Is there anyone that has influenced you in your career?

Deidre Hambly: My dad, Bill Hambly, was the biggest influence in my career.  He had a long career in radio broadcasting in Montreal before I was born.  He never pressured me to follow in his footsteps, but I'm so appreciative that I did.  I feel like I stumbled into a career in sports broadcasting.  I was a snowboarder in Whistler and had no plans to get a "real career"  after high school.  After a significant injury, I spontaneously applied to the Broadcast and Media Communications program at BCIT in Vancouver.  I was shocked when I got into the program and my father was quietly optimistic that I would stick with it.  It wasn't long before I realized I could take my love of sport and transition that into a career.  I still remember the phone call home to him from my Suzuki Sidekick in the parking lot of BCIT when I told him I had graduated.  He had just retired and told me he was very proud that I stuck with it, despite my struggles with self-doubt that I could make a career of it.  He watched from the sidelines as I progressed in my career and I think he was truly thrilled that I found that path on my own.  It's special that we were able to share that.

Can you tell me about the mentors, coaches and champions you've had in your corner as you've progressed through your career? Can you talk about their importance? 

DH: I've been lucky to have some wonderful mentors in my career in sports broadcasting.  The first person who comes to mind is Alison Redmond, who hired me to help produce Rogers Hometown Hockey when Sportsnet got the NHL rights in 2014. Her support and belief in me throughout my career meant a lot.  I owe a lot to Gord Cutler and Rick Chisholm, who met me at a time when I was out of work and eager for an opportunity to work on the 2010 Olympic Games.  Their support, advice, and encouragement through a difficult time in my career helped keep me on track and I learned a great deal from them.  Kathy Broderick, a long-time producer with Hockey Night in Canada has been an incredible mentor.  She worked with Ron (MacLean) and Don (Cherry) on Coach's Corner and gave me great advice on how to manage and work alongside two legends in hockey broadcasting.  Christine Simpson guided me through the ins and outs of working with NHL teams and has been a great collaborator and a great friend.  I've learned so much from her and she has always taken the time to teach me and challenge me, which has made me a better producer.  I have to give a shout-out to Tara Slone, who traveled back and forth across Canada with me for years and grew alongside me through the process.

What advice would you give to your younger self from when you first started?

DH: Believe in yourself.  Don't second-guess your abilities and celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

What's the best part of your job?

DH: I get to watch and produce sports for a living.  But honestly, it's the people that I work with.  They are the best part of my job.  I have the privilege of working with the top echelon of talent in sports broadcasting and I'm very grateful for that opportunity.

Has your view of what Women’s history means now, compared to what it meant in the past, changed? 

DH: I think I took our freedoms for granted.  Historically, brave, strong women have fought for our rights and freedoms.  Unfortunately, the work is not done.  I've realized that I have to continue to fight for women's rights and against systemic discrimination because of the threats we still face today.  

I’m thrilled to be a part of history where we are finally seeing the growth of women’s sports globally.  I’ve been a champion of this movement my entire career and to finally see the leagues and their players get the attention they deserve makes me incredibly happy.  Women have been fighting for decades for pay equity, sponsorship and exposure and it finally feels like the tide has changed.  Support Women’s Sports!