ONE WOMAN’S – BIG IDEA: ‘ON THE SPOT WITH STELLA’

Stella Bangura stumbled into media and journalism by chance. She graduated high school with the thought of becoming a lawyer, but somewhere along the line she went through the phase of starting a business rather than going to university.

Eventually when she did go to university, she read business administration due to her desire to become an entrepreneur.

Before gaining admission into university she started working for an exploration company and then her supervisor encouraged her to consider radio broadcasting. In his opinion she had the personality for it.  She decided to try it out, that was when her unexpected journey into the world of media began.

With over 7 years’ experience in radio, She was able to successfully transition into TV as a News Anchor, producer and TV Presenter for Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) regarded as the most prominent media house in Sierra Leone.

As an ex-beauty queen, media personality and entrepreneur, what career lessons have you learnt in your different roles?

One thing I have learnt is that through it all, everything in life happens for a reason. Though it may not work or turn out as planned, it is what we do during that period that determines if the story ends well or not. I believe that the amount of time and investment matters, one must be willing to put their all into their personal development, as this determines how far they will go. I’ve learnt to not only take chances but also be ready to put in the work in order to achieve success. A lot of what I know today; is self-taught. This means that one must always have the hunger to learn new things, as many of life’s’ skills are not taught in a school.

Tell us about your latest venture the television show, the inspiration behind it and what the future may hold?

On the Spot with Stella has been in the making for years. I remember as far back as 2010, when I had a discussion with the then Director General of SLBC TV  about starting a talk show. Fast forward to 2018, it has manifested. However, through the years, I have indirectly and subconsciously been prepping myself for this role – becoming the producer and host of the most entertaining talk show – On the Spot with Stella. The desire to impact lives, inspire greatness and effect change is the reason why On the Spot came to life. The goal is to tell the Sierra Leonean story by a Sierra Leonean to the world. The future I dream of is to become more prominent in TV production and also create a space for upcoming hosts and producers to expand on their creativity.

If you can go back five years, what advice would you give your younger self?

 If I can go back five years, I would advice myself the same as I did 5 years ago, which is the rate of your success is measured by how much work you put in.

Do you think your mindset has anything to do with the direction of your life?

I believe that the mindset of every being determines how far he/she will go or the height they will attain in life. This quote says it all.. “One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.”– Sheila Murray Bethel. We become what we conceive in the spirit. With the right mindset, it becomes easier to face the challenges and hurdles the world throws in our path.

Be resilient.

Be optimistic.

Be dedicated.

Name three people that inspire you and why?

My aunt, Rev. Stella Akpuru – She is a true definition of an African woman who wields so much strength. She is strong, loving and above all a true worshipper of Christ. Her faith in Christ can move mountains. On many occasions, I have seen mountains move and God stepping in through her work. She has been a rock in my family.

Kemisola Ajentunmobi fondly called Mama K is not only a friend but also a mentor, sister and coach; whose selflessness and love for others goes beyond imagination. She continuously strives to empower more women into starting a business, to date she has helped hundreds of women into starting and running profitable businesses. I have learnt so much from her as she has had a great impact on my life.

Mo Abudu the screen goddess and media mogul inspires me so much! She is challenging me to achieve everyday what people think is unachievable. She has done what many African women have only been able to dream about. Small beginnings, starting with Africa’s first syndicate talk show to launching one of Africa’s highly successful female owned TV station. She embodies everything that I aspire for, from her resilience to her quest to continuously break the glass ceiling and change the African woman narrative.

What advice would you give to young people like yourself, who are multi-talented?

It can get confusing trying to manage and/or utilize all talents at the same time. It therefore becomes very important to find a balance. Being able to identify that which you are most talented in, building on it and turning it into a bankable career/business should be the ultimate goal.  Always remember that there is a business side to everything and until we begin to seriously treat our talents as a business, it will be just what it is – a talent.

Above all, consistency and hard work should be the mantra. Success never comes without its own fair share of challenges. I repeat : Be resilient. Be optimistic. Be dedicated.