Small stature, mighty mind? That’s me —Radio girl, Softlander

Praise Opeoluwa Adeyemo, in this interview, talks about her job as a broadcaster, and how she has been able to pull her weight within a short time in Lagos, among other topics.

Tell me how you organise, plan and manage the stress of being a broadcaster was there any resources or even advice that have really helped you on your journey?

I am quick to learn and unlearn, I am versatile and flexible enough to quickly adjust in diverse situations. Those are the major skills, and traits that have helped me pull through. Just like any other profession has its own stress pattern, those soft skills will help any presenter scale through.

What do you wish you had known when you started out, What is your favourite memory about the job?

I wish I had known how tough, toxic, competitive and not so financially rewarding the media life can be, It would have helped me plan the finance aspect of the job.

My favorite memory of the job goes way back in 2012 my first ever opportunity on radio. That was in EBBC in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The love was real, the acceptance, growth, learning, creativity, expression was amazing. That moment built me into the talent everyone cherishes now.

What do you think your unique skill(s) is that has helped you become successful, What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career thus far?

I think depth of knowledge and analytical skills. Those are my unique selling points. I maybe small in size but mighty in mind. I think I can attribute that to my training as a philosopher. I would say my biggest accomplishment would be gaining recognition, adding value to the lives of many with my content and building my brand on a platform in Lagos. Every broadcaster outside the capital of entertainment wants to come here, so it’s a privilege to be one of the best here.

Tell us about a project that went poorly, or one that you felt initially unprepared for. What happened? How did you learn from the experience?

I have two actually. The first one was when I was invited as a guest on the popular TV programme ‘Your view’ on TVC, I was very nervous at the beginning of the show, because it had been a while I was on the screens, but immediately after the break, I took charge, pulled myself together and killed it. I will forever appreciate that opportunity. It was a high moment in 2019, the second one was during a countdown show on radio and I was playing some songs, the system malfunctioned. It was crazy, I was lost but we are prepared for days like that so I had to wriggle my way out by buying time with a commercial break. It was crazy.

What are you passionate about, what types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I am highly passionate about wellbeing- workplace wellness to be precise, fulfillment, growth, productivity and purpose.

Outside radio, I speak, host events, red carpet and seek out opportunities for growth and advancement.

If you could change one thing about your personality at the snap of your fingers what would it be and why?

I have changed it already. It used to be too quiet and taken for granted by many, common, it’s 2020, I have switched up and I have zero tolerance for such anymore.

What’s the most common reason for people failing or giving up on the job and what advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a broadcaster?

There are lots of reasons for giving up and failing and It’s based on individual reality. Some people gave up due to lack of financial rewards, sexual harassment, unfulfilled passion, bills, toxicity, bad energy etc

My advice to any aspiring broadcaster is to sit and count the costs. Ask yourself honestly, can you handle all that it comes with?

If you are not yet financially stable and solid yet. I’d advise that get an alternative and steady income as primary and use this as secondary. Money is very important.

What would you like remembered about you?

For keeping it real, without compromising my standards, setting  the pace as ‘Softlander’, the lady who is ‘qualified to satisfy you’.