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She Pivots

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Join Emily Tisch Sussman as she sits down with a diverse group of women to explore how their personal experiences led to their pivot and eventually their success. She Pivots challenges the typical definitions of success and explores the role our personal stories play in our professional journeys. The series will celebrate those who have made bold moves with a view towards inspiring others to pursue their own non-linear paths. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast.

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  • 30 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 46 min
  • English

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  • S5 · E11
    May 27 · 35 min

    Heela Yang: The Unexpected Detour That Led to Sol de Janeiro

    Heela 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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 01:36 From Korea to America: A Cultural Shift 06:37 The Importance of Skincare in Korean Culture 09:16 Early Entrepreneurial Ideas 12:13 Moving to Brazil: A New Beginning 13:33 Pregnancy and Isolation in a Foreign Country 17:41 The Pivotal Beach Moment 23:19 Building a Brand Around Embracing Yourself 27:50 The Power of Being Welcomed, Not Just Accepted 29:10.440 Low Point to Launch 33:24 Reflecting on Heela's Journey 34:18 Podcast Credits You can check out Sol de Janeiro basically anywhere you get skincare or body care products– and keep up with what they’re up to on Instagram @soldejaneiro Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E10
    May 20 · 45 min

    Victoria Lai: The Story Behind Ice Cream Jubilee

    Victoria 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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:28 Guest Introduction: Victoria Lai 01:58 Childhood Memories and Family Influences 06:57 The Path to Law School and Government Work 10:58 Finding Inspiration in New York City 13:02 The Birth of Ice Cream Jubilee 26:36 Taking the Leap: From Government to Ice Cream 32:46 "Ice cream-preneurship" 36:07 Achieving Success and Letting Go 39:02 A New Chapter: Coaching and Personal Growth 44:18 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 44:40 Podcast Credits You can keep up with Ice Cream Jubilee at their website, www.icecreamjubilee.com Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E9
    May 13 · 52 min

    Elizabeth Smart: Surviving the Kidnapping That Shook the Nation

    In 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. Chapters: 00:00 Content Warning 00:10 Welcome to She Pivots 01:32 Elizabeth Smart's Early Life 07:10 The Night Elizabeth was Abducted 12:08 Captivity and Torture 17:57 Elizabeth’s Will To Survive 20:16 A Sign of Hope 22:41 Why Elizabeth Didn't Run 26:17 The Rescue 28:45 The Return Home and Aftermath 35:32 Navigating the Justice System 41:01 Advocating for Change & Raising Her Children 45:22 The Elizabeth Smart Foundation 46:17 Low Point to Launch 49:26 Unasked Questions and Final Thoughts 50:58 Closing Remarks and Resources 51:39 Podcast Credits Learn more about Elizabeth’s work at elizabethsmartfoundation.org If anything in today's episode brought something up for you and you need help, please reach out to someone you trust or visit rainn.org Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E8
    May 6 · 38 min

    Laurie Tisch: My Mom

    Today'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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:30 Laurie Tisch Guest Introduction 01:46 Childhood and Early Life 05:14 Finding Her Own Path 09:20 Laurie Returns to New York City 13:18 Laurie's Entrance to Philanthropy and Culture 17:02 The Impact of The Children's Museum 22:17 Definitions of Success 24:32 The Illumination Fund: A New Chapter 28:54 Sports and Family Legacy 34:44 Low Point to Launch Point 35:27 My Mom's Favorite She Pivots Episodes! 37:00 Closing Thoughts and Happy Mother's Day! 37:26 Podcast Credits Check out the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund at thelmtif.org Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E7
    April 29 · 41 min

    Sherrie Westin: The Woman Behind Sesame Street

    Elmo, 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. Chapters: 00:00.00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:25 Guest Introduction: Sherrie Westin 01:58 Childhood and Early Life 03:28 Communications and the White House 09:44 The Transformative Power of Motherhood 12:53 From ABC News to Sesame Street 17:56 Representation and Global Impact 23:48 The Experiment of Sesame Street 25:20 The Power of The Arts on Children 27:55 Making a Difference To Communities in Need 31:44 Financial Challenges and Becoming CEO 36:00 What I Learned From Mom 36:53 From Low Point to Launch Point 37:20 Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 38:09 Children and AI 39:20 Closing Thoughts and Credits Learn more about Sesame workshop’s mission at Sesameworkshop.org Check out Sherrie’s new book: What I Learned From Mom: 27 Celebrated Individuals on How Mother's Wisdom Shaped Their Lives. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E5
    April 22 · 46 min

    Kerry Docherty: Faherty Co-Founder on Being Selfish, Her Affair, and Starting Over

