Podcast
The Messy Parts
Hosted by with Maryam Banikarim · EN
New career advice and messy stories, every Monday.
Whether you’re at the top, or striving to get there—you may have noticed the one thing people rarely talk about: how hard it is to achieve success. The Messy Parts is the answer—a podcast where you’ll hear about the twists, turns and pivots that shape extraordinary careers. The real messy parts along the way. Host Maryam Banikarim has been through it, so she gets it. Maryam has been a transformative leader across media, hospitality and tech. Her powerhouse resume features more than 20 years in the C-Suite at companies like Hyatt, NBC, and Nextdoor—and she has a vast, influential network to match. On The Messy Parts, she brings you unparalleled access to that network. Deeply honest, vulnerable conversations with Maryam—who is never afraid to ask the questions on everyone's mind. Join us as we get real, unfiltered, and messy.
58episodes
Episodes
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Irina Novolselsky: Will I Ever Get a Job Again?
Aug 4, 202500:39:48Summary readyIrina Novoselsky landed her first CEO gig at just 32 years old. She’s now CEO of Hootsuite, a social media management platform with 16 million users in 175 countries. Even though her career has been a rocket ship, she’s had a lot of messy parts and pivots that’s shaped who she is and how she operates. That includes being out of work for months at a time and really questioning whether she was ever going to get a job again. If you’ve ever felt like you were on the wrong path entirely, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: Guest: Irina Novoselsky, CEO of HootsuiteFollow Irina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-novoselsky/Follow Irina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irinanovoselsky/ Topics Covered:Growing up as a refugee in NYC and embracing immigrant hustleCold-emailing her way into investment banking at 19Leaving prestigious finance roles to find her passionBecoming a first-time CEO at 32—and the identity shift it requiredThe power of relentlessness, self-belief, and learning out loudWhy she leads with authenticity (and uses emojis unapologetically!)How social media became her leadership superpowerFinding balance her way—and why she prioritizes sleep over everythingMentioned:Hootsuite: https://www.hootsuite.com/Outlive by Peter Attia https://peterattiamd.com/outlive/Send us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryVanessa Barboni Hallik: Where is the rest of me?
Jul 28, 202500:41:36Summary readyDiscover the real story behind Another Tomorrow with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, who left Wall Street for a mission in sustainable luxury fashion. In this candid interview with Maryam Banikarim on "The Messy Parts Podcast," Vanessa reflects on career pivots, making meaning from hardship, starting a business during COVID, and how purpose and authenticity drive her leadership. If you’re looking for a boost of inspiration, lessons for entrepreneurship, or an inside look at sustainable fashion, this conversation is unmissable.Show Notes: Guest: Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Co-CEO, Chair, Another TomorrowFollow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessabarbonihallik/Follow Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaanabarboni/Follow Another Tomorrow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anothertomorrow/Topics Covered: Introduction & Vanessa’s early life: growing up in the MidwestCoping with family mental health & loss; the impact on resilienceShifting from architecture to economics & landing on Wall StreetFacing imposter syndrome, self-editing at work, and defining successQuitting (three times): career pivots, asking for what you want, and lessons learnedDiscovering sustainability and building Another TomorrowLaunching a brand as the pandemic hit: how to survive a sudden crisisMeditation, slowing down, and evolving as a leaderRedefining success, working with partners, and closing adviceRapid fire: favorite songs, reading list, surprising factsMentioned: Another TomorrowMorgan StanleyB CorpTM (Transcendental Meditation)BerkeleyCornell's programFarm to Closet modelSend us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryFede Garcia: Fired at the top and giving up on the power, the prestige, and all of it
