Women Leaders Podcast

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

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