Ep 11. Julie Foudy: Soccer Champion and Advocate for Gender Equity

Julie Foudy, currently an ESPN analyst and proud mother of two, is one of the most accomplished soccer players in the world. She competed in four World Cups, three Olympics, and is former Captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. In 2007, Julie was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her leadership extends beyond the soccer field, both as a major advocate for gender equity in sports and as founder of the Sports Leadership Academy, a girls soccer and lacrosse leadership camp that transforms lives. Foudy’s remarkable story is featured in Stew’s book Leading the Life You Want. Stew and Julie discuss the roots of her success, what it took for her to make critical early career decisions based on what mattered most to her, and how the gender bias she experienced firsthand as a player led her to challenge the status quo, advocate for women’s rights, and devote herself to empowering young women. Julie also talks about lessons she’s learned about mentorship and how she guides young women’s growth through sports. Show Notes (times when new topics start) 3:45 - Learning how to think independently. Julie's parents let her make her own decisions. They were there to encourage and support, but pushed her be an independent thinker. 8:45 - The Sports Leadership Academy. This camp coaches girls to re-define leadership and success on and off the field. 15:45 - Title IX. Julie’s motivation to become involved in supporting fairness for women in sports and the critical role she played. 18:55 - Julie Foudy’s big ideas. How to challenge the status quo and enjoy the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.