Episode #13
She Swapped the Crown for Sports TV (The Career Blueprint)
From Miss Florida to sports history maker, Julie Donaldson has broken every barrier in her path. In this episode, the trailblazing sports broadcaster shares her ultimate career blueprint, revealing how she transitioned from the pageant stage to the male-dominated sports newsroom & the exact skills it takes to survive and thrive at the highest level. We take a deep dive into the psychology of success, why pageants are actually won "from the neck up", the valuable lessons in communication & competition she learned in the pageant world, & how mastering high-stakes communication changes everything. Julie doesn't hold back on the dark side of ambition, sharing how she learned how to handle judgmental behavior, jealousy, envy, & cruelty from both women & men, & why deep-seated insecurity drives people to knock others down. Plus, we tackle the biggest hot-button topics in sports today as Julie gives her unfiltered take on the Caitlin Clark WNBA controversies & the complex debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports. If you are a young woman trying to navigate your career, this episode is your masterclass. Julie shares her crucial advice on finding your "Why," identifying your passion, the power of mentorship, and why relentless resilience will always beat raw talent. More About Julie Donaldson: ⬇️ A pioneering figure in sports broadcasting, breaking gender barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men, Julie Donaldson recently served as SVP of Broadcast for the Washington Commanders as the first hire of change during a most tumultuous time for the franchise. Pivotal in helping change the culture of the NFL franchise, Julie also was a permanent member of the Commanders game day radio broadcast, making her the first female to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. This achievement led Sports Illustrated to name her one of the top 50 Most Powerful Women in Sports that year. A vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, Julie has over two decades of experience as a sports journalist, having worked in top U.S. markets like New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Miami, covering major events including four Olympic Games. Julie is currently an anchor and reporter for WTTG FOX5 DC. To learn more about Julie: ⬇️ juliedonaldson.com To connect with Julie: ⬇️ X: @juliedonaldson_ Facebook: @julieannee Instagram: @_juliedonaldson TikTok: @juliedonaldson_ ️ ONCE UPON THE PODCAST Available On: ⬇️ Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube iHeart Amazon Music Audible Wherever You Get Your Podcasts
