Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

Every day is filled with negotiations. Here’s how to start winning them. Any conversation that has a want or a need is a negotiation. It's critical to approach even the low stakes negotiations with the same tools that will win high stakes conversations. But what if the key to better outcomes isn’t pushing harder, but listening better? In today’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Jonathan Smith, negotiation instructor and co-author of Fight Less, Win More, to break down why negotiation is really about empathy, trust, and disciplined listening. Drawing on The Black Swan Group’s negotiation framework—made famous by Never Split the Difference—Jonathan shares practical tools for navigating conflict, building influence, and getting what you need without damaging relationships. Jonathan is a business strategist and negotiation expert who has spent years teaching leaders, managers, and teams how to communicate in moments that matter most. His work focuses on tactical empathy, emotional intelligence, and the everyday negotiations that shape our careers and lives. Jonathan and Jessi discuss: Why every difficult conversation is a negotiation Tactical empathy and how to help people feel truly heard The “core four” negotiation skills: labels, mirrors, dynamic silence, and summaries How low-stakes practice builds confidence for high-stakes conversations Managing tone, emotion, and self-regulation  Why listening is a discipline—and how it improves trust and influence Using AI as a preparation tool without losing human connection If you want to go deeper on these tools listen to our episode from September, 2025 with The Black Swan Group's founder and CEO, Chris Voss.  Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-youtube  Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-apple  Watch/Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/chrisvoss-hm-spotify We will be launching the Hello Monday Book Club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!

Want an easy framework for winning any pitch? We’re pitching all the time—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. But most of us are doing it wrong. We lead with logic, credentials, and data, when what people actually need first is connection. In today’s episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Danny Fontaine to unpack what makes a truly great pitch—and how to persuade with emotion, not just information. Drawing on decades of experience in experiential sales and storytelling, Danny shares a framework for captivating any audience by helping them feel seen, understood, and invested before you ever make your case. Danny Fontaine leads an experiential selling team at IBM and has closed millions of dollars in deals across industries. He is the author of Pitch: How to Captivate and Convince Any Audience on the Planet and hosts a UK-based podcast called “Pitch Masters” on modern selling, persuasion, and communication at work. Danny and Jessi discuss: Why pitching is really about connection, not performance How emotional storytelling builds trust and influence The “backfire effect” and why logic alone doesn’t persuade How to determine which opportunities are worth pitching—and which aren’t Why the audience, not the seller, should be the hero of every pitch Introverts, ambiverts, and why confidence isn’t what makes a great salesperson How AI can help you prepare without losing authenticity We will be launching the Hello Monday Book Club soon. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!

Ambition. Is it a dirty word? Do you love the term, or hate it? In this Hello Monday episode from the archives, Jessi Hempel sits down with two incredible colleagues at LinkedIn, Hayley Saltzman and Ahyiana Angel, to explore how our understanding of ambition evolves, and what it means to chase personal growth rather than external validation. Hayley Saltzman is an Editor at Large at LinkedIn, focusing on vertical video strategy. Ahyiana Angel was the Podcast Ad Ops Producer at LinkedIn and the host of her own podcast called Switch, Pivot, or Quit. Together, they reflect on how ambition is often shaped by external expectations and how true fulfillment comes when we start living for ourselves. In this episode, Jessi, Ahyiana, and Hayley discuss: The tension between extrinsic and intrinsic ambition Our gendered notions of ambition, and how society’s definition of ambition is often limiting for women What happens when you quit a dream job to pursue something more aligned with personal growth The relationship between fear and ambition Practical tips for reconnecting with your own ambitions and self-worth If you've ever questioned what success and ambition truly mean for you, this episode is for you. Whether you're navigating career transitions or redefining what ambition looks like in your life, we hope this conversation will inspire you to live and work authentically.

What if the very habits that made you successful are now the ones holding you back? In this episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel is joined by executive coach and leadership expert Muriel Wilkins to explore the hidden beliefs that quietly shape how we lead and make decisions. These “blocking beliefs”—like I need it done now, if I can do it, so can you—often begin as strengths. But over time, they can fuel burnout, micromanagement, and disengaged teams. Drawing from her new book, Leadership Unblocked, Muriel offers a practical framework for identifying the beliefs that no longer serve us and replacing them with more flexible, sustainable ways of leading—without losing ambition, standards, or control. Together, Jessi and Muriel unpack how leaders can expand their range, lead with greater ease, and grow their organizations by first growing themselves. In this conversation, you’ll learn: What “blocking beliefs” are and how they develop over the course of a career A three-step process for uncovering, unpacking, and unblocking limiting beliefs Why urgency and perfectionism often undermine leadership effectiveness How the belief “I need it done now” contributes to burnout and unclear priorities How the truth of our external environment can be reframed in the narrative we tell ourselves How to stop micromanaging without sacrificing accountability We are no longer hosting weekly Office Hours but are thrilled to launch the Hello Monday Book Club. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!