Jul 21, 202500:39:56Summary readyWhat happens after the dream job ends? In this deeply honest conversation, Maryam sits down with Fede García, who (in a matter of a few weeks) went from an award-winning Global Chief Creative Officer at one of the biggest agencies in the world to writing a vulnerable LinkedIn post about being fired. Together, they unpack the reality of ego, identity, burnout, and reinvention after “success.” Fede opens up about imposter syndrome, health battles, the creative grind, career pivots, and what it means to let go of titles and begin again—with joy, humility, and courage.Guest: Fede GarciaFollow Fede on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedegarcia/ Topics Covered:Why he went public about getting firedLinkedIn’s performative culture vs. real storytellingCreativity and ego: navigating praise, loss, and self-worthHealth, dialysis, and the impact of chronic illness on a creative careerGlobal creative life: Buenos Aires → Tokyo → NYCBuilding vs. winning: What awards don’t tell youStarting over mid-career (and taking a ⅓ pay cut to do it)Beginner’s mindset: boxing, motorcycles, learning JapaneseLeaving the agency world without bitternessRedefining success and finding joy beyond the titleAdvice for Gen Z creatives navigating a chaotic marketThe importance of taste, perspective, and patience in the age of AIThe power of reflection, vulnerability, and owning your storyMentioned:Read Fede's original LinkedIn post (search under “Posts”)Send us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryAna Gasteyer: SNL, Wine, Fame, and Staying Funny | The Messy Parts Podcast #6
Jul 14, 202500:45:21Summary readySaturday Night Live, Wicked, American Auto, Sugar & Booze, many lifelong friendships, and close family relationships are just a few of Ana's string of incredible accomplishments. It turns out none of it was easy. As she says, "It's not for the faint of heart." Even though creating and preforming for a living is "intoxicating and beyond fun" it's also "miserable and challenging."In this episode, Ana talks about how she gets over rejection in one night; how she's felt like an outsider her entire life (and used that to her advantage); why her best auditions were the ones where she was incredibly prepared and left everything on the table; how learning not to be afraid to talk about her own goals and aspirations seemed to make everything feel and work better; and the way the life balancing system she learned from none other than Martin Short helps to put everything in perspective for her.Send us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryVicki Freeman: Finding Your Calling Through Trial and Error
Jul 7, 202500:42:09Summary readyWhat happens when you try nine different schools and still don't know what you want to do? Vicki Freeman, co-founder of the Bowery Group, shares her winding journey from serial student to successful restaurateur. After searching for her purpose through child psychology, fashion photography, film school, and art history, she discovered her calling was right under her nose - in the restaurants where she'd been working to pay the bills. Her story is about the power of persistence, recognizing opportunities when they appear, and how sometimes the thing you're "just doing for now" becomes your life's work.Show Notes: Guest: Vicki Freeman – Co-founder, Bowery Group (Five Points, Cookshop, Vic's, Shukette, Hundred Acres) Follow Bowery Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bowery-group/posts/Follow Vicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicki_freeman/?hl=enTopics Covered:Going to nine schools while searching for her callingWorking in restaurants as a "means to an end" while pursuing other dreamsThe Ralph Lauren breakthrough moment at age 19Her "looking up at the sky" epiphany in SoHo and the phone call that changed everythingOpening Vic's: sudden success and devastating failure after one yearLearning the business side at Columbus Bakery with ARCThe innovative approach to raising money for Five Points (selling shares vs. big chunks)Building community through restaurants: being there for neighbors after 9/11 and during COVIDThe Shukette transformation: backing chefs and shared visionWorking with your spouse in business: the challenges and magicCurrent challenges facing the restaurant industry post-COVIDMentioned:Cookshop, Vic's, Shukette (Bowery Group)Missy Robbins (Lilia, Misi)Jonathan WaxmanRuss & DaughtersRalph Lauren RestaurantsSend us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryDebra Martin Chase: Safe Choice, Wrong Choice
