Bonnie-Jill Laflin is a trailblazer in the world of sports — the first and only female NBA scout in history, a former NFL cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, a sports broadcaster, and founder of the nonprofit Hounds and Heroes. From modeling at age three to scouting for the Lakers dynasty under Phil Jackson, Bonnie-Jill has shattered glass ceilings in some of the most male-dominated spaces in sports and media.

On this episode we talk about:

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  How Bonnie-Jill became the first and only female NBA scout

  
  


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  The behind-the-scenes reality of being an NFL and NBA cheerleader

  
  


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  Lessons learned from sports legends like Jerry Jones, Jerry Buss, and Phil Jackson

  
  


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  The business and branding genius behind the Cowboys Cheerleaders

  
  


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  How discipline, mindset, and mental toughness shape lasting success

  
  

Top 3 Takeaways

1. 
   

   Breaking barriers takes preparation, persistence, and confidence — not permission.

   
   


2. 
   

   Branding and business savvy are just as important as athletic skill in the world of sports.

   
   


3. 
   

   True leadership blends intellect, mindfulness, and empathy — lessons Bonnie-Jill learned firsthand from Phil Jackson.

   
   

Notable Quotes

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  “I didn’t want to just be around sports — I wanted to be in sports.”

  
  


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  “Phil Jackson didn’t just coach players; he taught them how to think.”

  
  


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  “The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were one of the biggest brands in the world — we just didn’t get paid like it.”

  
  

Connect with Bonnie-Jill Laflin:

https://hoo.be/bonniejill

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