Could you share some highlights from your career journey since graduating?
Highlights are always the different people I meet and the experiences I have. In my career I’ve met mayors of London, ex prime ministers, I’ve also met a man who was Alexander Fleming’s assistant who discovered penicillin. I’ve been a producer for the Queen of Daytime telly – Lorraine Kelly. I’ve experienced things like going to the Houses of Parliament, going to various music festivals, being on the BAFTA red carpet, going to film premieres and more. It’s fun working in the media.
How has your education and experience at our institution influenced your professional path?
Being at St Edmunds gave me discipline, ambition and independence. As a boarder you learn to be away from home and forge your own path. You also learn a lot about yourself. All of this stands you in good stead – especially in an industry like the media.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?
The media is notoriously male dominated. Being not just a woman but a woman of colour has never been easy. You often have to be twice as good to prove your worth. But I’d like to think the proof should be in the pudding – if you’re excellent in your work, your brilliance will then be undeniable. So I’ve always told myself if I can be the best that I can be and put one foot in front of the other I can overcome any challenge.
Can you discuss any significant achievements or milestones you’ve reached in your career?
At the end of last year I was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Talent for 2023. I’m one of 20 in the UK and 1 of 42 globally. I’m also the first person in daytime television ever to be named on the scheme. It’s an amazing honour by BAFTA to be recognised globally in my field and by my peers. I don’t take it for granted and it’s given me more gumption to do more in the future!
What advice would you give to current female students who aspire to enter your profession or industry?
Think digital. The world is getting more digital and more technologically driven by the day. Think about where journalism may be in the next few years. Also, be tenacious. The media industry is a world full of “Nos” but one day you’ll get a Yes. So hold on – don’t give up!
In what ways do you see gender diversity evolving in your field, and what initiatives have you been a part of to promote inclusivity?
The media industry knows it has work to do and I have seen the active change it has made to be more inclusive. I think people like myself who are 14 years deep in the industry should be keen to pull people up the ladder. I have a number of female mentees that I speak to on regular basis to guide them as they navigate their career.
Are there any specific experiences or lessons from your time at our College that have stayed with you throughout your career?
Yes – roll call in the morning! It’s impossible for me to sleep past 7.30am since I’ve been a boarder at St Edmund’s. I am now forever an early riser – which actually it turns out is very good for someone like me who works in breakfast television!
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with our current students about the importance of women’s achievements and empowerment in the workplace?
Never forget the women who fought for us to have the civil liberties we enjoy today – the right to vote, a room of one’s own, to work, own property, to speak and dress as we see fit and more. We should never take these things for granted even though we don’t know a world where these things never existed. This means you in turn should strive to be the best woman you can be so you also can create a world that is easier and more pleasant for the women who are yet to come.