Hello Monday By Linkedin

Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action, especially for queer families navigating today’s uncertain political landscape. This week on Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality, to talk about protecting LGBTQ+ families, raising resilient kids, and why visibility and community are more vital than ever. Darra is a longtime advocate and nonprofit leader who works every day to ensure all families, especially those with LGBTQ+ parents, have equal rights and protections. She’s also a working mom, navigating the same daily chaos as many of us: career, childcare, dinner plans, and existential anxiety about the future. Jessi and Darra discuss: • How LGBTQ+ families can stay safe and visible in uncertain times • How to raise kids who are proud of their identity and inclusive of others • The joy and strength of queer families, and the role of community in liberation • Why allyship is more than a rainbow flag during June • How everyone, queer or not, can support famil

What does it take to make a bold career pivot after decades of doing the expected? This week, we’re resurfacing our conversation with the multi-talented Anna Kendrick, whose journey from acclaimed actor to first-time director offers invaluable insights for anyone thinking about making the leap into something new.  Anna shares the story behind her directorial debut with Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, a true-crime drama. Far removed from the lighthearted films that Anna is known for, Woman of the Hour chronicles the stranger-than-fiction story of a 1970s aspiring actor and a serial killer whose lives collide when they're cast on a dating game show. Together, Jessi and Anna discuss: The courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone How to follow your intuition when making creative decisions Dealing with imposter syndrome Learning to lead What good feedback truly looks like This episode offers not just a behind-the-scenes look at Anna's latest project but also inspiration for

It’s easy to feel lost in your career, especially as the world around us keeps shifting. Whether you’re starting over, seeking purpose, or just unsure what your next move is, this episode is for you. This week, Jessi Hempel sits down with Caroline Wanga, president and CEO of Essence Ventures and co-founder of Wanga Woman. Caroline is a dynamic leader and an unapologetic champion of authenticity. She joins Jessi to share her approach to building a career map – not just once, but continuously throughout your life. Before leading Essence, Caroline spent 15 years at Target, rising from intern to C-suite executive. Today, she’s focused on democratizing authenticity through her personal purpose, her leadership, and her new memoir, I’m Highly Percent Sure. Jessi and Caroline dig deep into: Why your “next right move” may not look like anyone else’s Why playing with your career map, not perfecting it, leads to clarity How, and when, Caroline has created her own career maps The role of authent

Debbie Millman and Roxane Gay know a thing or two about building creative lives. Debbie is a legendary designer, writer, and podcast host. Roxane is a bestselling author and cultural critic. Together, they’ve built a partnership rooted in discipline, love, and slow growth. On this week’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel welcomes the couple back to the studio to talk about their new book, and what it really takes to live a meaningful creative life. Their book, Love Letter to a Garden, is both literal and metaphorical. It’s about vegetables, sure. But it’s also about how we learn, how we fail, and how we grow. Debbie shares stories of her journey from struggling gardener to seasoned grower, an arc that mirrors her creative life. Roxane contributes recipes she’s crafted using the produce Debbie grows.  Jessi, Debbie, and Roxane dig into the kind of growth that takes time, and the work required to nurture it. They discuss: • The invisible years behind every “overnight” success • How to keep going when

In this special Thursday bonus episode, we’re returning to Jessi Hempel’s conversation with Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, business advisor, and three-time NYT bestselling author. Suzy’s latest book, Becoming You, came out this week, in which she synthesizes her wildly popular NYU course of the same name. In conversation with Jessi, Suzy shares her insights on the importance of values, authenticity, and personal growth. She emphasizes the need to align our professional lives with our deepest values and aptitudes to achieve true satisfaction and happiness. Suzy and Jessi discuss: The importance of living an authentic life How values shape our career decisions The role of authenticity in finding career satisfaction Navigating the tension between personal and professional values This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to find fulfillment and live authentically at work and beyond.

How do you live well when life falls apart? Suleika Jaouad has a powerful answer. In this deeply moving episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel sits down with Suleika Jaouad, bestselling author, speaker, and cancer survivor, to uncover what it truly means to live well in the face of uncertainty. From her fight with leukemia to her remarkable creative journey, Suleika has learned to turn adversity into art, and pain into purpose. Her latest work, The Book of Alchemy, is a soulful invitation to embrace creative practices that help build resilience, joy, and connection, even in our darkest moments. Jessi and Suleika dive into topics that challenge conventional ideas of success and encourage listeners to live more intentionally.  They discuss: Why curiosity and play can be powerful daily rituals How a 100-day journaling challenge sparked a creative breakthrough What it means to redefine productivity through values like kindness and bravery The healing power of deep friendships and chos

If you have found your way here right now, you are most likely at a turning point in your career, maybe in your life. Layoffs are a challenging and often unexpected part of our careers. In today's episode, Jessi Hempel dives deep into the emotional and practical aspects of navigating layoffs. Whether you're facing a layoff yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to gain valuable insights and support for navigating your career journey during challenging times.

