Valerie Jarrett on Making White House History from Work Friends

Valerie Jarrett on Making White House History

59 minutes Posted Jul 27, 2026 at 9:00 am.

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

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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.

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