Arianna Huffington: I Was Lying In A Little Pool Of Blood! The Huffington Post, A $1 Billion 'Flop'!
22 Aug 2024 (25 days ago)
Intro
- Arianna Huffington suffered a head injury that led her to reevaluate her lifestyle. (00:00:06)
- She believes that overcoming fear of rejection and failure enables individuals to take bold steps in life.
- Huffington emphasizes that success can be achieved at any age, citing her own experiences of launching ventures later in life.
Childhood Experiences That Shaped My Success
- The speaker's mother instilled a sense of adventure in her and her sister, even though they had little money and lived in a one-bedroom apartment.
- The speaker's mother always supported her dreams, even when others considered them unrealistic, and encouraged her to pursue them without making her feel pressured. (00:03:39)
- The speaker's mother's unconditional love gave her and her sister the confidence to pursue their aspirations without fear of failure.
Having Ambition From A Young Age
- A willingness to fail was present from a young age, viewing it as a stepping stone to success rather than the opposite.
- Many people are hesitant to take risks or try new things due to the fear of failure, especially when pursuing ambitious goals.
- Getting accepted into Cambridge, one of the few colleges accepting women at the time, was a pivotal moment that led to a series of positive events, including becoming president of the Cambridge Union and securing a book deal. (00:06:02)
My Journey To Becoming Cambridge's 3rd Female Student Union President
- The speaker was fascinated by the Cambridge Union debating society and was drawn to how words could sway people's opinions.
- The speaker faced challenges fitting in at Cambridge due to their accent, which was subject to snobbery and ridicule, and negative self-talk.
- Despite these obstacles, the speaker persevered, learning from observing some of the world's best speakers at the society.
Overcoming Overthinking
- The speaker found that being a ruminator in the early stages of their career was difficult, especially when making mistakes which would lead to overthinking. (00:08:21)
- The speaker states that they have worked on ruminating and it is much better now, comparing the voice in their head to an obnoxious roommate that only makes guest appearances.
- The speaker believes learning from mistakes and moving on is important.
Breaking Gender Norms Without Fear Of Failure
- A willingness to fail was important to achieving success.
- There was no guarantee of being elected or getting into Cambridge, but a willingness to fail was key. (00:11:01)
- A publisher saw a televised debate on women's rights and asked for a book to be written on the topic.
The Core Message Of 'The Female Woman'
- The central message of the book was that women should be able to choose to stay home and raise their children and this should be equally respected to having a career.
- At the time the book was written, the feminist movement was focused on women having careers and equality in the workplace.
- The book argued that women should have equal opportunities and pay, but also the choice to raise their children if they desired and could afford to do so. [770]
Balancing Career And Family: Is It Possible?
- It is suggested that people are rethinking the trade-offs of an intense career for 40 years before considering starting a family.
- There is a perception that people believe they can have it all, leading to delaying having children and potential fertility issues later in life.
- It is proposed that individuals can have it all, but not necessarily at the same time, and that there is no single right way to achieve fulfillment and make contributions. (00:14:01)
The Power Of Listening To Your Inner Self
- It is important to listen to your inner voice, especially in a world full of distractions.
- To connect with your inner self, you need to build a pathway to your heart and prioritize self-knowledge.
- If you are not connected with your inner self, you become susceptible to external influences like social media trends.
My Early Career Aspirations And Dreams
- At a young age, the speaker aspired to be a journalist and had pursued studies in economics. [949]
- The most impactful lesson from the economics degree was the concept of opportunity cost, which highlights that choosing one path means forgoing alternatives.
- The speaker believes the principle of opportunity cost applies not only to career decisions but also to aspects of life such as friendships and relationships. (00:16:23)
How Bernard Levin Influenced My Career
- She met Bernard Levin, a columnist for the London Times, at a BBC show called Face the Music.
- They were together for seven years, and she wanted to marry and have children, but he did not want children.
- She moved to New York to get away from him, which led to her meeting her husband, having children, and launching The Huffington Post and Thrive.
Bernard's Death
- The last time they saw Bernard, he was suffering from a disease that caused a lack of recognition. (00:20:59)
- Millions of people are suffering from cognitive decline, which affects both the individuals and their loved ones.
- Factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, stress levels, and diet can impact the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The Impact Of Michael Huffington On My Life
- Michael Huffington is the father of the speaker's two daughters.
- The speaker's marriage to Michael Huffington lasted 11 years. (00:22:27)
- The speaker and Michael Huffington have a positive relationship, going on vacations together and remaining close as a family.
The Transformative Power Of Forgiveness
- There is a correlation between forgiveness and improved stress and cholesterol levels.
- Forgiveness is connected to physical and mental health.
- Cancel culture discourages forgiveness, redemption, and personal growth. (00:24:00)
The Story Behind The Huffington Post's Creation
- At 55 years old, the speaker was already an established author with 15 published books.
- The speaker started The Huffington Post by inviting 500 friends to blog on the website, promising respect for their contributions and moderation to prevent negative interactions.
- The Huffington Post launched with content from well-known figures like Larry David, Ellen DeGeneres, Nora Ephron, and Walter Cronkite, covering current events and personal interests.
How The Huffington Post Overcame Terrible Initial Reviews
- The Huffington Post received negative initial reviews, with one reviewer calling it a "flop". (00:27:15)
- A year later, the same reviewer emailed stating their opinion had changed and expressed interest in writing for The Huffington Post.
- Instead of harboring resentment, the negative reviews were viewed as an opportunity for growth and the reviewer was offered a position.
Lessons From Roger Federer's Commencement Speech
- Roger Federer, in his commencement speech, stated that he only made half the shots or points in his tennis career, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the current point and not dwelling on past mistakes.
- Federer's speech revealed that he won 80% of his tennis matches despite only winning 54% of the points, highlighting the significance of mindset and letting go of missed opportunities. (00:29:52)
- Athletes, like Andre Agassi, echo Federer's sentiment about the importance of not dwelling on mistakes, emphasizing that rumination hinders one's ability to be fully present for future opportunities. (00:30:40)
Launching A Tech Company In My Fifties
- The Huffington Post was launched in 2005 by a 55-year-old woman, which was atypical for the tech industry at the time.
- The Huffington Post expanded rapidly, adding numerous verticals beyond politics and news, including sleep, lifestyle, sports, and a dedicated section for gay content.
- The Huffington Post's success can be attributed to its constant expansion and adaptation, embodying the principles of Clayton Christensen's "The Innovator's Dilemma" by capitalizing on opportunities missed by established media outlets. (00:33:18)
Business Mistakes To Avoid As A Startup Founder
- Founders should prioritize their own well-being and avoid sleep deprivation to make sound decisions. [2069]
- Adequate sleep is crucial for making high-quality decisions, as highlighted by Jeff Bezos' emphasis on obtaining eight hours of sleep.
- There has been a significant shift in the perception of sleep, with prominent CEOs and founders now recognizing and promoting its importance for productivity and performance.
The Serious Health Risks Of Sleep Deprivation
- The speaker fainted due to sleep deprivation and a busy lifestyle, which involved being a single parent and running a business. (00:37:16)
- After fainting, the speaker woke up in a pool of blood with a broken cheekbone and went to many doctors to find out what was wrong.
- The speaker was diagnosed with burnout, which was not a commonly used term in 2007, and decided to help others avoid the same fate.
The Importance Of Self-Care While Working Intensely
- It is stated that taking care of yourself does not mean you cannot work intensely.
- It is explained that taking time to recharge after working hard is good for business. (00:40:18)
- It is stated that people often get sick or make the biggest mistakes when they are depleted.
Is Sacrificing Your Wellbeing Worse For Men Or Women?
- The belief that well-being must be sacrificed for success is more prevalent among men due to their higher representation in successful positions.
- Some women have adopted this belief to avoid being perceived as less dedicated to their work.
- The speaker suggests this belief originated during the Industrial Revolution when machines and their constant uptime were revered, while downtime is essential for human well-being. (00:41:25)
The 3rd Women's Revolution
- The first women's revolution was about women gaining the right to vote.
- The second women's revolution was about equal pay and equal opportunities for women.
- The third women's revolution is about women succeeding without sacrificing their well-being and relationships and includes men as a part of the movement.
Do Women Experience Burnout Faster Than Men?
- It is stated that women do not burn out faster than men. (00:43:23)
- It is asserted that women still perform most of the household and childcare duties.
