Ep 24: Training the Competition: NFL Reporter Laura Okmin on Why She Trains Other Women to Take Her Job
What happens when you achieve everything… But still feel empty?
On Call Me Friend, Daryn Kagan reconnects with longtime friend and NFL sideline reporter Laura Okmin to explore career burnout, finding purpose, and building real confidence.
Named to Sports Illustrated’s list of the most powerful, influential, and outstanding women in sports today, Laura is recognized as a true game-changer—someone who is speaking out, setting the bar, and making a lasting impact.
Laura shares the moment that changed everything, a near plane crash that forced her to confront the reality that she didn’t care if she lived or died. That wake-up call led her to rebuild her life from the inside out, shifting from chasing success to creating purpose, stronger relationships, and true confidence.
They also discuss women in sports, mentorship, competition, and why Laura chose to support the very women who could replace her. Through her organization GALvanize, she now helps thousands of women build confidence, find their voice, and grow into leadership.
This episode is about more than sports. It’s about personal growth, identity, relationships, and what it really takes to build a life you truly care about.
In This Episode You Will Learn
✅ How career burnout can show up even when you “have it all”
✅ Why finding purpose matters more than checking success boxes
✅ The mindset shift from competition to empowering others
✅ How to build real confidence, identity, and meaningful relationships
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Timestamps
00:00 The Moment That Changed Everything -Career Burnout Wake-Up Call
01:00 Breaking Into Sports as a Woman -Early Career Struggles
07:00 Rejection, Confidence, and Surviving a Competitive Industry
11:30 Women in Sports Today vs. Then -What Still Hasn’t Changed
20:25 The Plane Story That Forced Her to Rethink Her Life
23:00 From Success to Purpose -Rebuilding Identity and Happiness
27:00 Why Success Without Relationships Feels Empty
31:03 From Competition to Empowerment -Helping Other Women Win
34:30 Building GALvanize and Empowering Women in Sports
43:10 Leaving a Dream Career and Finding What’s Next
Key Takeaways
🔹 Success without purpose can still lead to burnout and emptiness
🔹 Confidence comes from knowing who you are, not what you do
🔹 Supporting others can create more opportunity than competition
🔹 Real fulfillment comes from relationships, growth, and alignment
Guest Bio
Laura Okmin is a veteran NFL sideline reporter, leadership coach, and founder of GALvanize, an organization dedicated to empowering women in sports and beyond. With decades of experience in broadcasting and mentorship, she now focuses on helping individuals and teams build confidence, connection, and purpose-driven leadership.
Website: lauraokmin.com
Resources & Links
- Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin
- Sign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/
- Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor’s Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/4az2X5f
- Miles Husband: MilesHusband.com
- Miramar jeans: https://amzn.to/4lFFIuc
