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Khristina Williams has a saying, ‘delay is not denial.’ She always had a feeling that she was meant to create something. When nothing came of her early attempts to break into sports, she decided to forge her own path and start Girls Talk Sports TV- a digital media network specializing in women’s basketball. Williams shares how Girls Talks Sports TV has given a voice and visibility to women in sports. She explains the significance of being a woman of color and example for other black women and men hoping to enter the sports industry.  Williams breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about having a platform to make a difference. She reveals how some of her early struggles shaped her current path. In this five minute REWIND of our season two podcast, Williams talks about being named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in sports. For the full conversation with Khristina Williams, check out season 2, episode 3 of Voices and Visionaries. To follow Khristina & Girls Talk Sports TV:www.girlstalksportstv.comIG @girlstalksports.tv Twitter @GrlsTalkSports_IG @KhristinaWilliamsTwitter @Khristina2334

Khristina Williams is redefining how to carve out your niche in sports. In 2018, Williams founded Girls Talk Sports TV, as a way to give a voice and visibility to women in sports, specifically women’s basketball. She bet on herself, and it’s paid off—recently being named a Forbes ’30 Under 30’ in sports. In this long-form conversation, Williams talks about the inspiration for starting her own digital media outlet, the importance of representation and how she’s helping to open doors for the next generation. She discusses why access is a challenge for women of color, the challenge of finding her first gig and why delay is not denial. Williams shares why she’s living proof you don’t need a huge platform to make a difference, why her platform resonates so well with WNBA fans, and the importance of using your voice for positive change. She explains how her background in fashion and entertainment helped the transition to sports and the key to breaking WNBA stories and developing sources, when you’re a non-traditional media outlet. To follow Khristina & Girls Talk Sports TV:www.girlstalksportstv.comIG @girlstalksports.tv Twitter @GrlsTalkSports_IG @KhristinaWilliamsTwitter @Khristina2334

Marisa Pilla is gearing up for another soccer season, having just wrapped the 2021 NWSL Draft. The reporter and host has turned a lifelong love affair with soccer into her dream career, working national NWSL games for CBS Sports and MLS matches for FS1. Pilla talks about the journey from aspiring broadcaster to interviewing some of the sport’s biggest names. She reflects on fighting for opportunities early in her career and the gratitude she feels, having made a longtime career dream her reality. Pilla explains what makes a good sideline reporter and why her approach has changed from early in her career. In this five minute REWIND of our season two podcast, Pilla reminisces on living and working in the bubble of the NWSL Challenge Cup and shares what she learned from the unique experience. For the full conversation with Marisa Pilla, be sure to check out season 2, episode 1 of Voices and Visionaries. To keep up with Marisa, check out her social media:Instagram: marisa_pillaTwitter: @pilla_talk

Marisa Pilla grew up loving the game of soccer. She calls the 1999 Women’s World Cup a defining sports moment. Fast-forward twenty plus years, and Pilla is now regularly interviewing some of soccer’s biggest names for CBS Sports and FS1, as a reporter and host. In this long-form interview, Pilla shares what makes a good sideline reporter. She offers an in-depth look at her prep process and talks about making the jump from local to national broadcasts. Pilla looks back on her early broadcast jobs and explains how being relentless benefitted her career. She explores the role gratitude has in her life and the impact hiring a broadcast coach has made on her career. Pilla dives into the explosive growth of women's soccer, reveals what being inside the bubble of the NWSL Challenge Cup was like and breaks down her new ‘PillaTalk Podcast.’ To keep up with Marisa, check out her social media:Instagram: marisa_pillaTwitter: @pilla_talk

From ESPN Emmy award-winning TV producer to now teaching others the value of their own story for Commander-in-She, Valerie Gordon specializes in the art of storytelling. In this five minute REWIND of our episode 25 conversation, Gordon explains what the power of story represents. She shares the common mistakes people make in defining their own story. Gordon talks about her own career pivot and what led her to found Commander-in-She, an organization focused on storytelling for maximum influence and impact. Gordon offers practical tips for exploring your own possible career reinvention.  For the full conversation with Valerie Gordon, be sure to check out episode 25 of Voices and Visionaries. To see more of Valerie and Commander-in-She’s offerings, visit:Twitter: @CommanderInSheFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommanderInShe/www.commander-in-she.com

