Work Friends

Brittany Packnett Cunningham has been an activist nearly all her life. With a background in education, today she sits at the intersection of culture, justice, and policy as the Chief Strategy Officer at Children's Defense Fund and host/EP of the The Meteor’s UNDISTRACTED podcast, now in its fourth season. She sits down with Sali to discuss the hard-learned lessons of having your work thrust onto a public stage, the true meaning of integrity, and why every teacher should be a millionaire.

0:00 Introduction

2:56 Getting Personal in Job Interviews

5:07 St. Louis: The Ups and Downs

11:24 Championing Diversity Since High School

15:20 Teaching: Hardest Job I Ever Had

19:27 Origins of of Ms Pac Yetti

21:52 Transition to Activism Career

23:29 The Power of No

28:30 Ferguson 2014: A Turning Point

32:25 Held to an Impossible Standard

34:15 Skill Building in Activism

38:00 Undistracted Podcast

41:55 Children's Defense Fund

45:35 The Answer is Always Integrity

47:28 Would You Rather

50:45 Afterthoughts: Friends with Your Boss?

On Sali: Bow Blouse and Straight Leg Trouser

On Brittany: Draped Dress

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Charlie Dolgenos @chuck_d_3

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

Recorded at @wondirstudios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Tarlov is one of the co-hosts of The Five on FOX News, where she offers a liberal POV among the primarily conservative roundtable. She also co-hosts the podcast, Raging Moderates, with NYU Professor Scott Galloway. Jessica did not start her career in broadcasting—she’s a former Democratic pollster, researcher, and strategist—but her ability to argue her position goes back further than any of her roles. Today, she joins us to share why we’re too worried about being likable and spend too much time being offended. She covers all of this in her new book, I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends, now available wherever books are sold.

0:00 Introduction

2:31 Dress for the job you want

4:37 Growing up in New York/Parents who bring their work home

9:48 The lessons of 9/11

14:33 Learning to hash it out

15:45 The truth about political identity

20:17 The Tracy Flick Comparison

23:38 Elle Woods: A mascot for our generation

25:32 What does a political strategist do?

26:35 Raising sons v. daughters

31:10 Are we really being transparent?

33:12 Researching millennials 

34:22 Stop acting so weird and offended

36:17 Why Fox News?

40:19 From Contributor to The Five Cohost

41:48 Returning from Maternity Leave

44:20 I Disagree

46:50 Being credible < Being likable 

48:23 Joy in this political climate

49:53 Less education, more real life experience

51:59 Would You Rather

53:17 Argent Afterthoughts: Gloria Steinem

On Sali: Argent Edgar Blazer, Fine Knit Shortsleeve Polo, and Cropped Straight Leg Trouser 

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at @wtfstudios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on a special episode of Work Friends, we’re flipping the script—as Monica Padman, Co-host and Producer @armchairexppod, interviews Sali in celebration of 10 years of Argent and the upcoming launch of its most ambitious campaign to-date. Monica asks Sali about why and how she built a fashion brand without a fashion background, why it’s beneficial to be the opposite of a gatekeeper, and how Argent brought 100 women together to commemorate the decade milestone. 

The Argent 10-Year Campaign and Capsule Collection Launches September 8 at argentwork.com

0:00 - Introduction

2:38 - How Monica Became a Work Friend

5:30 - What is Work Friends?

7:48 - Being a Superconnector

10:50 - Learning Gender Dynamics 

15:10 - Best Meet Cute Ever?

19:36 - The Child-of-Immigrants Experience

22:24 - Millennial Fashion 

26:14 - Quit My Job, Started Argent

31:10 - The Girlboss “Distraction”

35:49 - Men Are Part of This

38:50 - Women: Say Yes

41:29 - Creating The 100-Women Campaign Image

49:00 - The Magenta 10-Year Capsule

52:20 - The Opposite of Gatekeeping

54:04 - Sali Speed Round!

