

WorkParty
Jaclyn Johnson, Marina Middleton
Meet your new Work Wives. WorkParty, the beloved business podcast with over 3 million downloads to date and guests like Sara Blakely, Tyra Banks, Jen Atkin and more is back and brand new. Jaclyn Johnson joined by CEO of Create & Cultivate, Marina Middleton are letting you listen in as they navigate the world of entrepreneurship, motherhood, divorce, female friendships and how they make it all work – mostly. A little work, a little party, pour yourself a glass of champagne and pull up, cause we are about to get down to business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 21min
Stop Networking and Start Building Real Connections | Career Glow Up Series
💌 Subscribe to our Career Glow Up email series to get all the tips, scripts, and strategies to help you grow your career this month. https://mailchi.mp/a4486f077c2f/careerglowupIn this week’s WorkParty episode, Jaclyn and Marina unpack what networking actually looks like when you remove the pressure, ditch the performance, and focus on real connection. From navigating awkward rooms to following up with intention, they break down how meaningful relationships are built and why they matter more than any perfectly crafted pitch.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why networking feels overwhelming for so many women and how to shift that mindset• How to make meeting new people feel natural instead of transactional• The power of warm introductions and why cold outreach rarely gets you in the room• Easy ways to take the pressure off yourself at events• How to nurture connections in a way that feels genuine and sustainable• The follow-up strategies that actually work• Why your most valuable career opportunities often come from the people you didn’t plan to meetJaclyn and Marina also share personal stories of the moments that changed how they think about networking, plus the real behind-the-scenes of Connect, Create & Cultivate’s AI-powered matchmaking tool that helps you meet people aligned with your goals.If you’ve ever dreaded networking, felt awkward at events, or wondered how people build those “life-changing” career relationships, this episode will completely reframe your approach.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Nov 19, 2025 • 24min
The Skills You Need to Get Ahead In Your Career | Career Glow Up Series
💌 Subscribe to our Career Glow Up email series to get all the tips, scripts, and strategies to help you grow your career this month. https://mailchi.mp/a4486f077c2f/careerglowupIn this week’s WorkParty episode, Jaclyn and Marina dive into what it really takes to grow your career beyond just showing up. They unpack how the most successful professionals treat themselves like assets, constantly learning new skills and adapting to what’s next.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between hard and soft skills and why both matterHow to identify the skills hiring managers are looking for right nowThe T-shaped framework that helps you stand out in any industryAffordable ways to keep learning through courses, workshops, and real-world experiencesHow to ask your company to invest in your growth and make it a win-winThey also share how microlearning and AI are changing the game for career development, plus their go-to strategies for staying relevant, creative, and confident at work.Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, thinking about a pivot, or just want to feel more energized about your job, this episode is for you.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Nov 12, 2025 • 9min
How to Build a Résumé That Gets You Hired | Career Glow Up Series
💌 Subscribe to our Career Glow Up email series to get all the tips, scripts, and strategies to help you grow your career this month. https://mailchi.mp/a4486f077c2f/careerglowupRecruiters spend just 6 seconds scanning your résumé before deciding if you’re a yes or a next. That means every word counts.In this episode of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton break down what actually makes a résumé and LinkedIn profile stand out in today’s job market. From what to delete to how to tailor your experience, they’re giving you the insider tips to help you land the job you want.We cover:• The résumé mistakes that might be holding you back• How to tailor your résumé for different roles• What recruiters really look for in the first few seconds• How to use LinkedIn to get noticed by hiring managers• Ways to make your professional brand impossible to ignoreIf you’ve ever searched “how to get hired,” “how to improve my résumé,” or “how to optimize my LinkedIn,” this episode will help you get your foot in the door and move to the top of the pile.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Nov 5, 2025 • 10min
Why Asking for a Raise Feels So Hard (and How to Do It Anyway) | Career Glow Up Series
💌 Subscribe to our Career Glow Up email series to get all the tips, scripts, and strategies to help you grow your career this month. https://mailchi.mp/a4486f077c2f/careerglowupLet’s talk money.In this episode of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton get real about one of the hardest but most important conversations at work: asking for a raise. From when to ask to how to prepare, they break down what it takes to approach salary negotiations with confidence and results.We cover:• How to know when it’s time to ask for a raise• What to include in your pitch to make your case stronger• How to use data and market research to back up your ask• What to do if your manager says no• Why confidence and preparation can make or break your outcomeIf you’ve ever searched “how to ask for a raise,” “how to negotiate your salary,” or “how to get promoted,” this episode is for you.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Oct 29, 2025 • 28min
