Ever wonder how to stay ambitious without tying your worth to your work?
On The Art of Badassery Podcast, host Jenn Cassetta reunites with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop and author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making It Without Losing It, to talk about starting young, trying before you feel ready, and learning through setbacks.
Jess shares how Headbands of Hope began after seeing kids with cancer want headbands, how a fraudulent manufacturer nearly derailed her, and how later she spent six figures on an app idea before cutting her losses and reframing it as “tuition” for the lesson. They discuss separating output from self-worth, building confidence through evidence, focusing on problems over outcomes, and Jess’s “purpose test” for intrinsic motivation, plus Mic Drop’s mission to help more women land paid speaking opportunities.
Listen to the episode here
Watch the episode here
Welcome to an inspiring exploration of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the art of balancing ambition with self-worth. In a recent episode of The Art of Badassery Podcast, hosted by Jenn Cassetta, Jess Ekstrom shared her remarkable journey of founding Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop. Jess’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, and redefining personal success.
Meet Jess Ekstrom
Jess Ekstrom is a powerhouse entrepreneur, a bestselling author, and a dedicated advocate for women. Her ventures, Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, have not only achieved commercial success but also made a significant impact by empowering women and supporting children with illnesses. From selling toys on eBay at the age of 12 to becoming a Forbes top-rated speaker, Jess’s journey is nothing short of a narrative of ambition intertwined with authenticity.
Jess’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Jess Ekstrom’s path to success began with a simple yet profound observation during her college internship at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Witnessing young girls embrace headbands during chemotherapy sparked the idea for Headbands of Hope. Despite initial setbacks, including a fraudulent manufacturer, Jess’s determination led to millions of headbands being donated worldwide, essentially transforming adversity into accomplishment.
Balancing Ambition with Self-Worth
A central theme in Jess’s narrative is the balance between ambition and self-worth. During her conversation with Jenn, Jess emphasized the importance of distinguishing one’s identity from their achievements. Recognizing that failure is an inherent part of the journey, Jess advocates for embracing mistakes as invaluable lessons rather than setbacks. This mindset shift, outlined in her book Making It Without Losing It, encourages us all to view ambition as an exciting experiment rather than a burdensome goal.
Purpose and Intentional Living
The discussion touched on deeper themes of purpose and intentionality. Jess encourages individuals to evaluate their motivations—who are they trying to impress, and what truly drives their ambitions? Through her “purpose test,” Jess challenges us to consider whether our pursuits would hold the same value if they remained anonymous. This introspection, according to Jess, can align our actions with intrinsic motivations, creating a life driven by genuine purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Failure as a Teacher: Every successful journey involves setbacks. Embrace failures as essential lessons that guide you toward greater achievements.
- Separate Self-Worth from Output: Recognize that your worth is not tied to your accomplishments. This perspective allows for healthier ambition and personal growth.
- Purpose Over Approval: Focus on what truly matters to you. Evaluate your motivations and ensure they align with your intrinsic values and passions.
Conclusion
Jess Ekstrom’s story is a source of inspiration for anyone striving to balance ambition with self-worth. Her insights resonate not only with entrepreneurs but with anyone seeking fulfillment and purpose in their lives. As we navigate our own journeys, let Jess’s entrepreneurial spirit and wisdom guide us toward authentic and intentional living.
Important Links
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom/
- Website – https://jessekstrom.com/
- New Book Making It Without Losing It – https://jessekstrom.com/makingit/
- Subscribe to Jenn’s newsletter so you never miss an episode
- Burnout to Badass
- The 6 Habits Of High Performance With Jenn Cassetta – Past episode
About Jess Ekstrom
Jess Ekstrom is an entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker best known as the founder of Headbands of Hope, a company she launched while attending North Carolina State University. Inspired by her experience working with children facing serious illnesses, she created a buy-one, give-one business model that has donated millions of headbands to children around the world. In addition to leading Headbands of Hope, Ekstrom is the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, which helps women develop their voices as speakers and thought leaders. She is also the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side, Create Your Bright Ideas, and Making It Without Losing It, and is widely recognized for her work at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, motivation, and leadership.
Learn more about Jess Ekstrom at https://jessekstrom.com/