Work Friends
Work Friends
Argent
Secrets to success? No, thank you. Welcome to Work Friends, a podcast for sharing upfront and unfiltered career stories—the good, the bad, and the unapologetically ambitious. Because what’s better than a bit of real talk among friends?Each episode, Sali Christeson, Founder and CEO of women’s workwear brand, Argent, hosts one of her Work Friends for a conversation about climbing the corporate ladder, building a brand from scratch, raising money, and finding success on their own terms. Meet industry-shifting women in media, entertainment, business, and more, as they share the ups and downs of their careers, without glossing over the difficult parts.This podcast is for everyone who takes their work (but not always themselves) seriously and believes in radical equality in, and out of, the workplace. Ambition suits you.
Valerie Jarrett on Making White House History
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 - Introduction2:22 - Obama Presidential Center Opening5:29 - Growing Up in Iran & Chicago10:00 - Strong Working Parent Examples12:38 - Working Mom Guilt14:40 - "This Must Be Someone Else's Life"17:21 - Meeting Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama22:35 - Finding Purpose in Public Service25:49 - Becoming President Obama’s Senior Advisor 30:50 - What Does a Senior Advisor Do?35:59 - Fighting For Gender Equity45:21 - Running For Office46:34 -Defining Success After The White House48:50 - Can I Make a Difference?52:07 - The Obama Foundation Impact55:50 - Advice for Working in Public Service57:29  - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Two-Button Blazer, Crewneck Tank, and Soho TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Jul 27
59 min
Misty Copeland on Trailblazing the Ballet World and Having No Regrets
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 - Introduction2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode6:50 - Discovering Dance at 1310:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre23:15 - Moving to New York at 1724:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice?29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion37:32 - Pancaking Ballet Shoes40:29 - Advocation For Yourself43:46 - Promoted To Principle Dancer52:32 - Taking a Final Bow58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers55:07 - The Misty Copeland Foundation & Retired Life58:40 - Advice For Future Trailblazers1:00:03 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Blazer, Tank, and Single Pleat TrouserOn Misty: Argent Slim Blouse and Soho TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Jul 13
1 hr 2 min
Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Why Women Are Key to a Thriving Democracy
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 - Introduction2:33 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week3:03 - Coming of Age8:16 - The SAHM Power Inequity 10:23 - Conservation International11:39 - Growing Up With Sisters13:01 - Healing from Family Trauma15:03 - Getting a Stanford MBA19:29 - Pivoting to Acting27:02 - Making Miss Representation39:57 - Importance of Female Mentorship43:56 - Miss Representation: Rise Up48:43 - Being First Partner of California55:40- Turning the Lens on Men58:58 - Being a Better Consumer1:01:35 - Would You RatherOn Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Camisole, and Single Pleat TrouserOn Jennifer: Argent Bias DressHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Jun 29
1 hr 5 min
Sophie Lopez on Why Resilience is More Important than Talent
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 - Introduction3:20 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week4:06 - Colombian Meets British Culture5:52 - Playing Dress Up & Styling Barbies12:20 - A Foot in the Door at Conde Nast16:31 - From Super Intern to Stylist20:04 - Failure is Just a Lesson24:56 - The Business of Styling27:00 - Run Before You Can Walk28:17 - '00s Indie Bands and Kate Hudson33:42 - "Hideous" Fashion Regrets41:16 - When to Say Yes, and Confidence to Say No44:35 - From Resisting to Embracing Social Media49:17 - The Substantial Power of Personal Style50:22 - Running Point Season 255:44 - "Resilience is more important than talent"57:22 - Would You RatherOn Sali: Argent Edgar Blazer, x Citizens of Humanity Ayla BaggyOn Sophie: Argent Longsleeve Draped DressHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Jun 15
59 min
Suneera Madhani: “Entrepreneurship Is The Craziest Thing You Can Do”
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 - Introduction3:43 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment8:41 - Child of Immigrants14:33 - First in the Family to go to College17:25 - Quitting Her Job, Founding Stax20:45 - Take Risks in Your 20s22:45 - Stepping Into the CEO Role26:55 - Entrepreneurship is the Craziest You Can Do31:00 - Learning People Skills 35:16 - Mentorship and Advocacy 44:30 - Starting CEO School51:17 - Florida's First Female Fintech Unicorn53:47 -  Leaving Stax & Launching Worth AI57:27 - Fundraising While Pregnant1:00:40 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Pleated Tapered TrouserOn Suneera: Argent Bowery Vest and Pleated TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Jun 1
1 hr 3 min
Hannah Bronfman On The Truth About Investing in Women
Hannah Bronfman has worn many hats in her career: DJ, entrepreneur, VC, content creator. And today, she’s walking through them all…without glossing over the tough parts. After all, Hannah has built a community that comes to her for her openness to share—from wellness advice to deeply personal losses to business plans that inevitably turned soul-crushing. We spoke with her on the heels of her debut on Amazon’s "The CEO Club," and got the updates that you didn’t see on the show. 0:00 - Introduction2:10 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment6:05 - Growing up in New York City9:21 - Paris Hilton (in Paris)11:40 - Becoming a DJ15:45 - Burnout & Wellness Journey19:21 - Entrepreneurship & Failure26:40 - #HBFIT28:45 - Fertility, Vulnerability, & Community30:20 - Funding Female Founders39:28 - Conteur Capital 46:19 - “The CEO Club” & Fundraising Challenges49:00 -  “The CEO of Hannah Bronfman"51:58 - What Happens Behind the Scenes56:28 - Advice for Entrepreneurs59:11 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Double-Breasted Blazer, Shortsleeve Scoop Neck, and Pleated TrouserOn Hannah: Maybelle Pocket Tee and Tailored Cargo PantHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
