Finding Your Voice with Nimi Meta

Sep 6, 2024

Podcast Notes with Nimi Meta

Introduction

  • Host expresses excitement about the guest, Nimi Meta.
  • Nimi is a multifaceted professional: CEO of Speaker by Nimi Meta, TV and radio presenter, MC, podcast host, speaker, and public speaking mentor.

Nimi's Journey

Early Career

  • Graduated with a degree in journalism at 21.
  • Landed a dream job as an MTV presenter through an online competition, utilizing family and friends as extras for her audition video.
  • Felt that achieving this goal would mean life's journey was complete, leading to disappointment when the contract ended after one year.
  • Unemployed for a few years, wrestling with ego and future direction.

Lessons Learned

  • Realization that dreams are evolving and not fixed—goalposts are markers, not endpoints.
  • Importance of patience and enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on outcomes.

The Struggle After MTV

  • Nimi faced unemployment post MTV, leading to self-reflection.
  • Believed in the power of proximity: applied for jobs at companies within the same group to stay connected to opportunities.
  • Engaged in various roles in media to understand the industry better, including internships at different outlets.
  • Persistence led to opportunities, including a position at Radio 1 Abu Dhabi after initial struggles.

Entrepreneurial Transition

Moving from Radio to Freelancing

  • Spent five years at Channel 4 Dubai, where she hosted a popular breakfast show.
  • Transitioning to entrepreneurship required evaluating fears: fear of stagnation vs. fear of the unknown.
  • Chose to move forward despite comfort of a steady job, prioritizing personal growth and fulfillment.

Importance of Visualization

  • Highlighted the value of visualization and manifestation in achieving career goals.
  • Encouraged others to recognize the journey and growth over time, emphasizing self-awareness.

Finding Your Voice

Defining Voice

  • Discussed how external influences dilute one's true voice, starting from parents to social media.
  • The Voice Layer Theory: The concept that various societal voices build over our own, leading to a diluted self-expression.

Steps to Locate Personal Voice

  1. Isolation - Detox from social media and external conversations to hear yourself.
  2. Evaluation - Assess the influence of the five closest people in your life.
  3. Rebuilding - Surround yourself with those who enhance your true voice and eliminate those who dim it.

Being Nice vs. Being Assertive

  • Discussed the struggle between being nice and being assertive, especially as a woman in the professional space.
  • Learned that being kind doesn't mean sacrificing assertiveness and clarity in communication.
  • Importance of responding rather than reacting in interactions to maintain authenticity.

Shared Personal Experiences

  • Nimi shared her journey of learning to balance kindness with being assertive.
  • Importance of leaving a good impression while protecting oneself.

Conclusion

  • Nimi emphasized that self-awareness and understanding emotions are vital for personal growth.
  • Suggested practical tools like a "my wins" album to track accomplishments and boost self-esteem.
  • The conversation highlighted the ongoing journey of finding and refining one’s voice.
  • Encouraged listeners to embrace their unique path, learn from experiences, and stay true to themselves.