Our guest today is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America—the largest grassroots movement in the country. Back in 2012, Shannon began her career in activism when she posted a call to action on Facebook to end gun violence, in response to the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her message was met with an overwhelming response, and soon after, the mother of five and former communications executive founded Moms Demand Action. 

Although Shannon stepped down as the founder in 2023, she continues to work to mobilize massive change on the boards of Emerge America—an organization dedicated to recruiting and training women to run for office—and Advance Peace—a community-based organization focused on ending gun violence. And now, she’s joining us right ahead of the launch of her second book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Her inspiring story includes:

• completing her education while battling undiagnosed ADHD.
• unexpectedly becoming the leader of the largest grassroots movement in the country
• taking on the gun lobby and facing frightening pushback.
• avoiding the trap of “founders’ syndrome.”
• and what it means to live a life that’s on fire.

On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer and Maybelle Pocket Tee

On Shannon: Argent Tuxedo Blazer, Stretch Blouse, and Cropped Straight Leg Trouser 

Work Friends Credits:

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff

Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress.

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