Jun 30, 202500:37:50Summary readyWhat happens when you choose the "safe" path and it nearly kills your soul? Debra Martin Chase went from Harvard Law School to becoming the first Black woman producer with a major studio deal. In this episode of The Messy Parts, she shares her journey from corporate lawyer to Hollywood trailblazer, including the near-death experience that made her quit law, the weekend of initiative that launched her film career, and why Vernon Jordan told her she was "too old to start over." It's a masterclass in reinvention, taking risks, and betting on yourself.Guest: Debra Martin Chase - Producer, Entertainment Executive, Broadway Producer Follow Debra on: Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/bdhyj35x LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/36zh39tzIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0153846/ Notable Productions: The Princess Diaries, Cinderella, Cheetah Girls, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Equalizer, A Strange Loop (Broadway), The Outsiders (Broadway), Purpose (Broadway)Topics Covered Harvard Law SchoolUSC Film SchoolVernon JordanNina Shaw Frank Price (Columbia Pictures)Doug McHenry (producer)Nina Jacobson (Disney executive)Pearlena Igbokwe (Universal Television)Denzel WashingtonWhitney HoustonMarc Platt (Broadway producer)David Stone (Broadway producer)Michael Dukakis campaignPrincess DiariesCinderella (Rodgers & Hammerstein)Cheetah GirlsSisterhood of the Traveling PantsThe EqualizerSend us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryKass & Mike Lazerow: The Billion Dollar Burnout
Jun 23, 202500:41:39Summary readyKass and Mike Lazerow sold their company for nearly $1 billion—and felt completely numb. In this episode of The Messy Parts, they share the brutal reality behind entrepreneurial success: kids struggling, health failing, friendships lost. Together with Maryam, they explore what radical transparency actually looks like when you strip away the corporate mask. It's a conversation about the hidden costs of achievement, the messiness of working with your spouse, and why showing your failures might be the most powerful leadership tool you have.Guests: Kass and Mike Lazerow -- Entrepreneurs, Investors, Authorshttps://kassandmike.com/Follow Kass and Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kassandmike/ Topics Covered:Personal stories of failure, discomfort, and growthThe hidden cost of successWorking with your life partnerThe parenting paradoxWhat "radical transparency" actually looks like in practiceThe emotional and cultural risk of telling the full truthCreating a work culture where "messy" is normalizedWhy leaders are still afraid of vulnerabilityThe power of being honest before the outcome is clearHow storytelling can be a leadership tool—not just a communications tacticThe difference between transparency and oversharingWhen to hold back (and how to do it without losing trust)Mentioned:Kass & Mike’s book, Shoveling $h!t: A Love StoryMark Benioff (Salesforce CEO) Gary Vaynerchuk Phish (band) eToroNorthwestern University Buddy Media Golf.comFurther Reading:Radical Candor by Kim ScottThe Power of Vulnerability – TED Talk by Brené BrownPsychological Safety in Teams – Google’s Project Aristotle – Research on why speaking up matters at work.The Tell by Amy GriffinArticles about Cambridge AnalyticaDying for Sex documentarySend us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
SummaryCindi Leive: Reinvention, Resilience, and Rewriting the Rules of Women’s Media
Jun 16, 202500:39:40Summary readyCindi Leive has shaped the media world—from her tenure as Glamour's editor-in-chief to co-founding The Meteor. In this intimate conversation, she joins Maryam to talk about losing her mother young, surviving the “command and control” culture of Condé Nast, and building something new from the ground up. They explore the messy parts of starting over, raising kids in a digital age, the loneliness epidemic, feminism under fire, and why collaboration always wins. Cindi shares the lessons she’s learned (and is still learning) on how to stay hopeful, stay human, and rewrite the rules without losing your why.Show Notes: Guest: Cindi Leive – Journalist, Editor, Co-founder of The MeteorFollow Cindi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindi_leive/?hl=enTopics Covered:Her lifelong passion for magazines (and what 17 Magazine meant as a kid)Growing up with a single mom scientist—and losing her at 19Compartmentalization, grief, and building self-sufficiencyWhat Condé Nast taught her (and what she had to unlearn)Leaving Glamour at its peak for something riskierHow The Meteor began in Gloria Steinem’s living roomFeminist storytelling in a fraught media landscapeRaising resilient kids in the age of AI and lonelinessLessons in entrepreneurship, imperfection, and asking for moneyWhy joy and collaboration matter more than perfectionMentioned:The Meteor (feminist media collective)Night of Solidarity, a Meteor specialSend us a textEmail us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.Thank you for listening.
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