Pivot to Power: How to shift mid-career with grace with Aundrea Cline-Thomas
In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline talks with Aundrea, a journalist turned entrepreneur, about her journey from traditional media to creating her own storytelling agency. They discuss the challenges of working in collapsing media landscapes, the importance of media literacy, and the rise of the creator economy. Aundrea shares her experiences covering significant political events and the personal decision to pivot to a new career in storytelling and media training. The episode explores the evolving relationships between traditional media and content creation, providing insights and hope for the future of journalism and storytelling.
Listen in as we speak about:
Navigating Change: Aundrea’s Journey from Journalism to Entrepreneurship
The Spark of Inspiration
Climbing the Journalism Ladder
Love for the Craft and the Reality of the Industry
The Pandemic Catalyst and Personal Reflection
Building Mountain Court Media
Reflecting on Media Literacy and Hope
And much, much, more!
Navigating Change: Aundrea’s Journey from Journalism to Entrepreneurship
In a world where the media landscape is constantly shifting, Aundrea's journey serves as a beacon of resilience and adaptability. From her early aspirations in journalism to finding her niche as an entrepreneur, Aundrea’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling and human connection.
The Spark of Inspiration
Aundrea’s introduction to journalism came at the tender age of 17. Born to West African parents who held high academic expectations, she excelled in school but felt a disconnect. A high school summer program at American University exposed her to the world of journalism. The hands-on experience with a massive camera, editing techniques, and real-world reporting ignited her passion for storytelling. “Having that camera made people open up to me about their lives, culture, and art. It fired on all cylinders,” she recalls.
Climbing the Journalism Ladder
Aundrea’s early career was marked by perseverance and strategic moves. After completing her studies, she faced a challenging job market but remained undeterred. A calculated decision to extend her education at the University of Maryland’s journalism program opened more doors. Her first on-air job in Macon, Georgia, set the stage for a journey that would take her through Charlotte, Nashville, Philadelphia, and eventually to New York City. Each move represented not just a job change but also a chance to connect with diverse groups of people and understand their stories.
Love for the Craft and the Reality of the Industry
Aundrea thrived on meeting people at pivotal moments in their lives, whether joyous or heartbreaking. However, the evolving demands of the industry, especially the rapid pace introduced by social media, began to weigh heavily. The glamour of being on camera dulled in the face of relentless pressure, aesthetic expectations, and the challenges of being a Black woman in a predominantly white field.
The Pandemic Catalyst and Personal Reflection
The COVID-19 pandemic and the social upheaval following George Floyd’s death were transformative. Reporting from the epicenter of the pandemic in New York City was both rewarding and perilous. The risk to her health and the stark realities of racial inequalities made Aundrea re-evaluate her role. She had a platform, respect in the newsroom, but what was she getting in return for her labor and risk?
Aundrea's internal compass pointed her towards entrepreneurship. She envisioned a future where her passion for storytelling could evolve into something more fulfilling and aligned with her personal values. After heartfelt deliberations and tearful conversations, Aundrea made the bold move to step away from her journalism career in mid-2022.
Building Mountain Court Media
With unwavering determination, Aundrea founded Mountain Court Media. What started as a modest idea for freelancing has blossomed into a thriving strategic storytelling agency. Mountain Court Media offers creative projects like audio and video productions, media training, and career transition programs, with a special focus on news professionals and storytellers looking to reinvent their careers.
One of the most striking elements of Aundrea’s new venture is the launch of “The Next Best Thing” podcast and The Rewrite initiative. Both projects aim to support individuals during significant career and life transitions, reflecting Aundrea’s own experiences and the broader challenges faced by many in shrinking and evolving industries.
Reflecting on Media Literacy and Hope
Aundrea's time as both a journalist and a creator at the Democratic National Convention underscored the critical role of media literacy. The landscape is shifting towards more creator-driven content, yet the ethics, accuracy, and storytelling skills from traditional journalism remain invaluable. “It's about finding a balance between the rapid content creation of the new media and the foundational principles of journalism,” Aundrea asserts.
Connect with Aundrea:
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Website
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