Rezime epizode
Kelly Corrigan never set out to become a writer. At 36, she was a nonprofit fundraiser, a mom to two young children, and facing stage three breast cancer when she self-published a book for her dying father. That book, The Middle Place, became a New York Times bestseller and launched a writing career that includes four bestsellers and two popular shows on PBS and in podcasting. On this episode of She Pivots, Kelly shares how life’s most difficult moments reshaped her understanding of what was worth writing about, from a transformative year in Australia to navigating cancer treatment while raising her daughters and caring for her dad. She also talks about the power of telling deeply personal stories and how our response to life’s challenges can help us hold on to wonder, even in the hardest seasons.
Kelly Corrigan never set out to become a writer. At 36, she was a nonprofit fundraiser, a mom to two young children, and facing stage three breast cancer when she self-published a book for her dying father. That book, The Middle Place, became a New York Times bestseller and launched a writing career that includes four bestsellers and two popular shows on PBS and in podcasting. On this episode of She Pivots, Kelly shares how life’s most difficult moments reshaped her understanding of what was worth writing about, from a transformative year in Australia to navigating cancer treatment while raising her daughters and caring for her dad. She also talks about the power of telling deeply personal stories and how our response to life’s challenges can help us hold on to wonder, even in the hardest seasons.
Epizode
Kelly Corrigan: PBS Host on Cancer, Caregiving, and Her Year in Sydney
SlušanoKelly Corrigan never set out to become a writer. At 36, she was a nonprofit fundraiser, a mom to two young children, and facing stage three breast cancer when she self-published a book for her dying father. That book, The Middle Place, became a New York Times bestseller and launched a writing career that includes four bestsellers and two popular shows on PBS and in podcasting. On this episode of She Pivots, Kelly shares how life’s most difficult moments reshaped her understanding of what was worth writing about, from a transformative year in Australia to navigating cancer treatment while raising her daughters and caring for her dad. She also talks about the power of telling deeply personal stories and how our response to life’s challenges can help us hold on to wonder, even in the hardest seasons.
Zoanne Clack: The ER Doctor Behind Grey’s Anatomy
SlušanoZoanne Clack is one of the most influential writers and producers in the television industry, having written and produced more than 400 episodes across Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19. But Zoanne wasn’t always just writing about doctors—she was one. She began her career in emergency medicine, working grueling hours as a physician after training at Emory and serving at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At 32, completely burnt out and still thinking of her lifelong dream of working in television, Zoanne packed up her life in Atlanta and moved to Los Angeles, a move that changed the course of her life. On this episode of She Pivots, Zoanne shares her experience going through medical school knowing she didn’t love science and joining Grey’s Anatomy in its very early days. She also discusses how she became a leader in what she calls “entertainment education,” using television to tackle public health issues, expand representation, and in some cases, maybe even save lives.
Michaela Hammond: From Agent to Sports Fashion Media Executive
SlušanoAs a kid, Michaela Hammond had two goals pinned to her bulletin board: play sports and work in sports. She went on to play volleyball at NYU and build the career in sports she had dreamed about, but eventually found herself sobbing at her desk, wondering if she was really where she wanted to be. On this episode of She Pivots, Michaela talks about letting a dream take a new shape, the power of authentic storytelling, and how her experience in sports led her to co-found OffBall, an anti-algorithmic media company exploring the culture, fandom, fashion, and personalities surrounding the games we love.
Shelley Zalis: Chief Troublemaker
SlušanoFemale Quotient founder Shelley Zalis grew up assuming she'd be a stay-at-home mom, just like her own mother. Then a job interview she thought was at an ad agency turned out to be for market research—and she took the job anyway. That accident launched a career that put her decades ahead of her industry, dragging market research onto the internet before most people had email and building a company she'd eventually sell for $80 million. On this episode of She Pivots, Shelley shares the 2 a.m. idea she had while feeding her newborn, the boardroom moment where every man in the room got picked for her own project, and why she turned down money from her family when she needed it. She also shares how inviting five girlfriends to walk the floor at the Consumer Electronics Show sparked The Female Quotient, now a community of 8.5 million professionals with lounges from Davos to the Super Bowl.
Andrea Virgin: Widowed at 31, Rebuilding by Choice
SlušanoAndrea Virgin didn't set out to become a civil engineer or the leader of a major arts nonprofit. But after the 2008 recession hit her dance company, she traded her pointe shoes for a hard hat and built a new career in engineering—only to face devastating loss when her husband TJ died when their daughter was 4 months old. In this episode of She Pivots, Andrea shares how she rebuilt her life (twice), the surprising boardroom idea that grew into her current mission, her role Chair and CEO of The Center for Arts and Innovation in Boca Raton, and why creativity is necessary at all stages of life.
