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Future ShapersThe media powerhouSeEmmaBarnett, 34, is a BBC broadcaster,
journalistand author. Presenting the morning
programmeon BBC Radio 5 Live and Late
Night Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4. This year,
she joined theNewsnightteam as part of an
all-female line-up, and her first book,Period.,is
out this month. Her agenda-setting interviews,
grilling the likes of former prime minister
Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn,
have won her legions of fans and accolades.Take the lead part in your life.Plenty of people
treat themselves like an ‘extra’, instead of playing
the lead. Plotting your path and the next step is
crucial because no one else is going to do it for you.
It’s something I’ve consciously done throughout my
career. I haven’t necessarily known exactly what’s next
but, especially in an industry like mine, you often have
to be entrepreneurial about your next move. When
I worked atThe Telegraph, there had never been
a women’s editor, so I pitched the idea to the deputy
editor. If you can’t see a way out of your role, you
have to create the one you want. Go for it, and
worry about the details later. Just ensure you’re always
taking an active part in what’s next for you.
Share the wealth.There’s more than enough to go
round. I love helping people figure out their careers and
introducing them to others who may be of use, both
personally and professionally. A lot of careers advice
tends to be quite selfish, but don’t forget you’re part of
a community. I think a healthy approach is to always be
thinking of ways you can broaden somebody else’s
horizons. Giving something back not only feels good
but it also often comes back to you later down the line.
Keep asking questions.And listen to the answers.
When going for a job interview, for instance, the more
questions you ask, the better you can assess whether
a role is right for you. Sometimes, in the rush to move
up or on, we make bad decisions, so it pays to be as
prepared as possible by really doing your research.