Shotcaller Spotlight: Kelsey Nicole Nelson
Q: Hey Kelsey! Thanks again for sharing your story. Really looking forward to your spotlight. Can you start off by sharing your current role/title?
A. First off, thanks again so much for sharing your platform with me! Honored to be here with you! Excited when you asked to feature me. Currently, I am an On-Air NBA Host/Contributor for Bally Sports national where I host the daily weekday NBA show “Last Night Tonight.” I am also the Host, Executive Producer and Founder of “Listen In With KNN” sports talk podcast and radio show on FOX Sports Radio.
Q: Sports media has become such an important component of the entertainment industry. Media companies are all vying for similar content and balancing notable personalities along with accurate analysis. How important is it for you to find your own voice/style to create unique content and stand out in the media?
A. I believe in being true to it, not new to it. The best you is the authentic you. Early in my journey I had to find my voice. It’s a path you follow to find your true voice — one that is not influenced by others. And not only find my voice but to get comfortable using my voice on various platforms and for a purpose.
At first I was searching to be like others I idolized. Remember the best and brightest stars in media are often imitated and never duplicated. So often young journalists try to mimic what and who they see instead of looking in the mirror and remembering what got them there to that point and moment in the first place.
My brand is the KNN brand and it represents me bringing who I fully am to all the work I do. As a freelancer, when people hire me they know what they are getting. I am who and what I am. I bring a burst of energy to all my reports, with knowledge and a skill for delivering reports in a way that draws people in. My smile has also become a signature as I can do fun interviews that bring out the best in people but I also have a knack for the hard core interviews when serious issues arise. My style is to bring in pop culture references and I like to always rep my hometown, the DMV. I bring my extrovert personality to all I do. Also, as an interviewer I am known to be a great listener asking the right follow-up questions as I really believe in giving people a platform to speak their truth, and I am known to “dig in” for more but doing so in a way that makes the guests comfortable enough to open up. My style is conversational during interviews and direct. This has been the cornerstone of my show “Listen In With KNN”
Growing within the industry requires you to find out what makes you uniquely you. Asking yourself questions like “Why do people listen and follow you?,” “What makes you different?,” “How do you stand out?” Once you answer these questions you’ll be on the road to success.
Always remember to be true to you. Networks and hiring managers aren’t looking for carbon copies of those that are already out there. They are looking for new, fresh voices. Be confident in all you do and others will take notice.
Understanding that not everyone’s style will not resonate with everyone but it will resonate with at least one, and it just takes one yes to get you where you want to be.
Q: There are various women in on-air sports media positions blazing trails for the next generation, a few names that come to mind are Maria Taylor, Taylor Rooks, Chiney Ogwumike, Monica McNutt and Malika Andrews. What does that representation signify for women currently in the media and to those aspiring to be there in the future?
A. First off, I am loving seeing all the #BlackGirlMagic we are currently seeing and continue to see in the industry. I root for women to succeed, especially Black women in sports. We have more women of color blazing the trail for others to come behind them. This representation signifies we are moving in the right directions and there ain’t no stopping us now.
Black women have been long underrepresented in the media industry and though we are not where we need to be numbers wise in sports media, there is positive growth and more representation of Black women in various sports and on various networks. It’s truly inspiring to watch the growth of young Black media professionals! What's most exciting is that Black women also continue to create their own lanes, starting their own media companies and growing their platforms. Black women will not be unseen or unheard. It’s just the beginning of the continued wave of more Black women entering the field and showcasing their worth and value.
Representation is so important because seeing is believing. Growing up I wish I had more examples of women that looked like me working in sports, but the lack is what also inspired me to enter the field. If you can see it, it’s easier to know you can achieve it.
Black women on-air continue to show our versatility and uniqueness. We bring our bold authentic selves to the workplace and now media companies are more embracing of this.
We also must give flowers to Black women behind the camera and behind-the-scenes as well because our numbers are growing there as well!
A special s/o to every single woman that continues to be trailblazer in the field helping put yet another dent in the glass ceiling.
Q: The sports industry overall is a very “who you know” profession. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of building relationships and creating a network with your industry peers?
A. You’ll hear this a lot but your network is your net worth. People are always watching and looking at what you do as there is always a need to find “talent.” In sports it's a “who you know” and “who knows you” industry. You work to always grow your influence.
Find a common ground with folks as in media the world is big but small and there's unusually only three degrees of separation between folks. Your industry peers are your colleagues that you’ll begin to see at so many events. This is why brand building is so important and sharing your work online as it makes it so easy to reach others and for others to reach you.
Social media has made networking so much easier as I find myself always connecting with fellow journalists and media members on social media networks platforms before I even have a chance to meet them in person. LinkedIn is one of my favorite platforms for professionally connecting with others in the industry.
One of the easiest ways to network is by joining local and national professional journalism groups where you can easily connect with industry peers. For example, I’m a member of the National Press Club, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Association of Women in Sports Media (AWSM), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) etc.
My golden rule is you should never walk into a room without connecting with at least one person and you should never walk out of a room with no one knowing who you are. Networking should always be top of mind as it can happen anywhere. You never know the rooms your name is being spoken into that you aren’t even in.
Q: Kelsey, can you please share any words of wisdom/advice for those young men and women that are aiming to achieve success within the sports media industry? What are the best ways for them to set themselves up for success?
A. To all the young aspiring journalists know there’s more than enough room for everyone to eat, and that there’s space for you and a place for you in this industry. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s up to you to go and carve out your path.
As you continue to grow in this industry, always bet on yourself. This means to believe and invest in yourself, your skills and talents. Take time to continue to learn the craft, there's always ways we can all improve. Bet on yourself by continuing to hone and sharpen your skills. Seek a mentor in the industry that can help to show you the ropes and ensure you have someone you can always call on when you have questions. Join professional organizations to expand your network and gain valuable contacts within the industry. Make sure your social media reflects the best of you and your work. Take those classes, get others to critique your work, always be a lifelong learner in this industry and a forever connector.
In this industry, know you will have to get comfortable being uncomfortable but know it’s for your continued growth and every challenge and obstacle you overcome goes a long way in helping you continue to chart out your path in this industry. This also means knowing how to pivot as things are always changing in this industry and you’ll have to learn how to quickly adapt.
Last but not least, always give yourself grace and space to grow within the industry. Be kind to yourself along your journey. We are all our own biggest critics. Remember this industry is not easy so you arriving here to this moment is an amazing feat in itself. As you give yourself this grace remember to always take care of you, and protect your mental health. Take some time out each day to reset and recharge so you can always bring your best self to all you do!