Jenna Bush Hager Discusses Leadership, Change, and New Beginnings
Jenna Bush Hager shares her insights on life after Hoda, her journey of building something fresh, and how selecting the right partner can profoundly impact everything.
In the launch episode of Season 2 of her podcast, How She Does It with Karen Finerman, Jenna opens up about her emotional and practical experiences as she steps into the role of anchor for Jenna & Friends while starting her own production company and publishing imprint, Thousand Voices.
Embracing Change
After Hoda Kotb left TODAY’s fourth hour, Jenna found herself navigating a shifting co-hosting landscape. “I’ve had 50 different people by my side over the past six months,” she notes. “This has been a significant growth experience for our show and for me, both personally and professionally. It brings a level of spontaneity that’s challenging on national television, but I’m ready for it.”
This transition has reshaped her leadership style. Jenna leads with compassion and humility, ensuring her team feels valued. “I aim to express gratitude consistently,” she states. “I'm always thanking my team for their contributions, as they’re crucial for our show's success. I’m profoundly grateful for this supportive group.”
Launching Thousand Voices
In parallel with revamping the show, Jenna Bush Hager quietly introduced Thousand Voices, a publishing imprint and production house focused on compelling storytelling. Its debut novel, Conform by Ariel Sullivan, is set to launch this fall, and its discovery was a delightful surprise.
The journey began with a playdate involving Jenna and Ariel’s son. During their kids' gathering, Ariel mentioned she was writing a series and invited Jenna to review her manuscript. “Having spent years in publishing, I sensed there was something special here,” Jenna recalled. “One of my colleagues in LA, who loves Romantacy and Dystomance, read it in 24 hours and told me, ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever read in this genre. It’s phenomenal.’”
Finding Balance and Priorities
As a bestselling author, television host, and business owner, alongside being a mother of three, Jenna understands the importance of support. She credits her husband, Henry, as her solid foundation.
“Advice I give everyone is to marry someone who wants to be a true partner,” she shared. With Henry managing mornings and Jenna taking care of most evenings, their teamwork benefits their family and her hectic schedule. She recognizes how fortunate she is to have such support.
“I feel incredibly lucky that I chose someone who chose me and understands the commitment involved,” she reflects. Real partnership requires embracing various roles and responsibilities.
Lessons from Jenna Bush Hager
During a time of significant change, Jenna Bush Hager didn’t retreat; she advanced. She’s reimagining what it means to lead, create, and evolve in real time for millions. From selecting the right partner to trusting her instincts on new endeavors, Jenna shows that success isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about remaining grounded, open, and thankful throughout the journey.
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