How did you find yourself in media entrepreneurship?
My journey into the world of media entrepreneurship is quite unique and interesting. Instead of me actively seeking it out, I would say that the media business found me. It all started with my passion for transformative education.
My transition from education advocacy to media entrepreneurship highlights the critical and impactful role of transformative education and information dissemination to bring about positive change and touch lives in engaging ways.
Can you describe the initial steps you took to establish yourself as an entrepreneur?
My journey as an entrepreneur began in 2014 when I became a co-host of a popular morning show called ‘Your View’ on TV. Before that, I had the opportunity to work with Femi Odugbemi, a filmmaker, as the lead female cast in a TV commercial for Shell Petroleum.
This experience ignited my interest in the media industry, and I nurtured the idea of owning a production company.
After leaving ‘Your View’ show, I briefly managed a language channel at Play TV, where I aimed to showcase the northern Nigeria lifestyle through various contents. Despite financial constraints, this project gave me valuable insights.
In 2019, I took a leap by creating a prime-time talkshow named ‘WAYS’ under my company, Parallax Consulting Ltd. ‘WAYS’ stands for ‘What Are You Saying’, and it features a group of dynamic young women discussing topics related to African youth and national progress.
Partnering with Plus TV Africa allowed me to dive into real-time production and learn about collaboration, structure, assembling the right team, and working with sponsors. This experience led me to launch a training program for those interested in talkshow production.
What areas of media have you chosen to specialise in, and why did you decide to focus on these specific aspects?
My specialisation within the media field encompasses creating conversational shows. I craft talkshows in various formats, such as podcasts, radio, and television content. I am also involved in designing and setting up sets, producing corporate events that involve audio, video, or still content.
At Parallax Consulting Ltd, we offer comprehensive solutions for delivering premium audio-visual content, covering everything from start to finish. Our expertise extends to areas, including documentaries, short films, advertisements, content distribution partnerships, content marketing, and public relations.
Personally, I derive great enjoyment from observing conversational shows and analysing how hosts and guests present their ideas. Although my preferences might differ from the stereotypical content that is expected to appeal to women, I am captivated by the dynamics of discussions and the subtle tensions that can arise during live broadcasts. Conversational shows hold a special place in my heart, and I believe I have the capability to create engaging shows from a wide range of subjects and individuals.
Can you share a memorable experience or project from your career that you feel particularly proud of as a media entrepreneur?
One memorable achievement in my media entrepreneurship journey is my involvement in ‘The Leading Woman’ show. This project holds a special place as it was a significant step into pre-recorded content creation. The show’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the trust of Abosede George-Ogan, the owner, in Parallax Consulting Ltd.
Our end-to-end service approach, starting from an initial show idea and logo, resulted in creating exceptional content. The positive feedback we’ve received reaffirms our commitment to delivering premium content. If you haven’t watched it yet, I encourage you to visit YouTube/wilanglobal and share your thoughts after viewing.
How do you maintain innovation and adapt to the fast-changing media landscape?
To stay relevant in the ever-changing world of media, I prioritise personalised content and attentive listening to my clients’ desires. I focus on understanding their visions and exceeding their expectations in bringing those ideas to life.
I’ve realised that change often propels growth, a lesson I’ve learned from my own journey. I’m embracing agility, avoiding overwhelm, and utilising technology to evolve. While I’m not yet where I envision to be, I’ve come a long way, and my company, Parallax Consulting Ltd, remains dynamic by incorporating the power of social media and exploring technological avenues for growth.
How do you navigate the challenges of being a media entrepreneur, and what advice would you offer to others facing similar difficulties?
In the realm of media entrepreneurship, particularly in Nigeria, challenges abound and require careful handling. Today’s information and content landscape is fiercely competitive. Your competitors could be individuals from anywhere with just a smartphone and internet access. This calls for adaptation and innovation.
It’s vital to stay informed about trends in the social media space and remain open to change. With the saturation of information, the key question is, why would someone choose your content? I’m always focused on uncovering that unique value proposition. Once identified, I emphasise quality and boost promotion efforts to effectively engage the audience.
How have relationships and networking impacted your journey as a media entrepreneur?
I strongly value building relationships. All my business opportunities have stemmed from both old and new friendships. Recognising the importance of these relationships is key to my progress. One close childhood friend, whose identity I’ll keep confidential for now, has had an immeasurable impact on my journey.
Valuable relationships are rare, so when you find them, cherish them. Stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing more through upcoming books and podcasts.
What piece of advice would you offer to aspiring media entrepreneurs who are looking to make a mark in the industry?
Ensure your motivation is beyond earning money, because if that is what wakes you up, your media entrepreneurial journey will be short-lived. Identify your partners and collaborators and deliver your idea excellently, soon after the contents will attract the income.
