Hoda Kotb took a moment this week to reflect on her 25-year journey at NBC, sharing her favorite life lessons with Today show co-host Jenna Bush Hager.
Hoda recounted her early career, when she was primarily focused on hard news, and how she initially faced resistance when trying to transition to lighter programming.
She recounted: "They were just like, 'Not her. She's boring. Don't pick her’".
However, TV producer Amy Rosenblum saw potential in her and fought for her opportunity to embrace a more lighthearted role.
Amy's encouragement to be more authentic on camera and to let her true personality shine through helped Hoda break free from her self-imposed constraints.
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Hoda explained: "I was so busy trying to be right."
"I was trying not to mess up, trying to be perfect. I didn't realize, imperfections are actually what makes something work better."
Hoda’s insights extended beyond her work, offering valuable lessons applicable to all aspects of life.
She said: "In any relationship you have, whether you're in a relationship with a friend, or boyfriend, or even a job you wonder, 'How does it not feel like all those years? And I think it's because it kept changing."
Hoda emphasized the importance of embracing change and personal growth, explaining that her career evolved from Dateline to the Today show's various segments.
She said: "You just have to keep evolving...as you're doing it, you work new muscles."
In celebration of her 25 years, she revealed that her alma mater, Virginia Tech, honored her with their Distinguished Alumni award.
The university also gifted her a basketball signed by the school's women's team, which made it to the Final Four in last month's March Madness competitions.
The mom-of-two, who was away from her role for almost two weeks, returned to Today in early March, explaining that her daughter had been unwell. She also commended Hollywood actress Jamie-Lee Curtis for her incredibly supportive gesture.
During an interview with the Oscar winner on Today, Hoda recalled: "I was opening packages in my apartment last night, all the Amazon stuff that you get and Jamie Lee – I opened a package and inside I saw two teddy bears... that you had given to my girls."
Hoda then revealed the touching note that Jamie had included, it read: "I know it was scary. This is for your girls." In an emotional moment, Hoda continued: "I thought to myself, 'In the middle of her shining moment in her life [winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar], she is sending something to me and my kids.'"
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