Caroline Mutoko is a Kenyan journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her outspoken personality made her a feminist big wig and women’s rights defender.
She made history when she became the first Kenyan woman to host a morning radio show at Kiss FM. She worked at Kiss FM for 14 years, tackling controversial issues.
Caroline Mutoko has donned the name “radio queen”, given to her by fans. They recognize her bold and fearless presentation of hard facts.
Despite exiting the media industry 9 years ago, her legacy in radio presentation is still incredible and unmatched. Many Kenyan journalists and radio presenters admire the 50-year-old as their role model.
In this article, Caroline Mutoko shares the secrets behind her successful yet busy life and why taking a break to reflect occasionally is important.
Mutoko’s strategy for achieving work-life balance
Mutoko highly regards her personal time and ensures that she takes moments to reflect, find peace and bask in silence.
According to Mutoko, getting a good night’s sleep is essential for optimal productivity and well-being.
She believes in the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and makes it a priority to retire to bed at 9:30 pm each night.
“I am very regimental on weekdays about my time. You know if you don’t control your time, it will control you. Time is not infinite,” she says.
Before sleeping, Mutoko ensures that her kids have done their homework and are in bed by 8:00 pm.
“When I am attending a night function, I have to put my house in order. Everyone has to promise me that they will be in bed by 8 pm. We pray and then everyone retires to bed,” she says.
When it’s time to retire to bed, Mutoko sets aside 20 minutes prior to organize and write her to-do list in her diary. Then she sleeps.
“I put in place something that I want to read or listen to in the background and then I start looking at something I am interested in. But at 9.30 pm, I retire to bed. I don’t play with my sleep,” adds Mutoko.
The following morning, Mutoko starts her day by praying and begins morning stretches for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, she walks one of her children’s dogs for 30 minutes of quality alone time for reflection.
“Every woman knows that the word mom is called at least 120 times a day. This is why I need to have, without a doubt, 30-35 minutes to myself before the world can start screaming my name,” she explains.
“My children have five dogs, so I walk one dog a day,” she added.
Mutoko’s perspective is a valuable reminder that rest and rejuvenation are crucial to any successful and busy lifestyle.
Mutoko on exiting the media industry
Caroline Mutoko has openly shared that she does not have any regrets about leaving radio and does not miss being on air.
“I don’t miss Radio. I gave my best at Kiss FM for 14 years and at Capital FM for four and a half years. We did the best we could for each other,” she said in an interview.
Despite leaving Radio, Mutoko admits that she still enjoys listening to presenters. She does not miss Radio, as she believes she has a new way of communicating to her audience.
“I have learned to lean on and embrace new seasons. I have also learnt to leave things when I am done with them,” she said in an interview.
Thoughts of returning to radio haven’t yet crossed her mind. She is satisfied with the current career path she’s taken.
“To be honest, if I wanted a radio experience, I would start a podcast. This is because a podcast is a high-breed radio. If you are podcasting and you have your cameras there, you’ve got a fantastic meeting with your audience. I would do a podcast rather than return to radio.”
READ: Caroline Mutoko: Work more and better to succeed in career or business
Reflecting on her accumulated experiences, Mutoko shared that she has learned the importance of listening to her intuition and inner voice.
“I have learnt that everything definitely happens for a reason. Sometimes the decision you are making may not be understood right away but you should stick with it,” she advised.
