What first sparked your passion for journalism — was there a defining moment?
When I was 15, I did work experience at a local radio station and loved it! I actively sought this opportunity myself as it wasn’t on the list offered by my school. I didn’t want to do the retail placements that were offered because my parents were market traders! I was driven by a desire to do and learn something different. I think because I was a high achiever and got top grades I had a certain level of confidence in myself and my abilities, and I feel people believed in me. I was praised, encouraged and thrived from learning.
I loved the work experience so much that I enrolled onto a summer school in journalism during my six weeks holidays. They quickly identified my on-camera and interviewing skills. I think there’s a combination of reasons for why that was the case – from my family doing commentaries on camera whilst on holiday, having to speak to everyone of any age when I was helping my parents sell men’s clothes on our market stall, to developing curiosity having grown up in a small village in Essex. Hearing others’ stories opened up more of the world to me and from there I started developing a deeper curiosity about the world around me.
A defining moment came in 2010 when I was in Parliament interviewing MPs ahead of the General Election. I was just a teenager! In that moment, I realised I could be the voice asking the questions people at home want answers to. It felt meaningful. Ever since then, I’ve been a bridge between politicians and the public, and I’ve continued to interview people and provide them with a platform to share their stories.
In over ten years, you have covered some of the biggest stories in recent history and of our lifetime. What does your job entail?
For me, journalism is about getting it right – in every sense of the word. It’s a responsibility I take seriously – to gather information thoroughly, ensure every detail is accurate, and present stories with impartiality and integrity.
As a reporter, a typical day involves interviewing, researching, and gathering information and speaking to people on the ground, I sometimes film and often work with a camera operator and I write my own scripts, voice them, and usually edit my pieces too.
I’m passionate about creative storytelling and editing for audiences while staying true to the story and accurately reflecting the stories and voices of the people in my piece. And I’m always having conversations with different team-members like the editors, producers and lawyers.
As a presenter, I write my own scripts, read from the autocue and am primarily studio-based.
Regardless of the format, I always keep the audience in mind. Having worked as a producer has enriched my work as a presenter as it’s given me a strong understanding of the editorial process.
I believe trust is crucial. I have to be able to trust myself and what I am saying so that audiences can too. Integrity is one of my key values.
That’s some of what my job entails, skills and thinking wise!
What challenges have shaped you the most in your career — and how did you grow through them?
Entering the Media industry with no contacts meant I had no clear roadmap on how to break into journalism, let alone make it onto television! What I did have was passion, purpose and resilience.
I had to put myself out there, knock on doors and ask questions like “how do I become a journalist?”, “what skills do I need?” and “can I get some work experience?”. I didn’t feel disheartened when I got a rejection – I was just happy someone in the industry had seen my name and CV!
While studying and doing some work experience, I also started creating my own content to build practical experience. I only had a phone and a laptop – no fancy equipment – and I started doing interviews and then making short documentaries for my YouTube Channel. One of my short docs landed me my first presenting job on Zee TV. I made the most of what I had and was a self-starter; using the resources around me and learning by doing.
I’ve found that listening is one of the most valuable skills. A lot of what I have learned has come from paying attention. Every organisation has its own technical terms and ways of working, so I made it a habit to keep my ears open to listen and learn. And sometimes it meant being able to quickly offer my support – a key example of this is when the BBC World Service’s flagship program Newshour needed a presenter at the last minute. I offered and presented the 2-hour program to millions across the globe.
I was the first in my family to break into Media. My persistence, passion, purpose, love of learning, combined with a positive achievers mindset, helped me get to where I am today.
All of that has contributed to shaping who I am. I’m still incredibly resourceful and firmly believe that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I meet challenges with a solutions-focused mindset, and grow through the unknown, hard work and tenacity.
Can you tell us about a time when things didn’t go as planned, and how you pushed through?
One of the first big moments that comes to mind is an early interview I secured for my YouTube channel while I was at university. I had the incredible opportunity to interview the legendary news presenter Jon Snow. He said yes but I had no camera equipment or editing software!
So, I got creative. I asked if a student in my University’s Film Department would film and edit the interview for me. Luckily, someone said yes!
On the day, Jon asked if we wanted to interview him in the Channel 4 News studios – we, of course, said yes! Sitting in the news studios interviewing the interviewer was such an inspiring and powerful experience.
The entire process taught me that if you really want to make something happen, you have to have the determination to find a way. Sometimes you might have to ask for help and that’s okay.
