Tomi Lahren: I have always been political and opinionated. That stems from my outspo- ken nature I was born with but was fostered by watching the nightly news with my parents. I have always cared about this country more than anything and always felt Middle America was largely ignored or lost in the shuffle. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to be in media. I have always wanted to give a voice to the forgotten Americans—those in small towns and small states that don’t get the limelight or coverage but matter just the same as those in big and urban cities. I’ve never much cared what the elites in DC, LA or NYC have to say, I want to know, understand and advocate for the things that matter to real people. Spotlight: While at the University of Nevada you hosted and associate produced the uni- versity’s political roundtable show, “The Scramble.” Is this when you realized this might be a possible career choice for you? Tomi Lahren: I have always known this was going to be my career path. I have never wanted to do anything else. The Scramble taught me how to put together a show, listen to opposing and diverse views and take a back seat when needed. I discovered my voice at a very young age and ever since then, I’ve wanted to use my ability to
“I have always wanted to give a voice to the forgotten Ameri- cans—those in small towns and small states that don’t get the limelight or coverage but matter just the same as those in big and urban cities.”
“I am a small-town girl with a fearless outlook on life and a deep passion for my country.”
explain, connect and deliver a message to the masses from a perspective that is uniquely my own. I don’t try to be something I am not, never have. I don’t try to talk over people’s heads or in terms they can’t relate to or connect with. I am a small-town girl with a fearless outlook on life and a deep passion for my country. Mix that in with my can-do attitude and my willingness to outwork most and I’ve enjoyed building a career I am very proud of. Spotlight: What was it like to intern for South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem? What valuable lessons or insight did you take away from that opportunity and how have you applied that to your career?
Tomi Lahren: My internship with then Congress- woman Noem taught me more about what I did not want to do. I have little desire to be in politics. I don’t like the game of it all. That expe- rience taught me I’d rather be on the outside, in the media, serving as a watchdog and a check on power. I’ve done that throughout my career whether it be at the local level speaking out against my Nashville Mayor or on the state level exposing California Governor Gavin Newsom. Spotlight: What mentors did, or do you have now? You inspire many, but who inspires you and why?
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APRIL 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • APRIL 2021
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