Valerie Gordon has always loved the power of a good story. For many years, she was a integral part of turning those stories into TV magic, as an Emmy award-winning ESPN producer. Three and a half years ago, she started a new chapter in her career. Commander-in-She was born- an organization focusing on the art of storytelling for impact and influence. In this long-form interview, Gordon shares what the power of story represents, on leading with your current value and how her next chapter is helping other people develop their next chapter. She shares the intangibles of a good story, why she transitioned out of sports media and why she advocates for actively authoring your career.  Gordon reveals the advice she wish she’d known about career reinvention, tips to stand out in the interview process and what’s in store for Commander-in-She in 2021. She also explains how she made the transition from producer to front-facing speaker, common storytelling mistakes and why defining your story and brand is going to be more important than ever in 2021. To see more of Valerie and Commander-in-She’s offerings, visit:Twitter: @CommanderInSheFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommanderInShe/www.commander-in-she.com

At just 27 years old, Rhiannon Walker is already making a strong mark in sports media. A highly-respected NFL features reporter for the Athletic, Walker uses her disarming personality and competitive drive to uncover unique angles, on her hometown Washington Football Team.  In this short-form REWIND of our episode 23 conversation, Walker talks about being herself and how it’s helped build relationships with the athletes and coaches she covers. She shares the challenges Covid has presented to her day-to-day job, covering the Washington Football Team.  Walker gets honest about how tough 2020 has been, especially after she was one of 15 women named in a Washington Post story, alleging sexual harassment against employees of the Washington Football Team.  She explains the importance that organizations like NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) and AWSM (Association for Women in Sports Media) have had on her career. Walker offers advice on how to make the most of your college internship. For the full conversation with Rhiannon Walker, be sure to check out episode 23 of Voices and Visionaries. To keep up with Rhiannon: Twitter: InstantRhiPlayInstagram: InstantRhiPlay

Rhiannon Walker is unapologetically herself- a self-described tomboy and extrovert, now in her third season covering the Washington Football Team. As a feature writer for the Athletic, Walker is constantly in search of the unique angle or person, during a particularly unusual NFL season.  The Washington Football Team is embroiled in a name change, owner under fire, a head coach battling cancer and widespread sexual harassment allegations. As one of the victims of the latter, Walker admits it’s been a hard year, and she’s still navigating the after-effects.  In this raw and at times, emotional interview, Walker shares why being yourself creates conversations. She explains the value of in-person locker room access and how she’s made going in the locker room more comfortable. She breaks down how Covid has changed day-to-day media access and how she’s worked to foster connection via Zoom interviews. Walker talks about working in her hometown and understanding the fabric of the fanbase. She revisits her time as an associate editor at the Undefeated, combining her knowledge of history and sports.  Walker reveals her experience as a black woman, who’s openly LGBQT. She conveys the importance of listening when it comes to matters of race and what it means to have a sounding board in organizations like NABJ and AWSM. Walker discusses how she maximized her internship experiences.  To follow Rhiannon: Twitter: InstantRhiPlayInstagram: InstantRhiPlay

Sports has brought a lot of clarity to Siera Santos’ life. A career she never anticipated nor imagined as a teenager getting her GED, until she started watching Arizona Diamondback games. Then, as a top student at ASU, she was unsure of where her potential could take her. Turns out that journey was all over the country, in some of the biggest local TV markets, leading to even more life realizations and clarity on her purpose.  In this short-form rewind of our episode 21 conversation, Santos talks about her new sports anchor/reporter job in Phoenix and the challenges of building new professional relationships during Covid. She shares why market-jumping gets old and the reasons she prioritized quality of life. Santos explains how betting on herself, with calculated risks paid off. She breaks down how she made the switch from news to sports full-time, and the reason she nearly wrote herself off for the Phoenix job.  Santos explores why being a woman of color is still an obstacle in sports. She also offers advice to young woman about the importance of flexibility in sports and redefining your ‘dream job.’ For the full conversation with Siera Santos, be sure to check out episode 21 of Voices and Visionaries.  To keep up with Siera, follow her at:Twitter: @SieraSantosInstagram: Siera.Santoshttps://www.facebook.com/officialsierasantos