Chelsie Hill: How a Wheelchair Dance Team Went Global
SlušanoAt seventeen, Chelsie Hill was a competitive dancer with her sights set on a career as a professional performer, until a car accident with a drunk driver left her paralyzed and changed everything overnight. Her first question to the doctor wasn't about walking again; it was whether she could still dance. On this episode of She Pivots, Chelsie talks about rebuilding her identity after the accident, the moment she decided to stop waiting for permission to chase her dream, and how she turned her own search for community into the Rollettes, a wheelchair dance team that's grown into one of the largest networks for women and girls with disabilities in the world. From performing in Kelly Clarkson's "Invincible" video to dancing at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, Chelsie shares how dance became the thing that carried her through the injury, marriage, motherhood, and building a space made for women like her from the ground up.
Mandana Dayani: From Religious Refugee to Media Powerhouse
SlušanoMandana Dayani grew up in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war, in a Persian Jewish family that had been trying to flee since the 1979 revolution. She couldn't play in the park across the street, sirens were routine, and she had a gun pointed at her more than once before she was five. In 1987, her family escaped on a one-day visa, signing away their home and everything they owned to start over in New York with no English and little money. On this episode of She Pivots, Mandana takes us from that five-year-old holding her mother's hand through a career that took her from Rachel Zoe to running Prince Harry and Meghan's media company, scaling major brands across fashion, media, and tech, and co-founding one of the country's biggest nonpartisan voting organizations. She also opens up about the video she made after October 7th about her own childhood, which has now been watched more than fifty million times. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:28 Guest Intro: Mandana Dayani 02:02 Who is Mandana? 02:51 A Childhood…
Remembering Gloria Steinem: 92 Years of Activism, Storytelling, and Travels
SlušanoIn light of Gloria Steinem's passing this week, we are re-releasing our episode with her from earlier this year with a new intro reflecting on Gloria's life and legacy. This episode was recorded in February 2026, and originally released on Gloria's 92nd birthday. It honors her impact on our culture and on the lives of every individual she spent her life fighting for. Gloria dedicated her life's work to bringing people together across generations, identities, and movements to imagine a better future for everyone. In this special episode, Emily talks to Gloria about what inspired her activism, her early travels in India, her belief that change happens in inclusive circles and through storytelling, and the legacy she hopes to leave. Learn more about Gloria's life and Legacy at gloriasfoundation.org, and consider donating to support the incredible work they do.
Minda Harts: The Window She Jumped Out Of
SlušanoMinda Harts grew up working the counter at a Dairy Queen to help cover her family's utility bills, and she climbed her way to the corporate career she'd always dreamed of. But being one of the only Black women in the room wore her down in small ways that piled up over ten years, until she found herself sitting in a parking lot, crying, and neglecting her health despite having "made it." On this episode of She Pivots, Minda talks about the breaking point that led her to start a blog just to get her thoughts out–a blog that grew into the bestselling book The Memo, three more books, a film in festivals, and a teaching career at NYU. Recorded live in front of a room full of women media-builders at The Riveter's Gathering summit in Washington D.C., this conversation traces how Minda went from dimming her own light to building the trust-focused career she never had. As she put it: "I jumped out of the window of corporate America, and women caught me."
Space Gal: The 100th Woman in Space
SlušanoEmily Calandrelli (more widely known as Space Gal) grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, with no scientists or engineers in her orbit. She chose engineering for the paycheck, discovered a love of science communication along the way, and eventually became the first woman in the country to solo-host a national science show. On this episode of She Pivots, Emily talks about pitching adult science shows for a decade only to hear that networks didn't think their male-dominated audiences would relate to a female host; pivoting to create Emily's Wonder Lab (the Netflix show that made her a household name to millions of parents and kids); and turning the show's cancellation into two bestselling books and a thriving YouTube channel. She also opens up about announcing her second pregnancy via a weather balloon at the edge of space, fighting for a federal law after being humiliated by TSA over breast milk ice packs, and why she's finally letting herself scale back with baby number three on the way.
Keli Lee: The Day Her Heart Stopped
SlušanoFor over two decades, Keli Lee ran talent and casting at ABC and Disney, shaping shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Modern Family while building the industry’s first program designed to get overlooked actors in front of the right people, helping launch the careers of Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, and Pedro Pascal. She created Disney’s first international studio from scratch, all while crisscrossing time zones between London, Australia, and LA for four years straight. And then her heart stopped, leading to eight days in the ICU that changed everything. On this episode of She Pivots, Keli talks about the night Viola Davis made history, the toll of nonstop work, how her father’s illness sent her looking into her own family history, and how that journey became the foundation for her brand Kurioscity, built to help others live with more intention.
