In The Arena, a LinkedIn Wisdom Podcast
In the Arena was launched as a bi-weekly podcast in 2019, sponsored by LinkedIn and hosted by me and Leah Smart. Through interviews with authors and business leaders - as well as conversations between the two of us - we explored vulnerable aspects of the human experience to inspire transformation of self, others and the world.
After leaving LinkedIn in September 2021, I retired as co-host from In the Arena. Today, Leah continues to make me proud by interviewing some of the world’s best human beings and sharing incredible insights around transformation. I encourage you to take a listen!
Where did the title “In the Arena” come from?
The term “in the arena” came from the famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt - The Man In the Arena - which symbolizes courage. Leah and I learned of this quote from Brené Brown - one of our role models - who references it often. [Fun fact: the title of her book “Daring Greatly” came from this quote too]. We truly believe that one cannot grow unless they are getting outside of their comfort zone, failing, falling short, and stepping back up again. This is hard and it takes a whole ton of courage to do. But in the end, it’s worth it.
Also, we love a good pun, and using the word “In” seemed appropriate for a LinkedIn podcast.
Who we are…
Leah Smart and I were introduced by a colleague at LinkedIn in 2018. We were both exploring becoming coaches at the time and immediately hit it off. Within a few months, we found ourselves having deep conversations about important topics that weren’t often discussed in the workplace…but we believed should be. This sparked the idea of In the Arena and in April 2019 we released the first five episodes of the podcast.
When COVID-19 hit, we had to quickly flex from recording at LinkedIn’s studio in New York City to recording from home. The silver lining to this was that we were able to interview people from all over the world!
Top Episodes
Jumping In with Mike Romoff on Spiritual Transformation
Jackie Goldberg and Leah Smart jump in the arena with Mike Romoff, VP of Agency and Channel Sales, to hear his colorful and inspiring journey of spiritual transformation. From Tai Chi wannabe, to certified yogi and Buddhist practitioner, Mike hasn’t had a straightforward journey. He’s an inspiration to all of us to be more of who we truly are no matter where we go.
Jumping In with Rosanna Durruthy
Join us In the Arena as we sit down with Rosanna Durruthy, Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, to talk about the power of our authentic stories, self-acceptance and what role relationships play in all our lives.
Jumping In with Nawal Fakhoury
Join us in the arena as we chat with Nawal Fakhoury, Senior Manager of Employee Experience at LinkedIn, about why every organization should put their culture first.
Jumping In with Dan Shapero on The Inner Game of a Strong Leader
This week, we jump in the arena with Dan Shapero, COO at LinkedIn, for an open conversation around his professional journey.