Work Friends

Today on a special episode of Work Friends, we’re flipping the script—as Monica Padman, Co-host and Producer @armchairexppod, interviews Sali in celebration of 10 years of Argent and the upcoming launch of its most ambitious campaign to-date. Monica asks Sali about why and how she built a fashion brand without a fashion background, why it’s beneficial to be the opposite of a gatekeeper, and how Argent brought 100 women together to commemorate the decade milestone. The Argent 10-Year Campaign and Capsule Collection Launches September 8 at argentwork.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:38 - How Monica Became a Work Friend 5:30 - What is Work Friends? 7:48 - Being a Superconnector 10:50 - Learning Gender Dynamics 15:10 - Best Meet Cute Ever? 19:36 - The Child-of-Immigrants Experience 22:24 - Millennial Fashion 26:14 - Quit My Job, Started Argent 31:10 - The Girlboss “Distraction” 35:49 - Men Are Part of This 38:50 - Women: Say Yes 41:29 - Creating The 100-Women Campaign Image 49:00 - The Magenta 10-Year Capsule 52:20 - The Opposite of Gatekeeping 54:04 - Sali Speed Round! On Sali: Argent Tailored Cargo Pants On Monica: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer, Slim Blouse , and Park Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at @goldmine.podcast

Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are the cofounders of the LA-based clothing and lifestyle brand, The Great . The two met in college and have been friends and creative partners practically ever since, navigating several successful career chapters. Most notably, they founded the iconic denim brand of the 2000s and 2010s, Current/Elliott. As business partners and best friends, they've rewritten the playbook for how women work together, find success (again and again), and continue to bring magic to their work, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Watch this episode on YouTube ! 0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Comfort = Confidence 2:20 - Emily & Meritt's Upbringing 4:38 - Bonding Over Vintage Jeans 7:28 - Beginnings of a Fashion Career 9:52 - Styling Up and Coming Artists 13:51 - Taken Seriously at a Young Age 17:23 - Launching Current/Elliott 23:52 - Working in a Male-Dominated Field 27:24 - Naivete: Blessing and a Curse 30:59 - A Vogue Milestone 33:43 - Exiting Current/Elliott 35:00 - Friendship Is the Superpower of Creativity 36:56 - Launching Brand #2: The Great 40:53 - Defining Success 43:12 - Advice for Fashion Entrepreneurs 45:02 - Would You Rather? 46:44 - Argent Afterthoughts: Advice for Interviewing After a Layoff On Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser and The Great The Crochet Polo On Meritt: Argent Tie Back Top and Peak Lapel Blazer Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudios

April McDaniel and Savannah James cohost the podcast Everybody's Crazy , lead a 400-plus members-only community for women, Let It Break , and launched their own holding company this year, Signed . But more so, they’re best friends navigating BIG success—one they didn’t see coming. In the lead up to a new season of Everybody’s Crazy, they swap hosting seats to share with Sali how their hit show started with a flip phone, what it really means to work with your BFF, and why their differences are actually key to their success. The new season of Everybody's Crazy premieres August 25 and will be available wherever you get your podcasts. Watch this episode on YouTube ! 0:00 - Introduction 2:01 - This Week's "Oh No" 3:46 - Savannah & April's Upbringing 8:06 - Love/Hate Relationship with Work 11:39 - The Importance of Female Friendship 15:40 - Savannah's Entrepreneurship 19:11 - April On Being Meant For Big Things 22:54 - Women Need To Take Risks 25:19 - Navigating Failure 29:39 - "No One Is Exempt From Hardship" 32:55 - Let It Break 35:06 - Everybody's Crazy 42:04 - Friends and Business Partners? 45:22 - Launching Signed 47:50 - A New Season of Everybody's Crazy 49:10 - In Sync with Your Partners 52:05 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser & Belted Peal Lapel Blazer Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:22 - Obama Presidential Center Opening 5:29 - Growing Up in Iran & Chicago 10:00 - Strong Working Parent Examples 12:38 - Working Mom Guilt 14:40 - "This Must Be Someone Else's Life" 17:21 - Meeting Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama 22:35 - Finding Purpose in Public Service 25:49 - Becoming President Obama’s Senior Advisor 30:50 - What Does a Senior Advisor Do? 35:59 - Fighting For Gender Equity 45:21 - Running For Office 46:34 -Defining Success After The White House 48:50 - Can I Make a Difference? 