We’ve been taught to chase fancy job titles and large salaries, but what if we aimed for moral ambition instead? In this week’s episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel sits down with historian and best-selling author Rutger Bregman to explore moral ambition: the idea that the core metric of a successful career should be the positive impact we have on the world. Rutger’s new book, Moral Ambition: How to Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference, calls on all of us to rethink what we’re really working for. If you’ve ever felt like there should be more to your job than climbing the ladder, this conversation is for you. Jessi and Rutger dive into: What moral ambition is—and why we need more of it Why “follow your passion” is the wrong advice How to shift from success-driven to service-driven work Why young professionals are funneled into finance and consulting The real-world heroes solving the world’s biggest problems How to build coalitions and collaborate for impact This e

Age bias is everywhere: online, at work, even in the stories we tell ourselves. Ashton Applewhite wants us to see age not as a limitation, but as a source of strength. In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with the anti-ageism activist to unpack the hidden ways ageism shapes our workplaces, and how we can push back. Ashton is a leading voice in the age equity movement. She’s the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism and founder of the Old School Hub, a resource center filled with free tools to combat age bias. In this conversation, she shares practical strategies for navigating ageism at work, whether you’re feeling “too old,” “too young,” or just underestimated. Jessi and Ashton discuss: • Why age has less to do with competence than we think • How internalized ageism holds us back, and how to recognize it • What managers can do to build age-diverse teams • How to tell your story in a way that challenges bias • Tips for job seekers facing age-based assumptions • The power of language i

Have you ever been the only one at the table? Maybe the only woman, or the only person of color, or simply the only one with a different perspective in the room? It can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can actually be your superpower.  In this week’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Angela Chee to unpack how to embrace being an “only” and turn it into a powerful asset. Angela is media and communications coach and author of The Power of the Only. She speaks from her many years of experience as a TV news anchor, where she was often the only Asian American and the only woman in the room.  Angela and Jessi discuss: • How to identify external and internal barriers, and how to break through the internal ones • The importance of personal development in owning your voice • Why some environments aren’t worth your time, and when to walk away • How to thrive when you’re the only one at the table Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join

We’re taught that hard work, overachievement, and never needing a break are the keys to success. But what if this mindset only leads to burnout, rather than to fulfillment? In today’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel and Amanda Miller Littlejohn explore the ways in which rest can be revolutionary. Amanda, an executive coach and author of The Rest Revolution, shares her personal journey from burnout to healing, and explains how we can all reclaim our health, our productivity, and our joy. Together, Jessi and Amanda dive into practical strategies for finding rest in our busy lives, even when it feels like there’s no time for it. They discuss: The toll of burnout on our mental and physical health How the pandemic helped Amanda confront her own dangerous work habits The importance of redefining success beyond productivity Simple ways to build rest into your daily rhythm Why true rest is essential to creating and sustaining new ideas How to reset your relationship with work and reclaim your health T

Morgan DeBaun didn't let statistical probabilities or conventional expectations hold her back from achieving massive success. As the founder of Blavity and Afrotech, she's redefining what's possible for Black entrepreneurs. In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with Morgan to discuss the lessons she’s learned on her entrepreneurial journey, and how you too can achieve success on your own terms.  Morgan’s new book, Rewrite Your Rules, provides a roadmap for anyone looking to succeed faster, with more freedom. She shares her story of building Blavity and Afrotech, how she raised venture capital, and why she believes we all have the potential to achieve the outcomes we want. Morgan and Jessi discuss:  Why failure is an essential part of success and how to start practicing it  The importance of embracing periods of stagnation to make room for growth Re-evaluating your goals, checking in on your personal growth, and making pivots How to overcome fear and self-doubt to create something meaningful at scal

In today’s bonus episode of Hello Monday, we’re resurfacing our conversation with branding and marketing experts Steven Wolfe Pereira and Marisa Thalberg. Together with Jessi, they explore what makes a brand memorable and why some brands feel like home while others are simply functional. Drawing from their years of leadership in branding and marketing, Steven and Marisa break down the essential elements of brand-building, revealing why it's critical not only for businesses but also for personal career growth. Steven and Marisa discuss: The importance of defining a brand’s purpose and promise for lasting impact Actionable strategies for crafting a standout brand, whether personal or professional The “four P’s” of branding—Product, Pricing, Place, and Promotion—and how each contributes to a powerful brand identity How a strong brand can shape your business and career journey Whether you're an entrepreneur or an individual navigating the job market, this episode offers valuable insights on using branding to

The Menopause Secret No One Talks About at Work—And Why It Needs to Change Breaking the Silence: Menopause in the Workplace with Natalie Nixon and Anne Marie Squeo Why Aren’t We Talking About Menopause? Reimagining Work Culture for All The Workplace Secret No One’s Talking About: Breaking the Silence on Menopause Why don’t we talk about menopause at work, when it’s something roughly half the population experiences? Most people with ovaries hit menopause somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55, often at the height of their careers. But for years, they’re left to push through this period silently. Peers and mentors don’t discuss it. Businesses do little to recognize it, let alone accommodate it. No one is served by this silence. So on today’s episode of Hello Monday, we’re talking about menopause. Jessi Hempel sits down with Natalie Nixon, creativity strategist and president of Figure 8 Thinking, and Anne Marie Squeo, CEO and Founder of Proof Point Communications.  Together, they discuss: Natalie’s experie

