Nikki Ogunnaike on Fashion Media: "It's a Game, at the End of the Day"

Nikki Ogunnaike joins Sali to tell the story of her career, one that’s landed her at the top of the masthead as the Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire. Prior to taking the helm over two years ago, Nikki stacked her resume with roles at some of the most prestigious fashion publications in the world: InStyle, Glamour, Elle, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar among them. Over the course of her career, she’s covered the major moves in the capital-F Fashion industry, dived deep into celebrity style, and is a certifiable shopping expert. Since stepping into her role at Marie Claire—and launching her own podcast, Nice Talk—Nikki has also become a leader on power: what it means and the women who wield it for good. She is certainly one, as well. Today, she gives us a look at her over-decade-long career, including:having an expectation of excellence from a young age, as a first-generation Nigerian American.building a portfolio of work from one fashion publication to another…with some tough transitions along the way.learning about the New York elite and how the fashion industry is really just “a game at the end of the day.”why she actually didn't want to be an Editor-in-Chief.and, now that she is one, how she’s approaching her leadership role at a historic publication.Plus, be sure to check out the January Marie Claire issue, featuring cover star Keke Palmer!On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer, Soho Trouser, and Fine PoloOn Nikki: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck BlazerHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to [email protected] for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.