52:07 - The Obama Foundation Impact 55:50 - Advice for Working in Public Service 57:29 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Two-Button Blazer , Crewneck Tank , and Soho Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement 3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode 6:50 - Discovering Dance at 13 10:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life 16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre 23:15 - Moving to New York at 17 24:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice? 29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT 33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion 37:32 - Pancaking Ballet Shoes 40:29 - Advocation For Yourself 43:46 - Promoted To Principle Dancer 52:32 - Taking a Final Bow 58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers 55:07 - The Misty Copeland Foundation & Retired Life 58:40 - Advice For Future Trailblazers 1:00:03 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Blazer , Tank , and Single Pleat Trouser On Misty: Argent Slim Blouse and Soho Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:33 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week 3:03 - Coming of Age 8:16 - The SAHM Power Inequity 10:23 - Conservation International 11:39 - Growing Up With Sisters 13:01 - Healing from Family Trauma 15:03 - Getting a Stanford MBA 19:29 - Pivoting to Acting 27:02 - Making Miss Representation 39:57 - Importance of Female Mentorship 43:56 - Miss Representation: Rise Up 48:43 - Being First Partner of California 55:40- Turning the Lens on Men 58:58 - Being a Better Consumer 1:01:35 - Would You Rather On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer , Camisole , and Single Pleat Trouser On Jennifer: Argent Bias Dress Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 3:20 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week 4:06 - Colombian Meets British Culture 5:52 - Playing Dress Up & Styling Barbies 12:20 - A Foot in the Door at Conde Nast 16:31 - From Super Intern to Stylist 20:04 - Failure is Just a Lesson 24:56 - The Business of Styling 27:00 - Run Before You Can Walk 28:17 - '00s Indie Bands and Kate Hudson 33:42 - "Hideous" Fashion Regrets 41:16 - When to Say Yes, and Confidence to Say No 44:35 - From Resisting to Embracing Social Media 49:17 - The Substantial Power of Personal Style 50:22 - Running Point Season 2 55:44 - "Resilience is more important than talent" 57:22 - Would You Rather On Sali: Argent Edgar Blazer , x Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy On Sophie: Argent Longsleeve Draped Dress Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 3:43 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 8:41 - Child of Immigrants 14:33 - First in the Family to go to College 17:25 - Quitting Her Job, Founding Stax 20:45 - Take Risks in Your 20s 22:45 - Stepping Into the CEO Role 26:55 - Entrepreneurship is the Craziest You Can Do 31:00 - Learning People Skills 35:16 - Mentorship and Advocacy 44:30 - Starting CEO School 51:17 - Florida's First Female Fintech Unicorn 53:47 - Leaving Stax & Launching Worth AI 57:27 - Fundraising While Pregnant 1:00:40 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Pleated Tapered Trouser On Suneera: Argent Bowery Vest and Pleated Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:10 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 6:05 - Growing up in New York City 9:21 - Paris Hilton (in Paris) 11:40 - Becoming a DJ 15:45 - Burnout & Wellness Journey 19:21 - Entrepreneurship & Failure 26:40 - #HBFIT 28:45 - Fertility, Vulnerability, & Community 30:20 - Funding Female Founders 39:28 - Conteur Capital 46:19 - “The CEO Club” & Fundraising Challenges 49:00 - “The CEO of Hannah Bronfman" 51:58 - What Happens Behind the Scenes 56:28 - Advice for Entrepreneurs 59:11 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Double-Breasted Blazer , Shortsleeve Scoop Neck , and Pleated Trouser On Hannah: Maybelle Pocket Tee and Tailored Cargo Pant Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:15 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 5:04 - Growing up in California 10:01 - Becoming a Stylist 13:08 - The Age of AI 14:50 - Health Challenges into Motherhood 16:40 - Jennifer Fisher Jewelry 19:50 - "Failure is what makes you successful." 24:50 - Fashion Icons in Jennifer Fisher 27:42 - "Queen of Hoops" 30:19 - The Salts 32:42 - High-Touch Founders 35:20 - Building Community 37:40 - Advice for Founders on Social Media 42:16 - Trust Your Gut and Maedyn 46:17 - What's Next? 47:10 - Advice for Emerging Fashion Founders 47:36 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer , Fine Knit Sleeveless , and Pleated Tapered Trouser On Jennifer: Argent Sculpted Blazer and Tuxedo Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 2:45 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 4:35 - Child of Jamaican Immigrants 11:18 - “Maybe I could be a lawyer.” 13:45 - Navigating Grief Before College 15:25 - A Full Scholarship to UVA 18:03 - Deferring Yale Law 21:08 - Clerking for Justice Sonia Sotomayor 23:45 - A Mentorship Misconception 27:09 - Working in Education 43:18- Being a Professor in 2026 39:30- Coaching Middle School Debate Club 41:30 - "Strict Scrutiny" & Ditching Neutrality 44:20 - Why Write a Book On The U.S. Constitution? 53:55 - Dress Code for Lawyers 58:51 - “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 Trouser On Melissa: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Wide Leg Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 - Introduction 3:35 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 4:50 - Growing Up in Buffalo, NY 7:50 - Obsession with Morbidity to Becoming a Lawyer 10:22 - Building a Mindfulness Practice 13:30 - Leaving Law, Becoming a Mindfulness Coach 14:26 - Being a Faherty Co-Founder 16:09 - Psychic Advice 21:06 - Working With a Spouse 26:35 - Changing Fashion Through Faherty 30:50 - Being selfish 39:50 - Sugarcoated Founder Stories 44:50 - Advice for Mindfulness at Work 46:50 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer and Pleated Trouser On Kerry: Argent Single Button Blazer and Straight Leg Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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 Diagnosis 16:02 - DJing Career 18:55 - Epilepsy Stigma 21:30 - Endometriosis & Medical Cannabis 24:40 - Women Left Behind in Medical Research 30:25 - "Sisters Interrupted" Documentary 34:14 - Is Chelsea Still DJing? 