Joan Lunden, a well-known journalist and television personality, has recently credited her successful career to her willingness to embrace new opportunities, even if they pushed her out of her comfort zone. In a candid conversation with Lisa Guerrero on “Lisa Guerrero Unleashed”, Lunden revealed the philosophy that has guided her throughout her professional journey: a resolute commitment to saying “yes” to challenges, followed by figuring out the details along the way.
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Reflecting on her experiences, Lunden, who is now 75, recounted moments when she accepted roles that seemed daunting at the time. For instance, she remembered being approached to serve as a consumer reporter before she even had a grasp on managing her financial affairs. This amusing anecdote serves as a testament to her belief that accepting challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.
According to Lunden, the key to her ascent in the journalism field has been a proactive approach to opportunity. She maintains that many individuals often marvel at her accomplishments, not realising that her success has been largely due to her readiness to take risks. “If you just open yourself up and believe in yourself,” she advised, “sometimes you have to fake it till you make it.” This notion highlights the importance of confidence, particularly in an industry that is constantly evolving.
The journalist also emphasised that mastering new skills often requires a willingness to initially struggle. “You have to be willing to not be great at something in order to get the opportunity to learn how to be great at something,” she explained. This observation underscores the necessity of perseverance and the invaluable lessons that can be gleaned from challenging experiences.
In her recently published memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script”, Lunden opens up about her journey in broadcasting, including some of the less glamorous moments. The book recounts her early days at WABC-TV Eyewitness News, where she faced unsettling situations that tested not only her professionalism but also her resolve. During her tenure beginning in 1975, she encountered a colleague, referred to as “Ted,” who attempted to exploit their working relationship for personal gain.
Lunden described an incident where an invitation for what she believed was a professional gathering turned out to be an unwanted advance. After rejecting this approach, she alleged that the colleague retaliated by stifling her stories from airing, an act that she viewed as both discriminatory and damaging to her career.
Taking a stand, Lunden approached her colleague directly, making it clear that she recognised his actions for what they were. “We both know you’re keeping my stories off the air for no valid reason,” she boldly stated, referencing her conversations with legal advisors regarding potential litigation over sexual harassment. This confrontation proved effective, leading to a cessation of the retaliatory behaviour.
Lunden’s experiences not only highlight the struggles many women face in the workplace but also her tenacity in overcoming these obstacles. Her willingness to fight for her rights serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and inappropriate conduct in any industry.
Through her reflections, Lunden encourages others to adopt a similar mindset towards life and career opportunities. Her insights serve as a beacon for individuals looking to navigate the challenges of their own professional paths, highlighting the significance of resilience and self-belief.
As Lunden continues to share her story, she reinforces the notion that success often resides on the other side of discomfort. By saying “yes” and embracing challenges, she has crafted a distinguished career that not only showcases her talents but also provides inspiration to those who aspire to follow in her footsteps.