Siera Santos journey in sports broadcasting has been anything but conventional. From earning her high school GED to starting her broadcasting career in news, Siera is a testament to the power of vision and betting on yourself. Even now, nine months into starting her new job as a sports anchor reporter at Fox 10 in Phoenix, she has yet to be in studio. Adding to that challenge, she’s interviewed only one athlete in person, due to Covid-19 restrictions.  In this wide-ranging interview, Siera discusses returning home to her roots and why quality of life is important. She reveals the different tactics females use to build professional relationships in sports and how she navigates uncomfortable situations. Siera talks about starting her career in news and the risk she took to transition full-time to sports. She shares the biggest misconceptions in local TV and how to change the lack of Latinas in sports media. She explains why it’s so important to be indispensable in TV, what it’s like to be part of the only sports department in Phoenix featuring two front-facing Latinos and how her bilingual skills have benefitted her career. She offers advice to young aspiring sports broadcasters.  Plus, she also covers some lighter topics like the key to a good margarita. To follow Siera:Twitter: @SieraSantosInstagram: Siera.Santoshttps://www.facebook.com/officialsierasantos

Kathleen Hessert has been shaping communication strategy for more than 30 years. An innovator, influencer and branding expert, she works with top athletes, entertainers and Fortune 500 CEO’s. She’s responsible for getting Shaq on Twitter. She simultaneously worked with Peyton Manning, P. Diddy and the Pope.  In this short-form rewind of our episode 19 conversation, Hessert talks about the transition from TV news to media trainer, working with longtime client Peyton Manning and the common trait that sets the best apart. Hessert shares why 'great is the new mediocre' in content creation, what makes Gen-Z unique and the two questions that shape all her communication strategy. She also explains why personal branding is so important, regardless of whether you are an athlete, entertainer or executive. For the full conversation with Kathleen Hessert, be sure to check out episode 19 of Voices and Visionaries.  To keep up with Kathleen, follow her at:Twitter: @kathleenhessertsportsmediachallenge.comWeRGenZ.com

Kathleen Hessert is the branding queen. A leader in sports marketing and expert in strategic communication, she’s been molding the brands of top athletes, entertainers, and Fortune 500 CEO’s for more than 30 years. She's the founder and CEO of Sports Media Challenge and WeRGenZ.com Kathleen’s list of clients is impressive. She’s worked with the 3 P’s- the Pope, P. Diddy, and Peyton Manning- all simultaneously. 24 years later, Manning is still a client. Kathleen was instrumental in getting Shaq on Twitter. Notre Dame, Venus & Serena Williams, Danica Patrick, Derek Jeter, ESPN, the NFL, and the Rockettes are just a few of her past and current clients.   In this comprehensive interview, we delve into her new groundbreaking series with Gameplan, ‘Brand Breakdown’- as she helps student-athletes master their own brands. We discuss the enormous layers of the NIL (name, image, likeness) legislation and what it means for future student-athlete sponsorship. Kathleen explains why ‘great is the new mediocre,’ how she earns the trust of high-profile clients and why her curiosity has kept her ahead of the curve. She reminisces on being ESPN’s first Nascar pit reporter, explains the difference between Gen-Z and Millennials and shares how she built credibility as one of the nation’s first female TV anchors.  Kathleen discusses normalizing risks and why personal branding matters more than ever. To follow Kathleen, visit:Twitter: @kathleenhessertsportsmediachallenge.comWeRGenZ.com

