Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin launched theSkimm 11 years ago while living together. Their vision was to create a news platform tailored for women.
The way we consume news is rapidly evolving. While many tune into traditional TV news, a significant number are turning to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for updates. Contrary to popular belief, 79% of Gen Z and millennials engage with the news daily, and around 91% rely on social media for information.
theSkimm was one of the pioneers in delivering concise and engaging news. Founded in 2012, it has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem featuring six newsletters, the podcast “9 to 5ish,” and a mobile app. Interestingly, Danielle Weisberg, who serves as co-CEO, often refers to herself as a “reluctant entrepreneur.” She and Carly decided to leave their newsroom jobs to pursue theSkimm, believing that not taking the leap posed a greater risk to their futures.
Today, they continue to work closely, providing daily news while highlighting issues that resonate with women. A notable initiative, theSkimm’s #ShowUsYourLeave campaign, started when Danielle shared a photo of herself managing work while caring for her toddler. This prompted hundreds of women to share their own maternity leave experiences, revealing widespread challenges at their workplaces. “Seeing images of women in delivery gowns working on laptops just seemed absurd,” she observes. “Now, over 700 companies have shared their family leave policies, making it easier for employees to address this topic in the workplace.”
Tune in to discover why Danielle and Carly believe co-CEO roles work for them, how they navigate decision-making, and what pressing issues they aim to tackle next.