What is your dream job? What will your life look like in ten years? Kick off the New Year with a favorite Hello Monday activity: the Dream Job Exercise.  In this episode, host Jessi Hempel kicks off the new year with a powerful ritual she returns to every January: the Dream Job Exercise. It’s not about chasing a title or predicting the future—it’s about reclaiming imagination, agency, and hope in a moment when many professionals feel stuck or anxious about what comes next. Jessi explains why imagination may be the most essential career skill of the next decade—and how a simple writing exercise can help you clarify what you really want from your work and your life. Jessi walks listeners step by step through the Dream Job Exercise, sharing why looking 10 years ahead creates space to stop editing yourself and start dreaming again. Along the way, she reflects on how this practice helped her land a version of her own dream role—and why it can work as a decision-making filter in an era of constant change. In this episode, Jessi explores: The role of hope and personal agency in navigating career change Why imagination is a critical future-of-work skill How the Dream Job Exercise helps clarify what you actually want Why looking 10 years ahead unlocks bolder career thinking How this exercise can guide better career decisions year after year Whether you’re questioning your next move, feeling unsettled in a job you once loved, or simply craving more clarity as the year begins, this episode offers a grounding reset—and a practical tool to help you move forward with intention.

This week, a show about work brings you an episode about time away from work, and why we all need it. We hope you enjoy this classic holiday rerun from Hello Monday's very first year of production featuring some favorite vacation stories, and we’ll see you in the new year!

Uncertainty has become a defining feature of modern work. From shifting economic signals to rapid technological change, many professionals feel stuck in a constant state of not knowing—and they’re exhausted by it. In today's episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with journalist and behavioral scientist Elizabeth Weingarten to explore how asking better questions --not demanding faster answers--can help us navigate uncertainty.  Elizabeth is the author of How to Fall In Love With Questions. Her work focuses on uncertainty, decision-making, and how curiosity can help us build more meaningful lives and careers. In this conversation, she challenges the culture of binary thinking, and offers a powerful framework for living well in the unknown. Elizabeth and Jessi discuss: Why our tolerance for uncertainty is shrinking—and how technology plays a role The danger of binary questions and why “yes or no” often isn’t the right frame How to change the relationship we have to our questions Burnout, work, and what happens when we stop asking meaningful questions How to use questions as an internal GPS for career and life decisions We are no longer hosting weekly Office Hours but are thrilled to launch the Hello Monday Book Club starting in 2026. If you’re interested in joining, send us an email at hellomonday@linkedin.com and let us know!

High achievers like to go after their goals, but what if in the face of disruption, we’re skipping a step in our hurry to get going and get “doing”?  With ongoing layoffs and a new (sometimes scary) work landscape, so many of us are trying to figure out what opportunities remain, and what we should do next. But today’s guest, Victoria Foster, suggests we’re starting from the wrong place. Before trying to figure out what we can do, we should first ask: who do I want to be?  Victoria is an executive coach and co-founder of FutureWomenX. She invites us to step out of scarcity, tap into our deeper gifts, and reclaim our agency. She argues that instead of clinging to old definitions of success or the skills we’ve mastered, we need to understand the values, beliefs, and strengths beneath them. That’s where possibility lives. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi and Victoria discuss: Why defining ourselves by what we do limits our ability to adapt How to uncover the gifts beneath our skills, and why they matter Why layoffs often trigger shame, and how to reclaim your story The importance of honoring where you’ve been before choosing what’s next How community and courageous conversations help us face the unknown Why 2025 demands a new mindset for navigating work and identity Continue the conversation with us at our last Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