- A book that discusses a "third metric of success" is mentioned, encompassing health, well-being, wisdom, wonder, joy, and giving.
The Health Impact Of Stressful Jobs
- Women in stressful jobs have a 40% higher risk of heart disease and a 60% higher risk of diabetes.
- One reason for this is that women tend to internalize mistakes more than men and ruminate on them. (00:44:54)
- Another reason is the pressure of perfectionism and the disproportionate amount of housework and childcare women often manage, even with a partner's help.
Why Volunteering Reduces The Likelihood Of Job Quitting
- A 2013 study by the University of Wisconsin found that employees who volunteer are less likely to quit their jobs.
- A company culture that encourages giving through activities such as giving days and donation matching can increase employee fulfillment.
- When people feel fulfilled in their lives as a whole, they are less likely to want to change jobs. (00:47:15)
How My Life Changed After A Burnout Diagnosis
- A burnout diagnosis led to significant and rapid life changes, similar to the impact of a physical injury.
- The most impactful change was prioritizing sleep.
- Five key daily behaviors—sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and connection—are now considered more crucial for health and longevity than genetics or medical care.
How A Large Financial Windfall Changed My Life
- A sense of wealth was first experienced when the ability to purchase books without considering the price was achieved. (00:51:11)
- Increased happiness stems from a stronger sense of self and personal growth, rather than financial wealth.
- Leaving a successful media company provided the opportunity to pursue a new venture focused on improving people's health and well-being.
How Small Improvements Lead To Big Positive Changes
- Behavior change can be achieved through small, manageable steps called "microsteps".
- Microsteps help individuals build a sense of success and avoid the feeling of failure associated with large, unsustainable changes. (00:54:57)
- Sharing stories of others who have successfully implemented microsteps can inspire and motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits.
The Biggest Mistakes I've Made In Business
- The biggest mistake a founder can make is hiring the wrong person.
- One hiring rule is to never interview when tired because it increases the chances of making a mistake.
- Sometimes there is an instinct that a hire is wrong even if everything else looks good, and it is important to follow that instinct. (00:59:18)
The Most Important Lessons From My Career
- A strong belief in partnerships is important when building a company, as it allows for speed and being a first mover in the market.
- Partnering with local entities when expanding internationally can provide valuable resources and knowledge, such as understanding labor laws and finding office space.
- Selling a company too soon is preferable to selling too late, and successful acquisitions, like the one by AOL, can provide resources for growth.
What's The True Meaning Of Life?
- It is important to avoid dwelling on past experiences seeking validation and to let go of negative thoughts and worries about the future.
- Having trust in a benevolent universe, where life is supportive and challenging experiences offer valuable lessons for growth. (01:05:02)
- Recognizing the inherent human desire for meaning, purpose, and a connection to something greater, which can provide depth and significance to life.
Coping With The Loss Of My First Child
- At the age of 36, the speaker experienced the loss of her first child.
- The cause of the loss was unknown.
- Despite the grief, the speaker maintained a belief that she would eventually have a child. (01:07:47)
How To Keep Faith During Tough Times
- The speaker's father was imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II for publishing an underground newspaper during the German occupation of Greece.
- The speaker's mother was a member of the Red Cross and helped hide Jewish girls during the German occupation.
- The speaker admires the faith that their parents and other writers have demonstrated in the face of adversity.
My Partner's Heroic Endeavors During World War II
- The speaker's mother was a beautiful and strong woman who raised her children to be fearless. (01:09:22)
- The speaker's mother believed that fearlessness was not the absence of fear, but rather the act of doing what one believes they should do even when afraid.
- The speaker's mother passed away before the success of the Huffington Post.
What My Mother Would Have Thought Of The Huffington Post
- The speaker's mother did not describe herself as proud when discussing her daughter's accomplishments, but instead said that she loved what her daughter was doing and contributing.
- The speaker's mother viewed her daughter's accomplishments as part of a journey rather than something to be proud of. (01:10:34)
- The speaker learned from her mother that it is important to find joy in the process of achieving, and now uses joy as a measure of whether she is doing something right.
How Increasing Wellbeing Boosts Business Productivity
- The Thrive mission aims to challenge the misconception that prioritizing well-being leads to unproductivity.
