Beyond the Headlines: Journalism, Storytelling, and Empowering Women with Emmy Winner Bonnie Stevens

Bonnie Stevens is a seasoned journalist with four decades of experience, a speaker, an international bestselling author, and a PR consultant. She works with women to uncover the story, soul, and style of their lives, drawing from her extensive career in journalism.

In this episode, Bonnie sits down with Christina to discuss her fascinating journey in journalism, including her time in television news, her dramatic experiences such as the Phoenix hostage situation, and her transition to working in PR and helping women find their voice. Bonnie shares her insights on the importance of confidence, storytelling, and personal style, and highlights her workshops aimed at empowering women to live their best lives.

The Excitement of a Journalism Career

Bonnie’s journalism career has been anything but ordinary. With a background in television news, she has experienced the thrill and unpredictability of reporting firsthand. Bonnie described her career as a front-row ticket to everything happening in the world, allowing her to meet an array of fascinating people, from celebrities to astronauts. Each day brought new adventures and stories to tell, which kept her inspired and driven.

One of her most intense experiences was covering the Phoenix hostage situation in 1982. That night, a gunman stormed the TV station where Bonnie worked, holding several employees hostage. The incident began unexpectedly during a typical evening shift, quickly escalating into a life-threatening situation that would last for hours. As the gunman made his way through the newsroom, the tension was palpable. Bonnie and her colleagues were paralyzed with fear, yet had to maintain their composure to survive the ordeal.

The gunman’s primary target was the station’s well-known anchorman, Bill Close, who became an unexpected hero that night. Close, with his calm and composed demeanor, managed to engage the gunman in conversation, treating him with a level of respect and patience that defused the situation. Close’s steady voice and empathetic approach helped to de-escalate the gunman’s rage. He referred to the gunman by name, asking about his life and even complimenting him, which remarkably kept the situation from spiraling out of control.

Throughout the harrowing five-hour standoff, Close’s actions were instrumental in preventing a tragic outcome. He maintained a composed and reassuring presence, not just for the gunman but for everyone in the newsroom. Bonnie recalled how Close put his arm around the gunman and engaged him in small talk, asking about his athletic background and high school experiences. This seemingly simple yet profoundly human approach allowed for a connection that diffused the immediate threat.

For Bonnie, witnessing this event firsthand was a defining moment in her career. It showcased the immense responsibility and impact of journalism, not just in reporting the news but in being part of it. The incident marked the night Phoenix realized it was a big city, with all the complexities and dangers that entailed. It was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of the world and the importance of staying composed under pressure.

This experience left a lasting impact on Bonnie, solidifying her commitment to the profession. It taught her the critical importance of empathy, patience, and human connection in even the most dire circumstances. Bonnie’s respect for her colleagues and the profession deepened, and she carried these lessons with her throughout her career.

The aftermath of the hostage situation brought significant changes to the TV station. Security measures were heightened, and the newsroom dynamics shifted as everyone processed the trauma they had experienced. For Bonnie, it was a turning point that reinforced her dedication to journalism and her belief in the power of storytelling to capture the essence of human experience, even in the face of adversity.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is at the heart of journalism, and Bonnie excelled at it. She shared how the ability to craft a compelling narrative is essential in engaging the audience. Whether reporting on a local event or a significant global issue, the story’s impact relies on its ability to resonate with viewers. Bonnie emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, noting that genuine, heartfelt stories are what truly connect with people.

Throughout her career, Bonnie has met and interviewed a wide range of individuals, including celebrities, astronauts, presidential candidates, athletes, and scientists. Each interview was an opportunity to delve into unique experiences and perspectives, providing valuable insights to the audience. Bonnie’s knack for drawing out personal stories and presenting them in a relatable manner made her a beloved figure in journalism.

Transitioning from Journalism to PR

After many years in journalism, Bonnie transitioned to public relations, where she found new ways to leverage her storytelling skills. She started her PR company, managed festivals, and brought in prominent speakers, enriching her professional journey. This shift also allowed her to focus on her passion for helping others, particularly women, find their voice and share their unique stories and newsworthy life.

Bonnie’s workshops focus on media relations and public speaking, especially for scientists and other professionals not accustomed to being in the public eye. She teaches them how to craft their messages, create compelling sound bites, and engage with the media effectively. By helping individuals refine their communication skills, Bonnie empowers them to present their ideas confidently and persuasively.

