Welcome to another inspiring episode of Reclaim + Advance Podcast! Today, we have the incredible Jess Ekstrom joining us. Jess is the powerhouse behind Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop. Not only is she an investor in women-owned businesses, but she is also a two-time bestselling author, a highly sought-after speaker, and a new mom. Jess and her initiatives have been featured in major media outlets like Today, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People, making a positive impact on millions of women and girls globally.
During our conversation, Jess opens up about her family’s experience with her uncle, Bernie Madoff, and the impact it had on her entrepreneurial journey. She shares the importance of embracing vulnerability and how true optimism is grounded in resilience, not naivety.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect in this episode:
- Discover how Jess transformed a family scandal into motivation for her business ventures.
- Learn about the eye-opening pay gap revelation that inspired Jess to support women speakers.
- Understand why simplifying complex ideas is crucial for engaging with your audience.
- Find out how embracing vulnerability can amplify your impact as a speaker and leader.
Check out some of the insightful quotes from Jess during our conversation:
On Authentic Expertise:
“A lot of the time, the thing that you teach to others is the thing that didn’t come naturally to you. It’s the thing that you had to will yourself to learn and to practice.”
The Power of Simplicity:
“I like to simplify the complex for people. We make things too complicated, whether that be entrepreneurship or speaking or writing. I like to make things feel attainable to someone.”
Embracing Struggle in Storytelling:
“No one wants to learn from someone who’s just naturally good at something. Sometimes the greatest lessons that you have to share with others come from your worst moments.”
Ready to listen to the full episode? Click here to tune in on your preferred platform, or listen below: