Helen Jonsen aspired to be a writer from a young age and chose journalism for its daily writing opportunities. After studying at Fordham University and gaining experience at Channel 11 and WINS radio, she moved to Rhode Island as a senior producer, where she met and married her Australian husband. This led to a stint in Australia, where she worked in television before returning to New York. They worked for Australian networks before she joined Channel 5. After her first maternity leave, she opted to form a production company with her husband, eventually returning to Channel 11 and writing several books, including 'Kangaroo's Comments and Wallaby's Words: The Aussie Word Book.'
Helen is a communication strategist and media executive with a career that includes journalism, digital innovation, public service, and nonprofit advocacy. Through her firm, Helen Jonsen Media, she assists leaders and organizations in amplifying their voices with strategic storytelling, speaker training, and modern communication tools. She hosts the Kaleidoscope Career podcast and newsletter series, celebrating women with non-linear career paths. Helen's career has spanned roles from TV journalism to executive positions, notably earning the nickname 'video guru' from Steve Forbes at Forbes. She has also managed strategic communications for Westchester County District Attorney and NYC's Economic Development Corporation during the pandemic.
What You Will Hear in This Episode
02:47 Helen's Early Career and Personal Life
03:49 The Kaleidoscope Career: Journalism and Beyond
06:01 Curiosity and Communication: Helen's Driving Forces
11:35 Challenges and Adaptations in Helen's Career
15:55 The State of Journalism Today
19:15 The Divided Information Landscape
19:30 Launching a Podcast: Reflections and Milestones
19:56 Career Pivots: Insights and Misconceptions
21:26 Challenges and Opportunities for Women
22:58 External Forces Shaping Careers
23:51 Personal Stories of Career Shifts
26:01 The Unique Career Paths of Women
30:41 The Third Phase: Finding New Purpose
Quotes
" I think a career as a working mother also shapes how you do things and why you do things."
" I think curiosity and trying to find answers is really important. It's the real basis for any good journalism, but it's also the basis for a kaleidoscope career. You have to be willing to take on the new thing."
" The promise of the internet of the was that the internet would democratize journalism and democratize communication. Instead, what we didn't see coming was the. Siloing of information that came with the maturation of social media."
" Our demands around us on caregiving at different ages and stages affects our careers so often."
Mentioned
eConnect with Bonnie
Substack Newsletter: Own Your Ambition
Gendered Ageism Survey Results
5 Tips to own the superpower of your age
Purchase my book Not Done Yet on Amazon:
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