Last but not least: The final 30 Under 30 winners ready to take on the world

“The Australian audio industry is in need of young, fresh minds – particularly ones that will champion a stronger ethos of diligence, innovation and creativity in all facets and in all rungs of the industry. I believe I tick all those boxes.

“While I primarily focus on the digital/social world of audio, I also produce and feature in the iHeartRadio podcast Is It Just Me? proving my dedication and passion for the industry. By experiencing and understanding these different elements, I believe I am becoming a better leader, and one that can eventually be the representative body of the audio industry’s digital world.

“Based on the DISC Theory by Dr. Marston, I have a ‘C Type’ personality style. This style brings perspective to groups and tends to be the ‘anchor of reality’ in the team. When something is proposed, the C will think through every detail of how it works and the process. They will make realistic estimates and voice any problems they see with the plan or the already existing system. I am very much the ‘C Type’ within the digital and WSFM teams, offering pragmatic ideas that the team and I can easily execute with great results.

“I believe hard work, passion and determination are vital in becoming a leader in the audio industry – traits that I pride myself on. My ability to understand and empathise with the on-air team as well as those behind the scenes is why I have achieved such fantastic digital results across the network.

“Initiative, independence and collaboration are also essential in becoming a future leader. My work cannot be planned, it is reactive to whatever is happening at that moment. My videos, images, articles and podcasts encapsulate this. It is this daring initiative that is vital in leadership. It is also the intertwining of independence and collaboration that is of utmost importance. I don’t rely on others to do the hard work. I do it all myself, but this is where the collaboration aspect comes in. My achievements cannot be attained without collaboration and teamwork, followed by the independence and initiative to successfully get something done without compromising quality. These are essential components of a future leader.”

“My love of the radio industry and my passion to make the best, most informative, local news bulletin will make me a future leader in the industry.

“I think what prepared me most for the jobs I’ve had so far is the training I had under Ian Crouch at 2NURFM. I learned how to find, write and read the news, I also learned how to lead a newsroom and was trusted to stand in as news director when Ian was away for a day or even weeks at a time.

“Spending more than three years at 2NM and PowerFM in Muswellbrook being in charge of the local news certainly taught me that I had to make the right decisions on news items on my own and quickly. I was able to hone in on my skills and developed a very good gut instinct when it came to hunting down news items and deciding what was news and what wasn’t.

“Being there for an extended amount of time meant that I was able to learn what the audience really cared about when it came to news. Every time it was something that was local. Anything from a car accident to a local community group getting a donation of money or goods, the community cared about it every time.

“Before I left I was able to train some of the people at 2NM/PowerFM and at other stations in our network on the news role as well. For example, I was teaching my temporary replacement how to find, write and read news whilst also mentoring other people in the network answering questions they had or helping them work through problems such as what was legal and ethical to publish about a matter before the court.

“I’ve been in my current leadership role for six weeks now and everything I learnt over the last four years has helped me immensely already.

“A new skill I’m developing is ‘people management’. I have learnt quite quickly as a leader ‘people politics’ plays a big part in your job. Already I have had to negotiate for one of my journalists working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic which isn’t the simplest task. Using my problem-solving skills I was able to successfully negotiate a way for it to be implemented in a way that caused minimal disruption to on-air announcers and management.

“I think my natural ability to get along with anyone and work with people from all backgrounds helps my leadership style as well. I believe that while I might be the news director, the newsroom is a team, and the director must lead from the front.”

“I am a future leader in the radio industry because I believe in helping the next generation succeed.

“In each stage of my career, I have invested my time and skills to train others, and share my passion for radio. I have helped guide new members into the world of commercial radio and everything it entails – from community connection, to pride in their work.

“I believe I have the skillset to one day move into management to help guide the next generation of the audio industry. I am patient, an excellent communicator, and willing to help others learn. In addition, my passion for the industry will engage future radio stars, and I hope to help them on their journey of success. My experience in regional radio, and current journey in the metro market gives me experience in all stages of a person’s radio career. I believe I can use the story of my journey to inspire others and guide them in their own career.

“I hope to one day help others by offering guidance and insight, and provide training similar to what I received at the start of my career.”