Empowering Women Through Storytelling

Now, Bonnie dedicates much of her work to empowering women, especially those in their midlife and beyond. She inspires them to embrace their stories, souls, and style. Bonnie believes that women often have different chapters in their lives and that each chapter brings valuable experiences and lessons. Bonnie encourages women to recognize their worth and share their stories confidently.

Christina introduces her practice of helping clients to develop their “Wow Bio” to become their own megaphone and share their accomplishments with the world. Bonnie refers to this practice as making sure people aren’t burying their own leads. She tells them to think like a reporter—control the story and step into the spotlight with confidence. She emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling story, understanding one’s core values (the soul), and presenting oneself authentically (the style). By helping women refine these aspects, Bonnie aims to boost their confidence and visibility, whether they’re starting a business, writing a book, or becoming public speakers.

The Importance of Confidence and Style

Confidence is a recurring theme in Bonnie’s work. She believes that true confidence comes from understanding and embracing one’s unique story. By owning their experiences and values, individuals can present themselves authentically and powerfully. This self-assuredness not only enhances personal interactions but also positively impacts professional opportunities.

Style, according to Bonnie, goes beyond fashion. It encompasses how individuals present themselves to the world, including their demeanor, communication style, and personal branding. By aligning their external appearance with their inner values and goals, individuals can create a cohesive and memorable presence. Bonnie’s workshops often include elements of personal styling, helping participants refine their look to match their professional aspirations.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of Bonnie’s work is witnessing the sense of community that develops among participants in her workshops. Women from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories, support each other, and learn from one another. This camaraderie fosters a nurturing environment where participants feel safe to explore new ideas and take bold steps toward their goals.

The relationships formed in these workshops often extend beyond the event itself, creating lasting networks of support and collaboration. Bonnie believes that empowering women to lift each other up is essential for collective growth and success. By building strong communities, women can create a ripple effect of positive change in their personal and professional lives.

Workshops and Personal Growth

Bonnie’s Shine workshops are designed to be immersive and transformative. Held in inspiring locations like Sedona, these workshops offer a blend of relaxation, personal growth, and practical training. Participants engage in activities such as yoga, stargazing, and media training, all while building a supportive community of like-minded women.

The workshops focus on preparing women to step into the spotlight with confidence and impact. Bonnie shares her expertise in media training, helping participants become camera-ready, articulate their messages, and present themselves with poise. These workshops are more than just training sessions; they are retreats where women can recharge, connect, and rediscover their passions.

Life Lessons and Future Aspirations

Bonnie’s new book, “Life Lessons from a Zonie Girl,” captures many of the stories and lessons she has gathered over the years. Using the Arizona landscape as a metaphor, she shares insights on resilience, grounding, and staying sunny through life’s challenges. The book offers a trail guide for navigating life’s ups and downs. It provides readers with practical wisdom and inspiration.

Looking ahead, Bonnie hopes to continue writing, speaking, and empowering others. She envisions herself writing novels and screenplays, speaking on more stages, and continually creating her best life. Her goal is to inspire and uplift others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and live authentically.

Dive Deeper with Bonnie

Bonnie Stevens’ journey from a journalist to a PR consultant and women’s empowerment advocate is a testament to the power of storytelling and personal growth. Her experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to find their voice and share their unique story with the world. Whether through her workshops, her book, or her speaking engagements, Bonnie continues to inspire and uplift others, encouraging them to live their best lives.

Bonnie’s dedication to helping women discover their story, soul, and style is making a significant impact. Her approach to empowering women through storytelling and personal branding is not only effective but also deeply inspiring. By fostering confidence and authenticity, Bonnie helps women step into their power and shine in every aspect of their lives.

You can find Bonnie at www.bonniestevensarizona.com and listen to her vodcast, “Zonie Living: Business, Adventure and Leadership,” on Star Worldwide Networks. Follow her on Instagram for more updates and insights.

This episode encapsulates Bonnie’s inspiring career and her mission to empower women through storytelling, confidence, and personal style. If you found her journey as fascinating as we did, be sure to tune into the full podcast episode for more in-depth conversations and insights.

Watch the full episode here: