We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Renee Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Renee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

In my opinion it takes persistence to be successful. Anyone can do well when everything’s going their way or even one time. However it’s much more difficult to be consistent in the midst of challenges, adversity, and over the course of time. Persistence helps you stay focused, driven, and continues to challenge you to elevate yourself to new heights.
I have dealt with a variety of situations personally and professionally that could’ve distracted or deterred me. For example, I have to be able to show up everyday at work without carrying or showing the burdens of what may be bothering me. So when the cameras are rolling, as I’m conducting an interview, or as I’m preparing for a show I need to have the ability to quiet the noise and focus on delivering the best show possible. It takes a level of persistence and perseverance to be able to continue to show up.
There are other challenges such as social media trolls, Long days, job changes, etc. Being successful is like survival of the fittest. I always say it’s a marathon not a sprint. You want to build a strong foundation, rooted in your passion and identity that can withstand the challenges to help you climb the ladder, but also stay there.

Renee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I work in NYC as one of the hosts of the flagship show FOS Today with Front Office Sports. I anchor our daily studio and occasionally on-site shows covering the most prominent topics in sports around the world.
Prior to my time at FOS, I have worked as a sports analyst and sideline reporter with ESPN, Fox Sports, SNY, FloSports, NBC Sports, the NWSL, and USL. I also led NBC Sports broadcasts on Peacock for USA Curling for the Winter Olympic Trials. As a native of Ewing, NJ native, I have hosted shows for the Ivy League, MSG Networks, PHLY Sports, and the Atlantic 10 Conference. I have been fortunate to cover several sports collegiately or professionally (NBA, MLB, WNBA, NFL, MLS, NWSL, NLL) as well as music and entertainment coverage through networks such as BET.
Outside of reporting, I am a motivational speaker that’s spoken on several stages including a TED Talk. I speak at various schools, conferences, and panels in roles as an emcee, keynote speaker, and panelist.
Athletically, in my playing career, I am a former three-time all-American and hall of fame soccer player from La Salle University. I continued my youth soccer success as one of the leading scorers on the #1 High School team in the country (The Pennington School) to be named a 2014 top 50 NCAA Woman of the Year. I fortunately had the chance to be a part of several program firsts, as the first All-American, NCAA tournament appearance (3x), Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champions (3x), Atlantic 10 tournament Champions (2x). I was also named A10 Tournament MVP twice. I was a four-year all-conference player that still sits second all-time in program goals (40) and points (40g, 21a). I had an opportunity to play professionally with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) before transitioning to coach at Lehigh University. As an assistant coach, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership and eventually led to my journey as a sports reporter.
The Key theme is versatility as I have worked hard to find ways to separate myself in the industry. As a black woman on air, talking sports. It was very important to establish my knowledge, work ethic, and passion in the industry to open doors for myself, but more importantly for others to follow in my footsteps.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

One thing I always tell people is to utilize social media to your advantage. I was able to transition from a public relations and marketing background into broadcasting through the digital space. I created a YouTube channel, as well as my own personal website, and through that was able to start freelance, writing, content, creating, and building my brand. However, I still wish I did more through social media, to take advantage of collaborating, Networking, and building partnerships as well. Influencers and concentration were not as popular or heavily regarded when I started in the industry. I can now see the impact that having a large following and brand partnerships provides to diversify income as well as provide you with more job opportunities. We live in a world where your social media presence is your résumé.

It can be used in, so many ways. I used it to help get reps and experience. It is through my social media and Networking, that I was able to open doors for several career opportunities, including my current role with Front Office sports. Social media is a tool. In fact, that is one of the most powerful tools that you have at your fingertips because it does not cost you anything but with the right time and intention, you can use it to change your world. Networking, Brand partnerships, paid collaborations, content creation, generating income, and finding jobs are just the tip of the iceberg of all the ways social media can change your life. I have a very love-hate relationship with it, and I can admit that. However, I understand the value of using it professionally and correctly to add to your life.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I understood the value of being in the room. What does that mean? As much as we, especially myself, rely on virtual spaces to network and build our brands through social media, for example. There is nothing like being face-to-face with someone, shaking hands with them, and being able to leave a positive impression through an in person interaction. I think coming out of the pandemic was one of the key things I had to step out of my comfort zone to force myself to do. I can admit I’ve always been a little bit nervous and anxious being in new spaces and rooms, especially around people I do not know. I understand how ironic that is given my job, but it’s not easy to walk into a room with your head held high, introduce yourself, and get to know complete strangers. One thing that I value and make my mission to consistently do is to attend events that allow me to meet new people.

I love to go to professional, career, cultural, and educational events. There is value in going into a panel to learn something. There is value in going to a cultural event that allows you to connect with your roots and who you are. There is value in going into a career focused event with other professionals. And there is value and even just going to an event with professional professionals from all different backgrounds, jobs and industries.

The key is to be in the room. And then when you’re in the room, make sure you’re meeting people, getting their contact information, and continuing the conversation after the event to network and genuinely build meaningful relationships. As difficult as it is, you have to be open to step out of your comfort zone to introduce yourself to others, share a little bit about yourself and if it makes sense to also grab their contact information to meet up for coffee or lunch at a later date. You would be amazed by how many doors you can open just by stepping foot in one room. Find local events or sometimes find events that you have to travel to because there is value in both finding events that are free as well as those that might cost you a little bit to attend. However, just find the events that allow you to step out of your comfort zone and open up the opportunity to expand your network.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.reneepwashington.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/reneepwashington
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reneepwashington
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewashington
• Twitter: https://x.com/reneepwash
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ReneeWashington
• Other: https://linktr.ee/reneepwashington

Image Credits

Kojo P