Megyn Kelly's Career: From Law to Journalism
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a successful legal career to becoming a prominent journalist? How did Megyn Kelly navigate this challenging career shift and rise to the top of broadcast journalism?
In her book Settle for More, Megyn Kelly shares the story of her remarkable journey from courtroom to newsroom. You'll discover how her upbringing, legal experience, and personal challenges shaped Megyn Kelly's career and led her to become one of the most recognizable faces in news media.
Read on to learn about the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and valuable lessons that defined Megyn Kelly's career evolution.
From Courtroom to Newsroom: Megyn Kelly's Career Evolution
Early Years and Family Influence
Megyn Kelly's career in journalism began with a strong foundation laid by her family. Growing up in an environment that valued authenticity, self-sufficiency, and honesty, Kelly developed a straightforward manner that would serve her well throughout her professional journey. This upbringing set the stage for Megyn Kelly's career to evolve from law to becoming one of the most prominent figures in broadcast journalism.
Her father played a crucial role in shaping her identity and igniting her passion for knowledge. He challenged her intellectually from a young age, using advanced vocabulary and engaging in conversations on various topics. This approach fostered Kelly's enduring quest for knowledge and her sharp wit.
The sudden loss of her father during her formative years had a profound impact on Kelly. It reinforced her awareness of life's transience and strengthened her commitment to health and self-care, particularly when it came to caring for her own children later in life.
Excelling in Law
Kelly's natural aptitude for debate and public speaking led her to pursue a career in law. After attending Albany Law School, she quickly made a name for herself in the legal field. Her commitment and hard work earned her the award for Outstanding Advocacy, setting the stage for a successful career in corporate litigation.
Over the course of ten years, Kelly established herself as an influential legal practitioner. Her exceptional proficiency in legal matters and steadfast dedication to her career distinguished her as a leading authority in her field. However, the events of September 11 prompted Kelly to deeply reflect on her life's trajectory and her yearning for a vocation that aligned more closely with her values.
Transition to Journalism
Inspired by the impactful work of journalists like Ashleigh Banfield and Peter Jennings during periods of unrest, Kelly decided to change her professional path. Despite facing numerous rejections and lacking previous journalism experience, she leveraged her substantial background in legal practice to produce a demo reel.
This effort eventually led to opportunities in local news and facilitated her inclusion in the Fox News team in August 2004. Kelly's extensive legal experience greatly enhanced her reporting on major events, especially those related to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Rising to Prominence
As Kelly's career in journalism progressed, she covered more significant stories and obtained more prominent slots for her broadcasts. Her success in transitioning from law to television news was significantly facilitated by her steadfast commitment to her profession and the skillful application of her legal expertise within the realm of journalism.
Kelly's career reached new heights when she moderated debates alongside Bret Baier and Chris Wallace. Her sharp questioning skills and incisive interrogation techniques earned her widespread acclaim, particularly during the GOP primary debates.
Confrontations and Challenges
Kelly's dedication to precision and accountability often exposed her to criticism. Her direct approach led to confrontations with public figures, most notably with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Following a heated exchange during a debate, Trump launched a vigorous campaign to erode confidence in Kelly, leveraging his influential social media platform to concentrate his disparaging remarks on her.
Despite the severe criticism and personal attacks, Kelly maintained her composure and professionalism. She chose to remain publicly silent, deciding not to respond to provocations. Kelly upheld her integrity by personally paying for her expenses during her stay at the Trump Soho and instructed her team to maintain objective reporting, steering clear of any bias.
Personal Growth and Transformation
Kelly's relentless dedication to her job without maintaining a balance with her personal life initially resulted in emotional exhaustion. She found herself disconnected from her life and yearning for greater purpose. This realization led her to pursue greater aspirations and implement personal transformations.
Kelly's growth was marked by a sincere commitment to being authentic. She understood that maintaining an illusion of flawlessness hindered authentic engagement with her peers. Critical feedback prompted her self-reflection and the acknowledgment that vulnerability needs not be at odds with strength.
Balancing Career and Family
As Kelly's career flourished, she faced the challenge of balancing her professional obligations with her role as a mother. She showcased her commitment to journalism by working up to the eve of her labor while simultaneously handling her domestic duties. Kelly adeptly balanced her career duties and preserved a robust connection with her children, often integrating them into her professional activities.
Kelly believes it's beneficial for her children to see her in a position of power and control at work. She frequently includes her children on business trips and integrates them into her professional tasks. Despite her busy professional life, she dedicates moments to engage in individual activities, conversations, and shared experiences with her children to preserve a robust bond.
The Importance of Spousal Support
Kelly's relationship with her husband, Doug Brunt, exemplifies the importance of spousal support in navigating a high-profile career. Brunt's flexible career as an author allowed him to help with the children and support Kelly's professional life. His steadfast dedication to a peaceful family existence resonated deeply with Kelly's values, fostering a strong bond based on shared experiences.
Throughout Kelly's significant and transformative experiences, Brunt has been a steadfast pillar of support. His guidance has been pivotal in steering through the intricacies of periods marked by significant elections and media scrutiny. The duo established a strong alliance through tough times, always maintaining honest and transparent dialogue, looking out for each other's well-being, and shielding their children from the pressures that stemmed from their careers.
Megyn Kelly's journey from law to journalism is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. Her story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make significant career changes and find balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.