Three years ago, Handel joined the meditation-based app Headspace as its chief content officer. She oversees a large team responsible for Headspace’s content strategy and production, along with overseeing brand, talent, and content partnerships.
Handel is the executive producer for Netflix’s Headspace Guide to Meditation, Headspace Guide to Sleep, and Unwind Your Mind. She launched a slew of podcasts, including the hit daily podcast Radio Headspace, collaborating with artists such as John Legend, and worked with Sesame Street to create kids’ content.
Handel and her team were nominated for three 2022 Emmy Awards for the Netflix projects and won for Best Main Titles/Graphics for Headspace Guide to Meditation.
“My liberal arts education provided me with invaluable skills that set me up for success in my career,” Handel said. “From critical thinking and effective communication to honing my writing skills, I learned much from my time on the Hill.”
A government major, Handel moved to New York City and used the Hamilton alumni database to net an assistant marketing job at Miramax. From there she moved on to the development team at MTV, working on shows like Laguna Beach and The Hills. While at MTV, the Washington, D.C., native relocated to LA.
After MTV, Handel spent a year at a production company developing shows and producing TV pilots. She joined Style Network, serving as its director of development. She next went to Country Music Television, first as VP of development and later as senior VP of programming and development. At CMT, Handel was executive producer of the shows Nashville, Music City, and Wife Swap.
Today, Handel said she feels blessed to have found a career at Headspace. “It’s been life changing to work on content that truly helps people live a better life, reduce their stress and anxiety, and take care of their mental health,” she said.