Jaclyn Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey and What She's Learned Along the Way
This week on WorkParty, Jaclyn opens up about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and how a routine mammogram led to early detection. She shares what the process has looked like so far and the lessons she’s learned about listening to her body, advocating for herself, and staying proactive with her health.In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Jaclyn and Marina talk about what it’s like to navigate something life-changing while balancing work, emotions, and everyday life. They share why early detection matters, how to better understand your own body, and what it means to prioritize health even when life feels busy.Early detection can change everything. By sharing her story, Jaclyn hopes to encourage other women to take action, ask questions, and schedule that screening.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Oct 22, 2025 • 25min
How Motherhood Can Make You a Stronger Founder with Denise Vasi
Motherhood doesn’t just change your schedule, it changes everything.This week, Jaclyn and Marina sit down with Denise Vasi, founder of Maed Beauty, actress, writer, and advocate for intentional living. Denise shares how becoming a mom reshaped her definition of success, what it took to launch Maed at Sephora, and how she learned to give herself grace through it all.In this episode, we cover:• How motherhood transformed Denise’s approach to ambition and self-worth• The real story behind launching Maed Beauty and landing in Sephora• The truth about balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood• Why giving yourself grace is key to leadership and sanity• The importance of slowing down after years of hustle cultureIf you’ve ever felt torn between chasing your goals and being present for your family, this episode will remind you it’s possible to do both.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Oct 15, 2025 • 32min
Reimagining Email: Authentic Marketing for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
They break down why email is still the highest ROI marketing channel and how to make it work for you — from writing subject lines that feel personal to creating automations that nurture your audience while you sleep.We cover:Why email converts better than social media (and how to measure success)How to grow your email list without feeling salesyTips for writing authentic, high-converting newslettersSegmentation and automation 101: what to set up firstThe balance between beautiful design and genuine connectionCheck out Flodesk here: https://flodesk.comJoin Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
From Solo to CEO: Building Your Team & Org Chart as a Founder
On this week’s episode of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton dive into one of the toughest, and most important, aspects of building a business: your team. From first hires and org charts to evolving into a confident, effective leader, they break down the realities of what it takes to grow a strong company culture and why managing people is often the most challenging part of being a founder.They get candid about everything from early-stage hires and revenue-generating roles, to the pros and cons of remote work, how to delegate with trust, and why hiring the right person isn’t just about filling a title. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of managing a lean team, wondering when to build an executive layer, or trying to balance startup hustle with sustainable culture, you’ll hear hard-earned lessons and real-world insight from two seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been there.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Oct 1, 2025 • 23min
Confidence at Every Stage: Fundraising, Leadership & Life Transitions
On this week’s episode of WorkParty, Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton are diving into what it really means to show up with confidence in work, leadership, and life. From fundraising and running a business, to navigating major personal transitions, they break down the challenges and mindset shifts, like moving from an employee to CEO and other things that shape how women lead and grow.They also get candid about the evolution of Create & Cultivate, the lessons learned from moving cities, and how owning your story can change both your personal and professional trajectory. Whether you’re pitching investors, building a team, or managing life’s big transitions, you’ll gain actionable insights, perspective, and encouragement to embrace your confidence at every stage.Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton

Sep 24, 2025 • 26min
The Girlboss Reset: Founders Returning to Rewrite the Playbook
This week on WorkParty Jaclyn Johnson and Marina Middleton return with an honest conversation about leadership, reinvention, and what it actually looks like to grow a modern business. From the evolution of the “girlboss” narrative, to the pressure of building both a brand and a personal identity online as a founder, they break down the realities many women in business face, but don’t always talk about.They also get into what’s changed at Create & Cultivate, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the Festival, and how running a small team can still lead to big results. Whether you’re figuring out your next move, trying to stay visible while staying sane, or learning how to show up with confidence, this episode offers real perspective and plenty to think about as we approach this next season! Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festivalTo follow along with Create & Cultivate:https://www.instagram.com/createcultivatewww.createcultivate.comTo connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnsonTo connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton


