EP163 - Find Your Voice: Jess Ekstrom on Personal Storytelling
In this inspiring episode, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands for Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, to explore the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity. Jess shares her journey from starting a business in college to becoming a bestselling author and motivational speaker, all while navigating the societal expectations placed on women and mothers.
Jess also dives into the challenges of embracing one's true self in a world driven by external validation, the power of ordinary stories in connecting with audiences, and the importance of finding fulfillment in the process rather than the outcome. Whether you're striving to lead with impact, balance career and family, or simply seeking to live more authentically, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.
Meet Jess Ekstrom
Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, 2x best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and new mom.
Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on Today and Good Morning America and in Seventeen, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People. More importantly, they've helped millions of women and girls around the world.
She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing peekaboo with her baby, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Intro
04:03 Starting Mic Drop Workshop
06:33 Why emotional connection matters in branding and communication
07:57 Helping people overcome the 'I don't have a story' mindset
12:29 Why do you keep comparing yourself?
19:20 Balancing ambition and authenticity
21:44 Celebrating others’ success
24:29 Finding joy in anticipation
27:39 Enjoying the process is key to success
30:59 Motherhood and career
36:22 Handling outside pressures to “do it all”
43:11 Why assumptions about women in the workplace need to change
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Jess:
https://www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/
Where to find Tyler:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdickerhoof
https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/
https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader/
https://twitter.com/ImpactDLeader
About the Impact Driven Leader Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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