166. Reframing with the CEO of Women Leaders in Sports Patti Phillips

166. Reframing with the CEO of Women Leaders in Sports Patti Phillips

Introducing Patti Phillips

Today I’m talking to the CEO of Women Leaders in Sports Patti Phillips about reframing.

Her Career Journey

Patti went to college and played basketball at Baker University. She then began coaching both women’s basketball and volleyball as the head coach at Ottawa University in Kansas. Patti earned a Masters in Athletic Administration and Sport Psychology from the University of Kansas.  Seeking to pivot, she began working with the NCAA as the CHAMPS/Life Skills program coordinator. She became a color analyst for women’s collegiate basketball and volleyball for ESPN, Fox Sports Midwest, and others. Patti then began working with Women’s Intersport Network (WIN), becoming the executive director. Currently, she’s the CEO of Women Leaders in Sports, working to remove barriers that women face in the business of sports and changing how women leaders are perceived. Patti was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and was awarded the NCAA Champions of Diversity Award in 2017. She’s the host of the Women Leaders Podcast.

Reframing

Patti is an expert at reframing her mindset and uses this skill to work through events that would have otherwise been challenges. From the personal to the organizational level, Patti knows the difference that a few words can make. When things get busy, she chooses to view life as “full and abundant” rather than overwhelming. Recently, her organization, Women Leaders in Sports, dropped the word “College” from their title to fully reflect the scope of their membership and mission.

Inside this episode:

  • Patti always knew that her job would include helping women and girls succeed in sports and has pursued this many different ways, from coach, to commentator, to CEO. By not limiting herself to one job title, she’s been free to follow opportunities that best align with her vision.
  • She explains the importance of “speaking potential” into others. By this, she mean suggesting well-suited goals to individuals that they may not have considered for themselves just yet. Patti shares how her roles as commentator and as the leader of organizations came from her growing into the suggestions of those she trusted. 
  • Patti is working hard to remove the barriers that women face when trying to continue working in the business of sports. She’s continuing to chip away and create a community where everyone feels welcome and empowered.
  • When life hands her challenges, Patti learns from them and tries to incorporate those lessons into her practices. Her experience with illness led her to add the importance of health and leadership into her teaching.

Resources

 

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