Spotlight #2: Julie Dunn Eichenberg

To me, Julie epitomizes the Lift & Be Uplifted philosophy due to the fact that she earned her seat at the table by retaining her authentic, empathetic, and compassionate qualities. Julie achieving her position as a respected media leader, while remaining accessible to FSU students and alumni made a significant impact on both my definition of leadership and goal setting.  Through her example, I saw first-hand what is possible for women who stand up for themselves to achieve. When I had the chance  to see her in her element at Turner Broadcasting in ATL, it made me proud to be a woman, proud to be a Nole, but most importantly, proud to be her friend. 

Read more about Julie's journey below!

1. Rarely is someone's journey linear. Can you explain what you wanted to be when you grew up, and how your career landed where it is right now? 
Well, my Dad was a lawyer and in state politics and I loved the idea of becoming a lawyer myself (and also maybe going into politics).  I majored in Business (instead of Political Science at my Dad’s suggestion) and took the LSAT but decided that I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be a lawyer and so I decided not to spend 3 years and a ton of $$ figuring it out. 

Ironically, I worked alongside a lot of lawyers during my time at Turner negotiating contracts and in retrospect, law school would have been quite interesting.  Ultimately, because I was so undecided – a Business degree worked out well for me and led me ultimately to Turner which became my home for more than 22 years.  When I look back on why I was interested in law and politics, it was because I was interested in the personal connections through politics and tha is something I found building and managing relationships at Turner.  

 2. Which single word do you most identify with? 
Gratitude

3. What is the biggest barrier you experienced as a woman in your career?  
I have been told I am too nice (no one would ever say that to a man)

4. What advice would you give other women going into the professional world? 
Be your authentic self and find a company/culture that appreciates your strengths and makes you the best version of yourself.

​5.  Go-to ice cream flavor?  
Mint chocolate chip – for sure!

6. How do you define what it means to be a woman?  
Strong, resilient, loyal and dedicated to whatever is important to you with a sense of compassion and grace (just like my mom, Maggie Dunn)

7. What do you think holds women back in the professional world? 
Unfortunately, we don’t promote ourselves enough (I am guilty of this too).  We support/encourage/coach everyone around us – but we don’t self-promote or “toot our own horn”.

8. Who is your female icon? 
My mom, without a doubt.  She was a feminist before I even knew what the word meant!

9. You have had a novel of accomplishments! Which are you most proud of?  
My family – my relationship with my very supportive husband, Bob – our two incredibly smart and talented boys, Zach and Tyler and my relationship with my family – my mom (who just turned 80 and is writing a novel after retiring as an English Professor and writing an opera --yes an Opera!-) and my siblings Kelley, Chrissie and Wes -- and even extended family.  I spend time keeping up with my family because it’s important and those relationships are unique and so important. 

10. You are incredibly generous. What was the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?  
Sadly, my father passed away suddenly nearly 20 years ago and I still remember, every person who reached out during the time – especially those who moved mountains to attend his funeral.  That kindness can never be repaid.   I learned quite a lesson at that time – the lesson is that in times of grief, all that is asked of you is to show up.  The rest will fall in place.