Jennifer Cotter

My friend and former colleague Angad Hira died on June 24th. It still doesn't feel real. I'll be in the middle of something normal and it hits me again out of nowhere. Not even three weeks ago...only three weeks. Most of you knew him as the COO/CFO at VMG Partners, where I had the honor of working alongside him for eight years. Sharp, steady, the person you wanted in the room when the numbers mattered. But mostly I knew him as Munny. When I joined I thought it was the most obnoxious thing in the world... a finance guy who went by "Money." It bugged me for months. Then I found out it was spelled Munny, and I felt like an idiot, and by then it didn't matter, because I already loved him. One of my first and favorite memories of him is from one of VMG's old infamous Expo West parties. I was still new, still doing the math on whether I belonged in a room like that. And there was Munny, shirt a little too unbuttoned, a few drinks in, delighted by the absurdity of sparklers and bottle service at a work event. He looked at me like I was already one of his people and pulled me right in. Him and Carle both. I felt like a cool kid standing next to them. He made you feel like that, and then he just kept doing it, until one day you forgot you'd ever wondered if you belonged. He taught me things I still use. That the simplest answer is usually the right one. I shouldn't complicate what's already clear. He told me about wake windows when I had a newborn and it made no sense at the time, and then months later it clicked and I heard his voice in my head, a little smug, being right. One of the last times we talked he was grumbling about getting old. New medications, the kind he'd only ever associated with his parents' generation, that whole bit. I loved getting to feel a little old alongside him. It meant we had history. That we'd been young together once too, and got to remember it together now. I miss his stupid face. The Jersey swagger and the total dork underneath it. And I keep thinking about the people who miss him most. Trish, and their boys, Sahan and Amar. I tried to read my kids a bedtime story the other night and fell apart thinking about her doing something that ordinary without him. It feels impossible that this family has to figure out how to go on. I don't have anything wise to say about it. It's just not fair. I love this industry because it's full of humans and stories. That's the whole reason I love it, and we are so good at celebrating our stories, loudly, together. Which is why I think we have to grieve together too. So I'm telling you: I'm grieving. Things don't feel the same. I don't feel the same. I keep getting interrupted by it, mid-sentence, mid-day, out of nowhere. And I wanted to do that part out loud too. Munny, I miss you more than you'll ever know. You're one of my favorite people I've ever known, and one of my favorite stories. I'm so grateful I got you in my life at all. Thank you for making me feel like I belonged.

A few months ago, I shared that I was hitting "pause." After years leading communications at some incredible companies, I wanted to be intentional about what came next. Not just another role...but the right opportunity, with the right mission, at the right time. Today, I'm excited to share that I'll be joining WHOOP as its first Chief Communications Officer. I've always believed the strongest brands aren't built by what they say, but by what people BELIEVE about them and the emotional connection we have with these brands. WHOOP is helping redefine how people understand their health—not only by giving them data, but by inspiring them to take control of their health every day.  And the opportunity to build the company's first communications function that matches the company’s ambition, at such a pivotal moment in its journey, was one I couldn't pass up. From the beginning, what stood out to me wasn't just the technology. It was the company’s ambition. I'm grateful to Will Ahmed, the leadership team and everyone I've met throughout this process for the trust they've placed in me. I look forward to partnering with this talented team to build a brand rooted in sport, trusted in health, and inspiring people to reach their potential and feel their best. To the many friends, mentors and colleagues who reached out over the past several months—with encouragement, introductions, advice and more coffee chats than I can count—thank you. Your support meant more than you know. I'm excited for this next chapter.  Let's get to work! 

At Benefit, Pride Month is more than a celebration; it's a reflection of our commitment to making everyone feel seen, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Throughout June, our worldwide #Benefam came together to celebrate love, individuality, and the vibrant communities that make Benefit so special. From colorful celebrations in our boutiques and offices to supporting Pride events around the world, our teams proudly demonstrated that inclusion and belonging are at the heart of who we are. Benefit was proud to participate in both the San Francisco Pride Parade and Mexico City Pride Parade, standing in celebration and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. And our celebration continues this fall as we look forward to marching in Taipei Pride this October as part of the LVMH family. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us and helped make this year’s Pride Month so meaningful. Together, we’ll continue celebrating every voice, every identity, and every unique story that makes our community stronger. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #LifeAtBenefit #PRIDE #LoveLoudly #LoveProudly #Benefam #Belonging #Inclusion

One year ago, Kierstin Rielly stepped into the CEO role here at Women On Boards Project. Today, we're celebrating her, and everything she's built in the past year. Hitting 77 board placements. $350k+ raised. 18 new team members. A tight knit community that didn't exist in the same way before she showed up. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Our co-founder Cassie Burr said it eloquently and impactfully, as per usual: "This exact, almost unreasonable intersection of the right expertise, the right grit, the right conviction... the hustle, the swagger, the get-shit-done energy that I didn't know was possible for us to find. You just fit." From the other team members who work alongside her every day: "It was clear from the start that you were what this organization needed. Your kind energy, expertise, contagious laugh and willingness to listen make you someone that I would follow everywhere." — Julianne Zhang "Watching you step into this role and absolutely crush it has been incredible to see. You've not only met every expectation, you've completely surpassed them." — Kristin Tucker "You are the heart and soul of our organization and we are all so grateful for everything you do each and every day to make sure our mission lives on." — Brianna Rizzo "Your leadership just stood out in a quiet but powerful way. You are so thoughtful, so approachable, and always grounded." — Laura Brooks "What makes you especially impactful is how you pair passion with a thoughtful, grounded, and focused approach to the work. That balance is rare." — Mary Mondanaro "You are such a force to be reckoned with and we are SO LUCKY to have you. You have made such an incredible impact in such a short amount of time." — Sara Brooks "You make people feel seen, and you make the mission feel possible—every single day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with you!" — Amy Barbanell "You have been a GIFT to moving this organization forward." — Amanda Steele Kierstin — we are BEYOND lucky you said yes. Here's to year two. Let’s do this thing!

