Get to Know Julianne

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 21-year old self?

As a law student at 21, I wanted to tackle everything and anything. Whether it was to make the best grades, win Moot Court competitions, make time for fitness and maintain a social life, I continued to try to thread the needle every day. While I achieved all that I set out to I was constantly chasing the next thing. I put a lot of pressure on myself and endured a lot of stress as some days it seemed insurmountable. I would tell my 21-year-old self to focus on the task at hand and tackle one thing at a time. Don’t look at the mountain of “to-dos” in front of you, but each task individually and always take on the most challenging task on your list first thing each day. It will take you far less time while you are mentally fresh and won’t distract you throughout the day/week while it hangs over your head.

What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you?

“Bad news doesn’t age well.” When I was younger I felt that I needed to be perfect in both personal and professional life. I was afraid to admit if things at work had a hiccup if I made a mistake or didn’t fully understand a project. What I’ve learned is that it is better to raise the flag, ask the question, address the challenge in front of you head-on before it has time to fester. I advise my clients similarly all the time. Come to me with the good, the bad, and the ugly. The sooner we know what challenge lies ahead, the more apt we are to find a solution and move forward.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would be your “dream job”?

Athletic Director at Clemson University, my alma mater. Growing up, my parents were both coaches and we were involved in sports practices, sporting events, competitions, and the like non-stop. I’ve been to more practices and athletic camps than I can count (and loved every minute of it!). It was a dream come true to attend Clemson University with such a fantastic athletic program. While I’m certainly not officially qualified for the job, it would be amazing to be at the helm of such a program to guide and nurture student-athletes and watch them become champions both on the field/court and in the classroom.

Name one song you listened to “on repeat” in the past 12 months and provide some insights about why couldn’t you get enough of it. 

“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson – while I didn’t actually listen to it over and over, the general theme kind of summed up 2020 for me. We have all faced challenges throughout the pandemic – whether it was being away from family, working and teaching my son from home, taking on many extra roles at work, or just wishing you could escape and take that vacation you had to cancel. This song truly inspires you to get right back up after that long work week and go after it just as hard (or harder) the next week. My sister sent me a bracelet this past year with the inscription on the inside: “Stronger with every struggle.” That’s how I approached 2020 – I turned it into a year of growth and opportunity!