Missy Tannen: From Stay-at-Home Mom to $250 Million Founder
SlušanoMissy Tannen spent five years teaching third grade and a decade as a stay-at-home mom before she ever thought about starting a company. But when she couldn't find bedding that was high-quality, ethically sourced, and traceable, she and her husband Scott started Boll & Branch out of pure frustration. On this episode of She Pivots, Missy talks about betting the family's life savings on an idea, borrowing against their own house even while sales were taking off, and what it took to scale from a garage operation to a 200-person company without losing what made it different in the first place. She's brutally honest about the mess behind the milestones (a full batch of ivory sheets that came out green!) and about running a family business—that’s now worth over $250 million—with her husband while raising their kids.
Amanda Kloots: What Nick's Death Taught Her About Living
SlušanoAmanda Kloots has never been able to keep her personal and professional lives separate, which is exactly why her story resonates. She's taken on so many roles: Radio City Rockette, Broadway performer, fitness entrepreneur, bestselling author, daytime TV host, and founder of the wellness brand, Proper. And every pivot she's made was sparked by something deeply personal: a divorce, a new marriage, a cross-country move, and the sudden loss of her husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero, to COVID in 2020. On this episode of She Pivots, Amanda talks about clawing her way back after losing her Broadway income, building a fitness business from scratch in LA, and how an Instagram Live during the darkest ninety-five days of her life turned into a movement she never could have anticipated. She opens up about grief cracking her life wide open, why she calls her divorce the low point she's most grateful for, and how she's carried every version of herself (dancer, teacher, founder, widow, mom) into the next chapter,…
Amanda Calabrese: Redesigning the Tampon for Athletes
SlušanoAmanda Calabrese was a middle schooler at a swim meet when she got her period for the first time. Her team captain told her to figure it out in thirty minutes or she was off the relay. That moment stuck with her all the way to Stanford, where she met her future co-founder Greta Meyer and started sketching what would become Sequel, the first tampon redesign in nearly a hundred years. On this episode of She Pivots, Amanda talks about the four-year fight to get a tiny piece of cotton past the FDA, why she treats the tampon as game-day equipment rather than something to whisper about, and how Sequel landed in locker rooms from middle schools to Audi Field, Yankees Stadium, and the Indiana Fever. Now a nine-time champion turned product design engineer, Amanda is on a mission to change how period care is talked about in sports and in every space where women show up to compete.
Dystany Spurlock: The First Black Woman on the NASCAR Track
SlušanoDystany Spurlock has been fast her whole life—and is now a She Pivots-sponsored NASCAR driver! This is She Pivots’ first-ever sports sponsorship, because we believe in Dystany’s ability to break records and win. From a Barbie Corvette and go-karts at five, to fighting her way onto the boys' football team in middle school, to setting a motorcycle world record in a sport built for anyone but her, Dystany is a powerhouse. Getting to NASCAR meant driving trucks, working flight attendant shifts, and living in her mom's RV while she waited for the call that would change everything. On this episode of She Pivots, Dystany talks about that winding road to becoming the first Black woman to race in NASCAR, the family that held her together through the hardest parts, and why she refuses to leave her signature face sparkles at the door. We also discuss what it means when little girls stop her in the grocery store to say they want to drive too and the details behind the She Pivots purple car she's racing in this week at…
Flavor Flav: The Hype Man for Women's Sports
SlušanoFor the first time ever, She Pivots is flipping the mic to a man. Flavor Flav joins Emily for our very first "He Pivots" episode to talk about his work as a hype man for women's sports. From sponsoring the US women's water polo team (yes, he got in the pool) to throwing this weekend's three-day "She Got Game" celebration in Vegas for female Olympians and Paralympians the White House snubbed, Flav explains why he's become one of the loudest voices for female athletes who rarely get their flowers. He also opens up about cutting class to teach himself piano, chasing a real Grammy after his Lifetime Achievement win, bowling at the White House with Dr. Jill Biden, and why, nearly 40 years into his career, he still doesn't think he's made it to the top.
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett: Inside Women's Soccer's Biggest Year
SlušanoThere's one guest Emily brings back every single season: her sister, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Carolyn's had one heck of a year: she's Governor of Gotham FC (who won the championship again this year!), and she represents the family's ownership stake in the New York Giants. In this episode of She Pivots, Carolyn dives into what it's actually like to build something as it's happening in real time, the bets that could've gone either way, and all the unglamorous stuff nobody posts about. The sisters get into the night Gotham flew to Kansas City as total underdogs, why the new locker room design has an L-shaped entrance, and what's coming this summer as Gotham takes on the Washington Spirit at Citi Field in front of what could be the biggest crowd in NYC women's sports history.
