Sue Bird - Former Seattle Storm Point Guard & League Leader: The Keys to Leadership
Hello there, y'all. This is Lisa Borders, and welcome back to another episode of Enlightened. Now, if you’re tuning in for the first time, lemme give you a quick rundown. On this pod, we connect with folks from all walks of life. We talk about overcoming adversity, transmuting the shadow, and those aha moments that light up our paths. We're all about reaching our true potential while staying true to who we are, and we love reflecting on the lessons life teaches us. If that sounds like your cup of tea, go on and subscribe wherever you're listening, leave a five-star review, share it with a friend, and join our community over at LisaBorders.us
Alright, y’all, buckle up ‘cause this episode is a real treat. I sat down with my good friend and phenomenal athlete, Sue Bird. For those of you living under a rock, let me school you real quick: Sue is a four-time WNBA champion, a two-time NCAA champion, a four-time FIBA World Cup champion, and (now) a five-time Olympian. Yep, you heard right. And did y’all notice? She won nearly all these in even years. We had to chat about that cosmic alignment.
Basketball in the Beginning ~
We rollicked down memory lane, starting with Sue's New York days, her high school hustle at Christ the King, and her critical decision to join UCONN and become part of that Husky legacy. Sue shared her heartwarming story about choosing Connecticut over other schools because, simply put, "It felt right in my bones."
Sue also spilled the tea about her draft night, the culture shock of moving from the East Coast to Seattle, and the comfort she found in her new city. She’s one traditional soul who, once comfortable, hates to leave—Seattle stuck with her, and she's a better person and player because of it.
Game Respects Game
Now, y’all know WNBA players split their time between the U.S. and international leagues. Sue and I talked about her overseas experiences, particularly in Russia. Her tales of Russian life—from fashion and architecture to the remnants of communism—were captivating. Sue told us how all that history and culture taught her to appreciate the broader world and not just judge it through an American lens…or NOT judge it at all. THIS enlightened perspective is a major leadership lesson - different does not mean inferior. It means value is being added in a unique and alternative way.
Sue's heart also belongs to the Olympics. Representing the U.S. was her ultimate dream, and she got to live it. One of her most vivid memories—returning from her first Olympics in Athens, gold medal in hand, was watching people's faces light up when they held it. That medal wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of a much larger achievement.
Leadership & Legacy
We pivoted to leadership, with Sue reflecting on her role as a point guard and leader both on and off the court. She laid out some wisdom about leadership: being authentic, consistent, and transparent. She recounted a time when she texted me, pushing me to make a statement on behalf of the league. Y’all, even leaders need a nudge sometimes, and for that, I appreciate Sue more than she knows.
One of the highlights of our conversation was Sue recounting how she and her fellow WNBA players rallied around the candidacy of Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock during a politically charged summer. Sue and the league pivoted their response to an owner’s controversial statements into powerful activism. It’s a story of strategic response over knee-jerk reaction and it ended with helping to flip the United States Senate. Ain't that something?
Sue also shared about her latest venture with Alex Morgan, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim in founding TOGETHXR, a media company focused on amplifying women's stories in sports and beyond. They’re creating extraordinary content AND they’re making a difference for the next generation!
Wrapping up, we talked hoops. As the reigning WNBA champions, Seattle was the team to beat that season. Sue looked forward to defending the title in what turned out to be her last season and she was ready to enjoy every moment.
Sue Bird, y’all, is a gem. She dropped knowledge on authenticity, leadership, and enlightenment, showing us all how it's done. So, if you listened and enjoyed the episode, plz subscribe, leave a five-star review, share it with a friend, and join our enlightened community at LisaBorders.us.
Thanks for joining me today, and I'll see y’all next week!
Stay enlightened,
LB