39 Turning Challenges into Opportunities
05:24 The Importance of Supporting Women
07:55 Navigating Motherhood and Career
10:41 The Reality of Balancing Life
13:29 Empowering Women through Public Speaking
16:06 Headbands of Hope: A Mission of Hope
18:03 Building a Community of Women Speakers
20:33 Legacy and Purpose in Work
23:10 The Impact of Social Media on Public Figures
27:13 Navigating the Acting Industry and Personal Life
29:19 The Impact of Social Media on Public Figures
34:38 The Power of Storytelling and Vulnerability
41:14 Travel and Cultural Inspiration
44:21 Books That Shape Our Perspectives
47:10 Social Causes and Personal Impact
49:55 Lessons from Imposter Syndrome and Self-Perception
Apple Podcasts Listeners: Click "Episode Website" below the show notes to view them in full, including bonus links, recommendations, and goodies!
Connect with Jess:
Facebook: @jessekstrom
X: @jess_ekstrom
Instagram: @jess_ekstrom
Website: jessekstrom.com
Communities: Headbands of Hope, Mic Drop Workshop, Mic Drop Academy
Books: Making It Without Losing It, Chasing the Bright Side, The Freshman Fabulous, Create Your Bright Ideas
Podcast: Making It with Jess Ekstrom
TedTalk: The Secret to Great Public Speaking (No, It's Not Confidence)
Connect with Brianna: Instagram: @briannabrownkeen X: @brownbrianna TikTok: @briannabrownkeen YouTube: @briannabrownkeen - Full video versions of each episode are available here!
ManifestingYourMission.org
TheNewHollywood.org
BriannaBrownKeen.com
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Check out our Inspirational Playlist on Spotify, featuring music recommendations from each podcast guest.
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BONUS CONTENT! Jess' Favorites... Book Rec: The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace
Inspirational Song: "Perfect Day" by Hoku
Inspirational Follow: Sarah Blakely
Documentary: The Quilters (Netflix)
Other Recommends From This Episode:
The New Hollywood
Brene Brown and her TEDtalk, "The Power of Vulnerability"
Period Project
Natalie Franke and her book, "Gutsy"
Traveling Spoon