D Word 2: The Place To Progress

I get lots of young people asking me how I got my job as a sports journalist. And apart from the obvious – hard work and talent – the most important part of my journey has been being in the right place at the right time. 

Hard work is something I expect everyone with serious ambition to put in. Without it, you’ll fail. That goes for whatever you do.

Talent. Well this is something you are always working on. I see myself as being far from the finished product – and I’m 10 years in!! So I am constantly trying to develop the areas I have done well, but also – more importantly – where I feel I can improve.

Now for the vital part. “Being in the right place at the right time”.

Wow. This is the part I believe a lot of young people need most help with. And I am 200% sure there are incredibly talented and hardworking potential sports journalists out there who need to hone in on getting to the right place, more often.

So, with all of this in mind I am urging young people – well, all people – wanting to get involved in the sports media to come to the D Word 2 Conference at BT Sport on the 24th October. The first event in 2014 was a great success and alongside discussing how we help make the sports media more diverse the networking opportunities are genuinely unrivalled.

At the conference you will be sat with some of the most recognisable sports journalists in the country, the bosses who employ the likes of Gary Lineker, Michael Johnson and Gaby Logan, and also members of the community who are lobbying for positive change in the industry. This is an opportunity not to miss. If you do, you may find yourself waiting another two years for the next chance to make direct contact with decision makers and influencers that could change your life.

My own broadcasting career was kick started by a conversation with a decision maker in 2007. If I wasn’t in the right place at the right time, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t be where I am today. Want to be a sports journalist, too? Get yourself in the right place.

To attend the D Word 2 conference on diversity in the sports media email: info@bcoms.co