We just uploaded an episode of our new creation, “Small Talks, Big Topics”—the first conversation in an intimate series of short-form, small-group, candid chats with brilliant, diverse women about reflection and reinvention during these times of uncertainty. Today, we wanted to share with you a compelling and refreshing talk with three amazing women.

Here is your recording of a conversation about living, working, reflecting and reinventing with us—Kathryn Johnson and Linda Jeo Zerba of Big Squirrel—and our special guest expert Rebecca Brooks (Founder & CEO, Alter Agents) along with Karen Bakos (Director, Consumer Research & Insights Meredith Corp.) and Jennie Kassanoff (Adolph S. and Effie Ochs Professor of American Studies and History At Barnard College).

Although we can’t predict the long-term effects of COVID-19 on our economy, our health, and our future, one thing has become clear: the pandemic is affecting women more adversely than other populations — socially, economically and emotionally. Women report feeling more overwhelmed than their male counterparts as a result of shouldering the responsibilities of childcare, higher incidences of job loss and a reduction in the amount of work they can do during COVID-19.

As we look at ways to support women during this time of uncertainty, staying connected plays a key role. Women often use emotion-focused coping — reaching out and talking with other women about the issues affecting them which allows for an emotional shift that relieves stress. We see and feel the amount of pressure this pandemic has brought to women and how it has disrupted those important connections that help foster general well-being.

Though many people report connecting with others more frequently online since the pandemic began, there is still room for real, candid conversations among professional women who are experiencing the pressures of this pandemic both “at work” and “at home”. What we need now are real discussions so women can feel supported by like-minded women going through similar challenges.

Being professional women and experiencing the pressures of this pandemic in all facets of our lives, we at Big Squirrel felt the need to create and launch “Small Talks, Big Topics”  — a new, intimate series of short-from, small-group, candid conversations with brilliant, diverse women about reflection and reinvention during times of uncertainty. Starting in September and continuing on a regular basis, each Small Talk will feature an expert sharing her experiences with us and with 3 guests who are also challenging the status-quo in their industry, in our culture as a whole, and in their professional and personal lives. The conversations that ensue are sure to be compelling and refreshingly frank.

Look for the recording of our next Small Talk, as we connect in conversation about living, working, reflecting and reinventing during this monumental time. To get notifications about recordings, please request to be added to our mailing list.