Lessons from Mentorship and Media

Once a journalist, always a journalist. Even as I move away from the daily grind of TV news, journalism will always be part of my life. In 2024, I led a team of young journalists in a newsroom and I was fortunate to have been one of 10 mentors for the Walkley Foundation Journalism Mentorship Programme. 

Here are a few key lessons and practical tips others might find useful:

1. The Power of Mentorship 💡

Mentorship, when done well, is powerful for both mentor and mentee. I encourage those with valuable knowledge, skills and experience to embrace mentorship (offering guidance vs passing on rigid rules), and I encourage all of us to proactively seek mentors for different things, to constantly seek to learn. Mentorship isn’t just about passing on knowledge—it’s about fostering trust, encouraging independence, and helping someone find their unique voice. Here’s a practical tip for anyone seeking mentorship or looking to mentor others:

Tip: Ask questions that spark reflection. As a mentee, seek advice that doesn’t just tell you what to do but encourages you to think critically about your own approach. As a mentor, don’t just give your solutions—ask the hard questions that challenge and guide your mentee to discover their own answers.

2. Navigating the Fast-Changing Media Landscape 📰

The rapidly changing media landscape brings new challenges for those who report the news as well as those who consume it. From misinformation to the pressure of balancing editorial independence with business needs, these are hurdles every journalist faces that impact all of us. For those in media, here's how to stay resilient: 

Tip: Stay adaptable. In my career, I’m old enough to have lived through physically carrying stacks of Betamax tapes into an editing suite to ingest footage or working with a team of at least 4 people (producer, sound engineer, cameraman, reporter), way before filming yourself on your phone with a selfie stick was a thing. Journalism is about being agile and open to change. When faced with a challenge, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" Whether it’s adapting to new technology, shifting your approach to storytelling, or dealing with criticism—embrace change and see it as an opportunity to grow.

3. Be Curious, Always 🧠

This is not exclusive to journalism. Life, societies, humanity would be more open, inclusive, progressive, tolerant and harmonious if we all led with curiosity. In journalism, the ability to ask insightful, deep questions is what sets top journalists apart. Whether you’re reporting on politics, culture, or human interest, the ability to dig beyond the surface is key.

Tip: Practice asking questions that don’t just skim the surface. Ask questions that reveal not only what happened but why, how and who stands to gain. What does this mean for the people involved? What’s the broader context? Are there cultural, social, economic, or political nuances that come into play? The more questions you ask, the deeper your understanding and the more compelling your stories become. Keep your own judgements at bay and seek to understand where the other person is coming from.

4. Build Your Own Voice and Confidence 📢

One of the most rewarding parts of the mentorship process was helping mentees build confidence in their own voices. I’ve seen how transforming it can be when emerging journalists shed the self-doubt and step into their power. 

Tip: Embrace your unique perspective and voice. Practice, practice, practice until you find your voice. Don’t try to mimic others—your individuality is your strength. Whether you're writing, speaking, or conducting interviews, own your voice. The more authentic you are, the more your audience will connect with you.

5. Build a Strong Network 🌐

Mentorship isn’t just about the one-on-one connection—it’s about creating a community. A strong network can make a world of difference in your career, opening doors and providing valuable advice along the way.

Tip: Invest in relationships. Be the person who always wants to help, give and uplift. Be the person who contributes more than they take. Reach out to others in your field—not just for career opportunities but for advice, collaborations, and support. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it’s about building long-term, meaningful relationships.

6. Adapt to the Digital Age 📱

The digital world has changed the way journalism is consumed and created. From social media to podcasting, embracing new platforms is critical to staying relevant.

Tip: Don’t fear technology—use it to enhance your storytelling. Learn how to engage audiences through different mediums, whether it’s writing, video, or social media. Experiment and learn by doing. The more versatile you are in how you tell stories, the more you can expand your reach.

Here are some more thoughts:

Digital Transformation: As news consumption shifts to digital platforms, journalists must be agile in utilising new tools and platforms. But it's not just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about creating content that resonates across platforms while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Ethical Responsibility: In a time of misinformation and fake news, ethical journalism is more important than ever. The future of journalism will see a return to fundamental journalistic principles: verification, fairness, and transparency. It’s inspiring to see the younger journalists I mentored approaching this responsibility with a deep sense of integrity.
Innovation in Storytelling: From data journalism to interactive media, the creative possibilities are endless. Storytelling is no longer confined to print or broadcast—it's about finding innovative ways to share stories, whether through podcasts, video series, or immersive experiences.

7. Gratitude 🙏

A huge thank you to all the mentors I’ve had throughout the years and thank you to my mentees as well. I’ve learned just as much from the incredible journalists I’ve had the privilege to mentor. One BBC journalist told me early on in my career, “Be kind to everyone. You never know who might be on their way up when you’re on your way down.” I also think "BE KIND" is a good principle to live by without expecting anything in return.

Recognise that you didn't get to where you are on your own. Be grateful to those who gave you a chance (and sometimes even those who rejected you), and pay it forward by being that person who offers others opportunities to shine.

8. Continuing the Journey 🚀

The journey of growth, learning, and supporting the next generation of journalists is ongoing. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to contribute to the future of journalism in whatever I do.

To all the emerging journalists out there, remember this: You are shaping the future of media. Your stories matter. Keep pushing boundaries, questioning assumptions, and making your voice heard.