- Scientific evidence contradicts the belief that well-being negatively impacts productivity.
- Well-being is presented as a productivity multiplier, similar to how athletes prioritize it to enhance their performance. (01:11:45)
The Day My Mother Passed Away
- The speaker’s mother fell and insisted that no one call for an ambulance.
- The speaker, her two daughters, and a nurse sat with her mother, drank wine, and talked until she passed away.
- The speaker believes her mother knew it was her time to die and wanted to be surrounded by family.
Life After My Mother's Death
- The speaker's mother was a fundamental part of her life, helping to raise her children and playing an integral role in her and her sister's lives. (01:14:42)
- While her mother's death was incredibly painful, the speaker feels her presence strongly.
- The speaker believes that integrating the concept of death into life, as Socrates suggested, enriches life by providing perspective and helping to avoid focusing on trivial matters.
The Most Important Life Lessons I'd Share With You
- Having children puts everything in perspective and makes people better at their jobs because it provides a necessary perspective on life.
- People should prioritize their health and well-being, focusing on sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and connection with loved ones, to enhance their success and creativity. (01:21:15)
- Learning to delegate tasks, even if they are not done perfectly, frees up time and energy to focus on more important things.
The Importance Of Entry Interviews In Hiring
- Entry interviews, which can be as short as 15 minutes, can be conducted on an employee's first day to foster a positive and supportive work environment.
- During entry interviews, managers can ask employees about their priorities outside of work and how the company can support them, leading to increased intimacy and connection.
- Encouraging employees to practice "compassionate directness" by openly expressing their concerns or dissatisfaction can help address problems more effectively and prevent festering issues. (01:23:55)
How To Address And Overcome Your Own Prejudices
- Women in business face prejudice in the form of different language used to describe similar traits in men. [5133]
- Women are more likely to be called "pushy", "aggressive", or "bossy" while men exhibiting similar characteristics might be described as "bold" or "audacious".
- Historically, it has been easier for women to gain societal approval by conforming to conventional expectations of being "pretty", "well-dressed", and not attempting to "build something".
Key Leadership Qualities That Drive Success
- The speaker believes they foster a familial atmosphere in the workplace, encouraging open communication and shared experiences. (01:27:26)
- The speaker places importance on acknowledging and celebrating both minor and major achievements within the team.
- The speaker acknowledges a maternal dynamic with their team, many of whom have worked with them for extended periods, originating from The Huffington Post.
The Role Of Luck In Achieving Success
- After writing a successful first book, the author experienced 37 rejections from publishers for her second book about leadership.
- Feeling defeated, the author decided to ask for an overdraft from a bank manager despite having no assets to her name. (01:30:46)
- The bank manager approved the overdraft, which the author attributes to luck and the benevolence of the universe.
Is It Luck, Hard Work, Or Intentionality That Drives Success?
- Taking action, such as going to the bank, can influence positive outcomes.
- Coincidences and serendipitous encounters, like meeting someone at a dinner who offers a job, can be attributed to a divine or benevolent force.
- Comprehending the mysteries and suffering in the universe solely through human understanding is limited; connecting with one's spirit and soul allows for a deeper understanding of meaning and purpose. (01:35:09)
The Best Advice I Wish I Had Received
- The best advice for young people is to worry less and find more joy in life.
- Many worries are unnecessary and depleting, and it's better to act despite fear.
- When building something, it's more efficient to utilize platforms like fiverr.com to access global talent for specific skills instead of wasting time trying to learn them.
Using Technology And AI For Positive Change
- Technology, specifically AI, has the potential to be used for positive change, particularly in the field of health. (01:38:09)
- AI can be used to create hyper-personalized health recommendations by taking into account an individual's biometric data, preferences, and even their interests.
- Combining AI-driven personalization with scientifically-backed techniques like conscious breathing and gratitude practices can help individuals manage stress and improve their overall well-being.
The Last Guest Question
- A recent source of pride is a project addressing healthcare disparities by providing resources to those who lack them.
- The speaker expresses excitement about the project and a desire to dedicate their life to it. (01:46:12)
- Every morning offers a fresh start and a chance to approach the day with a renewed perspective, rather than carrying the burdens of the previous day.