Women Leaders Podcast

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Case Western Reserve University Director of Athletics, Amy Backus. Amy has a fascinating story on how her love for athletics began. She was the youngest of 4 girls, and she spent her childhood sailing – and was actually a very competitive sailor. She is also a high performing baton twirler—that’s something we don’t hear every day on these podcasts. Listen in to hear Amy’s passion as she talks about the value of women in athletics and the importance of Title IX—a passion that started after she received her first college basketball scholarship – for a whopping $250. She has been on a mission to empower all women at all levels ever since. In today’s conversation, Amy shares how she transitioned from coaching to administration at Yale, her early lessons in the athletic director chair, and the value in challenging—not competing—for championships. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to w

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by the University of Indianapolis Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Sue Willey. Sue is a PRO. She has been in the industry for 45 years, and spent 17 of those as an athletic director. She got her start as a 5-sport student-athlete at the University of Indianapolis - where she wore the same uniform for all 5 sports! She also played on the men’s tennis team when there wasn’t one for women, and ended up starting a women’s program from scratch. These experiences showed her that she could make a difference, and she has spent her entire career doing just that – all at her alma mater. And make a difference she did because she turned Uindy into a Dll Powerhouse. Listen in to hear how one mentor changed the trajectory of her future, how she established that women’s tennis team as a student-athlete, and how she got the nickname “the terminator.” There are a lot of nuggets here, and you need to get them now because Sue is re

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Violet Palmer at the LIVE podcast from the 2019 Women Leaders National Convention in Phoenix by Violet Palmer. Violet is the first woman, the first African-American woman, AND the first openly gay woman to referee in the NBA. Violet Palmer, who, because she is such a trailblazer, is featured on Makers, Here she shares so many insights about her epic journey to becoming the first. Until Violet came along, the ranks of NBA officials were definitely a “boys club.” Listen in to hear how Violet navigated that, overcame that, and how she became one of the most well-respected and successful referees, male or female, in the league. She has the code to the “boys club” and she shares it with us. She also shares how to disarm men when you are the only woman and how to use being the only woman as an advantage Violet is a force for change, and shares so much inspiration in this really fun conversation. I hope you enjoy it, and remember

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by Women Leaders past president and the University of San Francisco Director of Athletics Joan McDermott. When it comes to navigating your career, Joan is an expert. Between her career as a coach and then college administrator, her husband’s career as a baseball coach, AND her six children, Joan has beautifully mastered how to balance it all, and has some great tips for working moms. She has always been passionate about the student-athlete experience and providing girls and women with opportunities she never had. Joan believes a huge key to leadership is building and maintaining relationships, which we 100% agree with. Listen in to learn the importance of male champions, how and why Joan transitioned to Division l after spending 18 years as a Dll athletic director, and how she landed her dream job at her alma mater, the University of San Francisco. Enjoy, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegespor

On the most recent episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti Phillips is joined by former Women Leaders board member and University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics, Heather Lyke. Heather is truly kicking glass as one of just four women leading power five athletic departments, and she has mastered the art of leadership at all levels. In this podcast, you will learn how Heather navigated from law school to the AD chair, how she started the “group of 6” during her time at Ohio State —(more on that later!), and how she earned the top seat at one of the most historic athletic departments in the nation. Listen in to learn the value of being present, the importance of managing up at all levels – yes even AD’s manage up, and how to take initiative and solve problems. Enjoy, 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 Women Leaders past president and the Mountain West Conference Senior Associate Commissioner Carolayne Henry. Carolayne was one of those people that knew from a young age what she wanted to do, and from the time she was just 12 years old, she knew she wanted to go to law school. But after earning her law degree from Pitt, and having the opportunity practice law, she realized she wanted to get back into sports. After a few years at the NCAA, Carolayne found her sweet spot in compliance at the Mountain West Conference where she was one of the first hires who helped start the conference, and has spent over 20 years building and elevating the conference to the powerhouse it is today. In my conversation with Carolayne, you will learn what it takes to actually start a conference, how to stay in one place and continue to grow, and the value of being open-minded and inclusive. And she’s a great example of, and big believer in the fa

In today’s episode, Patti Phillips talks with Peg Bradley-Doppes, Women Leaders Past President and current Vice Chancellor Emeritus and Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of Denver. Peg has mastered overcoming challenges by framing them as opportunities —whether it be as a Division l head coach at the young age of 21 or making difficult decisions as a leader when her job is on the line—she has built a remarkable career on a foundation of hard work and integrity. Throughout our conversation, you will learn the value in fundraising, the importance of evolving as a leader, and how to adapt and adjust to new jobs and cultures. Listen in and soak up Peg’s passion as she shares her insight on making the most of every moment and facing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and better yourself. Enjoy, 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

In today’s episode, Patti Phillips talks with Amanda Braun, director of athletics for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Amanda, now in her 7th year as an athletic director is a “proud law school dropout” as she says. Listen in to hear how Amanda aligned herself with a great Male Champion early in her career who trust and elevated her quickly and in many ways. Her experience with football oversight and revenue generation while at Northeastern were key to her becoming an athletics director. Amanda has built her career on her integrity, leadership, values driven decision making and her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships. In my conversation with Amanda, you will hear her realness come through as she shares her career journey and opens up about integrating her personal life with honesty and authenticity. Enjoy, 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 @W

On today’s episode, Patti Phillips talks with Marilyn McNeil, Women Leaders Past President and current Vice President & Director of Athletics at Monmouth University. An industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, Marilyn was born a natural competitor–not only did she play basketball, volleyball and field hockey, she was a Canadian National Champion in Curling; In her words she is “still competing today”. Marilyn knows how to navigate change and tough circumstances - from moving to a new country, and across the country, to surviving 5 presidential transitions - Marilyn strategically navigated the hurdles that came with being a woman AD, and she has THRIVED while doing it. Listen in as Marilyn shares her story of leveraging change by managing up, nurturing relationships and by caring for her team and herself. Enjoy, 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 Instagra

Hello and welcome to the Women Leaders Podcast! I am Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports, and I am thrilled to be joined on today’s podcast by Alfreeda Goff, former senior associate commissioner and chief championship administrator at the Horizon League and long-time advocate and champion of our organization since our inception 40-years ago. Alfreeda is one the most highly respected trailblazers in the industry and has been instrumental in building and growing our organization. In fact, Alfreeda was the founder of the Women’s Leadership Symposium back in 2001 and it’s still going strong today! Listen in to hear Alfreeda voice the importance of mentoring, the value in women helping women, and how she has paved the way as a mentor and advisor for countless women and men in the industry. Enjoy, 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 today’s episode, Patti is joined by Debbie Yow, North Carolina State athletic director emeritus. Debbie’s remarkable career has been anything but traditional. From a college dropout to a Power Five athletic director, Debbie has had an extraordinary career spanning over 43 years. A three-time athletic director, including the first female ACC athletic director and longest serving women Power Five AD, Debbie she has been a catalyst for change from the beginning. Listen in as Debbie shares the importance in establishing the culture, reinforcing the culture, and most importantly, how to act with integrity when the culture is threatened. Enjoy, 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 today’s episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti is joined by Women Leaders past president and University of Tennessee women’s athletic director emeritus Joan Cronan. It was such an honor to talk with Joan, who is a LEGEND. Her career milestones are well-documented with numerous records, prestigious awards, and hall of fame inductions. She has also authored a book that is a must read. Best known for her work in building one of the most visible and respected women’s athletics programs in the country, Joan built the Lady Vol legacy with the help of one of her best friends, the legendary Pat Summitt, who Joan calls the ultimate team player. Listen in to hear Joan’s three keys to success, how to manage up and work effectively with presidents, and the value in serving, not receiving. There is SO MUCH here to take in. We hope you enjoy, 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

On today’s episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Patti is joined by commissioner of the West Coast Conference Gloria Nevarez. Gloria has a great story, with broad experiences. After earning her JD and starting her athletics career in compliance at San Jose State, she went on to other schools where she added “legal” and professor to her titles, before pivoting from campus work to a conference office. She also moved from a basketball conference to a large and successful Power 5 football university, just 1 of the many non-traditional and hard-to-make transitions she has navigated so successfully in her career. Listen in to learn the importance of national committee work “not dialing it in” and the importance in giving 100% to your current job and committing to leaving it better than you found it. She gives so many tips, and she NUMBERS them, so be ready to soak it up! Enjoy, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a member! Follow us at fb.

Hello and welcome to the Women Leaders Podcast! I am Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports, and I am excited to be joined on today’s podcast by one of Women Leaders Past Presidents, Susan Bassett, who currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports at Ithaca College. Susan’s career path began as a little girl idolizing Billie Jean King and cheering on the New York Knicks. She went on to be a two-sport athlete at Ithaca College where she competed in the swim and field hockey teams. Susan spent the first 15 years on her career coaching both men’s and women’s swim before transitioning into administration and she has served as athletic director at three universities, including her alma mater, Ithaca College, where she has been since 2013. Susan’s extreme passion for what she does has allowed her to make a lasting impact at every stop. Listen in to learn about that, and also how to coach coaches, the power in building your knowl

Hello and welcome to the Women Leaders podcast! I am Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports, and I am thrilled to be joined on today’s podcast by Chief Operating Officer/SWA at the University of Connecticut and current Women Leaders board member Adrianne Swinney. Adrienne’s professional story began as the first African American athletic trainer at Mississippi State, and she has been breaking barriers ever since. After seven years in athletic training and a brief stint as a head basketball coach, Adrianne found her true calling in administration where she has spent a remarkable career adapting, assessing, adjusting, and applying her impact. Listen in to learn the value in transferable skill sets; the importance of perfecting your gifts; how to create your impact; and how to not only kick the glass, but how to destroy and obliterate the glass. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and remember, we are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a membe

On today’s episode, Patti is joined by Collegiate Women Sports Awards Executive Director Chris Voelz. 2019 marks our 40th anniversary, and we are excited to be highlighting many of our past presidents; one of those is my dear friend Chris. Chris was born a leader and has made a major impact at every institution and organization she has worked. She was a FOUR sport athlete at Illinois State, and then started her professional career in coaching. After serving as the head volleyball coach and senior associate athletics director at Oregon, Chris was hired as the women’s AD at Minnesota where she spent a remarkable 14 years elevating the women’s programs and establishing herself as one of the greatest fundraisers in the industry. Chris went on to serve as the lead gifts officer for Billie Jean King’s Women’s Sports Foundation, before taking over the Collegiate Women Sports Awards FOUR years ago. She continues to be passionate about empowering and celebrating women leaders at all levels, which is one of the many

On today’s episode, Patti is joined by Eastern Washington Director of Athletics Lynn Hickey. 2019 marks our 40th anniversary, and we are excited to be highlighting many of our past presidents, one of them being Lynn. A true trailblazer among us, she has done it all in her 30 plus years in the industry and is still going strong! After spending 10 years as a head women’s basketball coach, first at Kansas State and then at Texas A&M, Lynn transitioned into administration at Texas A&M. Then after just six years on the administrative side, Lynn was hired as the Athletic Director at UTSA where she served for 17 years before taking over at Eastern Washington. Listen in as Lynn talks about starting a Division l football program at UTSA from scratch, her surprise transition from UTSA to Eastern Washington, and the importance of grit, grace, and gratitude. Enjoy, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a member! Follow us at fb.com/WomenLe

On today’s episode, Patti is joined by the University of Chicago Director of Athletics & Recreation, Erin McDermott. Erin’s career began as one of the first NACWAA interns, which she calls an invaluable experience that propelled her professional career. Soon after her internship, she landed her first job in the industry at Columbia University, then moved on to Princeton before becoming an athletic director herself. Listen in as Erin talks about what it takes to advance from within, managing up, building relationships both in and out of college athletics, and the power in finding your voice. Enjoy, 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 today’s episode, Patti is joined by the executive director of the Ivy League and past President of Women Leaders, Robin Harris! Robin was a lifelong sports fan, but never thought she would work in the industry until her time in law school at Duke. In our conversation, she reminds us of the importance of being open to new experiences and interested in the efforts of your colleagues—practices that would help her land her first position with the NCAA and would enable her to climb the ranks in collegiate athletics. You can’t miss Robin’s incredible advice on how to rock the job application process, from nailing your cover letter to “owning the room” during an interview. Her preparation helped her land her current role with the Ivy League, where she draws on her own background and experiences to effectively manage the needs of coaches, athletic directors and university presidents. Enjoy, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a member! Fo

On today’s episode, Patti speaks with Val Ackerman, commissioner at the Big East Conference and a true trailblazer in the business of sports. Val is one of the very few people to hold leadership positions in both men’s and women’s sports at the collegiate, professional, national and international levels – a truly remarkable leader! Throughout her career, Val was no stranger to being the only woman in the room – from her time in a New York City law firm to the NBA and even now as the Commissioner of the Big East, Val has thoughtfully and strategically navigated the male dominated industry of sports by building quality relationships and doing great work to prepare her for the next opportunity. Be prepared to take notes as Val describes the “5 ingredients for promoting a successful sports property” and tips she gives for being successful in a variety of different leadership positions. Enjoy, and remember, We Are Women Leaders! Head to womenleadersincollegesports.org for more about us and to become a member!