Folaranmi Folayan
Hello, my name is Folaranmi Folayan. I am a Nigerian broadcaster, public speaker, media influencer and entrepreneur.
I have always been passionate about the media industry and with over 12 years practical experience working as a broadcast journalist on radio and television, I founded the Broadcast Radio Master Class to provide media training and capacity building for young graduates.
I also currently work as the senior editor at NewsWireNGR; a multinational digital news platform, covering socio-political news across Nigeria and West Africa. Before then, I served as head of digital media at SMOOTH 98.1 FM Lagos.
I am passionate about the arts and African development, and so I volunteer as Digital Media Correspondent and Host of Ubumuntu Arts Festival, Africa’s biggest performing arts festival for social good (held in Rwanda every July).
With regards to personal interests and hobbies, I love cats, books, pasta and cheese, and teaching.
Company Name: Broadcast Radio Master Class (BRMC)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Operating since: 2018
Website: www.theradiomasterclass.org
Socials: @BRMC_NG (IG), @BRMC_NG (Twitter)
Tell us all about BRMC. What services do you offer?
The Broadcast Radio Master Class is a training program designed for aspiring radio presenters. It uses a mentor-apprentice model for learning; every radio course is custom designed to teach radio presentation basics as an introductory course for beginners and a refresher course for practicing broadcasters. BRMC participants are given the opportunity to connect and network with established media practitioners, ask relevant questions, and most importantly, learn the basics of their intended career. The facilitators are seasoned, tested and professional broadcasters, voice coaches and media personalities from the biggest radio stations in the country.
The Radio Master Class attracts attendees from a wealth of young media enthusiasts – including those who are pursuing academic broadcasting courses and those from the wider community who have an interest in radio and just want to learn more.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
The idea for the company came after working as a radio presenter for a few years. I kept getting requests for internship and mentorship from young people who would like a career in the broadcast industry. I also noted that there were very limited opportunities for training broadcasters outside of the conventional universities, so I thought; 'why not create an opportunity for these young people to learn and also get the internship opportunities they need'?
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company/organization?
Not particularly. Growing up, I wanted to be a singer or an actress, but life led me in this direction and I have found my purpose here. I always knew though, that I wanted to do something that connected with people.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
My personal and professional experiences have really helped my run the company because I have gone through all the stages these young people are going through. I know what it's like to be a rookie, I know what it's like to be an intern, I know what the usual challenges are, and I use what I have learned to help them navigate the bumps on the road.
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
My biggest professional obstacle was deciding to step away from regular radio employment to focus on running the business full time. I was so afraid that I would not make ends meet, but it needed to be done and so I faced my fears and did it anyway. I'm on the other side now and I'm glad I did.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success?
I think success is relative and can only be measured by the goals and yardstick you set for yourself. By that definition, I will like to think I'm on my way to achieving the level of success I desire.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
The women around me have been incredible. My best friend, Nelly Kalu, is a major pillar in the business and she is also a partner. I also work with great women like Mercy Abang, the founder of NewsWireNGR, and Hope Azeda, the curator of the Ubumuntu Arts Festival.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
At BRMC, we are in the process of working with schools to develop special media training curricula and to establish press clubs to encourage teenagers as they make life changing career choices. We are also working with media organizations to develop curriculum tailored to their specific needs.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
You will be afraid, but do not let the fear stop you. While afraid, do what needs to be done. Trust your instincts, listen to yourself first.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Believer
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." to be strong, determined, and a world changer.