You Don't Build a Career from the Sidelines (Malika Andrews & Taylor Rooks)
Summary
Emma Grede hosts Malika Andrews and Taylor Rooks to discuss their rise to prominence in sports media. The guests share how they balance intense preparation with self-preservation while navigating a male-dominated industry. They emphasize the importance of asking for what you want, viewing interviewing as a service, and leveraging personal identity as a professional strength. The conversation also covers the realities of pay equity, building long-term wealth through equity, and maintaining authenticity in the face of constant public scrutiny.
Topics discussed
Introduction to guests Malika Andrews and Taylor Rooks
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Discussion on visibility and career building for women in sports media
Malika on finding contentment in her career destination
The fragility of success and the need for daily care
Mutual admiration and the 'FU stories' shorthand between friends
Anecdote about Taylor's preparation during a flight
Taylor's resolute nature and navigating early career challenges
Malika's early career struggles and the New York Times rejection
The shift in newsrooms and the rise of sports media for women
Taylor's breakthrough with the Michael Beasley interview
Building comfort in interviews and self-discovery
Learning to identify and articulate emotions
The art of making interviewees feel interesting
Malika on intention and the power of positive energy
Taylor on working out of love and protecting self-worth
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The demanding schedule and margin for error in daily TV
Maintaining personal boundaries and sanity as a public figure
Self-preservation and holding onto personal identity
The blurring line between professional job and personal brand
The daily grind of writing and preparation for broadcast
Malika on hosting as a service job for the audience
Navigating male-dominated spaces and female dominance in sports
The rarity of women on sports media panels
Paving the way for future generations of women in sports
Embracing unique female traits and dominating as oneself
Taylor on Amazon's culture and the value of brand partnerships
Malika's negotiation with SNY and the lesson of earning new positions
The importance of being seen fully and daring to put yourself out there
Listening to others' journeys and the power of boldness
Asking for what you want without fear of rejection
Choosing jobs that align with values over maximum money
Malika's move from the New York Times to ESPN
The importance of having a diverse team in negotiations
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Thinking of career partnerships as long-term investments
Defining oneself as a business versus a brand
The slippery slope of brand building and personal identity
Maintaining accessibility and connection with the audience
The importance of leaving people feeling good on TV
Separating useful feedback from public noise
Normalizing the negativity inherent in public sports roles
Growing up around sports and understanding the landscape
Prioritizing feedback from bosses and partners over strangers
Malika on journalistic standards and a specific correction story
The process of issuing corrections in journalism
Credibility comes from truth, not headlines
The impact of meaningful interviews on athletes
Malika's long-term relationships with athletes like Barkley and Tatum
Navigating disagreements with athletes and rebuilding trust
The human need to protect oneself and curate public image
Sponsor segment: Hers health and telehealth services
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Handling strong disagreements and personal opinions in interviews
Reading people through their responses to controversial questions
The personal journey behind the professional interview style
Creating a space where people feel safe to express feelings
The power of simple questions in evolving society
Telling stories about people, not just their problems
The peace of being yourself on TV despite mixed reactions
The necessity of tough women's voices in business
Self-validation and legitimizing your own path
Ambition as a journey of self-discovery and common humanity
Closing thoughts on the success and camaraderie of the guests
Rapid fire: Treating life as grad school and learning
Rapid fire: Advice to look at the view and be proud
Rapid fire: Favorite artists and spending on convenience
Rapid fire: Hobbies, golf, and life-changing books
Final thoughts on optimism and the need for community
Podcast outro and credits
Sponsor segment: RingCentral AI Receptionist
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