Work Friends

In a very special episode, Sali is joined by Secretary Hillary Clinton. Having entered the spotlight as First Lady of the United States in the ‘90s, Secretary Clinton later became the first First Lady to win a United States Senate seat in 2000. In 2009, President Obama appointed her to Secretary of State. Secretary Clinton also ran twice for president: first in 2008, and again on the Democratic ticket in 2016, when she made history once more as the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.Secretary Clinton’s career, activism, and example of excellence and power have been a constant source of inspiration—including for Argent. Today, she joins Sali from Marcel at Sotheby’s New York, just an hour before the Argent 10-Year Work Friends Dinner, to discuss her trailblazing career, the importance of championing women, and yes, her longtime history in pantsuits.0:00 Introduction2:00 Unhinged White House Job Interview4:10 Childhood & First Job7:20 Law School as One of Few Women13:20 Letters to the White House15:42 Facing Criticism as First Lady19:20 The Workwear Double Standard24:30 Origins of the Pantsuit Uniform29:30 When Hillary Met Sali and Argent33:35 The Importance of Supporting Women37:03 A Pantsuits RetrospectiveOn Sali: Argent Neat Blazer and Slim Maxi SkirtOn Secretary Clinton: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Wide Leg TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Charlie Dolgenos @chuck_d_3Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded on location at @marcelnyc by @wondirstudios

Brittany Packnett Cunningham has been an activist nearly all her life. With a background in education, today she sits at the intersection of culture, justice, and policy as the Chief Strategy Officer at Children's Defense Fund and host/EP of the The Meteor’s UNDISTRACTED podcast, now in its fourth season. She sits down with Sali to discuss the hard-learned lessons of having your work thrust onto a public stage, the true meaning of integrity, and why every teacher should be a millionaire.0:00 Introduction2:56 Getting Personal in Job Interviews5:07 St. Louis: The Ups and Downs11:24 Championing Diversity Since High School15:20 Teaching: Hardest Job I Ever Had19:27 Origins of of Ms Pac Yetti21:52 Transition to Activism Career23:29 The Power of No28:30 Ferguson 2014: A Turning Point32:25 Held to an Impossible Standard34:15 Skill Building in Activism38:00 Undistracted Podcast41:55 Children's Defense Fund45:35 The Answer is Always Integrity47:28 Would You Rather50:45 Afterthoughts: Friends with Your Boss?On Sali: Bow Blouse and Straight Leg TrouserOn Brittany: Draped DressHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Charlie Dolgenos @chuck_d_3Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at @wondirstudios

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.com0:00 - Introduction2:38 - How Monica Became a Work Friend5:30 - What is Work Friends?7:48 - Being a Superconnector10:50 - Learning Gender Dynamics 15:10 - Best Meet Cute Ever?19:36 - The Child-of-Immigrants Experience22:24 - Millennial Fashion 26:14 - Quit My Job, Started Argent31:10 - The Girlboss “Distraction”35:49 - Men Are Part of This38:50 - Women: Say Yes41:29 - Creating The 100-Women Campaign Image49:00 - The Magenta 10-Year Capsule52:20 - The Opposite of Gatekeeping54:04 - Sali Speed Round!On Sali: Argent Tailored Cargo PantsOn Monica: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer, Slim Blouse, and Park TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded 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 - Introduction1:45 - Comfort = Confidence2:20 - Emily & Meritt's Upbringing4:38 - Bonding Over Vintage Jeans7:28 - Beginnings of a Fashion Career9:52 - Styling Up and Coming Artists13:51 - Taken Seriously at a Young Age17:23 - Launching Current/Elliott23:52 - Working in a Male-Dominated Field27:24 - Naivete: Blessing and a Curse30:59 - A Vogue Milestone33:43 - Exiting Current/Elliott35:00 - Friendship Is the Superpower of Creativity36:56 - Launching Brand #2: The Great40:53 - Defining Success 43:12 - Advice for Fashion Entrepreneurs45:02 - Would You Rather?46:44 - Argent Afterthoughts: Advice for Interviewing After a LayoffOn Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser and The Great The Crochet PoloOn Meritt: Argent Tie Back Top and Peak Lapel BlazerHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded 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 - Introduction2:01 - This Week's "Oh No"3:46 - Savannah & April's Upbringing8:06 - Love/Hate Relationship with Work11:39 - The Importance of Female Friendship 15:40 - Savannah's Entrepreneurship19:11 - April On Being Meant For Big Things22:54 - Women Need To Take Risks25:19 - Navigating Failure29:39 - "No One Is Exempt From Hardship"32:55 - Let It Break35:06 - Everybody's Crazy42:04 - Friends and Business Partners?45:22 - Launching Signed47:50 - A New Season of Everybody's Crazy49:10 - In Sync with Your Partners52:05 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Straight Leg Trouser & Belted Peal Lapel BlazerHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded 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 - Introduction2:22 - Obama Presidential Center Opening5:29 - Growing Up in Iran & Chicago10:00 - Strong Working Parent Examples12:38 - Working Mom Guilt14:40 - "This Must Be Someone Else's Life"17:21 - Meeting Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama22:35 - Finding Purpose in Public Service25:49 - Becoming President Obama’s Senior Advisor 30:50 - What Does a Senior Advisor Do?35:59 - Fighting For Gender Equity45:21 - Running For Office46:34 -Defining Success After The White House48:50 - Can I Make a Difference?52:07 - The Obama Foundation Impact55:50 - Advice for Working in Public Service57:29  - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Two-Button Blazer, Crewneck Tank, and Soho TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded 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 - Introduction2:18 - Healing from Hip Replacement3:40 - Growing Up In Survival Mode6:50 - Discovering Dance at 1310:33 - My First Ballet Teacher Changed My Life16:30 - Pursuing a Career & American Ballet Theatre23:15 - Moving to New York at 1724:24 - Do Dancers Get Career Advice?29:12 - Injured The First Year at ABT33:14 - How Prince Became Her Champion37:32 - Pancaking Ballet Shoes40:29 - Advocation For Yourself43:46 - Promoted To Principle Dancer52:32 - Taking a Final Bow58:01 - Advice For Future Trailblazers55:07 - The Misty Copeland Foundation & Retired Life58:40 - Advice For Future Trailblazers1:00:03 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Blazer, Tank, and Single Pleat TrouserOn Misty: Argent Slim Blouse and Soho TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded 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 - Introduction2:33 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week3:03 - Coming of Age8:16 - The SAHM Power Inequity 10:23 - Conservation International11:39 - Growing Up With Sisters13:01 - Healing from Family Trauma15:03 - Getting a Stanford MBA19:29 - Pivoting to Acting27:02 - Making Miss Representation39:57 - Importance of Female Mentorship43:56 - Miss Representation: Rise Up48:43 - Being First Partner of California55:40- Turning the Lens on Men58:58 - Being a Better Consumer1:01:35 - Would You RatherOn Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Camisole, and Single Pleat TrouserOn Jennifer: Argent Bias DressHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio