Inspiration From Elite Women Athletes

Jamie Mittelman started a podcast and movement to share the stories of elite women athletes – Olympians and Paralympians. Listen in!

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My guest, Jamie Mittelman, is the founder and host of Flame Bearers, an award-winning podcast and the world’s first storytelling platform specifically for women Olympians and Paralympians. Her background is in media, having managed a $30 Million media portfolio on behalf of the conglomerate of Yahoo, The Huffington Post, AOL, and Verizon. She founded Flame Bearers while receiving her Masters in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Jamie’s work with Flame Bearers has reach in 48 countries and recently received 4 Signal Awards in the categories of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Public Service & Activism. Prior to Harvard, Jamie received her MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Audio

Video

WHAT DOES WOMAN OF VALUE MEAN TO YOU?

This made me question my priorities and values – being a good person, being selfless, and having a sense of self and grounding, and someone who makes the world better.

YOUR ‘AHA’ WOMAN OF VALUE MOMENT

The first time I realized what mattered most was in fifth grade when I was nominated for an award and didn’t get it. What was pivotal was I was leaning on external accolades to determine my self-worth. It eventually led me to ask myself what I think are the qualities of a good person.

The next pivotal moment was when I lost my dad. I mourned for two years, and it made me think about what really mattered. It’s about the people I want to surround myself with. It’s about being happy and balanced and giving things my best effort.

THE PRESENT – SHARING STORIES OF WOMEN ATHLETES

I started Flame Bearers during COVID because I wanted to tell the stories of women Olympians and Paralympians. I applied for funding, and was scared but felt passionate about the dream.

We’re the first global platform that tells the stories of these athletes. We speak about motherhood, pay equity, and more.

One of the most surprising stories is of Rita, a para-badminton player who was attacked by a machete in her grandmother’s house and lost her right hand. She had to learn how to do everything with her left hand. She approaches every day beautifully. She doesn’t want people to feel bad about her. She wants to be valued for who she is.

THE FUTURE OF FLAME BEARERS

We’re getting into video documentary work and doing more live events. I want Flame Bearers to become the platform for elite women athletes. It can be done through a book, television, and more.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND

I used to think I wasn’t good enough.
What was the #1 thing holding you back from becoming a woman
of value? Myself.
What’s the best advice you can give to a woman who wants to
become more empowered? Build your own board of directors. Lean on people who have your back and your best interest at heart.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Chill out!
What’s something people get wrong about you? They don’t see the struggle I’ve gone through and are quick to judge or label me as an anomaly in the space I’m in.
How would you like to be remembered? As someone who added a little more sunshine to the world.