If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a lasting legacy in sports leadership and own your brand across platforms — this episode is for you.

This week on the Brandinc PR Podcast, I sat down with a true force in athletics administration: Monique A.J. Smith. With more than 30 years of experience under her belt, Monique has redefined what it means to lead in sports, especially as a Black woman breaking barriers in a field where representation is still growing.

She’s not just an athletic administrator. Monique is a:

• Leadership Consultant for athletic departments and sport organizations

• Executive Coach helping professionals advance in sports management

• Adjunct Professor at Hampton University teaching sports business

• Magazine Publisher of Significance in Athletics and Sports

• Podcast Host of A Chat in the Garden, highlighting Black women in sports

Basically — she’s a whole ecosystem of impact.

🧠 What We Talked About

In this high-energy, truth-filled convo, we dive into:

• How Monique became one of the first Black women in athletic administration in the 1990s

• The importance of building your personal brand as a leader in sports

• Why visibility, confidence, and community matter more than ever

• How her Advance Academy is creating space for the next generation of leaders

• The power of using media — podcasting, publishing, and coaching — to amplify unheard voices

One quote that stuck with me?

“You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a mic. You can build your own stage.”

Monique is living proof of that.

🔎 Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a:

• Communications or PR pro navigating the sports industry

• Black woman working toward leadership in a male-dominated space

• Athletic administrator or coach trying to elevate your visibility

• Aspiring entrepreneur who wants to own your narrative…

This episode is a masterclass in how to lead boldly while staying grounded in purpose.

💡 Keywords to Know:

Black women in sports leadership, sports branding, athletic administration podcast, women in sports business, legacy in sports, executive coaching for sports professionals

🎧 Listen Now

Episode Title: From Trailblazer to Legacy Builder: Monique A.J. Smith on Leading Loud in Sports & Life

Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

💬 Want More?

👉 Follow Monique A.J. Smith on Instagram [@moniqueajsmith] and check out her podcast, A Chat in the Garden.

👉 Grab her magazine Significance in Athletics and Sports on Amazon — 8 powerhouse issues available now.

👉 Ready to build your brand with PR that works? Let’s connect over at brandincpr.com or slide into my DMs on IG @brandincpr.