Come through sis!
Hoda Kotb has officially replaced Matt Lauer after his recent termination in response to several sexual assault claims from coworkers past and present.
This news doesn't come as a surprise for viewers as Hoda's seamless transition over the past few weeks proved her ready for the job. "It's 2018, and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today," her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie announced Tuesday on air. "This has to be the most popular decision NBC News have ever made, and I'm so thrilled."
Beyond that, Hoda's new role sends a powerful message to Today show viewers- one of hope, change, kickass feminine power, and, of course, black girl magic.
After the termination of Lauer, most of us wondered how and who could replace the man who had been the backbone of the Today show for the past 20 years. Hoda, who hosted the fourth hour of the Today show with Kathy Lee Gifford, stepped into the role temporarily after the news of Lauer broke saying, "This is a very tough morning for both of us, I've known Matt for 15 years and I've loved him as a friend and a colleague, and just like you were saying, Savannah, it's hard to reconcile what we are hearing with the man who we know, who walks in this building every single day."
Over the next few weeks however, Hoda proved that her charisma and chemistry with Savannah Guthrie was unbeatable. We were all hoping this dynamic duo would stay together, and now our prayers have been answered. Regarding her co-host and teammate, Hoda said:
"When you click with someone, man, woman, it doesn't matter. If it works, it works. We're sort of like sisters."
This new team of two marks an important day for NBC and the Today show. The duo will be the first ever female co-anchor team to host the Today show, and we are not sleeping on the message it sends to viewers and industry professionals alike. The act of replacing a white male with a black female is revolutionary in itself, but the concept of replacing a man adding toxic masculinity to a professional environment with a team of two outspoken, intelligent, and highly capable women takes it to another level.
The Today show made a conscious choice to not only believe their women employees, but also to uplift and empower them professionally instead of punishing them like so many other industries do. In hiring Hoda, Today has effectively hired the Anti-Lauer and effectively reinforced standards in the workplace.
In a statement to People, Hoda had this to say about her network's radical and progressive move:
"We're grateful to NBC for not having some old-fashioned notion about what an anchoring team should look like."
Hoda's revolutionary new gig will be one for the books but let's not think she got this job just because some guy was fired. Let's get this straight - Hoda earned this. She put in her time. She proved her journalistic capability and passed so many tests with flying colors. In fact, Hoda won a daytime Emmy award in 2010 for her exceptional work on the Today show team. She's been a presence and force in journalism since the early 1990's and we aren't expecting this powerhouse woman to go anywhere anytime soon.
Congratulations Hoda and the entire Today show *modern* family! You did the damn thing.
Featured image via Today Show/Instagram
- Hoda Kotb - Wikipedia ›
- Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Matt Lauer Sexual Harassment ... ›
- Hoda Kotb looks back on her first year with daughter Haley Joy ... ›
- Hoda Kotb named co-anchor of NBC's 'Today,' joins Savannah Guthrie ›
- It's a girl! Hoda Kotb announces she's adopted a baby - TODAY.com ›
- Hoda Kotb Will Co-Anchor NBC's 'Today' Show – Variety ›
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But the more the discussion progressed, the depth of that answer was revealed. Ebony opened up about how saving during the pandemic, a time when many businesses were forced to close their doors, aided her through difficult chapters. And after our authentic conversation, it made the importance of saving and business research crystal clear. Check out the convo below.
What was your journey like into money management? Have you always been good with your finances?
Yes, I learned it early. My grandparents had a construction company when I was growing up and my grandmother would teach me that with everything they worked for, she’d put 30% away. So no matter how many jobs I’ve had, once I tithed, I’d put up 30% away too. If I couldn’t pay my bills with that remainder, I’d get a second job. As crazy as it sounds, I’ve always been amazing at that.
So you’re definitely more of a saver then a spender, right?
Well, yes, but I do have a shopping addiction. But I save a lot. I’ve gone months and months without buying anything, then I’ll just go buy something big or small. But I’ve always known I still need backup plans. The beauty of having it is that you’re never trying to scramble. Even with my first property, I didn’t have any problems because my money was seasoned. I’ve always been consistent and knew a certain amount of money was going in the bank every paycheck.
Photo by Rari Filmz
Okay, so I can’t ignore the “shopping addiction” comment. Tell me about your splurge
So Louis Vuitton and Chanel are my favorites. Then I’m really big on supporting Black-owned businesses. I put that in my budget every month – sometimes a few times a month.
That’s a good one! What advice do you have for people trying to tighten up their budget?
Prioritize. When the pandemic happened, it gave us all a new outlook on life and what’s important. For example, going out to eat with my friends and family is essential. So I take time out monthly and figure out my expenses. For example, a lot of my friends are Tauruses, so that month, I need to plan extra birthday dinners. It only takes me like an hour, but it makes such a difference. People need to figure out what that looks like for them.
And what is your current final goal? Like, do you have a retirement plan?
Yes, once I get Noveau to 100 million! My biggest goal is for my team members to buy homes and establish themselves. But my end goal would be 15-20 restaurants, with five being investment restaurants. Also, of course, I want properties. I understand the importance of owning land. I think those are the main things.
Okay, so what is the worst piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Someone told me that I don’t need finances to open up a business. People say if you have a 590 credit score you can start it, but why would you do that? I mean you can do it with that score, but the interest looks way different. Build your credit first and avoid the extra costs. I used my own money to start a lot of businesses. Now when I look back I wouldn’t have even done it that way.
How would you have done it?
I would’ve used the bank's money. When you’re building your first location it can be really hard, but they do give them out. But you can’t just come in with a concept with no experience and ask for $100,000. No one will bet on that or believe in it. But if you have a concept, with a real plan and projections, start off with lines of credits. You can start small and build your business with $5,000.
Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on investing and how do you do it?
I’ve invested in two restaurant concepts. Also, I have my own real estate investment company where we build, sell, and flip. I think investments are important to keep. Some of them require work. Personally, real estate is always key. To me it’s a safe option but they’re smart in general. That’s the only way you get to certain goals. Don’t let money sit in the bank – invest it.
Are there any unhealthy habits you had to unlearn in regards to investing or money management in general?
I had to learn to say no. A lot of times, everybody wants something. It’s hard to say no to people who are capable of doing things for themselves.
Heavy on the “who are capable of doing things for themselves.” What’s been your biggest struggle in building your business? Was there ever a moment you questioned it?
As an entrepreneur, we all have those moments where we’re ready to throw in the towel. But my biggest challenge was building a team and getting the word out there. But I also know God doesn’t make mistakes. At the time, the more I prayed and started to get to know the team, I came to the realization that I needed to let go of almost all of them. It wasn’t just about what was aligned with me and my purpose but also Nouveau.
Also, I had to separate myself and the business because I’m not going to care if they’re late three times in a row but the business will. Those were the most challenging things for me: saying no, building the right team, and separating the business and myself.
God heard every prayer though. Because now the team at Nouveau is amazing. They put all the pieces together. It’s all about praying and taking care of your people.
Finally, what does wealth look like to you?
Making sure my family is good and my mother doesn’t have to work again. Also, wealth is ensuring my team is reaching their goals. I teach my team how to save money, too. It makes no sense that I’m the only one that’s profitable. When I became a millionaire, my goal was to figure out who I’ll make the next millionaire. I want families to understand how we get here and how we stay here. Wealth is not a one-woman show.
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Feature image by Rari Filmz