Spotlight On: Aminatou Sow, Writer, Influencer, and Host of “Call Your Girlfriend”

The 4-1-1 on Aminatou:

• Originally from: Conakry, Guinea
• Current hometown: Brooklyn, NY
• Astrological sign: Aries
• Favorite book: "No One Tells You This: A Memoir" by Glynnis MacNicol
• Dream job when you were younger: A journalist like Christiane Amanpour
• Area of focus: Ive worked at a think tank, various PR agencies, at a veterans organization, at Google and now for myself. I run my own consulting business, host a few podcasts and write. Im really lucky that I have a career where I get to just be myself and do what I love.

5 Questions with Aminatou

How do you keep yourself motivated and feeling empowered?
Im really lucky to be a very internally motivated person. Surrounding myself with generous, smart, and hilarious friends is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I love to watch my friends win and soar to new heights. What a treat to share even a tiny bit of that experience with them.

How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
After going through some life-changing medical stuff recently, Ive realized that work isnt everything. Putting your health, yourself and your relationships first is the only way youll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. I work from home most of the year, but Ive had to put in structure in my work day so Im not working all day. Ive also started giving myself vacation days and I intend to take all of them every single year.

Which passions and hobbies helped influence the person you are today?
I took my first plane ride when I was 10 days old and havent stopped since. From distant trips to shorter excursions away from home, travel is a life-changing experience and a chance to get outside your comfort zone. Ive learned so much about rolling with the punches and opening my mind and heart to new experiences.

Who's one person that inspires you?
My friend Shani Hilton, the executive editor for news at BuzzFeed, is my hero. Her work ethic is legendary and Ive learned so much from her both personally and professionally. Shes very successful, but always makes time and space to help and inspire everyone around her.

What do you think is the biggest issue for women leaders in the workplace?
There are many big issues that face women in the workplace but the gender pay gap is one that immediately comes to mind. It affects women of all ages, races, and education levels. At its core, its just another form of workplace discrimination. My hope is that one day all employers can show that they are committed to supporting women in the workplace by closing the gap.