9 to 5ish with theSkimm theSkimm

For Amy Griffin, being one of the most successful venture capitalists actually has a lot in common with being a college athlete. Amy played volleyball at the University of Virginia, and now as the founder and managing partner of G9 Ventures, she helps early-stage startups perform their best in a different kind of arena. And some of the companies she’s coached include Goop, Athletic Greens, and Bumble. This week, we ask Amy about the secret to her coaching magic. Which, spoiler, is all about relationships. 

In this episode, Amy shares: 

How her mentality as a college athlete stayed with her throughout her career

Her experience stepping out of, and stepping back into, the workforce 

How she supports founders through the good times – and the bad 

Her approach to relationship-building 

How founders can prepare for an uncertain economic environment 

From navigating war zones to negotiating with affiliates of terrorist organizations, Emily Hikade lived for the thrill of working as a CIA officer. But a near death experience at work made her realize: it was time to try a different kind of adventure. While in East Africa, Emily worked nights to start her luxury sleepwear brand, Petite Plume. Today, Emily shares how working in diplomacy prepared her for the challenges of being a founder and CEO.

In this episode, Emily Hikade shares:

Why she knew she’d have an international career from an early age

The moment she started feeling vulnerable in her CIA career 

What a near-death experience put into perspective for her

How she started her business while working full-time and being a mom of three 

Advice on how to know which investors are worth working with 

Pinky Cole came up with her business, Slutty Vegan, in her apartment in Atlanta. She started by taking orders through Instagram DMs and eventually expanded to multiple locations outside of ATL. Now, her company’s worth $100 million. But she says: she wouldn’t have gotten there without hitting rock bottom first. Today, how Pinky found her success, and why she wants to help people in the Black community find theirs too. 

In this episode, Pinky shares: 

Her favorite recipe from her new book, Eat Plants B*tch

How a grease fire that destroyed her restaurant was actually a blessing

Her philosophy on success – and why it’s not about being the only one winning

Why giving up entrepreneurship and returning to a 9-5 job was the hardest thing she’s done in her career

When Kimberly Brown wrote a high school paper about her dream of becoming a social worker, she knew helping people would be central to her work. She ended up in higher ed as a career counselor. And after she helped her first student get a job, she was hooked. Since then, Kimberly founded her own company to help people – especially women of color – find meaningful work and level up in their careers. 
In this episode, Kimberly shares:

How celebrating her wins has helped her mental health

Her advice to mid-career women on how to find that next step

Who might be missing from your professional development network 

Why the transition from higher ed to a corporation was the hardest career challenge she’s overcome

On this special episode of 9 to 5ish, Carly and Danielle take listeners through their favorite stories and moments from 2022. 
In this episode, Carly and Danielle share:

Their favorite moments from guest lightning round answers

How prioritizing mental and physical health came up in nearly every episode

Why many of their guests had to rethink their professional identities

The people who got our guests through the year – and why they’re so important


9 to 5ish will be back in your feed next Thursday. See you in the new year. 

Carey Mulligan was rejected from several drama schools when she was a teenager. But instead of giving up, she sent a letter to a famous actor she’d met once. That letter led to a networking dinner, then to an audition for “Pride and Prejudice", and ultimately, her first role. Today, Carey shares how being bold in the face of rejection landed her in films on the big screen. 

In this episode, Carey shares: 

Why she reached out to Julian Fellowes for advice on pursuing acting

How she navigated the industry without formal training or experience

The hardest play she’s ever done – and why her director almost canceled it

Why doing a press tour 3.5 weeks after having her kid helped her postpartum depression

Her favorite episode of her new Amazon-exclusive podcast, “I Hear Fear”