‘You can’t please everybody’

As a seasoned moviegoer and connoisseur of compelling narratives, I find Jeanette Kwakye’s story to be nothing short of inspiring. Her life journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and adaptability – qualities that are not only vital for an athlete but also for anyone navigating the unpredictable waters of life.

At 41, Jeanette stands as a shining example of a woman who has successfully transitioned from the world of athletics to broadcasting. Her journey is reminiscent of a Hollywood movie plot, filled with twists and turns, setbacks, and triumphs that would make even the most jaded film critic shed a tear.

What strikes me most about Jeanette’s story is her unwavering commitment to hard work and discipline, traits she honed during her athletic career. These qualities are not just physical feats but mental fortitude as well – the ability to push oneself beyond one’s comfort zone, to persevere when things get tough, and to keep going even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Jeanette’s story also highlights the importance of mentorship and taking chances. That fateful conversation with a newspaper editor was more than just casual advice; it was a life-altering moment that set her on a path she may not have otherwise chosen. It serves as a reminder to never underestimate the power of a kind word or a nudge in the right direction from someone who believes in you.

In the end, Jeanette’s story is a tale of resilience, adaptability, and the power of hard work. It’s a story that reminds us all that there are no set rules for success, no predetermined paths we must follow. Instead, it’s about finding our passion, embracing opportunities, and being willing to take risks – even if they lead us down unexpected roads.

And as for the joke, here it is: I guess you could say that Jeanette Kwakye is proof that sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you can not only make lemonade, but also run a successful career in broadcasting!

As a morning person who always enjoys starting my day with a good breakfast show, I wanted to share some exciting news: “Weekend Breakfast” is coming to Radio 5 Live! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 4th January at 6.00am and Sunday, 5th January at 7.00am. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to kick-start your weekend with engaging conversations and insightful discussions. I plan to add it to my collection of must-listen radio shows!

At age 21, broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye experienced a “Sliding Doors” moment. After graduating from university and unsuccessfully applying for a job at Radio 1 Extra, she had a conversation with an editor from a newspaper. He persuaded her to focus on athletics as a full-time pursuit, asserting that she wouldn’t have the opportunity later in life but broadcasting could be something she could transition into later on. She will always be grateful to him for this advice.

He was correct on both occasions. Currently, Kwakye hosts the weekend breakfast show on Radio 5 Live, having earlier excelled in an athletics career that made her a five-time British champion and ranked second in the world in the 60m sprint. After retiring from track events in 2014, she continues to frequent the gym. Apart from exceptional physical fitness, what skills does she offer from those years for her current role?

She remarks, “It may sound cliche, but I attribute my success to my work ethic.” She explains, “Athletes often overlook the immense discipline required. Things that might seem impossible in everyday life become achievable when you’re an athlete, as you’re trained to focus and accomplish tasks.

Living in east London with two kids under age ten and numerous relatives nearby, the 41-year-old is utilizing her discipline to establish a fresh routine. This involves waking up at 3:30 am on Saturdays, while enjoying a more leisurely wake-up until 4:30 pm on Sundays. Remarkably, she appears undisturbed by this demanding schedule, confidently stating, “I definitely consider myself a morning person.

Having transitioned from athletics to broadcasting, I find myself constantly drawn to reminisce about one aspect of my former life. The stark contrast between the two fields is palpable, and it’s a reminder of how different they are in their approach to success. In athletics, success was unambiguous – you were either the best at what you did or you weren’t. It was straightforward, almost simplistic. However, in broadcasting, the path to success is far less clear-cut. The nature of this field is subjective, and it’s a humbling realization that you can never please everyone. My experiences have taught me that while athletics offered a black-and-white definition of success, broadcasting offers a more nuanced, colorful journey with its own unique challenges.

You might be the best, but your face doesn’t fit

When considering which profession is more ruthless, she ponders and replies, “Both fields have their own harsh realities. In sports, being excluded from a team after dedicating several months to a year of training can be devastating and something nobody would wish upon another. In broadcasting, you’re at the mercy of factors beyond your control. Even if you are exceptionally talented, sometimes the timing isn’t right or your appearance doesn’t meet expectations. Regardless of the reasons, you simply don’t get the opportunity.

Over the past ten years, Kwakye has been a presenter for several networks, including BBC Radio Berkshire, Sky Sports, Channel 5, and BBC Radio London. She was also part of the BBC team during the Paris Olympics, and currently co-hosts The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV1.

If everything appears smooth regarding her career transition, she assures me there were indeed obstacles along the way. She’s shared that executives have informed her from the start that certain roles wouldn’t be available due to her appearance or profile. However, she finds this reasonable and always asks, “What else can I do or attempt?

Kwakye has a specific vision for her Radio 5 Live weekend programs. “Being from London, I’ve noticed how often I hear perspectives that are focused on the capital. Now, I’m curious to understand what someone living in Edinburgh or Cardiff thinks about these topics. It’s a privilege to have such a wide range of voices and opinions at our disposal, whether we’re discussing global issues like Russia and Ukraine, or focusing on a farm in Colchester.

Kwakye views her career in broadcasting as similar to Sue Barker’s, but she believes she has ventured even farther. Born and raised on an east London council estate, she expresses pride in her roots and argues that there are no set paths to break into the field of broadcasting, despite some criticisms that athletes are filling the roles traditionally held by journalists in sports coverage.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the mystery of where true talent emerges from. Instead of just wondering, I decided to take matters into my own hands and seek answers myself. So, off I went to earn my NCTJ [journalism qualification] and learn shorthand, even though it wasn’t strictly necessary for my path. Through hard work and determination, I climbed the ladder to reach where I am today.

In my younger years, it was mainly individuals who attended Oxford and Cambridge universities, or those with similar career backgrounds in their families. However, today, there are multiple avenues for success. All I can stress is: Master your craft.

2025-01-03 18:41

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