Podcast Summary: The Stacking Benjamins Show
Episode Title: Lies We're Told at Work and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosts: Joe Saul-Sehy and OG
Guests: Bonnie Hammer (NBCUniversal Vice Chairperson) and Dr. Erika Rascher (Beyond Finance)

A Thoughtful Memorial Day Reflection

In a special Memorial Day episode, The Stacking Benjamins Show delves deep into two pivotal topics: the misleading advice women receive in the workplace and the pervasive distrust Americans have in managing their own finances. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome two esteemed guests, Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chairwoman of NBCUniversal, and Dr. Erika Rascher, Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance, to shed light on these critical issues.

Unmasking Workplace Myths with Bonnie Hammer

Bonnie Hammer brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at NBCUniversal, where she played a pivotal role in greenlighting acclaimed shows like Suits and The Office. Her insights are encapsulated in her new book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work and the Truth We Need to Succeed.

1. "Follow Your Dreams" – A Double-Edged Sword
Hammer challenges the romantic notion of simply "following your dreams." She argues that early dreams are often influenced by external expectations rather than personal passion.

"Following those dreams or getting addicted to those dreams is kind of nightmare advice because you're missing out on opportunities that might lead you to something that's really a true passion or skill set that will create a path for success for you." ([19:13])

2. "Know Your Worth" – More Than Just Self-Esteem
While recognizing self-worth is crucial, Hammer emphasizes that in the workplace, one's value must be earned through consistent effort and contribution.

"You have to earn your worth. You are not entitled to anything. You have to be there, get up early, show up, stay late, and make others believe that you are worth molding, helping, developing, promoting." ([25:51])

3. "Have Friends in High Places" – Building Genuine Relationships
Rather than accumulating influential connections, Hammer advises cultivating truthful and supportive relationships that foster genuine team collaboration.

"It was about building teams. ... if I were looking at five and one very organically talked about the other people they worked with as a team, done deal." ([25:42])

Challenging Mentorship and the Thin Line to Toxicity
Hammer shares her transformative relationship with Barry Diller, highlighting the importance of challenging mentors who push you to excel without crossing into toxic behavior. She underscores the value of tough love in professional growth.

"We should absolutely seek them out. And that's the way we're going to learn. Because more often than not, they know that we are even more capable than we believe ourselves to be..." ([38:21])

Empowering Financial Trust with Dr. Erika Rascher

Transitioning to financial wellness, Dr. Erika Rascher addresses a concerning statistic: half of Americans lack confidence in managing their finances. Her discussion centers on rebuilding self-trust and fostering a healthy relationship with money.

Understanding the Root of Financial Distrust
Rascher explains that financial mistrust often stems from emotional barriers and a lack of comprehensive financial education.

"If your emotions are in the way of that, if you are unable to think objectively or trust yourself... that's going to influence your overall ability to really take whatever you learn and practice it and apply it." ([47:14])

Practical Steps to Rebuild Confidence

1. Name Your Financial Feelings: Acknowledge emotions related to money to better manage them.

   "One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is name your feelings." ([48:58])

2. Journaling Spending Habits: Track purchases to identify emotional spending patterns.

   "If you're feeling anxious about money, say that you're anxious about money... a journal can be a really great way to do that." ([49:59])

3. Seek Professional Help: Collaborate with organizations like Beyond Finance for debt consolidation and financial wellness.

   "Beyond Finance really offers a nice place for people to go who are brave enough to take that option to really explore whether their perceived biggest financial failure or adversity can turn into their biggest financial success." ([73:00])

Gender and Generational Insights
Rascher highlights that women often report lower levels of self-trust in financial matters due to societal conditioning, while men might struggle with overconfidence, leading to risky financial behaviors. Additionally, generational differences reveal that younger generations like Gen Z are more engaged and balanced in their financial planning compared to older cohorts who faced economic traumas.

"Women do report lower levels of self-trust, which indicates that there is a confidence gap... men feel a different kind of pressure financially than women do." ([55:03])

Financial Practice Week: A Call to Action
The episode encourages listeners to participate in Financial Practice Week, promoting active engagement with personal finances through education and practical application.

"Dare yourself to go learn something, download a new app. ... make it like five, 10 years ago, and then you're looking at it now. It's totally different set of experiences." ([63:27])

Bridging the Two Worlds

The conversation seamlessly intertwines workplace advice with financial management, emphasizing that professional success and financial wellness are deeply interconnected. Both guests advocate for proactive strategies—be it challenging workplace myths or adopting practical financial habits—to empower individuals in their personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways

• Debunk Workplace Myths: Recognize and challenge the misleading advice that hinders professional growth, especially for women.

• Build Financial Confidence: Address emotional barriers and seek knowledge to foster trust in personal financial management.

• Seek Support Systems: Whether through mentorship in the workplace or financial counseling, surrounding oneself with supportive and knowledgeable individuals is crucial.

• Embrace a Growth Mindset: Approach both career and financial challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn and adapt.

The Stacking Benjamins Show offers a rich blend of professional insights and financial wisdom, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Whether you're navigating workplace challenges or striving for financial independence, this episode provides valuable tools and perspectives to enhance your journey.