Podcasting Pioneer Gilly Smith on Crafting Stories and Shaping Careers
In this episode of the Career Equation Podcast, host Erica Sosna sits down with Gilly Smith, a seasoned journalist, food writer, and podcasting pioneer. Gilly’s illustrious career spans television, radio, and print, with a particular focus on the politics and culture of food. Her experience includes working on programs about malnutrition. It focuses on the impact of markets on food security in countries like the Philippines and Guatemala. Erica points out that Gilly’s career is fueled by passion and curiosity, which is a key theme in their conversation
Gilly’s journey into journalism begins with a deep-seated desire to make an impact and do something different every day. “I wanted to make a change in the world and I wanted to do something different every day,” she recalls. This drive led her to work for Bob Geldof on Sport Aid. This role cemented her commitment to using storytelling as a tool for change. Her father, a storyteller and PR person for the army, also significantly shapes her narrative skills. “I was surrounded by that kind of capturing and getting people to unpack,” she says.
In this episode, Gilly shares her insights on the importance of storytelling in journalism. She discusses the challenges of a career change and the power of personal narrative. She also discusses her current career dilemma on how to transition her extensive expertise into a consulting career.
The Art of Crafting Stories
Gilly Smith’s career is a testament to the power of storytelling in journalism. From her early days in television covering malnutrition and market impacts to her current role in podcasting and mentoring, Gilly’s work is driven by a passion for storytelling. “It all came out of passion first,” she says, reflecting on her career trajectory.
Storytelling is not just about sharing facts. It is about creating an emotional connection with the audience. Gilly’s ability to weave narratives that resonate with people is evident in her work on food journalism. “I was always communicating about the impact of food on people’s lives, the politics of food, and the culture of food,” she explains. This focus on the broader implications of food goes beyond mere reporting. It offers a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Finding Your Passion
For Gilly, finding her passion is a journey marked by self-discovery and resistance to conventional paths. Initially set to study French and European studies at Sussex University, she experiences a turning point during a gap year in Paris. “I did not want to be a translator for NATO, didn’t want to work in that world. I wanted to be curious,” she shares.
Encouraged by her mother, Gilly switches to a pioneering journalism course at Coventry and dives into mass media and communication. This decision proves pivotal, allowing her to explore her passion for storytelling and activism. “It was the most important time of my life. I was surrounded by people who were political and talking about ideology and film studies,” she recalls.
Overcoming Career Resistance
Gilly’s journey is not without its challenges. Transitioning from a successful career in journalism to consulting requires overcoming internal resistance. “I’m so freelance in nature, so free-spirited. I love the creative, the no rules,” she admits. This resistance is not uncommon for many professionals contemplating a career change.
Erica and Gilly discuss the importance of valuing one’s expertise and positioning oneself as an expert in a more structured way. “It’s just a branding question,” Erica suggests. She emphasises the need for clarity and conscious positioning. Gilly acknowledges this, noting that she needs to apply the same principles she uses to help others to her own career.
The Power of Personal Narrative
Gilly highlights the significance of personal narrative in shaping one’s career. Her own story, marked by a love for storytelling and a desire to make an impact, serves as a powerful example. “That interior landscape was where I began to play, where I began to make up stories,” she says, reflecting on her childhood.
This personal narrative is not only a source of strength but also a tool for connecting with others. By sharing her journey, she inspires listeners to reflect on their own paths. She tells people to consider how their experiences can inform their careers. “Finding your tribe, talking to people, discussions, having your mind blown was something that I loved,” she concludes.
The Career Equation: A Framework for Success
The podcast introduces the concept of the Career Equation, a framework for aligning skills, passions, impact and importantly, environmental fit. Gilly’s career serves as a prime example of this equation in action. Her skills in “communicating and curating,” combined with her passion for “making change,” have led her to create “a network of change makers.”
Conclusion
Gilly Smith’s insights into podcasting, journalism, and career transitions offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating their professional journey. Her emphasis on passion, storytelling, and personal narrative underscores the importance of authenticity and curiosity in crafting a fulfilling career. Gilly’s story shows that career changes, though challenging, can lead to exciting opportunities
About Gilly Smith
Gilly Smith is a renowned food journalist, author, and podcaster with a career spanning television, radio, and print. She has written extensively about the politics and culture of food, including books on prominent figures like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. Gilly’s work is characterised by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to making an impact through journalism.
Besides her writing, Gilly is a mentor and consultant. She helps aspiring podcasters and journalists navigate their careers. She grounds her approach in the power of personal narrative and the importance of finding one’s passion. Through her retreats and consultancy, Gilly continues to inspire. She empowers others to tell their own stories and make a difference in the world.
Resources Mentioned
Gilly Smith’s book: “Taste and the TV Chef”
Gilly Smith’s podcasts: “Cooking the Books“
