The irony is, the great ones, the ones that do it because that's what they do best, do not ever crave that 'shout out' or recognition.
It's the success of those they mentor that provides them with the most fulfilling reward and self-satisfaction.
But I'm going to give that 'shout out' not by name, because again, that's the last thing they'd want! But by influence and how we crossed paths. So here's my nameless list of those mentors that have believed in me through my career, so far...
First, at the very beginning. Hospital Radio, where I was paired with someone that was already a someone in media and that was gold dust for me. I listened and learned as much as possible. I remember being given a task of prepping something todo with the first plane flight, I really did over prepare for what turned out to be a 30 second on air piece, ha ha. That person also chose the song; You Say It Best - Ronan Keating as my theme on the show promos montage, thanks for that! Who'd have thought back then, that I'd go on to meet Ronan, I didn't feel the urge to tell him the story thank goodness.
To the one that helped me to originally 'Feel The Fear' on the Travel News Presenting course I attended. Your enthusiasm and encouragement has stayed with me to this very day. A true legend and character of broadcasting and of course, now super friend.
Next, the one that gave me my very, very first full-time broadcast opportunity presenting travel news to commercial and BBC radio stations nationwide. Without you, I wouldn't have been in the position to build relations with radio stations and individuals and subsequently leap-frog my career to the next level of presenting.
The one that originally saw my presenting potential and offered me my first ever radio show, Saturday breakfast. I first joined that radio station as a travel news presenter and went on from my Saturday show to present the weekday breakfast show. Just amazing memories, and 'Just Great Songs'. 😉
A special mention to the one that took me under their wing and showed me the ropes (as a reporter in London) in between my presenting jobs. Ultimately I knew presenting was for me, however I only found that out by being given the opportunity to train as a BA (Broadcast Assistant). So thank you, and also for helping me choose new shoes on Oxford Street that time, loved them!
The one that went on to become a great friend of mine, that believed in my talent when making the step up to a larger audience radio station and enjoyed me for being me, which ultimately helped my confidence grow and mentally put me in the position to be ready for the next level of broadcasting.
To the one that took a risk, but without me knowing it at the time. I am forever grateful. My first national show and three months in I was called in for a meeting. Informed that I'd come to the end of my 3 month contract....
To then be told, "You've made my life a bit difficult, as your contract was only 3 months, but I'd like to keep you on... so how do you fancy that?" I cried. And said, that's amazing! That connection is still between us to this very day, a true great of broadcast media.
And of course to all those wonderful amazing colleagues and friends within media and broadcast, I've had the absolute pleasure of learning from and working with through the years, what a buzz.
To do a job you truly love, have passion for and one that is the absolute opposite of boring is a unique blessing, never to be taken for granted.
So that's my roll call, so far in my career anyway! (I may have to update this blog post in the future.)
Perhaps you have a roll call of your own?
Feel free to take a listen to some of my past radio work here (link opens my soundcloud radio page.)
Why did I suddenly decide to write about mentors, I ask myself? Maybe because now, with experience, I find myself being the one being leaned on more and more by those perhaps just starting out, or that just have a question about their own career. It really is a true compliment and I suppose I'm only beginning to understand the feeling my mentors have and have had when guiding and helping others, it's great!!
So a shout out to all the mentors whichever line of work or organization you happen to be involved with. You're changing lives, breeding confidence and helping others to thrive and that's just super.
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Speak soon,
You’re a great mentor!
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