Mountaintop Conversations by Saysh

Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, didn't grow up privileged, but her mother constantly empowered her and let her know that she could do anything no matter the obstacles she might face due to her gender and race. From a young age, Mellody learned how to advocate for herself and what she needed. Before attending Princeton University, fate would have her meet John W. Rogers Jr., founder and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, whom she'd eventually end up working with. In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Mellody discusses how her mother motivated and influenced her to not only lead but also be a better mother to her daughter, Emory. She also shares her love for finance, her experience as a Black woman in a male-dominated field, why we need more diversity in all professions, especially the C-suite, and why financial literacy is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.Follow Ariel Investments on Instagram @arielinvestments and on Twitter @ArielInvestsFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter @bysayshLearn more about Ariel Investments at arielinvestments.comJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Candace Parker's career hasn't been as easy as some may think. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2021 WNBA champion has received numerous accolades, but she's also experienced her fair share of being doubted and counted out. In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Candace explains her decision to leave the Los Angeles Sparks after 13 seasons and the importance of betting on yourself everyday, taking risks, and pursuing your purpose. Candace also shares how motherhood has changed her life on and off the court, and how her career has inspired her daughter, but more importantly, how her daughter has inspired her and motivated her to chase her dreams. She also discusses the progress the WNBA is making for women athletes and the future of women in sports.  Follow Candace Parker @candaceparkerFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter @bysayshJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Melody Ehsani never knew she could do all the things she's done to date, as a designer, and as a creative director. Early on, she had every intention of becoming a lawyer, but that career trajectory didn't fulfill her. Instead of following a predetermined path and repeating familial history, Melody decided to live for herself and turned to design to express herself in ways she hadn't been able to before. In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Melody discusses how she became a designer, the importance of self-awareness, practicing listening, creating groundedness, and how she hopes the sneaker and design industry will continue to grow and become more inclusive by embracing femininity. Follow Melody Ehsani @melodyehsaniFollow Melody Ehsani's shop @melodyehsanishopFollow Allyson Felix: @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix: @pwesly22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter: @bysayshCheck out more from Melody Ehsani at www.melodyehsani.comJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Christy Turlington Burns, model, activist, and mother gets candid about her modeling career and how she didn't fully identify with what people expected a model to be. She also shares the importance of knowing one's self, feeling seen and known, and how her birth experience led her to become a maternal health advocate and founder of the non-profit, Every Mother Counts. Follow Christy Turlington Burns @cturlingtonFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter @bysayshLearn more about Every Mother Counts at everymothercounts.orgJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

From a young age, Stacey Abrams was aware of how different people's lives could turn out due to their socioeconomic status. Ever since, her passion has been to help people gain access to opportunities — no matter who they are or where they're from. In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Abrams reflects on her 2018 run for governor of Georgia and one of the important lessons she learned along the way: celebrating your losses and learning your lessons. She also talks about knowing your why, no matter what you're trying to achieve, and how to continue moving forward and to stay motivated. Follow Stacey Abrams @staceyabramsFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter: @bysayshJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, bestselling author of “Think Again,” and Wharton's top-rated professor has a lot to say about improving organizations and helping people find more motivation and meaning at work and in their personal lives. In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Adam shares how he improves toxic work cultures, promotes collaboration and inclusion, and coaches leaders.Follow Adam Grant on Instagram @adamgrant and on Twitter @AdamMGrantFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter: @bysayshJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

Losing is tough, especially when you're in the public eye. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, shattered the glass ceiling with her 2016 presidential campaign. And although she lost the election, her journey showed women around the world that they are capable and deserving of being in positions of power.  In this episode of Mountaintop Conversations, Hillary discusses the sacrifices her husband made during her presidential campaign, how criticism can help you grow, her approach to advocacy, and how she's helping more women of color run for office. After two decades in politics, Hillary's mission has never wavered. She's still fighting to improve children's lives, she's still fighting for universal healthcare, and she's still fighting against injustice and inequality. Follow Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton @hillaryclintonFollow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh @bysayshLearn more about Onward Together at www.onwardtogether.orgJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

People will write you off and count you out, but it's up to you to keep going when you know you have more left. Allyson Felix, president and co-founder of Saysh, and the most decorated track and field athlete in U.S. history, found herself in a difficult position after starting her family and not feeling seen or respected by her former sponsor Nike. Instead of giving up, she used her platform to stand up for herself, and ultimately, countless young girls and women around the world. In need of a shoe to race in as she pursued making her fifth Olympic team, she and her brother Wes Felix, CEO and co-founder of Saysh, decided to dream big and create her very own spike and lifestyle brand for women. In this episode, the duo shares the backstory of how Saysh came to be, the inspiration behind Mountaintop Conversations, and what to expect for this season. Follow Allyson Felix @allysonfelixFollow Wes Felix @pwesley22Follow Saysh @bysayshJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com

When seven-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix was counted out by her then-sponsor, Nike, she decided to take a risk: speak out, stand up for herself, and advocate for others. After finding her voice and parting ways with Nike, Allyson and her brother Wes Felix wanted to make women feel valued and seen and created Saysh, a lifestyle brand for women.When thinking about their why, they kept returning to former First Lady Michelle Obama's concept of “the mountaintop.”On Mountaintop Conversations, Allyson and Wes speak to iconic leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists about the experiences—good and bad—that have made a lasting impact on their lives. We dive into our awe-inspiring guests' stories and discuss what it took to get to where they're at today and how they're extending their hand to help the next generation reach their own mountaintop.Welcome to the conversation.  Listen to Mountaintop Conversations wherever you get your podcasts beginning on February 21, 2022. Follow Saysh on Instagram and Twitter: @bysayshFollow Allyson Felix: @allysonfelixJoin the Collective at bysaysh.com