Creating a Playbook for Pro Athlete’s Families: How Ladies Playbook Champions Empowerment for Women Off the Field
In today’s world of rapid transitions—career moves, geographic relocations, and shifting personal identities—community has become more than a comfort; it’s a lifeline. Studies show that strong social ties can increase well-being, reduce stress, and even improve physical health. For those navigating high-pressure environments, like the partners of professional athletes, having access to a supportive, informed community rooted in women’s empowerment can be the difference between isolation and belonging.
So the question is: what does it really take to build a community with that kind of impact? How do we move beyond surface-level connections to create networks that nurture growth, resilience, and lasting belonging?
This episode of The Purpose Pivot, hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, dives into those questions with entrepreneur, podcast host, and public speaker Dr. Atoya Burleson. Together, they explore Burleson’s journey from athlete to NFL wife, and ultimately to founder of Ladies Playbook and InsideLINES Podcast. Their conversation reveals how shared experiences and intentional design can transform support into legacy.
Key takeaways from the discussion…
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From personal experience to purposeful action: Burleson’s time in the NFL community revealed unseen challenges for women, inspiring her to launch InsideLINES Podcast and later Ladies Playbook, an app designed to provide resources and real community for NFL partners.
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Building trust through inclusivity and feedback: Her ambassador and beta testing groups ensured the platform addressed real needs, from local recommendations to safe spaces for honest dialogue.
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Legacy and self-care: Through her new journal, Her Legacy, Burleson shares the lessons of her “soft era,” encouraging women to prioritize self-care and reflection as tools for empowerment.
Dr. Atoya Burleson is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and public speaker with expertise in community building and media. She is the Founder & CEO of Ladies Playbook, a platform supporting NFL women with relocation resources, networking, and business connections, and the Co-Host of InsideLINES Podcast, which amplifies women’s voices in and around sports. With over six years of leading conversations at the intersection of sports, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, she is recognized for creating trusted spaces where women can thrive.
Article written by MarketScale.
