2018 Rising Stars Awards: we catch up with 2017 winner Joanna Abeyie

 

Joanna Abeyie headshot ()

 

The Rising Stars in Media Awards reward young, talented individuals who have produced outstanding work within the industry and have delivered above and beyond expectations. If you (or anytone on your team) have made a significant impact to your media business within the last 12 months, and are under the age of 35, then FIPP wants to hear from you. Click here to learn more and submit your entry. Participation is free and deadline for entries is 31 October 2018.

 

How did it feel and what did it mean to be a Rising Stars in Media winner?

It was lovely to be recognised by the industry for the work I do. It’s not easy campaigning for diversity and inclusion in an industry that at times can be so set in its ways, so to have an award that says ‘Jo keep going’ was lovely. Just the encouragement an entrepreneur needs – support!

How has this recognition helped you in the past year?

Winning the award, helped to build my profile and introduce my work to a new network of people who didn’t know me. It also resulted in me working with some brilliant companies on their own diversity and inclusion plans.

Why advice would you give to other young people in the industry?

Remember that your experiences are valuable and will be relevant to the audiences we aim to serve in the publishing industry. Embrace the experiences that have made you who you are and use it to create ideas, ‘ideas are your currency’.

What areas of the industry excite you going forward?

I’m always interested to hear see how AI develops. It’s been on the horizon for some years now, and a hot topic for a number of creative and media conferences. I’m looking forward to see the impact this has on our industry and how it will develop.

What are the attributes that you feel benefitted you in winning this award, that you can pass on to others?

Be brave enough to let someone nominate you. You have to be in it to win it. Don’t be afraid to share what you have created, you never know who is watching and who will be inspired by this. Be present, attend industry events, they are informative and will help keep you in the loop with what the industry needs and therefore you can keep reinventing your plans to stay relevant.

What’s the best thing about being an entrepreneur?

The personal growth you experience.

What’s been the most memorable thing you’ve taken from your job int he past 12 months?

Not all that glistens is gold, so don’t spread yourself too thin, learn the power of ‘no’.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

People like Melanie Eusebe, Karen Blackett and Dotun Adebayo… they are all my heroes!

What’s the best bit of your job?

I love meeting so many different people. I meet people with such a wide variety of experiences and learn so much from them. It sounds boring but I honestly find that part fascinating – really puts things into perspective on so many different levels. 

 

Rising Stars in Media  ()

 

The Rising Stars in Media Awards reward young, talented individuals who have produced outstanding work within the industry and have delivered above and beyond expectations. Click here to learn more and submit your entry.

 

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