Melinda French Gates has spent her life navigating pivotal career moments and using her influence to empower others. In today’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Melinda to dive into how we can summon and own our power, both professionally and personally. From her early days as high school valedictorian to her role as one of the world’s most impactful philanthropists, Melinda shares what she’s learned about leadership, career pivots, and using your power to make a difference. Melinda and Jessi discuss: The role of trusted advisors to guide you throughout your career The difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and why having a sponsor is crucial to your success How to ask questions and admit when you don’t have all the answers Strategies for tackling gender inequity in the workplace Re-entering the workforce after parental leave Making intentional career pivots and surviving despite fear of a career transition  Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us

You’ve climbed to the top of the corporate ladder. But now what? The job is great, but maybe you’re feeling bored, stuck, or ready for something more flexible. What if the next step isn’t another corporate role, but building something entirely your own? Today, we dive into why consulting might just be the career move you’ve been waiting for, and how it offers the ideal balance of flexibility, excitement, and financial success. Jessi is joined in the studio by Eloiza Domingo, CEO and Founder of FourTen, a consulting firm focused on inclusive strategies for brands. Most recently, she served as the Chief Diversity Officer at Allstate, but when the company eliminated her position, she decided to make the leap to consulting after a successful career in high-level corporate positions. Just eight months in, she’s already crushing it. Eloiza shares her journey and offers key insights for anyone considering making the leap into consulting. Eloiza and Jessi discuss: Why consulting isn’t a last resort, but the future o

Have you ever felt like you lack agency at work, like your boss doesn’t hear you, or like you need to shift your relationships with the people in charge? Managing up might be the key to creating positive, lasting change. In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel talks with Melody Wilding to give you the roadmap to managing your manager. Melody Wilding is an LMSW, executive coach, and author of the new book Managing Up: How to Get What You Want from The People in Charge. Melody and Jessi discuss: Five conversations you can have with your boss to improve your working relationship How managing up is a skill that anyone can learn Aligning yourself with your manager to ensure you are working on the right work Understanding both your boss’s and your own work style and preferences How to give your boss the right feedback in the right way How and when to set boundaries at work Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us here, on the LinkedIn News page, this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

How do you balance your calling – the thing you are passionate about, with your career – the thing that pays your bills? In honor of the Oscars this weekend, we’re resurfacing our conversation with actor, writer, director, and producer Jesse Eisenberg. Jesse’s new film, A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed, produced, and co-starred in, has received two Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay. The film has already received wide acclaim this awards season, with Jesse taking home an Independent Spirit Award and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay. In this candid conversation, Jesse Eisenberg sits down with Jessi Hempel to discuss the delicate balance between his calling, writing, and his career, which also encompasses acting, directing, and producing. From personal experiences to valuable lessons on handling criticism, Jesse offers practical insights that will resonate with anyone striving to stay true to their creative vision. Jesse and Jessi discuss: Jesse's creative process as an actor,

Ambition. Is it a dirty word? Do you love the term, or hate it? In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with two incredible colleagues at LinkedIn, Ahyiana Angel and Hayley Saltzman, to explore how our understanding of ambition evolves, and what it means to chase personal growth rather than external validation. Ahyiana Angel is the Podcast Ad Ops Producer at LinkedIn and the host of her own podcast called Switch, Pivot, or Quit. Hayley Saltzman is an Editor at Large at LinkedIn, recently focusing on vertical video strategy. Together, they reflect on how ambition is often shaped by external expectations and how true fulfillment comes when we start living for ourselves. In this episode, Jessi, Ahyiana, and Hayley discuss: The tension between extrinsic and intrinsic ambition Our gendered notions of ambition, and how society’s definition of ambition is often limiting for women What happens when you quit a dream job to pursue something more aligned with personal growth The relationship between

In a world where opinions are divided and polarization runs deep, how can we change people's minds and move them to action? In this episode from the archives, Jessi Hempel sits down with Dr. Marcus Collins to explore how individuals, companies, and brands can navigate our fragmented world with conviction, empathy, and purpose.  Marcus is an award-winning marketer, cultural translator, and the author of For the Culture, a book that explores the intersection of culture, identity, and consumer behavior. He and Jessi break discuss: How cultural shocks create opportunities for connection, even in a polarized world The power of empathy in bridging gaps between people with different worldviews Why brands need to take a stand and risk alienating some to build trust with others The complex tension between capitalism and democracy, and what it means for brands and consumers How technology speeds up our cultural shifts and pushes us to define our place in the world This conversation is packed with insights on how