May 18
1 hr 1 min
Jennifer Fisher on Why Failure is Essential to Success
Jennifer Fisher, the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of jewelry label Jennifer Fisher, and the NYTimes-anointed “queen of hoops,” sits down with Sali today. She’s sharing a glimpse at the 20+ year success story that started unintentionally—with a piece of personalized jewelry to celebrate the birth of her child. It's grown into a lifestyle brand with her personal story at the forefront. From designing to developing her own seasoning salts, to the release of her cookbook, Trust Your Gut, and a new wellness platform, Maedyn, Jennifer is a founder who truly breaks the mold.0:00 - Introduction2:15 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment5:04 - Growing up in California10:01 - Becoming a Stylist13:08 - The Age of AI14:50 - Health Challenges into Motherhood16:40 - Jennifer Fisher Jewelry19:50 - "Failure is what makes you successful."24:50 - Fashion Icons in Jennifer Fisher27:42 - "Queen of Hoops"30:19 - The Salts32:42 - High-Touch Founders35:20 - Building Community37:40 - Advice for Founders on Social Media42:16 - Trust Your Gut and Maedyn46:17 - What's Next?47:10 - Advice for Emerging Fashion Founders47:36 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Fine Knit Sleeveless, and Pleated Tapered Trouser On Jennifer: Argent Sculpted Blazer and Tuxedo TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
May 4
50 min
Melissa Murray on Why We All Need a Refresher on The Constitution
Melissa Murray is an NYU Law professor, New York Times bestselling author, and cohost of @strictscrutinypodcast, where she breaks down the biggest legal battles and political messes in our country. She’s also the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, set to release on May 5.Today, she sits down with Sali to share how she established herself as a prominent voice in law, to remind us of the power of “we the people,” and to explain why she refuses to discuss the law from a place of neutrality. Listen or watch the full episode at the link in bio.0:00 - Introduction2:45 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment4:35 - Child of Jamaican Immigrants11:18 - “Maybe I could be a lawyer.”13:45 - Navigating Grief Before College 15:25 - A Full Scholarship to UVA 18:03 - Deferring Yale Law21:08 - Clerking for Justice Sonia Sotomayor23:45 - A Mentorship Misconception27:09 - Working in Education43:18- Being a Professor in 202639:30- Coaching Middle School Debate Club41:30 - "Strict Scrutiny" & Ditching Neutrality44:20 - Why Write a Book On The U.S. Constitution?53:55 - Dress Code for Lawyers58:51 - “You have to know what your season is.”1:00:49 - Would You Rather? Clarifications:At 47:​35, the Constitution was ratified in state legislatures, not in Philadelphia.At 4​9:​00, Dred Scott was decided in 1857 not 1858.On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Single Pleat TrouserOn Melissa: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Wide Leg TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Apr 20
1 hr 3 min
Kerry Docherty on Reclaiming "Selfish"
Today, Sali sits down with Kerry Docherty. With a background in law and as a mindfulness coach, Kerry is a cofounder of Faherty Brand, where she works alongside her husband and her brother-in-law, pushing for progress in the fashion industry. Kerry is also the author of the upcoming memoir, Selfish, debuting April 21. In it, she shares an intimate look at her relationship to her career, her marriage, and herself—an account that’s honest, vulnerable, messy at times, and reclaims what it means to be called “selfish.”Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming, and Telling the Truth, by Kerry Docherty, releases April 21 and is available for preorder now!0:00 - Introduction3:35 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment4:50 - Growing Up in Buffalo, NY7:50 - Obsession with Morbidity to Becoming a Lawyer10:22 - Building a Mindfulness Practice13:30 - Leaving Law, Becoming a Mindfulness Coach14:26 - Being a Faherty Co-Founder16:09 - Psychic Advice21:06 - Working With a Spouse26:35 - Changing Fashion Through Faherty30:50 - Being selfish39:50 - Sugarcoated Founder Stories44:50 - Advice for Mindfulness at Work46:50 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer and Pleated TrouserOn Kerry: Argent Single Button Blazer and Straight Leg TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Apr 6
48 min
Chelsea Leyland on Why Doctors Should Prescribe Community
Starting in her late teens, Chelsea Leyland built a global DJ career, collaborating with some of the world's biggest fashion brands. However, it was her personal health struggles that led to her work now in advocacy and as the cofounder of Looni, a menstrual health and wellness company. Chelsea was diagnosed with epilepsy in childhood and, after suffering with painful periods for years, she was also diagnosed with endometriosis in her 20s. Today, she sits down with Sali to share her incredible journey, from searching for treatments and becoming a vocal advocate for plant-based medicine, to finding the right cofounder and understanding the essential role community plays in the healing journey.0:53 - Introduction 2:56 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 3:58 - Growing Up In London vs. N.Y.C. 13:06 - Epilepsy Diagnosis16:02 - DJing Career 18:55 - Epilepsy Stigma21:30 - Endometriosis & Medical Cannabis24:40 - Women Left Behind in Medical Research30:25 - "Sisters Interrupted" Documentary 34:14 - Is Chelsea Still DJing? 34:48 - Founding Looni44:18 - Choosing a Cofounder52:40 - Prescribing Community55:48 - Advice for Advocacy 56:57 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer and Prince TrouserOn Chelsea: Argent Lenox Blazer and Pleated Taper TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
Mar 23
59 min
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