Ana Huang: Consultant by Day, Erotic Romance Author by Night
SlušanoAna Huang spent years living a double life: international relations scholar, Georgetown grad, geopolitical consultant by day, and secret romance novelist by night. She quietly uploaded chapters to Wattpad under a pen name no one in her life knew, and kept writing even as she built a conventional career that would make her immigrant parents proud. On this episode of She Pivots, Ana shares how COVID cracked her life open, how she taught herself TikTok before BookTok was even a thing, and how she built a community of millions one chapter at a time, all while still clocking in at her day job. She talks about the moment she finally told her family the truth, why she said no to major publishers when Twisted Love blew up, and what it means to bet on yourself. Her Twisted series has now sold over 25 million copies, been translated into 34 languages, and is headed to Netflix—and her new book, King of Gluttony, is out now.
Hayley Kiyoko: Lesbian Jesus
SlušanoFrom child actor to Disney star to pop icon dubbed "Lesbian Jesus," Hayley Kiyoko built a career creating the representation she never had as a half-Japanese, queer artist. In this episode of She Pivots, Hayley opens up about becoming a community's symbol practically overnight while still figuring herself out, and how she moved from leading with fear to leading with confidence and self-love. She also shares how she found her fiancée, Becca Tilley, and reflects on the decade-long journey that culminated in her Girls Like Girls film and album—a project that started with high school heartbreak twenty years ago.
Dr Sian Proctor: The Space Poet
SlušanoDr. Sian Proctor grew up the daughter of a NASA hidden figure, with the stars in her sights until a pair of glasses at age fourteen seemed to close the door on her dream of becoming a military aviator. She kept reaching anyway, pursuing a career in geoscience and science communication, coming agonizingly close to NASA selection before receiving a rejection that sent her life in a different direction. In this episode, Dr. Sian Proctor talks about the long, winding road from that childhood dream to becoming the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft; hitting a low point after a painful divorce; and the unexpected creative awakening that ultimately launched her to space. And once she got there, she did what she's always done: made art.
Hayley Paige: Reclaiming Her Name
SlušanoFrom the time she was a little girl, Hayley Paige knew exactly what she wanted to do — design wedding dresses. And she did it. By her early thirties she had a million Instagram followers, a recurring spot on Say Yes to the Dress, and gowns selling in hundreds of stores worldwide. And then she lost all of it. Her name. Her Instagram. Her right to design. Even her right to publicly call herself Hayley Paige. What followed was years of fighting in court, broke, locked out of everything she had built, just to reclaim what should have been hers from the start. And when she finally did, she turned that experience into something bigger, founding A Girl You Might Know Foundation and She Is Cheval to make sure other women don't have to go through the same thing.
Patricia Delgado: From Principal Ballerina to Tony Award Winner
SlušanoGrowing up Cuban-American in Miami, Patricia Delgado found her love of performance early and spent seventeen years with Miami City Ballet, a decade of that as a principal dancer. But when she faced a series of injuries, she was forced to confront a question she wasn't ready to answer: what comes next? In this episode, Patricia opens up about the physical and emotional toll of stepping away from the only identity she had ever known, how she found her way into choreography alongside her husband Justin Peck, and what it meant to reconnect with her Cuban roots through the Broadway hit Buena Vista Social Club, leading her to be the first Latina to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Heela Yang: The Unexpected Detour That Led to Sol de Janeiro
SlušanoHeela Yang built Sol de Janeiro, one of the most beloved body care brands, from her dining room, but her path there looked nothing like a typical business plan. After twelve years in corporate beauty following stints at Goldman Sachs and a Harvard MBA, she left New York for Brazil for love, only to find herself pregnant, isolated, and unable to do the work that had always defined her. A single afternoon on a beach, surrounded by women of every shape in a very small bikini she'd been talked into, changed everything. In this episode, Heela shares how that moment became the emotional blueprint for Sol de Janeiro, the cult-favorite brand that launched a craze for mists and body care and built a business around embracing your body and skin as it is, no matter what size or shape.
Victoria Lai: The Story Behind Ice Cream Jubilee
SlušanoVictoria Lai has lived several careers in one lifetime: presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, entrepreneur, and now business advisor and nonprofit COO. But her biggest pivot came when she nurtured her passion for making ice cream on nights and weekends while working a serious government job. In this extra sweet episode, Victoria walks us through how a $25 Craigslist ice cream maker and a promise to herself led to Ice Cream Jubilee, the award-winning DC-area business celebrated by Food & Wine, the Washington Post, and Thrillist, and what it felt like to eventually sell the business she'd spent nearly a decade building. She also opens up about her family's Chinese immigrant history and how it shaped both her flavors and her sense of purpose, and why she considers her latest pivot back to mission-driven work the most fitting chapter yet.
