This past Wednesday, Shippensburg University hosted “Ship Talk: An Evening with Anne, Anne and Lee.” 

From discussing what it takes to be a leader, how to advocate for oneself and others, and redefining “no” as motivation to work your hardest, this event left each guest inspired and ready to take on the world. 

Shippensburg University’s boastful alumni network spans all fields of work, but this night brought a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements in media, business and entertainment. Students, alumni, faculty and community members not only had the chance to learn and listen to the podcast “Grit and Gravitas” live, but also to mingle and connect with Anne, Anne and Lee following the event. 

Anne Deeter Gallaher, class of ’81, CEO of Deeter Gallaher Group, and Anne Carnathan, class of ’87, CEO of Universal Media, Inc., co-hosted a live episode of their hit podcast “Grit and Gravitas.” They welcomed special guest Lee Adams Kuhn, class of ’87, vice president of promotion at BMG/Broken Bow Records.

Kuhn knew exactly who she was from a very young age. At just 13 years old, Kuhn discovered her love for country music and her dream was to meet Willie Nelson. 

“I knew I had to do radio, because everybody famous was on the radio,” Kuhn shared, and the rest was history. From studying communication and journalism and working at Shippensburg University’s student-run radio station WSYC 88.7, she discovered her love for all things radio.

However, her journey was not without its difficulties. Kuhn had her fair share of no’s. 

“You define what ‘no’ means to you,” Carnathan said. “The more you normalize these ‘no’s,’ the less power they have.” 

Kuhn loved her job and her responsibilities, but always had self-doubts. She reminded the guests, “a ‘no’ just means there’s a ‘yes’ somewhere else.”

Whether it be in those difficult times or your biggest celebrations, it is critical to remember who your “balcony people” are. 

“You need to know what matters in your heart, but you also need others to advocate for you. Your balcony people are always going to be there for you,” said Gallaher. 

Carnathan added, “And we want to be your balcony people!” 

Balcony people are classmates, family, friends, co-workers and mentors. They inspire creativity, perseverance, and to be true to oneself. And that is just one of Anne and Anne’s business vitamins.

As part of their conversations on “Grit and Gravitas,” they highlight “business vitamins,” or key lessons on personal and professional paths. Whether it be writing handwritten notes for a lasting impression, keeping one’s foot on the gas pedal and knowing your worth, or simply being teachable and giving yourself grace, not a moment went by without learning a valuable lesson from Anne, Anne and Lee. 

Kuhn’s career path from college radio DJ to record promoter for some of the nation’s top country artists has been one for the books, so she made it happen. Kuhn’s first novel, “Love on Tour,” follows the story of “song plugger” Christine and her adventures on the Nashville music scene, complete with love, friendship, jealousy and more, is available now for purchase. 

To learn more on “Love on Tour” or listen to more “Grit and Gravitas” episodes, find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeartRadio and YouTube.

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