If an early career stop in Twin Falls, Idaho as a news producer/reporter taught Alexa Whippo anything, it’s what her definition of success didn’t include. A subsequent move to Fox Sports Arizona helped her channel her passion behind-the-scenes as an on-air promotions producer and editor. In this short-form rewind of our episode 17 conversation, Whippo talks about the unique challenge of being an Asian woman in sports media. She dismantles the false narrative that supporting other women poses a career threat.  Through her own lived experiences, Whippo advocates for women supporting women and the importance of intention. She explains how asking for help is a strength and why even in 2020, women in prominent production roles continues to be a rarity. For the full conversation with Alexa Whippo, be sure to check out episode 17 of Voices and Visionaries.  To keep up with Whippo, follow her at:Instagram: @AlexaTieuWhippoTwitter: @AlexaTieuWhippo

Alexa Whippo wears many hats- at work, as an on-air promotions producer and editor at Fox Sports Arizona and at home- as a wife and mom to four kids. She realized early that her version of success is constantly evolving.  In this in-depth conversation, Whippo shares how how her job at Fox Sports Arizona has evolved in seven years, after initially being hired as a production assistant. She talks about the transition from live games to on-air promotions, tapping into her creativity, and wearing many hats at her first job in Twin Falls, Idaho. She explains why she made the transition from on-camera to behind the scenes, the challenge of being an Asian-American female in sports media and how to solve diversity issues. Whippo discusses the importance of women supporting women. A mom of four kids, including a newborn baby, Whippo is refreshingly honest about the challenges of balancing a newborn with being a stepmom. She talks about the juggling act of working from home while attending to her kids needs. Whippo also gushes about the inspiring women she works with at FS Arizona and offers advice to young people aspiring to enter sports media in a pandemic.  To follow Alexa on social media:Instagram: @AlexaTieuWhippoTwitter: @AlexaTieuWhippo

As women in sports media go, Lesley Visser is on Mt. Rushmore. She’s in six Hall of Fames. She’s covered Super Bowls, Final Fours, World Series, Wimbledon, the Triple Crown and more, in a career that’s spanned 45 years. She is timeless. In this short-form rewind of our episode 15 conversation, Visser talks about the scar tissue that comes with being a trailblazer. With her legendary humor and wit, she navigates difficult career moments and an early conversation with her Mom, that went on to shape her chosen profession. Visser is endlessly supportive of other women and prioritizes mentorship, something she says early New England Patriots players taught her, through their own equality struggles.  Visser reflects on living out her wildest sports dreams, the advice she got along the way and describes how surreal receiving the sports Emmy award for lifetime achievement still is for her. For the full conversation with Lesley Visser, be sure to check out episode 15 of Voices and Visionaries.  To keep up with Lesley, check out her websitewww.lesleyvisser.com

Lesley Visser is an icon in sports media. She’s an original. She was voted the number one female sportscaster of all time and has a career that’s spanned more than 45 years at CBS Sports, ABC Sports and the Boston Globe. Her list of firsts is exhaustive- first woman in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, first NFL female beat writer, first woman on Monday Night Football, first woman to present the Lombardi trophy at a Super Bowl and first female sportscaster to carry the Olympic torch- to name a few.  In this in-depth Voices & Visionaries conversation, we cover her Mom’s influence on her career path, the challenge of her early years in the NFL- when there was no locker room access for women, and the transition from Boston Globe reporter to CBS Sports. Lesley discusses inventing the sideline reporter role and becoming the first woman on Monday Night Football.  Lesley is an epic storyteller and she shares a few anecdotes- an embarrassing Christmas gift she received from Bears quarterback Jim McMahon and her favorite John Madden memory. She talks about where her wittiness comes from and how she’s gracefully navigated ageism in sports media.  Lesley has covered 35 Super Bowls and 35 Final Fours, the World Series, Triple Crown, Wimbledon, and the list goes on. She’s in six hall of fames and discusses one of her greatest honors. She shares why the passion has always outweighed the struggle and why it’s important to take risks. To keep up with Lesley, check out her website:www.lesleyvisser.com