Elizabeth Smart: Surviving the Kidnapping That Shook the Nation
SlušanoIn June 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart was taken from her bedroom at knifepoint and held captive for nine months, enduring abuse that would have broken most people beyond repair. Against extraordinary odds, she survived, and then she decided to step fully into the public eye; not in spite of what happened to her, but because of it. She has testified before Congress, helped author a Department of Justice handbook for kidnapping survivors, and founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to dismantle the shame culture that compounds survivors' trauma. In this powerful episode, Elizabeth walks us through the night that changed everything, how she held onto hope during nine months of captivity, what justice looked and felt like after nearly eight years of waiting, and why she believes that being seen is one of the most radical things a survivor can do.
Laurie Tisch: My Mom
SlušanoToday's guest is someone pretty special to Emily Tisch Sussman—it's her mom, Laurie Tisch. Laurie grew up as the only girl in a big, loud family full of brothers and cousins, navigating public scrutiny while quietly figuring out who she really was. She navigated the complexities to become a woman carved out an identity that was entirely, unmistakably her own. On this special Mother's Day episode, Laurie sits down with Emily to talk about founding her own philanthropic foundation, becoming a force in New York's arts and education world, and ownership of the New York Giants.
Sherrie Westin: The Woman Behind Sesame Street
SlušanoElmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster probably helped raise you, and the woman now leading Sesame Street traces her path there back to one transformative act: adopting her daughter Lily from China. Before joining Sesame Workshop, Sherrie Westin had already built a remarkable career at ABC News and as one of the highest-ranking women in George H.W. Bush's White House. On this episode, Sherrie shares how adopting Lily in 1995 sparked a profound pivot, and how that personal transformation shaped her 26-year journey at the helm of one of the most beloved nonprofits in the world. She opens up about leading the creation of Julia, Sesame Street's first autistic Muppet, securing a landmark $100 million grant to bring early education to refugee children across the globe, and navigating the financial uncertainty that ultimately led to a groundbreaking new deal with Netflix.
Kerry Docherty: Faherty Co-Founder on Being Selfish, Her Affair, and Starting Over
SlušanoKerry Docherty has spent her life being two things at once: the good girl the world expected, and someone far more complicated underneath. Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of beloved B-Corp clothing company Faherty Brand, Kerry had a winding path, moving through Yale, human rights law, a mindfulness business, and a beach trailer selling swimsuits before landing somewhere she never quite planned. In this episode, Kerry opens up about the tangled dynamics of building a family business with her husband and his twin brother, her struggles with motherhood, and her own affair, all of which she recounts in her new debut memoir, Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming, and Telling the Truth, a book her loved ones didn’t want published.
Ali Truwit: From Shark Attack to the Paralympics Podium
SlušanoAt just 25 years old, Ali Truwit has already lived several lifetimes' worth of pivots. A Yale graduate and competitive swimmer, Ali was on the cusp of launching her consulting career when a shark attack during a celebratory beach vacation changed everything, costing her part of her leg and forcing her to reimagine her future. In this episode of She Pivots, Ali shares how she fought her way back to the water and earned a silver medal on one of the world's biggest stages, all while still starting her career in consulting. She also opens up about running a marathon and the deeply personal mission behind her work supporting women and girls with limb loss and advocating for water safety.
Carla Hall: From Top Chef to Center Stage
SlušanoIf you’ve ever watched Top Chef, you may know Carla Hall and her signature catchphrase, Hootie Hoo! But Carla didn’t start her career in kitchens. Before she became a beloved TV personality and celebrated chef, Carla was a CPA at Price Waterhouse who quickly realized her destiny was not in spreadsheets. What followed was a series of bold, joy-fueled pivots: modeling in Paris, launching a lunch delivery service out of her kitchen, competing on Top Chef, co-hosting ABC's The Chew, and now taking the stage in her own one-woman show. In this episode, Carla opens up about the courage it took to keep betting on herself at every turn—from enrolling in culinary school at 30 to building a platform for women over 50—and what she's learned about cooking, performing, and living with love at the center of it all.
Huma Abedin: Both/And—Politics, Scandal, and Reclaiming Her Story
SlušanoHuma Abedin has spent decades at the center of American power, as Hillary Clinton's closest aide, Deputy Chief of Staff at the State Department, and Vice Chair of a historic presidential campaign. But when her personal life collapsed in the most public way possible, she faced a reckoning that had nothing to do with politics. In this episode, Emily talks with Huma about her remarkable rise through the highest levels of government, the very public unraveling of her marriage, the decision to reclaim her story through her New York Times bestselling memoir, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds, and finding love again on her own terms.