"Gazing at stars, singing camp songs, and yes... conquering the fear of snakes. 😅 Today, I had the pleasure of meeting bright and curious kids ages 8 to 13, who were thrilled to explore a world that was brand new to them. In just one day, they gazed at stars in a planetarium, tie-dyed shirts, sang together over lunch, and even paused to pet a snake that slithered through the woods. They learned to live together in harmony with new friends, showing real character in countless small ways. For a child from the city, moving to the country has a profound impact. New friends, open skies, and unfamiliar spaces expand what a kid believes is possible. This expanded horizon fosters confidence — the confidence to explore new careers, new opportunities, and a broader sense of who they can become. That’s what The Fresh Air Fund quietly builds, one camper at a time. The timing of this visit was particularly meaningful. This week, #TheNewYorkTimes profiled a Bronx family and highlighted The Fresh Air Fund as the opportunity that allowed their three sons to experience sleepaway camp — with gear, transportation, and lodging all provided. One of those boys started at age 8 and is now a counselor-in-training. This illustrates the journey: not just a single summer, but a place where kids return year after year, eventually becoming the ones who give back. After 30 years, days like today still move me. Watching these kids explore, make friends, and grow into themselves reminds me of why this work matters — and why it deserves the support of everyone who cares about New York City’s young people. If you’ve ever wondered what your support builds, come to camp and see for yourself. Bring a friend. I promise it will stay with you. With gratitude to @LisaGitelson and the entire #FreshAirFund team, and to the friends and young leaders who made today unforgettable. #camp #youthenrichment #confidence #character #perspectives #FreshAirFund #CampMagic #NYCKids #Mentorship #Gratef

10 weeks back from maternity leave, and last week I also hit my 4-year Peloversary!! Peloton Interactive 🎉 Coming back has felt like such a reset. A lot has changed, but there’s also so much that’s reassuringly familiar. I’ve enjoyed returning with a fresh perspective to an amazing Studio Experience team that held the fort so brilliantly… and has been very patient with my constant “I have an idea…” or “what about if we…” moments!! The juggle is still very much there, but it’s working (most of the time!). It definitely helps to work somewhere as supportive as Peloton, alongside breakfast clubs, nursery, family… and more kids’ breakfasts eaten in the car than I’d like to admit. Next challenge: the school summer holidays, where childcare planning becomes a game of Tetris. Then somehow the baby turns one. 🤯💕 Looking forward to seeing what year five brings!!

Some people leave a legacy through the businesses they build. Others leave it through the lives they touch. Adrienne Arpel has done both. Tomorrow my dear friend Adrienne Arpel celebrates her birthday. It seems like the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable legacy she's built - and the even more remarkable person she is. The first photo was taken at HSN's One Enchanted Evening gala celebrating Disney's launch of Cinderella. (And yes... in true Mindy Grossman fashion, everyone dressed for the occasion!) Although I led the Home business at HSN and Adrienne was one of the icons of our Beauty business, I was fortunate to become friends with her through our mutual friend, Mindy Grossman. We also had the opportunity to work together each year on HSN's Celebrity Christmas Ornament program benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where Adrienne generously lent her support. Adrienne's professional legacy is extraordinary. Through Adrien Arpel, she helped pioneer professional skincare treatments and education within department stores, forever changing how women experienced prestige skincare. Long before experiential retail became the norm, she demonstrated that skincare was about expertise, education, and results - not simply selling products. She later continued that legacy through Signature Club A, inspiring millions of women with her warmth, knowledge, and passion. But what I'll remember most isn't just her remarkable career - it's her heart. One evening, while Adrienne was in Tampa for HSN, we happened to run into each other at Ocean Prime restaurant. I was celebrating the adoption of the newest member of our family with my three sons. She immediately lit up when she met the boys. The very next day, in true Adrienne fashion, three enormous Tonka construction trucks arrived at our home - one for each of them. The second photo is one I'll always treasure. It captures my three boys with the Tonka trucks Adrienne surprised them with the very next day. That thoughtful gesture perfectly captured the woman behind the brand. Her generosity, grace, thoughtfulness, and genuine kindness have stayed with me ever since. Happy Birthday, Adrienne. Thank you for your friendship, your vision, and for making our industry - and the lives of so many people - a little more beautiful. Some gifts are forgotten. Three Tonka trucks never are. #Leadership #Retail #Beauty #Legacy

Great work creates more great work. It’s better to create work… it inevitably turns into more work. People like to work with people who create and get to the finish line on projects. We all know people who are frozen. Terrified to make a decision, so they don’t even start. Here’s the truth: I would rather hire someone who has tried and failed - or put in countless hours of hard work - than someone who only daydreams but never takes action. The hardest part is usually taking that first step. What helped you start?