Work Friends

One of the biggest stylists of the moment, Sophie Lopez, got her start in magazines after some very persistent letter writing. And her resiliency continued to pay off as she transitioned to a freelance styling role. She built a list of incredible clients—including Kate Hudson, whom she’s worked with for two decades—built her personal brand on social media, and recently stepped into a stylist role for Kate’s Isla Gordon on Netflix's Running Point season 2 (where a lot of Argent can be spotted). This week, Sophie takes us through the real story of building her career—the ups, downs, and the many times she ran before she could walk. 0:00 - Introduction3:20 - Biggest "Oh No" This Week4:06 - Colombian Meets British Culture5:52 - Playing Dress Up & Styling Barbies12:20 - A Foot in the Door at Conde Nast16:31 - From Super Intern to Stylist20:04 - Failure is Just a Lesson24:56 - The Business of Styling27:00 - Run Before You Can Walk28:17 - '00s Indie Bands and Kate Hudson33:42 - "Hideous" Fashion Regrets41:16 - When to Say Yes, and Confidence to Say No44:35 - From Resisting to Embracing Social Media49:17 - The Substantial Power of Personal Style50:22 - Running Point Season 255:44 - "Resilience is more important than talent"57:22 - Would You RatherOn Sali: Argent Edgar Blazer, x Citizens of Humanity Ayla BaggyOn Sophie: Argent Longsleeve Draped 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

Hannah Bronfman has worn many hats in her career: DJ, entrepreneur, VC, content creator. And today, she’s walking through them all…without glossing over the tough parts. After all, Hannah has built a community that comes to her for her openness to share—from wellness advice to deeply personal losses to business plans that inevitably turned soul-crushing. We spoke with her on the heels of her debut on Amazon’s "The CEO Club," and got the updates that you didn’t see on the show. 0:00 - Introduction2:10 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment6:05 - Growing up in New York City9:21 - Paris Hilton (in Paris)11:40 - Becoming a DJ15:45 - Burnout & Wellness Journey19:21 - Entrepreneurship & Failure26:40 - #HBFIT28:45 - Fertility, Vulnerability, & Community30:20 - Funding Female Founders39:28 - Conteur Capital 46:19 - “The CEO Club” & Fundraising Challenges49:00 -  “The CEO of Hannah Bronfman"51:58 - What Happens Behind the Scenes56:28 - Advice for Entrepreneurs59:11 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Double-Breasted Blazer, Shortsleeve Scoop Neck, and Pleated TrouserOn Hannah: Maybelle Pocket Tee and Tailored Cargo PantHosted 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

Melissa Murray is an NYU Law professor, New York Times bestselling author, and cohost of @strictscrutinypodcast, where she breaks down the biggest legal battles and political messes in our country. She’s also the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, set to release on May 5.Today, she sits down with Sali to share how she established herself as a prominent voice in law, to remind us of the power of “we the people,” and to explain why she refuses to discuss the law from a place of neutrality. Listen or watch the full episode at the link in bio.0:00 - Introduction2:45 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment4:35 - Child of Jamaican Immigrants11:18 - “Maybe I could be a lawyer.”13:45 - Navigating Grief Before College 15:25 - A Full Scholarship to UVA 18:03 - Deferring Yale Law21:08 - Clerking for Justice Sonia Sotomayor23:45 - A Mentorship Misconception27:09 - Working in Education43:18- Being a Professor in 202639:30- Coaching Middle School Debate Club41:30 - "Strict Scrutiny" & Ditching Neutrality44:20 - Why Write a Book On The U.S. Constitution?53:55 - Dress Code for Lawyers58:51 - “You have to know what your season is.”1:00:49 - Would You Rather? Clarifications:At 47:​35, the Constitution was ratified in state legislatures, not in Philadelphia.At 4​9:​00, Dred Scott was decided in 1857 not 1858.On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Single Pleat TrouserOn Melissa: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Wide Leg 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

Starting in her late teens, Chelsea Leyland built a global DJ career, collaborating with some of the world's biggest fashion brands. However, it was her personal health struggles that led to her work now in advocacy and as the cofounder of Looni, a menstrual health and wellness company. Chelsea was diagnosed with epilepsy in childhood and, after suffering with painful periods for years, she was also diagnosed with endometriosis in her 20s. Today, she sits down with Sali to share her incredible journey, from searching for treatments and becoming a vocal advocate for plant-based medicine, to finding the right cofounder and understanding the essential role community plays in the healing journey.0:53 - Introduction 2:56 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment 3:58 - Growing Up In London vs. N.Y.C. 13:06 - Epilepsy Diagnosis16:02 - DJing Career 18:55 - Epilepsy Stigma21:30 - Endometriosis & Medical Cannabis24:40 - Women Left Behind in Medical Research30:25 - "Sisters Interrupted" Documentary 34:14 - Is Chelsea Still DJing? 34:48 - Founding Looni44:18 - Choosing a Cofounder52:40 - Prescribing Community55:48 - Advice for Advocacy 56:57 - Would You Rather?On Sali: Argent Belted Double Breasted Blazer and Prince TrouserOn Chelsea: Argent Lenox Blazer and Pleated Taper 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

