Changing The Game

#39: Former Division I volleyball player. Art major. NYU professor. Founder.

Stefanie Francis has built a career by questioning the way we're taught to think.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Stefanie shares why uncertainty can be a strength, how sports taught her to embrace the uncomfortable, and why the best leaders aren't always searching for the "right" answer.

From her journey as a D1 athlete at George Washington to coaching, teaching global market research at NYU, and founding Hootology, this conversation explores curiosity, creativity, leadership, and what it really means to build a life that feels authentic.

In this episode:
  •  How sports shaped Stefanie's approach to leadership 
  •  Why creativity and competition aren't opposites 
  •  The problem with "right or wrong" thinking 
  •  What teaching at NYU taught her about curiosity 
  •  Why founders should embrace uncertainty 
  •  Building confidence by questioning assumptions 
  •  How to create a life that feels authentic 
  •  Why athletes make great entrepreneurs

What is Changing The Game?

Changing the Game is a podcast that highlights bold, inspiring women who are redefining leadership and carving their own paths across different industries, backgrounds, and life chapters.

Hosted by Jordan Duren, each episode dives deep into the stories of female leaders who have navigated transitions, taken risks, and challenged the status quo. From corporate trailblazers to creative entrepreneurs, these women share the real, unfiltered truths behind their journeys—what it took, what they learned, and what they’d tell the next woman ready to rise.

If you’re ready to break the mold, own your story, and lead with purpose, this show is for you.

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About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates, and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.