On Sali: Argent Tailored Cargo Pants

On Monica: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer, Slim Blouse, and Park Trouser

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at @goldmine.podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are the cofounders of the LA-based clothing and lifestyle brand, The Great. The two met in college and have been friends and creative partners practically ever since, navigating several successful career chapters. Most notably, they founded the iconic denim brand of the 2000s and 2010s, Current/Elliott. As business partners and best friends, they've rewritten the playbook for how women work together, find success (again and again), and continue to bring magic to their work, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

Watch this episode on YouTube! 

0:00 - Introduction

1:45 - Comfort = Confidence

2:20 - Emily & Meritt's Upbringing

4:38 - Bonding Over Vintage Jeans

7:28 - Beginnings of a Fashion Career

9:52 - Styling Up and Coming Artists

13:51 - Taken Seriously at a Young Age

17:23 - Launching Current/Elliott

23:52 - Working in a Male-Dominated Field

27:24 - Naivete: Blessing and a Curse

30:59 - A Vogue Milestone

33:43 - Exiting Current/Elliott

35:00 - Friendship Is the Superpower of Creativity

36:56 - Launching Brand #2: The Great

40:53 - Defining Success 

43:12 - Advice for Fashion Entrepreneurs

45:02 - Would You Rather?

46:44 - Argent Afterthoughts: Advice for Interviewing After a Layoff

On Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser and The Great The Crochet Polo

On Meritt: Argent Tie Back Top and Peak Lapel Blazer

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudios

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April McDaniel and Savannah James cohost the podcast Everybody's Crazy, lead a 400-plus members-only community for women, Let It Break, and launched their own holding company this year, Signed. But more so, they’re best friends navigating BIG success—one they didn’t see coming. In the lead up to a new season of Everybody’s Crazy, they swap hosting seats to share with Sali how their hit show started with a flip phone, what it really means to work with your BFF, and why their differences are actually key to their success.

The new season of Everybody's Crazy premieres August 25 and will be available wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

0:00 - Introduction

2:01 - This Week's "Oh No"

3:46 - Savannah & April's Upbringing

8:06 - Love/Hate Relationship with Work

11:39 - The Importance of Female Friendship 

15:40 - Savannah's Entrepreneurship

19:11 - April On Being Meant For Big Things

22:54 - Women Need To Take Risks

25:19 - Navigating Failure

29:39 - "No One Is Exempt From Hardship"

32:55 - Let It Break

35:06 - Everybody's Crazy

42:04 - Friends and Business Partners?

45:22 - Launching Signed

47:50 - A New Season of Everybody's Crazy

49:10 - In Sync with Your Partners

52:05 - Would You Rather?

On Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser & Belted Peal Lapel Blazer

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson
Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit
Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz
Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema
Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO and a member of the board of directors of the Obama Foundation, joins us to discuss how she became the longest-serving advisor to any US President. From law school to local politics to a vital role in the highest office of government, Valerie’s career is exemplary and—as evidenced by the Obama Presidential Center that opened just weeks ago in Chicago—continues to make history.

0:00 - Introduction

2:22 - Obama Presidential Center Opening

5:29 - Growing Up in Iran & Chicago

10:00 - Strong Working Parent Examples

12:38 - Working Mom Guilt

14:40 - "This Must Be Someone Else's Life"

17:21 - Meeting Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama

22:35 - Finding Purpose in Public Service

25:49 - Becoming President Obama’s Senior Advisor 

30:50 - What Does a Senior Advisor Do?

35:59 - Fighting For Gender Equity

45:21 - Running For Office

46:34 -Defining Success After The White House

48:50 - Can I Make a Difference?

52:07 - The Obama Foundation Impact

55:50 - Advice for Working in Public Service

57:29  - Would You Rather?

On Sali: Argent Two-Button Blazer, Crewneck Tank, and Soho Trouser
Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson
Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit
Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz
Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema
Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misty Copeland is the truest definition of the trailblazer, most notably making history as the first Black woman to be promoted to a Principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. After 25 years with the company, she took her final bow last fall...and yet her life’s work has only just begun. 

Through the Misty Copeland Foundation and her role on the boards of Lincoln Center and other arts institutions, Misty today has a seat at the table to drive change and create a more inclusive future for all dancers. She joins us to share how, and takes us through her singular career journey.

0:00 - Introduction

2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement

3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode

6:50 - Discovering Dance at 13

10:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life

16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre

23:15 - Moving to New York at 17

24:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice?

