The career-focused social network LinkedIn announced in July 2023 that it was teaming up with iHeartPodcasts as it planned to add podcast content to its lineup that includes newsletters, posts, and live events. More than a year later, the first series from the LinkedIn Podcast Network has debuted. The series is titled Let’s Talk Offline, and will help Gen Z job hunters navigate the job market and feel comfortable in their new careers.
The series is hosted by LinkedIn Early Career Development Editor Gianna Prudente and Community Manager Jamé Jackson Gadsden. They will speak with Gen Zers about what it takes to thrive in the early years of your career, without sacrificing your values, sanity or sleep.
"Figuring out what it takes to succeed at work can feel like solving a puzzle. For young professionals just starting their careers, it can be especially tough to piece it all together," said Courtney Coupe, Head of Original Programming at LinkedIn. "The world of work is continuing to change, which is why Let’s Talk Offline will be a great resource and a fun listen for anyone trying to figure it all out.”
The creators say the conversation will include issues such as how to advocate for yourself without alienating the boss, how to stand out without losing your job, how fit in without betraying your values, and how to change things without rocking the boat too much.
“Let's Talk Offline is the resource I wish I had when starting my career a few years ago. There is so much we don't learn in school about navigating work life – like how to negotiate or ask for a promotion,” said Prudente. “I'm thrilled to be co-hosting the show to unpack some of the top questions I hear from Gen Z and offer guidance along the way, as we all figure it out together.”
LinkedIn says Gen Z is looking for more advice about their workplace future. According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 46% of Gen Z wish they knew who to reach out to for career advice.
“I’ve seen firsthand as a social creator how powerful content can be in shaping careers and opportunities. At LinkedIn, I constantly hear from our members about the need for authentic voices to discuss the highs and lows of navigating the workplace,” said Jackson Gadsden. “My experience has taught me that storytelling isn’t just about the stories we tell, but about who gets to tell them. Let’s Talk Offline creates a dialogue that empowers everyone to show up as their true, authentic selves, both online and offline.”
Let’s Talk Offline debuts September 10 with new episodes released each Tuesday. The weekly podcast will launch with two episodes. Episode one will discuss ways to break the "not enough job experience" barrier, featuring Gen Z resume specialist Morgan Sanner — better known to her 83,000 TikTok followers as "Resume Official." The second episode will navigate how to negotiate pay with negotiation expert and Wharton professor Mori Taheripour, who will share tips on what to say when talking about salary and benefits with a prospective employer.
Under LinkedIn’s strategic partnership with iHeartMedia, it will use the infrastructure and distribution capabilities of iHeartPodcasts to create a combination of new shows, as well as collaborations with existing podcasters. The content will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and iHeart will monetize these new podcasts as the two companies see audio as a way to connect brands to important conversations in the professional space. They are also teaming up to offer new resources for niche and emerging business podcasters. Under the arrangement, qualifying podcasters will gain streamlined access to LinkedIn’s tools, best practices, and coaching, and to iHeart’s hosting, distribution, monetization services, while receiving co-branding opportunities from the LinkedIn Podcast Network and iHeartMedia.
In addition to being distributed to traditional podcast listening apps, iHeartPodcasts will also make the shows in the LinkedIn Podcast Network available in LinkedIn newsletters.
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