(Credits: Netflix)

Beyond the skinny jeans, galaxy prints, and moustache trends, the 2010s had another viral fever. That was the supreme reign of hustle culture, where productivity was idealised and success was chased on steroids. No sleep and ten cups of coffee with tasks on long to-do lists were checked off. That was the way of the 2010s hustle culture. To constantly be at your peak and push through obstacles is the ideal way to be. This was embodied by the pop culture and media produced in the era. 

But more than that, the hustle culture got ingrained in the mannerisms of the millennial generation that entered the workforce. Something that seems to stay even today with fictional characters that are from that generation. Netflix series, Running Point, reflects this very trend. 

Running Point is a sports comedy series created by Elaine Ko, known for Modern Family, Mindy Kaling, known for Never Have I Ever, Ike Barinholtz, known for Bless the Hearts, and David Stassen. It premiered recently on Netflix in February 2025. Its success led to a second season renewal in March itself. 

Kate Hudson stars as Isla Gordon, a reformed socialite-rebel, who finds herself presented with the responsibility of leading her family’s pro basketball team, after they are faced with a scandal. The show follows her and her family’s trials and tribulations both on and off the court, in their respective careers and personal lives. Her determination and confidence form the essence of her leadership, as she pushes her company to rise above the controversial period.

Undermined as well as motivated by her brothers, Isla works hard to form a better image of herself in front of her family. She becomes the embodiment of a girlboss who grew up in the hustle culture. Driven by her ambition, she gives her all to her career and company, often facing tribulations in her personal life. She aims to be assertive in a company and workplace that has previously only been led by men, and that too from her family.

Throughout her childhood, her father was dismissive of her calibre and refused to let her into the inner workings of the business. Meanwhile, her brothers were welcomed with open arms and in ways engulfed by the sexist standards of the work. Despite this, her elder brother, Cam Gordon, entrusts her with the presiding role when he steps down in the face of a drug scandal. He believes that her leadership is the much-needed balance between her other brothers and will be beneficial to the company.

Isla does not let this opportunity go to waste, constantly scrutinised by the media for her past behaviour and mistakes, she looks past them to work hard towards the betterment of the company. She faces twice the pressure as the first female leader of the company. Yet, she puts on a smile on her brave face, wears her powersuits as she embraces her girlboss avatar. Running Point becomes the embodiment of hustle culture as Isla Gordon becomes the new-age girlboss icon.