To kick off Season Two of The Thrive Global Podcast with iHeart Radio, Thrive Global founder and CEO Arianna Huffington sat down with “CBS This Morning” co-host, O Magazine editor-at-large, and media icon Gayle King. In a wide-ranging conversation, Huffington and King spoke about everything from King’s social media habits and morning routine to self-acceptance and the possibility of an Oprah presidential run.
For many, a sense of workplace competitiveness can lead to crippling anxiety, jealousy, and even disdain for successful co-workers.
But not for Gayle King.
“I’ve worked with some people that don’t want to work with anybody who they perceive or think is better than they are,” she told Huffington. “And I really do have the opposite view on that.”
King then shared her own powerful perspective on the issue.
“I really want somebody who is as good, if not better than I am,” she said. “Because I think that forces you to raise your game. I think that you can learn.”
King added that she’s worked with many people who feel threatened by talented colleagues.
“If you’re on a team, and your teammates are good, it only makes you look good too.”
Besides, as she put it, “There’s only one me.”
King also shared her thoughts on not letting things get to her — especially decisions outside her control, like those made by T.V. industry executives. In an industry where anchors and other on-air personalities come and go, and where “the muckety-mucks get to decide who plays,” King said she avoids obsessing over it all.
“In this crazy business, sometimes it’s not even personal,” she said. “They’ve just decided they like X better than Y, and it’s not personal. Although when it happens to you, I’m sure it feels very personal.”
To move through the moments of self-doubt, King tries not to let herself be consumed with “what other people are doing” and instead focus on what she can control.
To hear the full conversation, click here.
You can also listen to the Thrive Global podcast internationally for free on iTunes and Stitcher.