Make It Without Losing It: Jess Ekstrom on Speaking, Purpose and Creating Success without Losing your Soul

Make It Without Losing It: Jess Ekstrom on Speaking, Purpose and Creating Success without Losing your Soul

July 10, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

Jess Ekstrom shares her journey of building successful businesses while maintaining personal integrity and balance.

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Jess Ekstrom—entrepreneur, acclaimed speaker, and author for an inspiring exploration of what it truly means to "make it without losing it." From launching Headbands of Hope in college and scaling it into a nationally recognized business, to becoming one of the busiest keynote speakers and founding Mic Drop Workshop to empower women speakers, Jess's story is one of pursuing ambition with presence and heart. Jess opens up about her early days hustling for speaking gigs, the moment she realized her impact could multiply by helping others reach the stage, and the challenges and joys of building a career (and family) alongside her husband. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the power of telling your story with intention, how to transform personal moments into meaningful takeaways for others, and the importance of healthy ambition—especially as a parent and partner. From candid advice for public speakers, to raw reflections on work-life harmony, Jess's journey offers wisdom on scaling success while staying grounded, present, and fulfilled. Whether you're an aspiring speaker, a driven entrepreneur, or searching for…

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