Years after the interview, I was working in the same building as Jon – this time as a presenter myself. I’ll never forget the fact he remembered me and then said: “you made it then”. A truly full-circle moment!
What’s the boldest decision you’ve made in your career so far?
Coming from a small village in Essex and from a state school, I think it was bold to dream of being a journalist! Investing in yourself is bold, I think, because it requires you to have trust in yourself and self-belief.
Another bold decision was to move to Newcastle to get more experience in a newsroom. I passed the job interview for a Producer role at ITV News Tyne Tees and within a few weeks found a room to live in, bought a car to get to the newsroom for the different shift times – including early mornings, and learnt so much!
Something people don’t know about you?
I have a Master’s Degree in Philosophy & Literature from the University of Warwick and my dissertation was inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey! I loved studying Psychoanalysis throughout both of my degrees, so I analysed the philosophy and psychology of power dynamics through the lens of relationships! At the time, I met author E L James and had my book signed!
I also have a Grade 3 in Opera singing!
When the cameras are off and the newsroom quiets down, what brings you the most joy in your personal life?
Spending time with my family and friends is one of my greatest joys – and I’m fortunate I can see my grandparents often as they live close-by.
Because I have a very busy schedule with work, carrying out charity work, and being there for my loved ones, I also prioritise my well-being. I love going to the gym, doing yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, walking in nature – even if it’s barefoot on the grass in my garden, and I try to meditate every day. As someone who values giving to others, I’ve learned the importance of making sure my cup is full so that I can give freely and show up as the best version of myself.
I place importance on making sure I am true to myself as well as others. I think if you can accept that life is inevitably full of ups and downs, it gives you the power to choose how you respond to it. For me, that’s about focusing on what is in my control – my thoughts, emotions and actions – to strive to be true to who I am come what may. I journal, respect my feelings and I am kind to myself. I think all of that makes me balanced and live consciously.
I like to be intentional, learn, help others, and I feel I really do make the most of every moment!
You run confidence-building workshops — what inspired you to start them, and what’s the most powerful transformation you’ve witnessed in someone through this work?
I’ve been on-air and on stage for over a decade – talking to hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of people, so public speaking has become second nature to me. I feel I’m in a position to share my experience, tools and mindset with others so I created my own Public Speaking Confidence Workshop. Because my confidence developed from a young age and has built over time, I believe public speaking and confidence can be developed.
So I’ve written a workshop from scratch designed to develop inner confidence through understanding oneself better and gaining greater clarity and self-trust, with the aim of helping people speak more authentically. I share storytelling techniques, voice and body language skills, and my thought processes that have supported my own journey to try to help people express themselves more powerfully. The workshop includes a mix of open discussions, practical exercises and activities.
A workshop is designed to delve deeper into an individual while a shorter session might focus on a specific area. It’s all tailored, and I try my best to help people build confidence within and shine authentically through their words and actions.
It can be for anyone who is looking to develop their presentation skills, feel more confident when speaking in a boardroom or meeting, when delivering a speech, going for an interview or in online content.
I’ve had such amazing feedback which I am so happy about! Someone said it has changed their life, which is just wonderful. I really want to help people feel aligned, proud of themselves and to show up as their best selves.
You’re an ambassador for several charities — can you tell us why these causes matter to you?
I care about children and young people having a start in life that gives them a chance, and having people in their lives that believe in them. Growing up, I wasn’t surrounded by many opportunities but I did have supportive and encouraging people around me. As I’ve grown up, I have seen that there are so many people who have much less than I did. So I feel a deep responsibility to step up for them.
I’m Ambassador of the UK’s largest children’s charity Barnardo’s, which aims to help transform the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in the country. I’m also Ambassador of the period charity Binti, which aims to provide menstrual dignity to girls in the UK, India and Africa through education and supplies. And I support the YMCA, which is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world, providing basic needs such as shelter as well as life skills.
I want children and young people to not only survive but thrive. They’re the future of our society and I feel a duty to them.
I have just launched a podcast with the award-winning pianist and composer Rekesh Chauhan called ‘Global Indian Creatives’, shining a spotlight on Indians in the creative industries who have made an impact on Britain and beyond. It’s a podcast championed by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust as we aim to encourage the next generation of creatives with our interview series.
Along with that, I sit on the Advisory Board of the Author In Me Literary Festival which supports diverse voices in Literature.