Trailblazer and self-professed rulebreaker Reshma Saujani joins us on Work Friends this week. Reshma is the founder and former CEO of Girls Who Code, a New York Times bestselling author, and the host of the podcast “My So-Called Midlife.” Today, she’s also the founder and CEO of Moms First, where she continues to be an awe-inspiring culture-shifter and staunch advocate for women—from girlhood to motherhood and beyond. Her latest venture at Moms First is Reshma’s debut documentary project this June, spotlighting the lies dividing American moms and chronicling a nationwide movement to bring them back together and win historic support.There’s so much amazing ground to cover in this discussion, as we walk through:Reshma’s background as a first-generation American who set her sights on law school.her decision to run for U.S. Congress—the first Indian American woman to do so—and how she dealt with feelings of failure after her loss.why she pivoted to launching a coding organization for young girls, eventually turning it into the largest pipeline for women and nonbinary individuals to careers in STEM.the historic struggle of mothers in America, and a real solution to the affordability issue (hint: it’s not eggs.)and, why Moms First debut documentary is lifting the voices of all mothers…and how you can get involved, too.For more information about Moms First: The History of American Motherhood, or to submit your own story to the film, become an associate producer, or sign up to host a screening in your hometown, check out momsfirst.us/doc.On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Tailored Cargo PantOn Reshma: Argent Colorblocked Sculpted 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 @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Beth Hutchens sits down with Sali. Beth has spent her career in fashion, first cofounding the Rebecca Taylor brand in her 20s, alongside designer Rebecca Taylor. As CEO, Beth saw the company reach massive success. But after nearly two decades, she stepped away and launched Foundrae.The celebrity-loved jewelry brand is known for its stunning, statement-making adornments that feature 18 karat gold, precious stones, and symbols—both overt and subtle—that make each piece a personal treasure for whoever wears it.Naturally, when it comes to making a big career change, Beth is a supporter. After all, it’s no small feat to become a successful two-time founder. She joins us to share more about how she navigated:launching a fashion brand without a business plan.the absolute “lawless” fashion industry of the ‘90s.how she decided to step down from a company she thought she would spend her entire life at.the “stupid” mistakes she made when she launched Foundrae.and the questions anyone should ask themselves before making a major career pivot.On Sali: Argent Belted Peak Lapel Blazer and Tailored Cargo Pants and Foundrae Sister Hook Necklace, Pause Small Mixed Clip Extension Necklace, and Strong Heart BangleOn Beth: Argent Oversized V-Neck SweaterHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today’s guest on Work Friends, we have a guest who—for many—needs no introduction: Ricki Lake. As a teen, Ricki landed her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ Hairspray and, just a few years later, became the youngest talk show host in history with her self-titled show, Ricki Lake. Today on Work Friends, the ‘90s icon sits down with Sali to get into the reality (and major missteps) of her success, including:landing her first roles in Hollywood, without a plan B.navigating the chapter when her work dried up.how playing Tracy Turnblad helped her become a good talk show host.the famously scandalous storylines that played out over 11 seasons of her show.the project she considers to be her legacy (that’s not her talk show).how shes holding up after losing her home in LA wildfires last year.and what’s defining this chapter of life and work for the one-and-only Ricki Lake.On Sali: Argent Double Breasted Crewneck BlazerOn Ricki: Argent Unlined Chelsea BlazerHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Sali is joined by the President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, Fatima Goss Graves. A staunch champion for all women and girls and defender of civil rights, Fatima is a first-generation lawyer who comes from a family that intimately understands the importance of equal protection under the law. In this episode, she gets into her backstory, as well as what it was like navigating Yale Law School (not without imposter syndrome) and, eventually, navigating Congress (not without Real Housewives comparisons). Fatima is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, especially in the current political climate, and shares:how she found success, without knowing the “secret language” of Yale Law. how some laws that “defend” and “advance” women may actually be doing to opposite.what to know if you believe your civil rights are being stripped away.the common misconception around creating societal change, and why you should actually think smaller. And, much more!On Sali: Argent Belted Double-Breasted Blazer and Single Pleat Trouser, and Argent x Citizens of Humanity Nello TeeOn Fatima: Argent Chelsea Blazer and Wide Leg TrouserWork Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudiosWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Sali sits down with Abby Phillip, the host of NewsNight with Abby Phillip on CNN. Since joining the network in 2017, Abby has covered the biggest headlines in the country and around the globe. Notably, she also co-moderated the democratic debate for the 2020 presidential election.A self-professed introvert, Abby got her start in print and digital media and never set out to be on television. But today, she’s widely recognized as one of the most prominent voices of political news. Just last week, she also released her debut book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power (be sure to pick up a copy!), which has been years in the making and documents the legacy of the political and civil rights leader.As a journalist, Abby is a steady, calming presence among a slew of emotionally charged headlines. She sits down to share her career story, including:why she switched from pre-med to journalism while at Harvard.feeling like a fish out of water in the workplace, and the “myth” about hard work and merit.why she waited a year to accept a job on camera at CNN.how the 2020 democratic debate was both a career high and a career low.and, her advice for future journalists: “be a good guy.”On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer, Soho Trouser, and Fine CrewneckOn Abby: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck BlazerWork Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

