Mika Brzezinski Talks Breaking Stereotypes for Women Over 50

Morning Joe’s co-host Mika Brzezinski is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a woman over 50. In a candid interview with Politico published on October 25, Mika, now 57, shared her thoughts on how perceptions of aging have shifted dramatically. "When I was 30, the idea of being 60 felt like a lifetime away, and it wasn't exactly something to look forward to," Mika reflected. "But now, at 57, I can confidently say that 60 is the new 40. We’re not just surviving—we're thriving. We’re seen as wise, capable, and more valuable than ever before."

Embracing Wisdom and Authority in Later Life

Mika went on to describe how women in their 50s and beyond are stepping into roles of leadership and influence like never before. "We’re leading companies, making money, spending money, and most importantly, we’ve got the least amount of f**ks to give," she joked. "This stage of life gives us a unique freedom. We’re at our wisest, and we finally have the confidence to demand what we deserve. It’s an incredible time to harness our experience, wisdom, and strength to create real change—not just for ourselves, but for all women."

Know Your Value Movement: Empowering Women Worldwide

Mika is not just talking the talk; she’s walking the walk. As the founder of the Know Your Value movement, she’s dedicated to helping women worldwide recognize their worth both inside and outside the workplace. Through workshops, events, and community building, the initiative aims to empower women to negotiate better, pursue their passions, and live lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. "It’s about understanding that your value isn’t tied to your age or anyone else’s opinion—it’s intrinsic," Mika explained. "And once you realize that, there’s no stopping you."

Read also:
Griffin Dunnes Journey Through Hollywood From Reluctant Actor To Iconic Roles

In the past, Mika has been open about her own journey of self-discovery. She recounted a pivotal moment in her career when her now-husband, Joe Scarborough, convinced her to join him on Morning Joe. What started as a scrappy show with zero budget quickly turned into a national sensation. "Joe and I would travel across the country, booking politicians and thought leaders, creating something truly special from nothing," Mika recalled. "But when it came time to negotiate our deals, I realized just how much I undervalued myself."

Learning to Stand Up for Herself

It wasn’t until Mika compared her contract to Joe’s that she understood the disparity. "I heard Joe talking to our boss, dropping F-bombs left and right, insisting he get the money he deserved. And I thought, 'Wow, he’s really going for it,'" she said. "Six months later, we compared our deals, and I found out Joe was making 14 times more than me. It was a wake-up call. While he was standing up for himself, I was sitting there, terrified of rocking the boat."

Mika admitted that this pattern of undervaluing herself was nothing new. "Even at 40, I had done this time and time again. Every contract I signed, I just said thank you and never asked for more. It took me years to realize that there was a version of assertiveness that worked for me—and that I deserved to fight for myself too."

Mika Brzezinski Shares Biggest Misconceptions About Working Women Over 50 — John Lamparski/Getty Images

Mika shared that she eventually had a candid conversation with her boss, which led to a resolution. "It was an authentic, real, tough, powerful conversation that resulted in change," she said. "At the end of the day, it’s all about business—MSNBC wants a good deal for themselves, but it’s also my responsibility to ensure I’m getting the best deal possible for me."

Personal Life and Collaborations

Mika and Joe, 61, tied the knot in 2018 after years of working together on Morning Joe. Before meeting Joe, Mika was married to Jim Hoffer from 1993 to 2016, and they have two daughters together, Emilie and Carlie Hoffer. As part of the Know Your Value initiative’s “50 Over 50” celebration this month, Mika sat down with actress and entrepreneur Brooke Shields, who launched Commence, a hair company catering to women over 40.

Brooke opened up about the emotional journey many women face as they enter their 40s and 50s. "I was shocked by how universal the feeling was—your kids start to leave, you’re over 40, and suddenly people act like you’ve got one foot in the grave," Brooke said. "But I started to see these women embrace this next phase of life with power, agency, and belief in themselves. They wanted to step into this new chapter with pride and confidence. That’s why I started Commence—not just as a business, but as an emotional mission."