Ms. Namita Nayyar: You started your sports journalism and broadcasting career by covering the Auburn University football team and then the NFL for “ESPN The Magazine”. You then later transitioned in 2013 to hit the road with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” as their Social Host. You hosted the 2012 NFL Draft for CBS Sports, “The Fan” on Comcast SportsNet, and was a panel analyst for “Rip City Live”. Your professional career seems to have propelled you to a height where you have been leading the world of sports journalism and broadcasting. Tell us something about this fairy-tale professional journey?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: I was always a firm believer in setting yourself up for success by putting yourself in a position, or in my case on a field at the LSU vs Auburn game, to where the right people will see you. There are some things that are out of your control, but if you have a dream and are sitting at home not doing anything about it, the chances are rare that someone will call you up and hand you a job. Each job I had prepared me for the next and put me in a place to where my next employer would see my work. I honestly feel incredibly grateful for every job I’ve ever been given and the incredible co-workers I’ve been lucky enough to learn from.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You are a leading female sports journalist and broadcaster, TV Presenter, television program host, news reporter, magazine columnist, actress and businesswoman. How are you able to manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional, multi-faceted lifestyle?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: By surrounding myself with interesting people who are the same way. My friends, family and even guys I date have always challenged me to stay diverse when it comes to my outside interests. I’m constantly reading and trying to challenge myself to learn more. The writing and radio side of my career came mostly in the beginning as a way to build my credibility as a female in a male-dominated industry. I never wanted anyone to say that I was just handed my job. I actually enjoy hard work.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What exercises or workout routines that comprise your fitness regiment would you like to share?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: I love to mix it up and surprise my body by alternating boxing, pilates, running and yoga one or two days a week. Then I’ll take dance class about 4 times a week. Dance tones every muscle in my body, and I never feel like I’m actually working out. If I’ve worked out a little too hard one day, I’ll give myself an off day the next. It’s all about listening to what your body needs. And everyone is different.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Do you have any special diet or have a strict nutritional regiment that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: I’m severely lactose intolerant. It’s definitely not the sexiest thing to tell your new hot dinner date, but it’s my stomach at risk if I don’t. Other than dairy, I try to stay away from a lot of gluten because I find it more difficult for me personally to digest. And the biggest thing for me is, I don’t drink alcohol. Everything just works better for me without it. I don’t believe there is one specific “diet” that works for everyone though. Some people have iron stomachs and others do not. Everyone has different intolerances and allergies as well. It took me several years and ton of testing to figure out what works for me.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Do you use any skin treatment to keep it young and glowing? Secondly, what do you do to your hair to make it look so stunning?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: Thank you! Facialist Shani Darden is my secret weapon. Also, her Resurface Retinol Reform is used by basically any woman you’ve ever looked at and envied her skin. It’s fairly mild, and if I put it on at night, I’ll wake up to flawless skin. In terms of hair products, I mix it up quite a bit. I do love Kerastase & Oribe products, or even It’s a 10’s conditioner.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Any advice or words of motivation for aspiring and budding female sports journalists and broadcasters? What should they do to climb the ladder of success in sports journalism?
Ms. Lindsay McCormick: There’s not just one path anymore. With social media and the internet, now our fastest-growing and most timely way of getting sports news, it’s opening a lot of doors and opportunities that weren’t there before. I began in the industry in a time when most people took the local television route and worked their way up, but I didn’t take that path. I was thrown on ESPN.com at 21 years old and got my start that way. You learn from your mistakes very quickly when the World Wide Web is leaving brutally honest comments about your analysis. [Laughs.] My best advice for women is to come with a game plan for building credibility. I chose the radio and writing route. It’s not fair that the “young blonde broadcaster” stereotype exists, but it’s life. If you deal with it well and take the time to build your credibility, you’ll be respected within the industry and by male viewers. Also, speaking of commenters and viewers, don’t take criticism to heart. If I feel it’s constructive, I’ll use it to improve. If it’s about my appearance, it’ll take it as a compliment that someone couldn’t find anything wrong with the broadcast and resulted to talking about that.
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