# Valerie Jarrett on Making White House History

An episode of [Work Friends](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1754999837), 27 Jul 2026, 1 h 00 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6ab2d5d5b8c4cddd75742a28/e/69506cb9-b398-4713-9a05-968589f25b02/media.mp3

Valerie Jarrett, CEO and a member of the board of directors of the Obama Foundation, joins us to discuss how she became the longest-serving advisor to any US President. From law school to local politics to a vital role in the highest office of government, Valerie’s career is exemplary and—as evidenced by the Obama Presidential Center that opened just weeks ago in Chicago—continues to make history. 0:00 - Introduction 2:22 - Obama Presidential Center Opening 5:29 - Growing Up in Iran & Chicago 10:00 - Strong Working Parent Examples 12:38 - Working Mom Guilt 14:40 - "This Must Be Someone Else's Life" 17:21 - Meeting Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama 22:35 - Finding Purpose in Public Service 25:49 - Becoming President Obama’s Senior Advisor 30:50 - What Does a Senior Advisor Do? 35:59 - Fighting For Gender Equity 45:21 - Running For Office 46:34 -Defining Success After The White House 48:50 - Can I Make a Difference? 52:07 - The Obama Foundation Impact 55:50 - Advice for Working in Public Service 57:29 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Two-Button Blazer, Crewneck Tank, and Soho Trouser Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit Edited by Ryan Woldoff @c__biz Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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