Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Podcast, we are talking about broadcasting and working on a radio station with Tamara Williams an experienced media practitioner and the Managing Director of Whole Media Empire. We chat about how she started her radio and broadcasting career, as one of the few young women who worked on radio at that time and her evolution; as she charts her way forward in this new chapter of her life. It started with her passion for the arts, music and communications, and after hearing an Ad for persons to train to become a DJ, she signed up and and took the training, discovering that the focus was more on presenting and broadcasting. She was told by the trainer that she had a knack for broadcasting, as such she decided to lean into this and learnt the skill. Tamara then began her career as a presenter on the radio, her first gig was with 96.1 in on the "grave yard shift" while working and juggling a day job. It was in the night shift, where she was able to hone her skills and develop to improve her presenting craft. Through diligence and hard work she was able completely shift to working full time on radio and in media. Instead of choosing the "normal" 8 to 4 conventional jobs, careers and professions. Over the years Tamara continued to develop her skills in presenting and broadcasting; and moved into hosting events and voicing ads for various brands, companies and clients. When asked what she likes most about her career; Tamara said that she is able to connect, communicate and evoke emotions in people, using her voice. She loves that she can impact, encourage and inspire others. On navigating this very male centric industry, Tamara indicated that at first it was a bit intimating, but over time she was able to navigate the space and define her brand in a meticulous and intentional way. Her advice to others and women in particular on how to deal with challenges in this industry; Tamara said as a broadcaster when the Mic is in front your face you have to be ready. So learn to think on your, feet, prepare and deal with challenges as they come. Her tips for interviewing people is that you MUST first research, get as much information as possible, learn about the guest, which will put them at ease and therefore make the overall interview flow better. Tamara's evolution and transition was triggered by her feeling a bit stuck, after doing some of the same things for years. So today she is currently one of the Program Managers at Red 96.7, where she can grow and contribute to the Station from her experience and knowledge over the years. We spoke about her company Whole Media Empire, which reflects the full scope of what she does. They help brands and people to show up more in the media or in the ways they need to, in this evolving media landscape, When describing herself today, Tamara said she is more grounded, purposeful and creating more impact. She loves wine, DYI and meeting her friends. On legacy she says the word is a bit elusive now, but she wants to be remembered as being authentic and known for using her voice in a positive way. Her advice to young women who are getting into broadcasting and media. Don't wait to feel ready, use your voice and grow into it. Practice and prepare so that when the opportunity arises you can jump in and seize the moment. We discuss music and production in the age of AI. Tamara said it is leveling the playing field somewhat, because now anyone can make music, but the true creatives - create music and art with emotions, heart and soul. However, they will and can both coexist in the future. We talk about the relevance of Radio in the age of traditional vs. digital media. Tamara said the key is to know your product and audience, then build your advertising strategy to cater to the places they will show up. For Tamara, what's next is that she is refining and expanding her brand and taking life as comes. Moving in faith and being guided by the divine.
