ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kristen Ledlow attends the Montblanc celebration for the grand re-opening of the Atlanta Boutique with Kat Graham, Dave Annable and Kristen Ledlow on September 25, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Craig Bromley/Getty Images for Montblanc)
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NBA TV’s Kristen Ledlow Talks Mentorship, Motherhood, And Learning From Stephanie Ready & Ernie Johnson

(Photo credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

TNT and NBA TV’s sports broadcaster Kristen Ledlow is one of the most recognizable public figures on television, whether it’s from her appearances “Game Time,” TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” NBA TV’s Inside Stuff with Grant Hill, and even dating back to her time at CNN and HLN.

But despite all of her success and wide-ranging commitments, which includes motherhood, she still finds time to mentor aspiring journalists as they make their journeys through the industry.

“Kristen has helped and continues to help me grow into not only a better reporter, but an overall woman,” says Sports Reporter Malori Carlow. She covers the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Legends for Dallas Sports Fanatic.

“She has been my mentor since 2018, and I could not have made it to where I am now without her. She has taught me confidence and key steps to working on my craft. I can’t wait to continue to work with her and see all of the lessons learned with each passing season.”

According to one of her co-hosts on NBA TV’s Game Time, Brendan Haywood, she is also a pleasure to work with as well.

“Working with Kristen Ledlow has been great; she is a constant professional, and our chemistry on set is amazing. She is someone that you can have fun with on and off-camera,” says Brendan Haywood.

“She brings a different type of edge to every show that she is on, and that’s why she is so good at what she does.”

Ledlow recently spoke with LandonBuford.com and discussed why it’s important to mentor the next generation of aspiring journalists. She also touched on how becoming a mother has helped her grow as a person and reporter.

You can read the full interview below!

1. Why do you feel it’s part of your journey to help aspiring journalists behind you, such as Malori Carlow and Stephanie Otey?

Ledlow: At this point in my life and in my career, people are far more important to me than positions. It means more to me than anything to hold the doors that were opened for me for the young women following me. 

2. Who were some of the individuals that you considered mentors throughout your career?

Ledlow: Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to follow a number of the best in the business — but I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who poured into my life the way Ernie Johnson has. He is not only the standard on the air, but long after the cameras are no longer rolling. 

3. We are in a climate of uncertainty in our industry. Is there any advice you would like to share for journalists’ job searching during this time period?

Ledlow: My advice for aspiring broadcasters in our industry’s uncertain climate is to keep creating. 

4. How has becoming a mother helped you grow as a person and a reporter?

Ledlow: Becoming a mother through an entirely uncertain season of my own has been a life-altering, perspective-shattering gift. If the last year (or so) has taught me anything, it is to hold closest what will hold when the bottom falls out. Motherhood has given me confidence in every aspect of my life, as there is no “balancing” what does not hold equal weight. 

5. What have you learned from Stephanie Ready over the years during your time at TNT and NBA TV?

Ledlow: Stephanie Ready has taught me (and many others, including the professional men she’s coached) a lot about the game of basketball. More so, she walked every step of my pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care alongside me. I am grateful for the gift that is her friendship and example. 

6. What’s it like to work with Brendan Haywood, and what do you think you both have learned from each other?

Ledlow: Brendan Haywood is one of my favorite people I have ever worked with and easily the funniest. He adds knowledge and experience to each broadcast, but it’s his personality that sets him apart. 

7. Does Candace Parker and yourself have any plans on resuming your podcast after the Olympics and the WNBA season?

Ledlow: Because of the season of work and life, Candace Parker and I faced together, and she holds a place in my heart that no one else will. Our schedules have not aligned this year (with the WNBA’s season and my maternity leave) to continue our podcast, but I would consider it a privilege to work alongside her in any capacity in the future. Not only is she one of the greatest the game has ever seen, but she has set the bar for me as a mother and as a friend.

8. You had the opportunity to be on Celebrity Family Feud with the TNT crew. How was that experience, and would you appear on other game shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, or Let Make a Deal?

Ledlow: Oh, and YES — I would jump at the opportunity to be on any game show, but nothing will top Family Feud with the TNT crew. Nothing. Ever. 

If you want to connect with Kristen Ledlow, make sure you check her out on her socials platforms and website below.

Instagram

Twitter

Website

What do you think?

Written by Landon Buford

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