Women Leaders Podcast

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Jenn Strawley, Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Miami. Jenn started her career as an NCAA intern back when it was located in KANSAS CITY, which is where our paths first crossed, and then spent 3 years in administration at Columbia before returning to the NCAA. It is Jenn’s passion for working directly with student-athletes that led her to her current position at the University of Miami in 2012, where she capitalized on a great opportunity in a changing, and at the time, challenging environment. In our conversation, Jenn talks about her role overseeing football at a Power 5 institution, and she provides realistic advice for women looking to get into football oversight – I’ll give you a hint – who you work for matters. She also talks about her passion around building a culture of support for women’s athletics at Miami! And we of course touch on leading during a crisis. Jenn has been in the u

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Nevin Caple, Principal Consultant and Founder of Return of Inclusion. As a student-athlete at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Nevin’s experience helped her explore pieces of herself she had yet to discover. She used this background in sport to start not one, but THREE, companies and become a national thought leader on diversity, inclusion and belonging in athletics. Through her latest endeavor, Return on Inclusion, Nevin focuses on educating administrators and coaches and teaching them to navigate difficult conversations within their departments and with their student-athletes. In our conversation, we go deeper into several of Nevin’s six ROI modules including covering, anti-racism, and privilege. She emphasizes the importance of making education a strategic priority within athletics and encouraging staff to have the courage to speak up, ask for help and allow themselves to be vulnerable. We also talk about leading during the ongoing pandemic and global reckoni

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Terry Gawlik, Director of Athletics at the University of Idaho. Terry has had an impressive career as both a coach and administrator, including being the FIRST female to sit in the AD chair at the University of Idaho. Her 13 years of coaching 4 sports and literally doing it all, greatly influenced her time as an administrator at Wisconsin, where she spent 25 years, including 14 as a SWA. She then took on the role of a lifetime and became the AD at Idaho less than a year ago, and only 7 months before our country, and sports, were halted by the pandemic. In our conversation, Terry talks about the pivot from coaching to administration and the importance of utilizing a “Trust Tree” when making these decisions. We also talk about what leadership traits she had to rely on more when she became the AD, including listening, and she stresses the importance of aligning yourself with key people and thought partners in times of crisis. Great advice there! I hope you enjoy our

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Terri Steeb Gronau, NCAA Vice President of Division II, and Interim Executive Vice President over Inclusion and Leadership Development. Terri has quite a journey, having been at the NCAA for 20 years, starting as an intern in 2000 and elevating quickly during her tenure. In our conversation, Terri talks about her leadership style and how and why she made some of her career pivots and jumps, and of course, why she is so passionate about Division ll. As a VP at the NCAA, Terri has proven to be an extremely successful leader and relationship cultivator. She shares what it means to be a decision-maker, how to empower others, and the importance in getting out of your comfort zone and taking on new projects. We also talk about leading during the ongoing pandemic, and Terri gives us tips on the importance of both enhanced communication and creating sameness and stability during these times. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head t

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Mori Taheripour, entrepreneur, author and educator on negotiation. Mori has been teaching Negotiation at Wharton Business School for over 15 years. Her new book, “How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly” is unlike any other book on negotiation. In the book, Mori talks about assuming abundance, claiming your power, and that empathy isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. She has found that the best negotiators are curious and present, and that the essence of bargaining isn’t the transaction but the conversation and human connection. Mori explains how our pressure points, personal experiences, and even our cultural expectations can become roadblocks to finding common ground, and she shares the essential strategies to move beyond them and open our minds. She also tells us that we MUST have the courage to engage, because bargaining plays a crucial role in EVERY aspect of our life. Mori provides eye-opening and empowering insights to help YOU g

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Dr. Kristene Kelly, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Varsity Sports, SWA, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Dartmouth College. Kristene has a fascinating story. She came to the US from the Virgin Islands at age 16, and that’s just one small piece of her incredible, untraditional journey to the AD chair and beyond. Kristene was a Dll athletic director and then accepted a job as the executive associate at Dartmouth. She has served at all levels, Dl, ll, and ll—something you don’t see very often. She has been able to navigate those transitions because of her growth mindset, willingness to do the work and learn, her ability to manage up, and her cultivation of relationships. She walks us through her journey, decision-making processes, and talks about the value in not just learning, but being intentional about the learning and getting to know the right people along the way. As a frequent guest speaker on work/life integration, Kristene gives us powerful, p

In this podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Deb Steward, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Yes, Deb is the athletic director at TWO colleges at the same time! In February of 2020, Deb was named director of athletics for both Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This was a monumental and historic decision as the colleges had previously operated with two different ADs. She loves it, she’s rocking it, and she says “it’s the best of both worlds.” There’s a lot more on this in this podcast! With over 30 years of experience at the Dlll level, Deb provides insight on how to raise money at small colleges by building and fostering relationships with the right people on campus and in the community. She also gives us tips on how to hire the right coaches and how to get experience and opportunities early in your career. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are women leaders.