34:48 - Founding Looni 44:18 - Choosing a Cofounder 52:40 - Prescribing Community 55:48 - Advice for Advocacy 56:57 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer and Prince Trouser On Chelsea: Argent Lenox Blazer and Pleated Taper Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Emily Tisch Sussman, host of She Pivots and co-owner of Gotham FC and the New York Giants, doesn't just talk about making career changes—she’s lived it. BIG time. This week, she sits down with Sali to get candid about struggling to make a name for herself, placing her value in her work, and what happened when it all fell apart. Spoiler alert: Right around the time she became a mother. A lawyer by trade, Emily has previously worked as a lobbyist, strategist, and TV political commentator. After giving birth to her third child, however, she recognized the need for change. Today, we’ll talk about: navigating a career path when you’re not sure what you’re good at. what it means to step away from the roles you’ve committed your life to when they no longer fit. working on the Obama campaign and being a political commentator for Fox News, the honest experience of early parenthood and not feeling an instant connection to your children. launching the She Pivots podcast and why it’s drawing huge guests, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Vanessa Hudgens, and Bobbi Brown. Want to hear more from Emily? She Pivots Season 5 premieres March 25. 0:40 Introduction 2:24 Biggest "Oh No" Moment 4:13 Growing Up In N.Y.C. 6:55 Struggling to Find A Career Path 15:46 Law School 22:11 Working on the Obama Campaign 30:06 Appearing on Fox News 33:28 She Pivots 51:32 Co-Owner of Gotham FC 1:04:57 Career Changes: Plan or Leap? 1:06:05 Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer , Ribbed Collar Sweater , and Wide Leg Trouser On Emily: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Single Pleat Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Trailblazer and self-professed rulebreaker Reshma Saujani joins us on Work Friends this week. Reshma is the founder and former CEO of Girls Who Code, a New York Times bestselling author, and the host of the podcast “ My So-Called Midlife .” Today, she’s also the founder and CEO of Moms First, where she continues to be an awe-inspiring culture-shifter and staunch advocate for women—from girlhood to motherhood and beyond. Her latest venture at Moms First is Reshma’s debut documentary project this June, spotlighting the lies dividing American moms and chronicling a nationwide movement to bring them back together and win historic support. There’s so much amazing ground to cover in this discussion, as we walk through: Reshma’s background as a first-generation American who set her sights on law school. her decision to run for U.S. Congress—the first Indian American woman to do so—and how she dealt with feelings of failure after her loss. why she pivoted to launching a coding organization for young girls, eventually turning it into the largest pipeline for women and nonbinary individuals to careers in STEM. the historic struggle of mothers in America, and a real solution to the affordability issue (hint: it’s not eggs.) and, why Moms First debut documentary is lifting the voices of all mothers…and how you can get involved, too. For more information about Moms First: The History of American Motherhood , or to submit your own story to the film, become an associate producer, or sign up to host a screening in your hometown, check out momsfirst.us/doc . On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Tailored Cargo Pant On Reshma: Argent Colorblocked Sculpted Blazer Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

We are thrilled to welcome Retta to Work Friends today. The actor, HGTV host, and one-half of the team who brought us “ treat yo self ” joins Sali to share how a prospective medical student and a somewhat reluctant stand-up comedian found herself cast on one of the most beloved sitcoms in history. Retta is best known for her portrayal of Donna Meagle in all seven seasons of Parks and Recreation, and since the hit show wrapped, she continues to captivate with roles in Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce , Good Girls , and in seven seasons of HGTV’s Ugliest House in America and its spinoff Scariest House in America . We start all the way at the beginning, and get into some of Retta’s best stories along the way, including: the very first time she ever did stand up (she crushed it!), and the second (she bombed!). how she planned her path to med school and then abandoned it....yet why she refuses to throw away her MCAT books. the real reason she thinks she was cast as Donna on Parks and Rec . how she learned to be her authentic, unfiltered self as the host of Ugliest House in America . and, what she really thinks when someone quotes “treat yo self” to her. For more Retta, be sure to check out the newest season of Ugliest House in America , now streaming on HBO Max and discovery+ . On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer , Fine Polo , and Straight