Gloria Steinem: 92 Years of Activism, Storytelling, and Travels
SlušanoShe Pivots is back for Season 5! If you’re new here, She Pivots was created by Emily Tisch Sussman, who made a major career pivot out of politics after having three kids in three years. She Pivots is dedicated to telling the stories of women who have pivoted in their careers due to a personal life event. And we’re back with honest conversations about career pivots, personal reinvention, and the choices that shape our lives, so that you can be inspired to make your own pivots with confidence. Right in time for Women’s History Month, we’re starting with one of the most iconic feminist leaders of all time: Gloria Steinem. Gloria has spent her life bringing people together across generations, identities, and movements to imagine a better future for everyone. In this special episode - launching on Gloria’s 92nd birthday! - Emily talks to Gloria about what inspired her activism, her early travels in India, her belief that change happens in inclusive circles and through storytelling, and the legacy she hopes to…
She Pivots is BACK
SlušanoSeason 5 of She Pivots premieres March 25th and we are SO excited bring you honest conversations about career pivots, personal reinvention, and the choices that shape our lives, so that you can be inspired to make your own pivots with confidence. Hosted by Emily Tisch Sussman, She Pivots is the podcast where women share the bold career moves and personal turning points that changed everything. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the stories behind success, the risks, the doubts, and the moments that redefine what’s possible.
Paloma Faith: From Pop Stardom to MILF
SlušanoThis week marks a special moment on She Pivots—it’s our season finale, and Emily is joined by the incomparable Paloma Faith. On this episode, Paloma opens up about her boldest reinvention yet: pivoting from chart-topping singer and actress to author of her raw and bestselling memoir, MILF: Motherhood, Identity, Love and Fckery*. With her trademark candor and wit, Paloma shares the unfiltered realities of IVF, miscarriages, postpartum depression, fractured relationships, and the messy, complicated truths of motherhood and womanhood that are too often left unsaid. She reminds us that embracing imperfection is not only liberating but essential—and that every reinvention can be an expansion of who we are. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Paloma, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit…
Julie Wainwright: From Dot-Com Bust to The RealReal Boom
SlušanoJulie Wainwright’s career (and personal life) is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention, having seen Pets.com collapse on the very same day her marriage ended. On this episode of She Pivots, Julie opens up about the highs of leading companies at the forefront of the dot-com boom, and the devastating lows of reaching a personal professional rock-bottom on the same day. Rather than letting failure define her, she rebuilt from the ground up, ultimately founding The RealReal and taking it public—becoming one of the few women to lead a company she created all the way to IPO. Julie reflects on what it means to move through public scrutiny, personal heartbreak, and professional betrayal, and how each so-called failure became the launchpad for her next chapter. Now, with her latest venture AHARA and her memoir Time to Get Real, she is proving once again that reinvention is not only possible but powerful. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots…
Latham Thomas: From Delivery Room to Celebrity Doula
SlušanoLatham Thomas is changing the way the world thinks about birth, wellness, and motherhood. As the founder of Mama Glow, she’s helped families, including celebrities like Alicia Keys, Anne Hathaway, and Gabrielle Union navigate the journey to parenthood with knowledge, support, and joy. On this episode of She Pivots, Latham opens up about the birth of her son and the gaps in care that inspired her mission. Drawing on lessons from her mother and her own experiences, Latham built Mama Glow to empower families, train doulas, and advocate for Black maternal health. Today, she’s a leading voice in a global movement redefining maternal care with equity, dignity, and purpose. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Latham, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit shepivotsthepodcast.com.