Artist & content creator Elyse Myers initially gained popularity after a viral TikTok video about buying 100 tacos on a date. Since then, she’s built a massive following off of her compelling storytelling and unique perspective on the world. But when her followers started suggesting that she might be autistic, Elyse was surprised…even resistant. She looked into it, got an assessment, and eventually, a formal autism diagnosis as an adult.  Since being diagnosed with autism, Elyse has found herself living more authentically. Recently, she’s shared about the process of getting a diagnosis and how it has benefited her in more ways than she could have imagined.  In this episode of Hello Monday, Elyse sits down with Jessi Hempel to discuss how her new self understanding impacts the way she connects with others at home and at work. Elyse and Jessi talk about: How an adult autism diagnosis helped Elyse understand herself better The importance of giving people a toolbox to understand and love you How Elyse approaches getting to know others  Missing social cues in the workplace  How neurodivergence can be an asset in the workplace  Elyse’s willingness to be open online about the personal transformation and changes she goes through  Whether you’re working with a neurodivergent colleague, navigating an adult diagnosis yourself, or wondering how autism might impact your child,  this conversation offers a look at how a successful artist & creator works with her brain–not against it–to succeed.  Check out Elyse’s new book: That’s a Great Story, I’d Love to Tell You. Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

Most of us were taught to be agreeable. To be easy. To be helpful. But constantly saying “yes” can drain our energy and derail our careers. In this episode from the Hello Monday archives, Jessi Hempel sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, to explore why saying “no” feels so hard and why reclaiming defiance is essential to our confidence, clarity, and integrity. In her conversation with Jessi, Dr. Sah breaks down how to recognize compliance, interrupt it, and rebuild a relationship with “no” that is grounded, principled, and guilt-free. Jessi and Dr. Sah discuss: Why saying “no” triggers discomfort What insinuation anxiety is, and how it quietly shapes workplace behavior Strategies to speak up even when the stakes feel high How to break patterns of over-compliance and reclaim autonomy How to make defiance a practice How to align your “no” with your values Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us on the LinkedIn News page this Wednesday at 3 PM ET.

No one plans to lose their financial independence. But for many women, it happens slowly, quietly, over years of caregiving and career pauses. In today’s episode, Jessi Hempel sits down with Steph Wagner, expert voice in women’s wealth and financial empowerment and author of Fly: A Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love, to talk about what it really takes to rebuild your financial life. Steph began her career in investment banking, drawn to numbers, strategy, and financial control. A brief pause from work to focus on motherhood turned into 14 years, during which she lost her income, confidence, and ultimately her marriage. When she discovered her husband’s double life, she was surprised to find herself financially unprepared. Her story is one many women will recognize, whether the catalyst is divorce, job loss, grief, or a major life transition.  Jessi and Steph discuss: How women slowly lose financial power, and how to take it back The emotional toll of financial dependence, shame, and starting over Why so many of us carry scarcity mindsets we don’t even realize we learned in childhood How to identify your “money personality” and how it shapes your habits How compounding interest and awareness of opportunity cost can quietly transform your financial future Why traditional budgets fail and Steph’s 45/20/35 model that actually works How to talk about money with partners, kids, and family members who have their own money beliefs What it really looks like to rebuild your identity after financial and emotional collapse And how to build healthier relationships without giving up your financial autonomy again Steph’s story is a reminder that financial freedom isn’t about having more money, it’s about understanding your choices, aligning them with your values, and believing you’re capable of steering your own life. The skills are learnable. And it’s never too late to begin.

Most people think personal branding is for the loudest voices in the room. But Goldie Chan, longtime creator and author of Personal Branding for Introverts, believes the opposite; introverts have superpowers that make them uniquely equipped to shape a personal brand with depth, clarity, and impact. Goldie has built a global audience with her signature green hair, thoughtful storytelling, and approachable advice for people who don’t want to pretend to be someone they’re not. In this episode of Hello Monday, she sits down with Jessi Hempel for a practical, generous conversation about how introverts can build a personal brand that feels authentic, sustainable, and true to who they are. Jessi and Goldie discuss: Why personal branding is not about being loud The difference between reputation (what others say) and personal brand (what you say) Goldie’s 5 Cs framework: clarity, consistency, competency, confidence, and community What it really means to be an introvert How “loud introverts” can manage energy, show up powerfully, and recover afterward Tips for networking without draining your battery, from scripts to small-group strategy Why “evergreen content” is your friend, and how to build a sustainable posting cadenceThe power of making mistakes in an AI-saturated world How to evolve your brand over time without confusing your audience Practical advice for job seekers, career pivoters, and anyone afraid of climbing “Cringe Mountain” Goldie’s message is clear: introverts don’t need to become extroverts to build a meaningful presence. They just need the right tools, and permission to build a brand in a way that honors their energy, creativity, and voice. Continue the conversation at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us this Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page. Want more? Watch the full conversation with Goldie Chan with LinkedIn Premium.

Most of us were taught to “play the game” when it comes to money; work hard, follow the rules, and financial stability will follow. But what happens when the game itself was never built for most of us to win? Jasmine Rashid calls herself a financial activist. She’s an impact investor, writer, and advocate who believes that reclaiming power in our financial systems starts with everyday people—not policymakers or billionaires, but those of us who spend, save, and invest every day. Her new book, The Financial Activist Playbook: Eight Strategies for Everyday People to Reclaim Wealth and Collective Wellbeing, is part invitation, part instruction manual for building a fairer economy from the ground up. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel talks with Jasmine about how to put people back into the economy. Together, they explore how financial activism can help us move from scarcity to abundance, and from isolation to collective power. Jessi and Jasmine discuss: Why both finance and activism feel intimidating—and how to reclaim both How to build community wealth instead of just personal wealth Why talking about money is an act of empowerment How scarcity mindsets and cultural taboos keep us disconnected The role of mutual aid and community care in a just economy Why “enough” is one of the most radical financial goals we can set How expanding our definition of capital can change everything The power of collective action to build a fairer financial future Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

What if the traits that once got you in trouble could actually be your greatest strengths? Viral creators Penn and Kim Holderness have built careers—and a family life—around embracing ADHD. They join Jessi Hempel to talk about how understanding the ADHD brain can transform frustration into creativity, connection, and confidence. Penn and Kim Holderness—viral content creators, parents, and partners—have built an entire career on laughter, honesty, and showing what real family life looks like. With over 5 million followers and hundreds of millions of views, they’re known for turning everyday chaos into hilarious and heartfelt videos about marriage, parenting, and mental health. In this episode of Hello Monday, they sit down with Jessi Hempel to talk about how embracing ADHD has reshaped their lives, their marriage, and their work—and why understanding neurodiversity can be the key to unlocking success. In this episode, Penn and Kim open up about: How shame and misunderstanding often mask ADHD’s gifts The systems and strategies that make their partnership work Why reframing “fixation” as “hyperfocus” can change everything How parents and leaders can support ADHD brains—at home and at work The growing cultural awareness around neurodiversity and creativity Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, leading a team, or navigating your own diagnosis, this conversation offers a roadmap for understanding difference as strength. Check out Penn and Kim’s new children’s book: All You Can Be with ADHD Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

In the age of endless scrolling, the antidote to overconsumption is creativity. Dr. Jennifer Freed believes that when we spend less time consuming and more time creating, we reconnect to something essential: our vitality. A clinical psychologist and astrologer with over 40 years of experience, Jennifer combines psychology and spirituality to help people understand themselves more deeply and live more fully. Her client list includes everyone from celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow to teens in her nonprofit program AHA!, which supports emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusion. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Jennifer to explore how creativity, self-awareness, and collective action can help us navigate a world in flux. They discuss how to turn grief into imagination, why nostalgia can hold us back, and how astrology can serve as a “map” to our potential—not a prediction of our fate. Jessi and Jennifer discuss: Why creativity is the antidote to consumption How grief and reinvention go hand in hand The difference between astrology as prediction and astrology as self-understanding What it means to find “immunity” from collective despair Why spiritual bypassing keeps us stuck—and how to move through pain instead The discipline of daily creation (even when you’re not “good” at it) What Jennifer learned from writing her first novel and redefining success Why our human longing for love, meaning, health, and purpose unites us all Jennifer’s work bridges the head and the heart. Her message: less consumption, more creation. When we make something—however imperfect—we resist the pull of cynicism and reclaim our power to imagine a better future. Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

When your story falls apart, how do you begin again? Jen Hatmaker has lived through more than one public unraveling. Once an acclaimed evangelical Christian leader and author, she lost much of her audience when she began to publicly speak out against racism and homophobia within the church. And then, a few years later, she lost her marriage too. But instead of retreating, she rebuilt her life from the ground up. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Jen to talk about faith, identity, and what happens when you decide to live in alignment with your values, even when it means losing the world you built. Jen shares what she’s learned about listening to her intuition, rewriting her story, and building a new identity rooted in honesty and self-trust. Her new book, Awake, begins the night everything changed—and chronicles how she moved from shock and grief to calm and clarity. Jessi and Jen discuss: What it means to lose everything you thought defined you How to tell the truth about your life, even when it breaks the story you wanted How to listen to intuition when fear is loud Jen’s experience of public cancellation after confronting racism and affirming LGBTQ+ rights The difference between recovering and truly flourishing How identity evolves after faith, marriage, and public failure What it takes to move from rupture to renewal Jen’s story is about more than resilience. It’s about the power of starting over and finding freedom on the other side of letting go. Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

The economy can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. As markets shift, housing costs rise, and labor shortages disrupt industries, economist Kyla Scanlon believes the way forward is understanding how the economy really works—and seeing the human connections at its core. Kyla is the founder of the financial education company Bread and the author of In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work. She creates viral, accessible content that makes economics understandable, actionable, and even empowering. In this episode from our Hello Monday archives, Jessi Hempel sits down with Kyla to break down how money, markets, and macroeconomic forces impact our everyday lives—and how shifting from scarcity to abundance can help us navigate them. Jessi and Kyla discuss: Why understanding the economy starts with people, trust, and relationships How labor shortages, the housing crisis, and renewable energy challenges really work The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance—and why it matters for decision-making How economic systems can feel complicated but are actually predictable Practical ways to make informed financial choices in personal and professional life Why the economy isn’t just numbers—it’s human, and it can even be beautiful Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.

Brené Brown has spent more than two decades studying courage, vulnerability, and leadership. Her work has changed how we talk about shame and belonging—and helped millions of people lead with more humanity.  In her new book, Strong Ground, Brené introduces the idea of “grounded confidence”: a practice of leading with consistency, clarity, and courage instead of bravado. She argues that the strongest leaders aren’t the loudest or the most certain. They’re the ones willing to hold paradoxes, set boundaries, and strip away the armor that keeps us stuck. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Brené to talk about what it really takes to lead today, and why developing human skills, like courage and empathy, matters more than ever. Jessi and Brené discuss: Why we’ve been “building on dysfunction” at work—and how to stop How to embrace paradox instead of rushing toward certainty Why grounded confidence is a stronger foundation than bravado What leaders get wrong about vulnerability How values clarify choices and protect against resentment Practical ways to set boundaries and build trust Why human skills are the real core muscles of work today Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page. 🎥 Want more? LinkedIn Premium members can watch an extended version of this interview.

When rejection strikes, smart bets win. Mark Cuban knows that the biggest opportunities don’t come from luck, they come from bold, calculated moves. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Mark, the entrepreneur, investor, and Shark Tank star, to uncover how he turns setbacks into wins and spots opportunities before anyone else does. From negotiating high-stakes deals to pivoting careers in uncertain times, he shares the mindset and strategies that help him thrive when the future feels unpredictable. This conversation will leave you with tools to: Identify opportunities others overlook Make smarter bets that pay off Turn rejection and failure into momentum Negotiate with confidence and get what you’re worth Stay resilient in a world that never stops changing Navigate career pivots, ageism, and salary conversations at any stage Don’t just survive the changing world of work; learn how to turn uncertainty into your greatest advantage. Continue the conversation at Hello Monday Office Hours, Wednesdays at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page. Watch the extended conversation with LinkedIn Premium.

Why does success make men more likable, but women less so? Researchers call it the success–likeability paradox, and it’s one of the biggest challenges women face as they rise in their careers. In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Kate Mason—executive coach, former world champion debater, and author of the new book Powerfully Likeable—to explore how women can succeed without sacrificing authenticity or influence. Kate argues that likability and power aren’t opposites. In fact, the most effective leaders know how to blend authority with connection, conviction with empathy. And with the right communication tools, we can all do the same. Jessi and Kate discuss: Why the likability–success paradox persists—and how to navigate it How women can project authority without being labeled “too much” Why over-preparation holds many leaders back (and how to stop) What executive presence really means (and why the term is flawed) Why you don’t have to minimize yourself to be liked Practical ways to build authentic influence through better communication Why failure is essential to success—and how to reframe it as experimentation If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking a tightrope between being likable and being respected, Kate offers a new way forward—one that’s rooted in communication, confidence, and authenticity. Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News page.