Play-by-play Meghan McPeak never set out to make history in sports media as the only female calling NBA G-League games. She had no plans to be one of just six play-by-play broadcasters of color in pro basketball. She prefers to focus on the impact she’s making rather than the barriers she’s breaking. In this short-form rewind of our episode 13 chat, McPeak talks about creating positive change for the next generation and how to recruit more women into play-by-play roles. She shares her longterm NBA broadcasting goals and how a preseason experience in 2018 validated that dream. McPeak breaks down why her experience as a former collegiate point guard makes her a unique play-by-play. She also explains what it means to be a good ally. For the full conversation with Meghan McPeak, be sure to check out episode 13 of Voices & Visionaries.  To follow Meghan on social media:Instagram: @meghan.mcpeakTwitter: @meghanmcpeak

Whether calling professional basketball games or standing up for social justice, Meghan McPeak knows how to use her voice. She’s unapologetic and one of just six play-by-play broadcasters of color in pro basketball. McPeak is the voice of the the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards. She also just wrapped up her second season as the play-by-play voice of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. In this deep diving conversation, McPeak talks about seeing the game differently- as a former collegiate point guard. She shares how her radio background eased the transition to TV and the challenge of calling remote WNBA broadcasts this season. McPeak explains why the play-by-play role is intimidating for female broadcasters and the need for women to see themselves in roles beyond just the ‘sideline.’ McPeak became the first woman in 30 years to call an NBA preseason game, but she’s not interested in talking about the history she’s making. Instead, her focus is on impacting the next generation, especially women of color. She dives into why representation matters in sports media and why the progressiveness of pro basketball doesn’t translate to the broadcast booth.  McPeak talks about her longterm goal of being the lead play-by-play voice of the NBA and connecting with her idol, Mike Breen. McPeak offers lessons in mentorship and finding an agent. She explains the power in realizing her own voice, her thoughts on Breonna Taylor, allyship and the multiple pandemics going on in the U.S. To follow Meghan on social media:Instagram: @meghan.mcpeakTwitter: @meghanmcpeak

CBS Sports director Suzanne Smith is a pioneer for women in TV production. She started her career behind-the-scenes, when there was no road map for women, so she forged one- rising at CBS to become the only woman at ANY network directing NFL games. She’s been a fixture with the network since 1983- working some of the biggest sporting events including Super Bowls, Olympics, NCAA Tournaments, the Masters, and the U.S. Open. In this short-form REWIND from our episode 11 chat, Smith weighs in on how mentorship shaped her career and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities. She shares her approach to earning the respect of her peers, despite at times, being the only woman in the TV truck.   Smith covers how to advocate for yourself and build relationships in the business. She exemplifies women supporting women and shares practical ways to stay sharp in Covid, even for those not actively working games. Smith describes why she treats every NFL game like the Super Bowl and talks about working full-circle NFL moments, with some of the league’s biggest stars.  For the full conversation with Suzanne Smith, be sure to check out episode 11 of Voices & Visionaries. To keep up with Suzanne Smith on social media, follow:Twitter: @girlsniteprod

CBS Sports director Suzanne Smith is in a league of her own- the only woman at ANY network to direct NFL games. Smith joined CBS Sports in 1983, rising up the ranks of TV sports production, despite at the time, no road map for women. Smith shares how she’s advocated for herself while earning the respect of her colleagues.  In this in-depth conversation, Smith discusses the importance of mentorship and how harboring a little bit of self-doubt made her better. She explains the balance of seeking out feedback and why there aren’t a lot of women YET, at the upper levels of production.  Smith advocates for women supporting women, something she’s done for years with her Girls Nite production gatherings. She talks about the growing number of women entering production jobs and reveals how she cultivates togetherness on her CBS crew. Smith breaks down her prep leading up to NFL Sunday and reminisces on being a part of some full-circle NFL moments.  The long-time CBS director offers tangible advice for young people breaking into sports media, during such uncertain times. She talks about the camaraderie of CBS’s all-women sports show, ‘We Need to Talk’ and the reason the show has staying power. To follow Suzanne on social media:Twitter @girlsniteprod