Mellody Hobson on the Advice That Transformed Her Confidence
On Emma Grede’s Aspire podcast, Mellody Hobson—President and co-CEO of Ariel Investments and one of the most influential women in finance—delivered a powerful, vulnerable conversation about ambition, race, money, and legacy. But one piece of advice, passed down from legendary journalist Diane Sawyer, stole the spotlight.
The Sawyer Advice That Rewired Hobson’s Thinking
“I was in my 30s,” Hobson recalled. “And Diane Sawyer said to me, ‘Be unapologetic about your power.’”
That simple line hit Hobson like a bolt of lightning. At the time, she admits she still questioned her right to take up space in elite rooms. But those six words gave her permission not just to own her power—but to wield it confidently.
“It shifted how I walked into boardrooms, how I negotiated, how I viewed myself,” she told Grede.
Leading with Radical Transparency
Throughout the podcast, Hobson emphasized the importance of transparency in leadership—not just with financials, but with your personal story. She spoke candidly about growing up in a low-income household, watching her mother make ends meet creatively, and how that built her obsession with financial literacy.
“Money equals options,” Hobson said. “And we need more people—especially women and people of color—armed with knowledge and confidence about it.”
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Advice for the Next Generation: Power is Not Zero-Sum
One of the most resonant themes in the episode was Hobson’s commitment to sharing power. She says too many people think power is a pie—if someone else gets a slice, theirs gets smaller.
“But power isn’t pie,” she said. “It’s a flame. When you share it, the fire gets bigger.”
It’s a message that underpins her work at Ariel, her board roles at Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of business leaders.
Mellody’s Must-Have Mindset: Preparation Beats Intimidation
When asked how she navigates intimidating rooms full of CEOs and power players, Hobson’s answer was simple: “Be more prepared than everyone else.”
She spoke about the power of discipline, research, and deliberate calm. Her presence isn’t about volume—it’s about value. She doesn’t aim to be the loudest, just the most informed and impactful.
Find Mellody Hobson's book here.
“Own It. Then Help Others Rise.”
This Aspire episode wasn’t just a biography—it was a masterclass in confidence, clarity, and conscious leadership. Mellody Hobson isn’t asking for power. She’s demonstrating how to use it—and how to pass the torch while it’s still burning bright.
