When a young Christy Harst first announced she would one day replace Barbara Walters, her father laughed. Years later, that spark of determination would carry her through the competitive world of marketing, television, and eventually, voiceover—where she discovered just how few women were given the mic. Instead of waiting for an invitation, Christy decided to build her own door—and open it for others.
In this Power Lounge conversation, host Amy Vaughan, Chief Empowerment Officer of Together Digital, talks with Christy about how one moment of frustration became a movement. From realizing the imbalance in sports voiceover work to launching Building Doors VO, Christy shares how she turned awareness into advocacy and data into impact.
Amy and Christy explore what it takes for women—and the men who support them—to create real pathways in industries still dominated by old systems. They discuss the power of collective action, the influence of representation, and why inclusion isn’t charity—it’s good business.
This conversation is for anyone ready to push boundaries, elevate voices, and reimagine what opportunity sounds like.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – "Empowering Voices in Media"
06:10 – "Combining Sports Passion with Voiceover"
11:39 – Breaking Barriers for Women Everywhere
17:27 – "Using Privilege to Empower Change"
22:09 – "Power, Privilege, and Responsibility"
27:31 – Voice Bias Study Sponsorship
34:15 – "Breaking Barriers with Building Doors"
38:40 – Power of Collaboration
45:09 – "Ask for the No"
48:04 – "Evangelizing Through Data and Stories"
56:14 – "Connecting Communities and Networking"
59:44 – "She's Inspiring and Successful"
01:01:51 – Outro
Quotes:
"Life doesn’t just happen to you—it happens for you. When a door closes, build your own and leave it open for others."- Amy Vaughan
"Change begins when we stop waiting and start creating. Use your voice, stand together, and build doors wide enough for everyone."- Christy Harst
Key Takeaways:
Build Your Own Door—And Make Room for Others
The Power of Community—and Collective Action
Data with a Dose of Storytelling
Spot Bias, Create Change
Allyship in Action
Every Micro-Action Matters
Your Authentic Voice is Powerful
Representation Shapes Reality
Connect with the guest Christy Harst:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyharst/
Website:https://www.buildingdoorsvo.com/
Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/
Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitingHome - Together Digital