This week, Sali sits down with Shaniqua McClendon, a political strategist, commentator, and the Vice President of Politics for Crooked Media. Shaniqua has spent her career in politics—starting with an internship in the Obama White House, followed by stints with several elected officials. In 2018, she joined Crooked Media—a company most known for its suite of popular podcasts, including Pod Save America—in a role that’s focused heavily on its Vote Save America initiative. It’s here where Shaniqua’s work has been making incredible strides to drive voters into action, in both the biggest elections nationwide and on local levels. To date, she’s helped raise over $70 million for progressive causes and candidates, and driven nearly a million people to register to vote or check their registration.At a time when political angst is high, Shaniqua’s background has prepared her to meet this moment, and she shares it all—highs and lows—in today’s episode, including:how witnessing Hurricane Katrina moved her to work in politics.landing a job on The Hill—what she considers her late mother’s final gift to her.the “pay it forward” lesson that’s left a lasting impression.why she considers attending the Harvard Kennedy School to be some of the most difficult years of her life.getting hired at Crooked Media…even if in a rather undefined role at first.launching a new vision of Vote Save America, and so much more.On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Tank, and Prince TrouserOn Shaniqua: Argent Scoop Neck Double-Breasted Dress Work Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Sali is joined by Lauren Sherman, one of the most prominent voices in fashion journalism. The Fashion Correspondent at Puck, writer behind the Line Sheet newsletter, and host of the Fashion People podcast has her pulse on the industry’s major players, insights into how business is done, and—most importantly—is the expert at distilling it to the masses. An adept interviewer, Lauren has the tables flipped today as Sali gets the real story about how she’s built her career. Take a listen for:how she fell in love with fashion through Jane Pratt’s Sassy magazine.what it was like breaking into the fashion industry, learning which jobs to accept and which to reject.her advice for knowing your worth and not being attached to what your end goal looks like.how she approaches her reporting at Puck, and how it’s indicative of a new era of media.why The Devil Wears Prada is an “accurate” depiction of fashion, and so much more.On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer, Oversized Pocket Tee, and Wooster ShortWork Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudiosWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Today, Vicky Tsai shares her incredible story of building a career that aligns with her passion. The founder and former CEO of Tatcha sits down with Sali as they discuss how she built successful careers in finance and marketing before quitting both to seek a more fulfilling path.In 2009, she launched Tatcha, an esteemed beauty company inspired by centuries-old traditions passed down from geishas in Japan. It began with a singular product—the Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers—and grew into a brand beloved by makeup artists, actors, and consumers everywhere.Of course, there were many bumps and sacrifices along the way, and Vicky candidly shares them all today, including:spending years struggling to find products that soothed her eczema.traveling to Japan to learn about traditional geisha beauty rituals.facing extreme financial hardship while bringing a new company to life.selling her own engagement ring to pay for Tatcha’s very first product on the market.having her company acquired...and then getting pushed out.and how she made her return to Tatcha and is marking the current chapter of her business.On Sali: Argent Boyfriend Blazer, Maybelle Pocket Tee, and Argent X Citizens of Humanity Alya BaggyOn Vicky: Argent X Citizens of Humanity WaistcoatWork Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podhead Studios @podheadstudiosWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Amanda Litman has a clear vision for what the next generation of leadership looks like—and it may include a four-day workweek, among other things. As the co-founder and president of Run For Something, Amanda leads an organization that recruits and supports young, diverse candidates to run for office—backing over 3,000 rookie candidates to date, and receiving an influx of over 60,000 new hopefuls since the 2024 election alone. Amanda is also the author of the recently released When We’re in Charge, a must-read for anyone in, or aspiring to be in, a leadership position. We’ll discuss it all, including:what it was like working for President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton.how parenting and leading a team are actually not all that different.why you should consider adopting a four-day workweek. Yes, really!the barrage of phone calls she received after the 2016 election that led to the launch of Run For Something.and why diversity and inclusion are not only morally good, but good for business.On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Pleated Trouser in lemon, and Crewneck Tank in ivory.On Amanda: Argent Two-Button Blazer and Jones Trouser in powder blue.Work Friends CreditsHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.