How to establish and maintain authority as a 5’3 female.

Oh, snap. They’re taller than me.

When I was 15 years old, the horde of adolescent boys I was tasked with coaching/wrangling were boisterous 12-year-olds at an inner city middle school. Despite my diminutive stature, I strode into the gym ready to take on the world — one basketball team at a time.

I was comfortable in a leadership role because speaking in front of people was the norm growing up. In Kindergarten I performed a stirring rendition of “When I Grow Up, I’d Like To Be A Clown But I Wonder If I’ll Know How” and in Grade 3 I delivered an equally captivating performance of “In My Own Little Corner” while sitting stationary on a folding chair. Thankfully YouTube didn’t exist back then because entries into the school-wide talent show were mandatory…according to my mother.

Years later I found out they were volunteer gigs. Huh. Well played, Mum. Well played.

In Grade 3* I emceed the Remembrance Day Ceremony and would go on to MC other assemblies throughout elementary school. In large part to the guidance and support of my parents (and somewhat deceitful mother**), I wasn’t afraid to be the spokesperson for my classmates — be it in a musical performance or a Valedictorian speech.

When I was offered my first coaching opportunity in basketball, I had no qualms about sharing my knowledge and capturing the interest of a crowd. Confidence and intolerance to disrespectful behaviour have allowed me to be a successful coach in basketball, volleyball and tennis — and brought about the nickname “Iron Fist of Justice”. Personally, I attribute it to my voice. I’m pretty darn loud.

I believe that children and adults alike can sense if you are worthy of their respect right off the bat. This rings true for a journalism audience as well. In Broadcast and Online Journalism School we’ve been taught that you have mere seconds to make an impression and keep the viewer from flipping the channel or clicking away. People can easily sniff out insincerity or insecurity, and won’t hesitate to call you out on it. Although the backlash from a 12-year-old basketball player is different than a 65-year-old radio listener, the lesson I’ve learned is the same.

You have to prove your worth through authenticity and assertiveness — because wearing really high heels just isn’t going to cut it.

*apparently that was a big year for me

**just kidding