WHAT 15 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY HAS TAUGHT ME

1. Save. There’s no need to be saving for something specific. Rainy days will always be there.

2. Be easy to work with. A great work ethic has taken me places. It makes everything that much more fun when you are a pleasure to be around.

3. Have a thick skin. This comes in handy when people are being unkind.

4. Not everyone is going to critique you on your work. I’ve learnt to differentiate between those that are mean because they have the platform to be, and those whose feedback comes from a good place. 5. No one will have your best interests like you will. I’m responsible for me more than the next person will ever be. 6. Always arrive prepared. When you walk into a room prepared, that’s half the job done! 7. Know your strengths and weaknesses. It helps not to take on everything. For instance, I know I could never host a current affairs show. 8. Put all your energy into what you are known for. I don’t ever want to branch out so far that people forget what I specialise in. 9. Keep working at bettering yourself and your craft. Always approach new things with an open mind. 10. What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. We lose pieces of ourselves when we start doing things that were not meant for us. 11. Reflect on your journey often. Constantly rework your strategy, and be accountable to yourself. 12. Be open to different opportunities that come your way. Experiment with different ways of getting to your end goal. 13. Don’t be afraid to knock on people’s doors. I am yet to master this lesson. 14. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be careful that it doesn’t turn you into a bitter person. 15. We are always in pursuit of the next big gig. Always stop to congratulate and give yourself a pep talk.