Sloane Stephens: From Tennis Champion to Entrepreneur
SlušanoSloane Stephens is a Grand Slam champion whose career has been defined as much by resilience as by remarkable wins. On this episode of She Pivots, Sloane opens up about her journey from a late-blooming tennis prodigy to a U.S. Open champion, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She reflects on navigating the grief of losing her father and stepfather at a young age, building balance and normalcy in a sport that demands constant travel and pressure, and pursuing new goals - from higher education to a broadcasting career - while battling injuries. Beyond the court, she shares how founding the Sloane Stephens Foundation and launching her body-care brand, Doc & Glo, have allowed her to channel her values into impact, expanding her legacy far beyond tennis. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Sloane, follow us on…
Elizabeth Sneed: Facing Fear and Founding Curvy Surfer Girl
SlušanoElizabeth Sneed is the face and founder of Curvy Surfer Girl—a global body-positive movement empowering women of all shapes and sizes to find strength, joy, and belonging in the waves. But few would have guessed that she would make a career from the waves after she nearly drowned at fourteen. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her journey from a turbulent childhood in rural East Texas, to a high-pressure career in politics, to eventually facing her deepest fear of the ocean. That leap of faith–and a move to Hawaii–opened the door to a completely new life. Elizabeth now inspires her hundreds of thousands of followers to embrace their bodies and discover the power that comes from reconnecting with nature and themselves. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Elizabeth, follow us on Instagram…
Sima Gandhi: The Quiet Reality of Family Estrangement
SlušanoSima Gandhi's professional resume reads like a blueprint for success—but her story reveals a far more complex reality. On this episode of She Pivots, Emily speaks with the entrepreneur, lawyer, and former Plaid executive in her first public conversation about the personal journey that reshaped her life. At the height of her career—helping lead one of Silicon Valley’s most successful startups—Sima was privately navigating a painful and deeply complicated relationship with her family. Rather than break her, that experience pushed Sima to reevaluate everything: what she wanted from her life and how she defined success. In the midst of that personal upheaval, she launched her own company, channeling her energy into building something new while privately carrying the weight of her family estrangement. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their…
Michelle Betos: From NWSL Goalkeeper to Gamechanger
SlušanoMichelle Betos spent over a decade breaking barriers in professional soccer, not just as a standout goalkeeper and National Women’s Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year, but as part of the group of women that fought to build the league from the ground up. In this episode, she reflects on the grit it took to stay in the game when the pay was low, the resources were scarce, and the future of women’s soccer was anything but certain. Now retired from playing—well, sort of—Michelle has stepped into a new role as Assistant Goalkeeper Coach for Gotham FC, where she’s helping shape the next generation of athletes and building a team culture grounded in trust and joy. And in a twist worthy of any She Pivots story, she even came out of retirement earlier this year for one more run on the field. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To…
Sarah Jones: Putting America on the Therapy Couch
SlušanoTony Award–winning actor and writer Sarah Jones has built a career blending culture, politics, and humor — all while embodying a kaleidoscope of unforgettable characters. In our final live episode recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Sarah joins Emily for a conversation about her groundbreaking podcast, America, Who Hurt You?, which puts the nation on the “therapy couch” to explore our shared values and cultural divides. She reflects on key moments that shaped her journey, from growing up in a multicultural, mixed-race family in Queens to performing on Broadway. Along the way, she introduces the audience to the many voices in her head (and on her stage), reflecting the diverse perspectives that make up America. Sarah also opens up about the role of social media in our disconnection and emphasizes the urgency of in-person connection. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their…
Zanny Minton Beddoes: What It Takes to Lead The Economist
SlušanoZanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, has carved out a remarkable global career in journalism and economics — one that spans continents and cultures. In this special live episode recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Zanny joins Emily for a conversation about her unexpected path from a rural England farm to the helm of one of the world’s most influential publications. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey: studying in Germany as a child, navigating post-Communist economic reform in Poland, and forgoing a job at Goldman Sachs to pursue policy at the International Monetary Fund. She also opens up about being a woman in traditionally male-dominated fields, the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping global narratives, and why she believes the values The Economist champions — free trade, individual freedom, open markets — are more vital now than ever. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by…
Yana Peel: Bridging Art, Innovation, AI, and Chanel’s Legacy
SlušanoChanel’s President of Arts, Culture & Heritage, Yana Peel, has carved out a singular career at the intersection of art, innovation, AI, and global community building — all driven by her belief in the power of creativity to shape culture and spark change. In this special live episode recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Yana sits down with Emily for a conversation about her unexpected path from Goldman Sachs to cultural leadership across continents. She opens up about moving countries for family, launching a foundation from scratch, navigating the new world of AI, and finding purpose by “committing rather than complaining.” Yana shares how she helped transform Chanel’s approach to art, from funding global cultural institutions to launching artist-tech incubators and AI collaborations. She also reflects on the power of shared experiences, the evolving role of artists in polarized societies, and why she believes artistic intelligence is the future of innovation. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and…
Ambassador Susan Rice: Calling Out the Crisis in American Democracy
