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Charese Fruge’ (@McMediaonline) Talks To Nadia Harding
February 14, 2023
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In this week’s “Women to Watch,” we are taking on a different angle. Nadia Harding is a champion in the charity sector, and broadcasting and podcasting is a side hustle for her, which has become a big part and platform for her professional goals and responsibilities. Alongside her role as Head of Partnerships for a charity called Ocean Generation, her side hustles include hosting and producing shows for Phoenix 98FM, Impulse Radio in the U.K. She also has a podcast called “Off Script,” is an ambassador for “Women in Radio,” a global platform connecting women in the industry, and she also does some voice over work for everything from animation to radio commercials.
“I've been working in the charity sector for over twelve years, and love the diversity the sector brings, not only in a work setting but meeting some incredible people and connecting to different causes,” explains Harding. “I lead the fundraising team to secure international brand partnerships and write grant applications to access funding to support the charities core work in ocean conservation and education.”
“My side hustle is radio host, podcast host and producer and voice over artist,” she adds. “Alongside presenting at a local radio station, I've also created a spin off podcast, and during the lockdown I curated a mini-series with inspiring women such as authors Libby Page, Helen Russell, Broadway star Lucie Jones, and Marine Scientist Rowan Henthorn.’
Nadia graduated with a degree in Media & Drama from the University of the West of England, but always had an obsession with music and radio. She joined Phoenix FM in 2019 after moving to the area, presenting a show called “Saturday Brunch” with upbeat music, live interviews, and book reviews. Her taste in music ranges across genres including soul and Motown, House, Pop and numerous 90s throwbacks! This is how her charitable work and side hustles began to merge.
As for her career path in charity, it just kind of naturally happened. “I dreamt of being an actress at the National Theatre or being the next Emma Thompson, but when I graduated, I worked for the student union (I wasn’t ready to let go of my university days just yet!),” explains Harding. “At the time student unions became registered charities, so I gained an understanding of the sector and enjoyed the diverse responsibilities. I volunteered for Student Radio and loved it at the time but very much put it to bed when I got a job in London working at my first big charity at Comic Relief.”
“Fast forward to 2019, I joined my local community radio station as a new hobby and after my very first show I was hooked! Obviously, it was a tough time globally during the pandemic, so I threw myself into podcasting, learning how to edit audio and started reaching out to potential guests on Instagram during the lockdown.”
During that time, Harding reached some pretty big milestones with her podcast. “Securing an interview with Meik Viking, author and CEO of the Happiness Institute, to join my little podcast, was such a big deal to me,” she says. “Also, being chosen as a
UK ambassador for women made me feel part of something bigger, a community of women all over the world that have become each other’s cheerleaders and it's something extremely special that I love being a part of.”
The charity sector can be very fulfilling, but fundraising is a tough business. Harding experienced her share of challenges along the way. “I nearly left the charity sector to pursue radio and voice over full time a while back, but I was given the opportunity to work at Ocean Generation and following a long fandom of Sir Davide Attenborough and the natural world, I was faced with a decision, was I ready to leave the charity sector yet?” explains Harding. “And the answer was ‘no.’ However, I have managed to bring my side hustle into my work and carry on producing podcasts, meaning its ok that it’s a side hustle right now and not a full-time job, because they work together perfectly.”
Nadia has great advice for women looking to get into the charity sector or broadcasting. “Just give it a try!” She says. “The perfection trap is something that prevents us from taking on new challenges. Don’t let that happen to you. For years I wanted to get back into acting and radio presenting, but I was scared and thought who on earth would listen to me!? Also comparing yourself to others will never work because someone is always at a different starting point in their career.”
Truer words have never been spoken. Which brings us to our next topic, the younger generation. When it comes to content, how do we capture loyalty, engagement and growth among Millennials and Gen Z for artists, brands or causes? “With relevant content and not being afraid to ask what listeners want, cultivating a space for open conversations with listeners,” says Harding. “We often assume we know what content people want but I honestly don’t and it’s ok to get things wrong but owning it when you do. I also think it’s important to have initiatives that invite new talent into the conversation, whether its radio, open mic night, or grants for small new artists.”
What keeps Nadia up at night? “I worry about the climate crisis a lot; this is also a reflection of my day job. However, I also worry about silly things like, should I have applied to go to theatre school in London, am I getting too old to ever make it?” She says. “I’d like to say ‘meditation and swimming’ help me find balance, which yes, they do help, but I’m only human and some days are just bad days. I find the most helpful think is to set your own personal boundaries at work and socially. And if all else fails I take Charles Mickey’s, advice from the ‘The Boy, The Horse, The Fox, The Mole,’ ‘If at first you don’t succeed, just eat cake.’
One fun fact about Nadia: “I was born on a leap year, the 29th of February, and next year I turn 8 years old - I had a frog themed birthday party one year to celebrate.”
And while she may not have a birthday this year, Nadia certainly has big plans for 2023. “I’ve always loved stop motion, growing up with Aardman and Disney. This year I’ve been asked to present a new animation series of interviews with animators and producers. I’m looking forward to this project,” she says. “Towards the end of the year I will also be the host of the new Ocean Podcast for young adults to tackle eco anxiety, interviews with marine biologists and the art of storytelling through science and documentary making.” Follow Harding’s progress on Instagram @nadiaonair and check out her podcast Off Script | Podcast on Spotify and voice over work Nadia Harding, English, London (mandy.com)
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