    Kerry 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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:29 Introduction to Kerry Docherty 02:08 Growing up in Buffalo 07:43 From Yale to Thailand, from Law to Mindfulness 15:48 The Birth of Faherty: A Family Affair 21:53 Marriage and the Business 25:20 The Friendship, The Letter, The Affair 32:59 Truth-Telling and Writing Selfish 38:11 Reception of Selfish 39:57 The Power of Writing and Self-Discovery 42:39 Reflecting on the Low Points of Motherhood 44:48 Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 45:03 Closing Thoughts and Credits If you liked Traitors, you’ll love Kerry’s book. Get a copy of it here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2242030/kerry-docherty/ You can follow Kerry on Instagram @kerrydocherty Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E4
    April 15 · 47 min

    Ali Truwit: From Shark Attack to the Paralympics Podium

    At 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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 01:02 A Young Athlete's Journey Begins 01:47 Swimming: A Lifelong Passion 06:20 College Dreams and Career Aspirations 10:29 The Shark Attack: A Life-Changing Moment 13:46 Facing Fears and Setting New Goals 18:40 Answering Questions: Setting Boundaries 24:25 The Road to the Paralympics 29:23 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change 33:41 Ali on Team USA at the Paralympics 35:06 Using Her Story for Good 36:30 You Are Stronger Than You Think 39:28 From Swimming to Running 41:15 Ali's inspiration for her Nonprofit 42:39 Pivoting and Embracing Change 43:20 Low Point to Launch Point 45:29 Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 46:01 Closing Thoughts on Ali's Impact 46:47 She Pivots Podcast Production Notes You can find Ali on Instagram @AliTruwit www.StrongerThanYouThink.com Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E3
    April 8 · 51 min

    Carla Hall: From Top Chef to Center Stage

    If 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. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Back to She Pivots 01:53 Little Carla 05:15 Sunday Suppers at Grandma's 09:11 Beginning with Accounting 14:44 Moving to Paris for Modeling 19:34 The Birth of Lunch Bunch 21:36 Culinary School and Alchemy Caterers 27:41 Finding Love 31:36 Top Chef Audition and Experience 36:23 Food meets Performance on The Chew 41:10 Restaurant Venture and Saying Yes 44:23 Please Underestimate Me: Manifesting A Dream 47:15 Embracing Life's Transitions and Future Plans 48:48 Closing Questions 49:58 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Projects Carla’s instagram: @carlaphall Carla’s website: carlahall.com thememenu.com -- Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. -- NEW YORK PIVOTERS: Come see us do a live podcast recording with Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez at the Museum of the City of New York next week on April 15th! Tickets on sale now. PS– She Pivot listeners can use the code MCNY10 for a discount. -- She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E2
    April 1 · 37 min

    Huma Abedin: Both/And—Politics, Scandal, and Reclaiming Her Story

    Huma 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. Chapters: 00:29 Introduction to Huma Abedin 01:52 Growing Up in Saudi Arabia 06:38 Returning to the United States 09:48 Stepping into the Political World 13:16 Public Service, Public Scandal 17:08 2016 Presidential Election and Aftermath 25:05 Telling Her Story: Public Reinvention 30:08 Embracing Change and Future Plans 35:27 Reflections on Huma's Journey 36:08 Credits Huma’s Instagram: @humaabedin Huma’s website: huma-abedin.com Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S5 · E1
    March 25 · 45 min

    Gloria Steinem: 92 Years of Activism, Storytelling, and Travels

    She 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 now 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 leave. And big news– Gloria’s new memoir An Unexpected Life just announced today! Check out the Vanity Fair article all about it here. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back to She Pivots! 00:31 Emily's Pivot and Inspiration for the Show 01:42 Season Five Introduction 02:13 Gloria Steinem: A Living Legend 03:08 Gloria's Early Life 06:44 Gloria's Abortion and Her Fellowship in India 08:45 Early Career and the Playboy Bunny Exposé 15:24 The Birth of a Feminist Journalist 23:16 The Rise of a Feminist Leader 25:06 Gloria's Pivot Into Marriage 27:40 Talking Circles and the Future of Democracy 33:27 Gloria's Home as an Hub for Activism 40:18 Will Gloria Pivot Again? 42:54 Reflections on Gloria's Legacy 44:11 Closing Thoughts and Credits Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. Gloria’s Substack: https://gloriasfoundation.substack.com/ Gloria’s Instagram: @GloriaSteinem She Pivots was created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight women’s voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with inspirational narratives of how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: https://shepivots.substack.com/ Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website www.shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast. Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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