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Renee Baumgartner, Santa Clara University Director of Athletics. At just 22 years old, Renee was named the head women’s golf coach at the University of Oregon, where she built the program from the ground up to a national championship team in just 6 years. Renee knew in her first year coaching that she someday wanted to be an AD, and she took very intentional steps to get there – earning both a masters and a PhD, taking on every imaginable administrative role, and moving her family across the country for a job that allowed her to expand her skillset into the external world of athletics. Ultimately, she says being really good where you are is major key to success and advancement. Her work ethic and passion stem from her fierce determination to knock down doors and windows for future women and girls in athletics, including her own daughters. Listen in to learn HOW Renee set herself apart from others to grow and advance in her

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Chrissi Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services at University of Delaware. Chrissi has such an interesting journey – she started as an assistant swimming coach, and spent time as both the Personnel and Business resources director at Northwestern, and as the Talent Management and Dev. Operations VP at Michigan – her alma mater. Not the job titles we normally see in athletics advancement- which I loved. Listen in to hear which one best prepared her to be an AD. .And for those interested in in fundraising, Chrissi shares a tip , “no means maybe, and maybe means yes!” Chrissi also talks about the most challenging parts of transitioning into the AD chair, the value in surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you, and she shares the four phases to her Critical Thinking Model, which I found fascinating and have borrowed. Chrissi gives us A LOT of nuggets in this podcast, so be sure to tak

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of 5 books, and former sports agent Molly Fletcher. We love all of Molly’s books, but we spent time talking about the Energy Clock, and“A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating, Molly mastered the art of negotiating as a sports agent and says negotiations are about communication, confidence, and relationships. She shares several valuable tips on how to negotiate effectively and confidently at every stage of your career! The Energy Clock is also a must-read, and Molly shares how to give yourself an “energy audit,” how to recognize and change your energy drains, the importance of clarity in your life—especially for leaders, and the power in being curious every day. As a 2-time Women Leaders National Convention speaker, Molly has incredible energy and unwavering optimism, and you can FEEL it in this podcast! I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to wome

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Julie Ruppert, the Northeast 10 Conference Commissioner and former Women Leaders Board Member. After spending over 15 years at the Division l level, Julie chose Division ll, where in 2008 she became the FIRST female Commissioner in Dll. She’s had many wins there, including leading the conference through a hugely successful and impactful identity campaign in 2016. We talked a lot about that process, as well as how to lead during the COVID-19 pandemic with strength and solace. She says that overcommunicating, being solution-oriented, and being adaptable are KEY to getting through these trying times. Listen in as Julie shares her experience navigating a career in athletics with 2 children, and a spouse who is also in the industry; the importance of embracing excellence and embracing what you can control; and how to WORK to be engaged, educated, and well-informed. Listen in as there is so much to soak up here! I hope you enjo

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Kathy Beauregard, director of athletics at Western Michigan University. This podcast was recorded on March 17th in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and in our unique conversation, Kathy talks to us about the effects of COVID-19 both on her campus and across the industry. She shares her coping skills, and tips to being agile, flexible, and transparent in a time when things are changing by the minute. Listen in to learn HOW Kathy got to this place where she is able to skillfully lead during challenging times like these. Kathy is the longest-serving athletic director at the Dl FBS level, and has had a 40-year career at the same institution. During her time in the chair, she has managed through FIVE presidential transitions, and gives us some insights on how to do that. She also teaches us how to “evolve through the process,” how to lead with trust, and SO much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Wom

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Erin Lind, commissioner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Erin is one of very few in the industry who has spent her entire career—and beyond—at or in the same conference. Starting as a student-athlete within the NCIS, Erin has masterfully advanced all the way to the top by evolving and developing her skills, serving others, and intentionally positioning herself as a leader. Listen in to learn how Erin earned the trust and respect of her staff after her transition from the #2 spot to the #1 spot by setting clear expectations and understanding the journey of those she leads—because as Erin says, “You have to know your people to lead your people.” Erin shares tips on how to know when and where to flex as a leader, how to blend your work and home life, and the importance of collaboration in leadership. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Jennifer Williams, director of athletics at Alabama State University. Jennifer has an incredible story with a wide range of experiences. After spending the first few years of her career in communications (including an internship with Women Leaders—then NACWAA!), Jennifer transitioned to the external path, with her mentor and our past president, Jean Lenti Ponsetto, and that path, she believes, got her to where she is today. In our conversation, Jennifer shares her experience and some insights on rising in the industry as a woman of color, and she also believes that we all must embrace the fact that each of us is a force in our own way, and we need to own that, and our dopeness! Listen in to learn tips on how to earn the AD chair as an interim, how to lead with love and own the room, and Jennifer’s “6 Ps” to being a great leader. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersin

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined Julie Cromer, Women Leaders Board Member, and Ohio University Director of Athletics. Julie was one of the first women that was not an AD role to supervise football in the Big Ten, and she talks about how that unfolded, saying that football “chose her.” There is obviously much more to that story… She also talks about being in the room with some of the most powerful leaders in our industry in her role as the Women Leaders SWA appointee on the NCAA Dl Board of Directors. We talk a lot about “being in the room,” and that it’s not just about being there, but how to prepare and what you will provide once you're in the room. Julie also talks she also talks about how to know when an opportunity is right, and when the time is right to make the next move. This conversation is a leadership clinic, and Julie gives us many take-aways and action items you can incorporate into your leadership toolbelt. I hope you enjoy our conversation, an

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Kim Chandler, Athletic Director and Chair of Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics at Whitman College. Kim has a successful track record of 16-years spent coaching followed by 16 years as an athletic director at 3 different schools and has proven to be one of the best leaders in the industry. In our conversation, Kim gives us countless valuable nuggets for both seasoned and new leaders. She teaches us that in order to survive and prosper, we need to transform our mindset from “everything is a level 10” to prioritizing, balancing, and keeping our emotions in check. Not only does Kim talk about the value of a growth mindset, but she shows us how to get there. Listen in to learn tips on gaining budget and finance experience, the importance of instantaneous feedback, and what Kim believes to be the most valuable tools for a successful leader. I hope you enjoy it, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersinc

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Lindsey Pollak, Multigenerational Work Expert, New York Times Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker—including our 2017 National Convention! We talk through key lesson’s in Lindsey’s latest book, “The Remix”, which is a must-read for all leaders and managers. Lindsey explains the “why” behind questions many seasoned leaders are asking today: Why do millennials want to bring their parents to work? Why don’t some millennials know how to answer the phone? The answers are fascinating and help us better understand the benefits of having this extraordinary age group on our teams. She also gives advice and tips for millennials about how to manage up and take advantage of opportunities in the workplace today. She gives us three key words we all need to use more as leaders, talks about how and why workplace culture is changing, the importance of a growth mindset, and so much more. The bottom line is, as Lindsey says, “If you embrac

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Julie Roe Lach, Horizon League Deputy Commissioner and Of Counsel at CCHA. Julie is the epitome of a hard working high performing executive woman that can do it all. She started her career working full-time at the NCAA while attending LAW school at NIGHT for FOUR years, and she now balances TWO full-time jobs on top of her priority as a wife and mother of 2 little girls. And she’s doing all of that at a really high level! Listen in to learn her tips on how to juggle it all—which Julie says requires the ability to say no, and constant reminders of what is truly important. In our conversation, Julie authentically shares her story on what she calls her “involuntary transition” from the NCAA. She handled this transition with poise and resiliency, and it has served as a springboard to incredible new opportunities for her, both personally and professionally. There is so much to take in here, so listen in and soak it up! I hope

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, North Carolina Central University Director of Athletics. Ingrid has done it all! Congressional Intern, Probation Officer, Semi-pro volleyball player, English teacher in Puerto Rico, Coach, and Administrator… you would be hard-pressed to find an AD with a resume as diverse as Ingrid’s! As a woman of color, Ingrid says she has spent her entire career proving to decision-makers that she can do the job. Listen in to learn how she has EARNED her seat at the head of the table, received her Doctorate while working full-time, and the importance in respecting everyone—from your custodial staff to your chancellor. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a member! Follow us at fb.com/WomenLeadersCS, and on Twitter and Instagram @WomenLeadersCS.

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Jean Lenti Ponsetto, DePaul University Director of Athletics and Women Leaders past president. Jean is one of the nation’s most widely respected leaders in college athletics, and she has earned it! She has spent her entire career at DePaul University, her alma mater, and has been a driving force for the expansion and evolution of DePaul Athletics for over 45 years. Jean is a former student-athlete, assistant coach, and is an optimistic, and super competitive woman – a combo that I love! She is a big believer that her role as an AD is to coach her coaches, and that confidence is the greatest gift you can give anyone. Listen in to learn about her journey to the AD chair, her family legacy at DePaul, and how she defeated breast cancer TWICE with courage and determination. If there was ever someone to truly radiate authentic inspiration and gratitude, it’s Jean. And you can FEEL it through this podcast. I hope you enjoy our c