What Women Don’t (but Should) Talk About | Featuring Kristen Fairback

What if the most important conversations we need to have as women (about health, mentorship, and midlife growth) are still the ones we don’t talk about enough?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, Monique sits down with Kristen Fairback, Executive Vice President of National Sales at SHE Media, for an honest, girlfriend-style conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the realities of women’s health and aging.

Kristen opens up about her decades-long career in media, what she wishes she had known earlier in her leadership journey, and how mentorship and community have shaped her success. Together, they dig into the importance of credible information, shared experiences, and breaking outdated taboos around women’s wellness and midlife.

We get into:

→ Why mentorship isn’t optional. It is essential for women in every career stage.

→ How building community and finding your “tribe” creates personal and professional growth.

→ Why open conversations about women’s health, aging, and wellness matter more than ever.

→ The power of accountability, planning, and curiosity in shaping a fulfilling career.

→ How media and the creator economy are helping women turn their passions into purpose.

About Our Guest:

Kristen Fairback is the Executive Vice President, National Sales, for SHE Media. She is responsible for overseeing sales strategy and revenue across multiple aspects of the business including marketing services, influencer marketing, events, and programmatic.

Kristen is known as a collaborative and consultative multi-platform seller, responsible for driving sales and sales strategy across a variety of verticals including health and wellness, pregnancy and parenting, entertainment, CPG, beauty, and food. Prior to joining SHE Media, Kristen held positions as SVP, Lifestyle Sales at Everyday Health and Whattoexpect.com, Publisher of Digital and Entertainment at Parade, and Associate Publisher at Entertainment Weekly and EW.com.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Kristen Fairback and Her Journey

03:02 – Women in Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities

05:53 – The Importance of Mentorship and Community

08:57 – Creating Content for Women: SHE Media’s Mission 12:07 – Navigating Women’s Health Conversations

14:50 – Empowering Women Through Community and Information

18:06 – Honest Conversations on Aging and Health

21:03 – Finding Trustworthy Information in Women’s Health

24:26 – Navigating Health and Wellness in Midlife

30:30 – The Importance of Community and Open Dialogue

34:05 – Career Advice: Planning and Accountability

39:01 – Passion vs. Skill: Finding Your Path

42:33 – Wisdom for Your Younger Self

44:03 – The Power of Community and Mentorship

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