What does it take to be a thriving twenty-something in the workplace today? I'm going to help answer that question … from behind a mic

The TLDR: LinkedIn and iHeartMedia have teamed up to create a podcast for Gen Z. It's called Let's Talk Offline and it launches next week. Spoiler: I'm one of the hosts (ah!), so this newsletter will be rebranded moving forward. Look out for future notifications from Let's Talk Offline.

The world of work — and the whole world — is changing so quickly. We're all navigating constant AI advancements, return-to-office orders, personal finance issues and a lot more. There is so much to talk about that we need to have a larger, candid conversation.?

So, let's talk offline.

Introducing Let's Talk Offline

This spring, we began production for Let's Talk Offline, a new podcast from LinkedIn News and iHeartPodcasts. The weekly chat show, launching next week (eep!), is about what it takes to thrive in the early years of your career — without sacrificing your values, sanity or sleep.

The best part? I get to host alongside my work bestie, Jamé Jackson Gadsden. Jamé is a LinkedIn community manager and workshop host who empowers members to amplify their voices. And she does it while looking fabulous. I'm serious, just look at the fit she wore during a recent LinkedIn Live event for LinkedIn Premium members.

What I love about our dynamic is that we offer two different perspectives as a Gen Zer and a millennial. On the show, we get real about our career experiences — the sweet, the sad and the cringe moments (buckle up!) — and occasionally bring on expert guests who've been there, done that.

Each week, Jamé and I will be having honest conversations while answering your unfiltered questions about work, life and how they overlap. You know, those questions you might not feel comfortable asking your manager or co-workers. In other words, Let's Talk Offline.?

Have a burning question? Send me a DM or email us at [email protected].

We'll be covering a lot — from negotiating pay and setting boundaries to crafting a personal brand and forming office friendships. Through it all, our goal is to be your guide through the crazy, confusing and occasionally wonderful world of work.

?? Want a sneak peek? Check out the Let's Talk Offline trailer by clicking here or the image below.

Also, be sure to follow the show on the iHeartRadio App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen.

Our first two episodes will drop next Tuesday, Sept. 10. We're starting off by talking about how to break the "not enough job experience" barrier, featuring Gen Z resume specialist Morgan Sanner — better known to her 83k TikTok followers as "Resume Official." The second episode is on negotiating pay with negotiation expert and Wharton professor Mori Taheripour, who will share tips on what (not) to say when talking about salary and benefits with a prospective employer.

Episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays, and I'll publish a newsletter article for each one. This newsletter will be a space for us to discuss episode topics in more depth, share hot takes, weigh in on trends and more.?

See you back here next week, with a fun new name and look! Can't wait to show you more of the branding, thanks to our?LinkedIn editorial designers Kyle Ranson-Walsh and Rowan Vogel. All I have to say is, they slayed (no notes!).

I'm so happy to have you join me on this journey and am excited to hear what you think!

How we got here

If you, like my mom (hey mom!), have been wondering why this newsletter hasn't been in your inbox for a minute, now you know. The last few months I've had to take a step back, which was bittersweet. Writing this newsletter has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my job since I published the first edition nearly three years ago. But, I needed some time to work on Let's Talk Offline, which this newsletter will support.

Throughout the monthslong production process, I've asked my friends so many questions (I seriously don't know how they're still putting up with me) and listened closely to members' pain points to understand what other people around my age care about. I combed through past articles and put callouts on my profile to see which topics get Gen Zers energized. I've also spent a lot of time reflecting on my own college-to-career journey to identify the ups and downs, which many other people have or will experience, too.

All of this "research" is helping inform what we're exploring on the podcast to make sure we're meeting listeners where they are in their careers and serving them in all aspects of their lives. Because, like I wrote earlier, the world of work is continuing to evolve. And we truly are all figuring it out together.?

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