There’s no doubt that women are still facing the challenges of stereotypes, especially when you’re a woman in a male-dominated industry. Transitioning from sports to tech, Lindsay McCormick successfully proves that women can break the traditional workplace roles.
McCormick is a sports broadcaster whose career has taken her from hosting live events for the Super Bowl XLIX to being a guest correspondent for Showtime. Now, she is taking over the world of tech as an investor on Elevator Pitch. In an interview with McCormick about the challenges and successes she faces in her career, and the impact of being a female in a male-dominated industry.
1. From your experience and success in the field of sports broadcasting, what did you learn about the traditional roles of female broadcasting? How are you challenging those roles?
2. Can you share a specific moment, anecdote, where you experienced sexism? How did you react, and overcome it? (Many women don’t know how to react in these situations because of fear of losing their job or opportunities, our audience would love your tips and advice on this).
3. Being in male-dominated industries, do you think women are still judged by their appearance instead of their achievements? How can we change this outdated narrative?
I think anyone on TV is judged by their appearance, hence why even men can spend hours in hair and makeup. Are women judged harsher? Yes. I’m not sure this will change anytime soon.
I don’t view it as leaving the sports world, as the two are starting to go hand-in-hand. Look at how big e-sports are becoming! I was fortunate that Ray Brown, executive producer of a movie I was in, “The Bounce Back,” introduced me to Trevor Doerksen, CEO of ePlay Digital, who is launching Big Shot (essentially the sports version of Pokemon Go). I’m grateful that Trevor wanted Robert Horry and me to tag along on the ride as advisors and in-game avatars. This is how I first got involved with the world of tech.
When I first started in sports, you could count the number of women on television on one hand, and everyone knew their names: Robin Roberts, Suzy Kolber, Linda Cohn, Lisa Salters. I can’t tell you how many job interviews I went on where employers would flat out say, “You are too young,” or “Prove your sports knowledge to us. Male viewers won’t believe a woman understands the game.” I’ve found the tech world—and business in general right now—to be quite receptive to working with women. It’s up to women to take advantage of the new opportunities!
7. As an investor, what do you look for in startups and founders? How does a founder or an idea get your attention?
The first thing I look for is a strong work ethic and passion for their product or service. Secondly, do they have experience in the marketplace? It’s always more comforting to invest in someone who has had previous success, but I’m also open to those with less experience.
8. What’s next for you and how will you be using your success and story to uplift and support other women?