Leg Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Beth Hutchens sits down with Sali. Beth has spent her career in fashion, first cofounding the Rebecca Taylor brand in her 20s, alongside designer Rebecca Taylor. As CEO, Beth saw the company reach massive success. But after nearly two decades, she stepped away and launched Foundrae . The celebrity-loved jewelry brand is known for its stunning, statement-making adornments that feature 18 karat gold, precious stones, and symbols—both overt and subtle—that make each piece a personal treasure for whoever wears it. Naturally, when it comes to making a big career change, Beth is a supporter. After all, it’s no small feat to become a successful two-time founder. She joins us to share more about how she navigated: launching a fashion brand without a business plan. the absolute “lawless” fashion industry of the ‘90s. how she decided to step down from a company she thought she would spend her entire life at. the “stupid” mistakes she made when she launched Foundrae. and the questions anyone should ask themselves before making a major career pivot. On Sali: Argent Belted Peak Lapel Blazer and Tailored Cargo Pants and Foundrae Sister Hook Necklace , Pause Small Mixed Clip Extension Necklace , and Strong Heart Bangle On Beth: Argent Oversized V-Neck Sweater Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Nikki Ogunnaike joins Sali to tell the story of her career, one that’s landed her at the top of the masthead as the Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire . Prior to taking the helm over two years ago, Nikki stacked her resume with roles at some of the most prestigious fashion publications in the world: InStyle , Glamour , Elle , GQ , and Harper’s Bazaar among them. Over the course of her career, she’s covered the major moves in the capital-F Fashion industry, dived deep into celebrity style, and is a certifiable shopping expert. Since stepping into her role at Marie Claire —and launching her own podcast, Nice Talk —Nikki has also become a leader on power: what it means and the women who wield it for good. She is certainly one, as well. Today, she gives us a look at her over-decade-long career, including: having an expectation of excellence from a young age, as a first-generation Nigerian American. building a portfolio of work from one fashion publication to another…with some tough transitions along the way. learning about the New York elite and how the fashion industry is really just “a game at the end of the day.” why she actually didn't want to be an Editor-in-Chief. and, now that she is one, how she’s approaching her leadership role at a historic publication. Plus, be sure to check out the January Marie Claire issue, featuring cover star Keke Palmer ! On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer, Soho Trouser , and Fine Polo On Nikki: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today’s guest on Work Friends, we have a guest who—for many—needs no introduction: Ricki Lake . As a teen, Ricki landed her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ Hairspray and, just a few years later, became the youngest talk show host in history with her self-titled show, Ricki Lake . Today on Work Friends, the ‘90s icon sits down with Sali to get into the reality (and major missteps) of her success, including: landing her first roles in Hollywood, without a plan B. navigating the chapter when her work dried up. how playing Tracy Turnblad helped her become a good talk show host. the famously scandalous storylines that played out over 11 seasons of her show. the project she considers to be her legacy (that’s not her talk show). how shes holding up after losing her home in LA wildfires last year. and what’s defining this chapter of life and work for the one-and-only Ricki Lake. On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck Blazer On Ricki: Argent Unlined Chelsea Blazer Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

This week, Sali sits down with Lisa Joseph Metelus , the Head of Athlete Brand Strategy and Board Member at Creative Artists Agency, and Co-founder of PlayMakeHer . Over Lisa’s three-decade career, she’s been a force behind the biggest, most-celebrated athletes of our time. This includes Hall of Famers Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade, with whom Lisa has worked for over 20 years. Lisa has not only found incredible success in a male-dominated field, she’s also committed to uplifting fellow women in the business of sports. In that spirit, she gets totally candid about the mistakes she’s made along the way. This episode is not to be missed, as Lisa shares: the origins of her love of basketball. the near career-ending mistake she made as an intern (it involved an NBA party and learning why you shouldn’t mix liquors). how she landed a job in sports, despite no one wanting to hire her—and what she did to prove herself. what a manager actually does. (And yes, it’s different than an agent.) and, how Lisa is helping women succeed through building a community of mentors. On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Single Pleat Trouser On Lisa: Argent Peak Lapel Blazer and Crewneck Dress Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudios Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT , and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork , for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.