An interview with Hilary Lambert '91

What sport(s) did you play at Brown?

I rowed on the Women’s Crew Team.

Personally, what was your greatest sporting achievement (at Brown or later)?

Crew is a year-round sport. We trained from September to May and then tried to keep fit over the summer. I am most proud of my commitment to the team. It was a daily commitment. In fact, it was a way of life that I feel I have carried with me. I am very grateful for that intense experience.

Also, After Brown, I ran the NYC marathon. For me, it was a very satisfying experience to set a short term and intense goal and see it through.

I enjoy setting out to do something that seems beyond my reach and then actually doing it. It reminds me not to limit my beliefs about what is possible. I’m also from New York City, so it was great to be part of such an enormous group experience in my hometown where everyone was putting so much of themselves into finishing. It’s beautiful, really.

How do you think the sports experience at Brown prepared you for the career you have today?

Endurance. Training as an athlete helps me find resources in myself that I didn’t know were there. As an entrepreneur and journalist (or any career you choose), I think endurance helps you approach work without fear because you know you can keep going no matter what.

Competition. You learn through sports that competition is a gift. It’s a fantastic opportunity to push yourself and work harder. Without a great competitor, you wouldn’t have to dig deep to find out what you are made of. Think of the great rivalries in sports: Navratilova and Everett (tennis), Nadal and Federer (tennis), or any great sporting event. As much as your rival may make you mad, your next move is to sit down with yourself and figure out how to win the next time you meet. That translates in work pretty clearly. It’s always easy to feel defeated when someone beats you or gets a job you wanted. But you can turn that into fuel for yourself. Using the same process, you sit down and map out how to do better tomorrow.

Sportsmanship. Whether it’s a game, a race, your job, or your family life there is never any reason to play unfairly or ungraciously. Life really is a game and learning to play with style is really the way to go, I think. There is nothing better than watching two rivals finish a match and hug. They acknowledge that on that day, someone played better and the mutual respect is evident. Lose graciously. Win graciously. That’s really true in everything.

Describe your career path since Brown and where you are now.

I started out in journalism, working at National Geographic Television and moved on to work for several companies in television production and news production. Meanwhile, I patented a sports bra. I didn’t have the intention to go into any business. In fact, it never occurred to me that I would run one. I always saw myself as a writer, artist or working with kids and animals, which only now I am able to do. But the sports bra became popular, and so I quickly learned the basics of being an entrepreneur. It has taken over 12 years to grow my business. But I am happy to say the bra is now being worn by women who have had breast surgery, mostly due to a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s worn during recovery. It’s been amazing to hear from women who wear it after going through surgery and treatment. They are so kind and so strong. I feel grateful to be able to do anything, even something small to make the recovery easier. So now the company is growing and I am pleased with the direction it is heading.

Getting kids involved in sports at an early age is not really a recreational activity like it used to be. It's more of a business. Any advice for today's parents and their kids playing competitive sports? Any thoughts on "sports specialization" and what it means for kids and their parents?

I think the key is to know your child and know how she or he feels about what they are doing. Kids need to try things and see what they like. And they also need their parents or an adult to guide them to fulfill their dreams. That’s why it’s also important to get involved in mentoring kids who may not have access to many sports. All kids need a guide who cares about what they do! But ultimately, at the heart of sports, like music or art or anything you love, is a child’s desire. Like a good coach, I think parents (and mentors) can help kids learn how to stick to something even on hard days. But too much pressure on a child and the whole thing is ruined. Strive for excellence and passion.

If your child wants to specialize in a sport, consider yourself lucky that they have found something that really lights them up. When people say to me “oh being a ballet dancer is such a hard life”, or “Being a professional tennis player is too hard for my child”, I think to myself that anything you do with excellence is hard. To find something in this life that makes you feel alive and purposeful is a gift, so hold on to it.

What is going on with your sports program at Brown today? What are the most notable differences from when you played there? Are you still connected with your team, teammates, coach, etc.?

Brown Women’s Crew is on fire John and Phoebe are the best coaches in the country. They have been honing their skills for a long time and they deserve all of their success.

Quick. Pick one:

Student-athlete or athlete-student? Athlete-Student

Starter or benchwarmer? There are no benchwarmers on Women’s crew! Every team member is crucial.

Recruited or walk-on? Walk-on.

Still rowing or hung up my oar? Not rowing. But still training, running, swimming,

Fair-weather fan or Ever True? Always trying to be more “Ever True”. Maybe when I get more free time! In 20 years.