In this episode of Reclaim + Advance, we hear from Jess Ekstrom. Jess is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, an investor in women-owned businesses, a two-time best-selling author, a top speaker, and a new mom. Jess and her companies have been featured on Today, Good Morning America, 17 Magazine, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People, and more importantly, they have helped millions of women and girls around the world.
For years, Jess Ekstrom has avoided talking about the defining event in her family’s life – when her uncle, Bernie Madoff, scammed them out of their money. But here she explains why she began speaking out about the challenges of her formative years and why true optimism isn’t naive.
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Jess turned a family scandal into entrepreneurial impetus. The shocking wage gap revelation that led Jess to advocate for women speakers. Why simplifying complex ideas is key to connecting with your audience. How embracing vulnerability can amplify your impact as a speaker and leader.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from my conversation with Jess.
About genuine expertise:
“Teaching others is often not something that comes naturally to you. It’s something you have to learn and commit to doing.”
The power of simplicity:
“I like to simplify complex things for people. We overcomplicate things, whether it’s starting a business or speaking or writing. I like to make things feel achievable for someone.”
Embrace the pain of telling a story:
“No one wants to learn from someone who is naturally good at something. Sometimes the best lessons to share with others come from our worst moments.”
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