Has anyone else been paying attention to what is happening over at The Today Show?
The team of morning show hosts are preparing for a transition as Hoda Kotb is stepping away from her current role in January. It was announced that Craig Melvin will step into the role of anchoring the Morning Show with Savannah Guthrie and that Jenna will begin a new show called, “Jenna and Friends” in place of the show she and Hoda have cohosted together for years.
If you haven’t seen the announcements they made, take a few minutes and watch them on YouTube or Instagram.
Seriously – go watch and then come back.
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Transitions in the workplace and life are common, but getting to witness such personal parts of a workplace transition that we aren’t part of – is rare. The way the Today Show has invited us to witness parts of their process has stuck with me this Fall.
I appreciated that Hoda shared the process of realizing it was time for her to step away, and the grief of leaving a position she has loved. She honored her co-hosts and behind-the-scenes crew so fully every chance she got, and was especially encouraging to Jenna and Craig as she “passed the baton” for their new roles.
I was inspired by Savannah’s ability to share her love for Hoda, the loss they face without her, and also celebrating Hoda’s courage and promising her continued support and belonging.
I admired with Jenna Bush Hager as she wept freely and leaned into sharing how Hoda’s presence in her life has changed her and how she made space for celebration and grief.
I appreciated how Sheinelle Jones made a point to help the viewers understand just how significant Hoda is to each of them and how encouraging and welcoming to Craig she was. I admired the way she shared thoughtfully and with intention, amidst her own tears.
I was moved by Al Rokar’s honoring of both Hoda and Craig, the way with he spoke highly of each of their work, but expounded more about who they are outside of their professional roles- offering words and encouragement that so many crave from someone who’s gone before them.
I admired the ways Craig honored Hoda, shared his story and thanked the Lord, his parents, his wife. I also loved how he honored each of his female co-anchors, calling them the sisters he never had. He so clearly was sharing from his heart.
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As someone who doesn’t regularly watch the Today Show, I was surprised by the love I witnessed between each of these individuals. Each person brought their full selves to these moments – which felt almost sacred as they marked the moments of seasons shifting and batons being passed with life-giving words of encouragement and trust and a reminder of who these people were and what they meant to one another.
I couldn’t help but reflect on some of the professional transitions I have experienced. Some of which share echos of what we are seeing shared by the Today Show, and others I wish I could go back and get a redo. How I would love another chance to articulate what those places and people mean to me, the grief of leaving, and an opportunity to celebrate my coworkers.
In a day and age when so often we are encouraged to keep the boundaries between professional and personal very clear — there is just something so refreshing about witnessing a reality that is a little more nuanced then professional and personal remaining completely separate or divided.
I think the Today Show is giving us a beautiful sneak peak and reality check that … no matter our role, job position or career path … we are all humans first.
Starting with our humanity, and being open to friendship and connection can lead to life changing relationships that shape one another for good.
Thank you to the Today Show for showing up with your full selves, and inviting us to witness your love for one another. It has been a gift.