SlušanoFormer National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice has held some of the highest national security and domestic policy roles in the U.S. government — but her defining strength may be her ability to lead with both head and heart. In this special live episode recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ambassador Rice sits down with Emily for a deeply personal and urgent conversation. She opens up about transitioning from foreign to domestic policy, her proudest policy wins in health care and drug pricing, and her disappointment in seeing progress rolled back. Ambassador Rice shares how she navigated professional pressure while caring for her aging parents and raising children — and why she never hid the personal decisions that shaped her career. She also emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust in government and sounds the alarm on the future of American democracy. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was…
Charlotte Jones: Leading the Cowboys - and the Dallas Cheerleaders - into the Future
SlušanoCharlotte Jones is the powerhouse Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys — but her most defining moves have happened off the field. In this special live episode recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Charlotte opens up about growing up in one of the most iconic families in sports, and what it’s really like to build a career inside a multigenerational family business. She shares how she’s navigated imposter syndrome, raised three children while growing one of the most recognized brands in the world, and learned to balance legacy with innovation as she steers the Cowboys into a new era. From the behind-the-scenes culture she’s fostered to attract and retain top talent, to her thoughts on the hit Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Charlotte reveals the intention and heart behind every decision — and why purpose, family, and vision continue to drive her forward. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this…
Victoria Jackson: From Makeup to Medicine
SlušanoIn this conversation, Victoria Jackson shares her remarkable journey from personal struggles and traumatic experiences to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the makeup industry and a dedicated advocate for medical research. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life, including her traumatic past, her rise in the cosmetics world, and her transition to focusing on her daughter's health challenges. Victoria emphasizes the importance of collaboration in medical research and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by autoimmune diseases. In this engaging conversation, Victoria shares her transformative journey from the cosmetics industry to the world of medicine, driven by her daughter's health challenges. She discusses the importance of collaboration in healthcare, her personal metrics of success, and her recent ventures, including the relaunch of her makeup line and the opening of a bookstore. Victoria emphasizes the power of resilience, the significance of maintaining a…
From the Archives: Joy Mangano: How the Miracle Mop Inventor Keeps Reinventing
SlušanoI’m so excited to be re-releasing my conversation with Joy Mangano to celebrate Joy: The Musical, now on stage in New York City! I was thrilled to go see the show, a vibrant retelling of Joy’s extraordinary journey from single mom to superstar inventor. Known for creating the Miracle Mop and portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the hit 2015 film Joy, Joy Mangano is a true trailblazer. But her path to success started with a simple idea, a big risk, and relentless determination. In this episode, Joy sits down with Emily to share her earliest invention (a fluorescent flea collar for pets!), how she got the Miracle Mop off the ground while raising three young kids, and the pivotal decision to sell her company to HSN. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Joy, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit…
Kaitlyn Joshua: How a Miscarriage Fueled a Movement
SlušanoKaitlyn Joshua is a faith organizer and activist whose advocacy for reproductive freedom is rooted in one of the most painful experiences of her life. In this episode, Kaitlyn shares how what began as a planned pregnancy turned into a medical crisis—when she was turned away from the emergency room twice while miscarrying, left to suffer for months without care. This moment wasn’t just a pivot — it was a reckoning. As a woman of faith, Kaitlyn recognized that her experience was not an anomaly; it was the direct result of restrictive reproductive policies in a post-Roe America. Fueled by her personal trauma and deep commitment to justice, Kaitlyn has become a powerful national voice, co-founding Abortion in America, joining the Harris-Walz campaign trail, and being named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot…
Margot Blouin: Living —and Leading — as a Trans Woman
SlušanoMargot Blouin is the founder of Cadstrom, a rising tech company whose success is deeply rooted in her personal journey. In this special Pride Month episode, Margot shares how embracing her identity as a transgender woman wasn’t a detour from her professional path — it was the key to unlocking her full potential. For years, she hid her truth while building her career, fearing that authenticity might cost her everything. But when her body and spirit could no longer bear the weight, she chose to transition — a decision that not only changed her life but became the foundation for her company’s growth. Margot’s story is a powerful reminder that living authentically isn’t just courageous — it’s transformative. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Margot, follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast or visit…
Jessica Vosk: From Wall Street to Broadway
SlušanoJessica Vosk is a Broadway powerhouse, beloved for her unforgettable roles as Elphaba in Wicked, Jenna in Waitress, and now starring in the critically acclaimed Hell’s Kitchen. But before gracing center stage, Jessica’s path took a very different turn — one that led her to a high-powered career on Wall Street. In this episode, Jessica shares the remarkable story of how she went from crunching numbers in finance to chasing her long-held dream of performing on Broadway. Her pivot wasn’t instant — it took years of persistence, odd jobs, missed opportunities, and unshakable belief. And for the first time publicly, Jessica opens up about one of the most difficult chapters in her life: her struggle with alcohol and the life-changing decision to go to rehab. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share with your friends if you liked this episode! She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women, their stories, and how their pivot became their success. To learn more about Jessica, follow…