29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT

33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion

37:32 - Pancaking Ballet Shoes

40:29 - Advocation For Yourself

43:46 - Promoted To Principle Dancer

52:32 - Taking a Final Bow

58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers

55:07 - The Misty Copeland Foundation & Retired Life

58:40 - Advice For Future Trailblazers

1:00:03 - Would You Rather?

On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Blazer, Tank, and Single Pleat Trouser

On Misty: Argent Slim Blouse and Soho Trouser

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An award-winning filmmaker, advocate, and the First Partner of California, Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a staunch advocate for women and girls. It’s been the throughline of her career—from her work with Conservation International to earning a Stanford MBA, from acting on screen to moving behind the lens of her award-winning 2011 documentary, Miss Representation. Now, on the heels of the follow-up, Miss Representation: Rise Up, she joins us to share the real story of her life’s work.

For more information on Miss Representation: Rise Up, including how to host a screening and watch the film, visit missrepresentationriseup.org.

0:00 - Introduction

2:33 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week

3:03 - Coming of Age

8:16 - The SAHM Power Inequity 

10:23 - Conservation International

11:39 - Growing Up With Sisters

13:01 - Healing from Family Trauma

15:03 - Getting a Stanford MBA

19:29 - Pivoting to Acting

27:02 - Making Miss Representation

39:57 - Importance of Female Mentorship

43:56 - Miss Representation: Rise Up

48:43 - Being First Partner of California

55:40- Turning the Lens on Men

58:58 - Being a Better Consumer

1:01:35 - Would You Rather

On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Camisole, and Single Pleat Trouser

On Jennifer: Argent Bias Dress

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest stylists of the moment, Sophie Lopez, got her start in magazines after some very persistent letter writing. And her resiliency continued to pay off as she transitioned to a freelance styling role. She built a list of incredible clients—including Kate Hudson, whom she’s worked with for two decades—built her personal brand on social media, and recently stepped into a stylist role for Kate’s Isla Gordon on Netflix's Running Point season 2 (where a lot of Argent can be spotted). This week, Sophie takes us through the real story of building her career—the ups, downs, and the many times she ran before she could walk. 

0:00 - Introduction
3:20 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week
4:06 - Colombian Meets British Culture

5:52 - Playing Dress Up & Styling Barbies

12:20 - A Foot in the Door at Conde Nast

16:31 - From Super Intern to Stylist

20:04 - Failure is Just a Lesson
24:56 - The Business of Styling
27:00 - Run Before You Can Walk
28:17 - '00s Indie Bands and Kate Hudson
33:42 - "Hideous" Fashion Regrets
41:16 - When to Say Yes, and Confidence to Say No
44:35 - From Resisting to Embracing Social Media
49:17 - The Substantial Power of Personal Style
50:22 - Running Point Season 2
55:44 - "Resilience is more important than talent"
57:22 - Would You Rather

On Sali: Argent Edgar Blazer, x Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy

On Sophie: Argent Longsleeve Draped Dress

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suneera Madhani is fully aware that being an entrepreneur is one of the wildest career choices one can make. And yet, this unicorn CEO is on a mission to help more women build their dream businesses. As the former co-founder of Stax, current founder of Worth AI, and founder of CEO School, Suneera has a lot to share about what it means to be an entrepreneur, to shift from a founder mindset to a CEO mindset, and to—more often than not—be the only woman in the room.

0:00 - Introduction

3:43 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment

8:41 - Child of Immigrants

14:33 - First in the Family to go to College

17:25 - Quitting Her Job, Founding Stax

20:45 - Take Risks in Your 20s

22:45 - Stepping Into the CEO Role

26:55 - Entrepreneurship is the Craziest You Can Do

31:00 - Learning People Skills 

35:16 - Mentorship and Advocacy 

44:30 - Starting CEO School

51:17 - Florida's First Female Fintech Unicorn

53:47 -  Leaving Stax & Launching Worth AI

57:27 - Fundraising While Pregnant

1:00:40 - Would You Rather?

On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Pleated Tapered Trouser

On Suneera: Argent Bowery Vest and Pleated Trouser

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz

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

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.