Before diverting to politics, Langa’ata member of parliament Felix Oduwor, popularly known as Jalang’o, had a successful career in the media industry.
His journey in the media industry began in 2009 at Kiss FM. Jalang’o applied for a job at the Radio Africa-backed radio station as a radio presenter despite it requiring one to be a degree holder.
His confidence saved him, and miraculously beat his degree-holder competitors and secured himself a job as a radio presenter co-hosting alongside Caroline Mutoko.
Years later, he moved to Radio Maisha, where he co-hosted the morning breakfast show alongside Alex Mwakideu. Back then, Radio Maisha was ranked position 48 among all Kenya’s radio stations.
With the arrival of Jalang’o, the duo tightened things up, taking Radio Maisha from position 48 to position one within a period of three years.
Practical habits that will really improve your life
He also worked at Ramogi FM, Hot 96, and Milele FM. Jalang’o’s journey in the media industry would never be successful if it were not for his hard work and determination.
In a past interview with Citizen Digital’s ‘Behind the Mic,’ he revealed the six key habits that made him successful in his radio career.
Discipline and Consistency
Jalang’o said that discipline is one important thing that young people need to embrace in their careers. He noted that he was ever at work by 5 am, a habit that few individuals have.
”Personally, until I joined politics, I have never known what seven o’clock in the morning looks like because every day, by 5 am, I was already at work.
That meant I was up by around 4 am. I have always kept that discipline put on the work anywhere I’ve ever been,’’ he said.
Show your value
According to Jalang’o, to become a real deal in the media industry or any other organization, you need to identify the value you are adding in.
He urged young people to take another shot in case they realize they are of less value in a company.
Life changing habits of high performers
”Ask yourself, what can I do for these people to want me, not me to want them? If I can be on leave for two weeks and everything is running well, then these people don’t really need me.
But if you go on leave and everybody panics now, then it’s when you know you’re needed,’’ he added.
Do not burn bridges
Jalang’o encouraged media personalities and other employees in various industries to maintain good relationships with their co-workers and bosses.
He said your current boss or colleague can become your future boss elsewhere hence the need to associate well with them even in disagreements.
He said his good work relationship at Radio Africa earned him a blank contract in case his political career didn’t work out. He also said he was hired immediately after getting sacked at Milele FM because of a good relationship with his former boss.
Be Ready to Learn
He encouraged young people to be open to learning new things in their industry as it can save them in case of a future crisis.
”If the company will have to hire someone to hold in a role while you are there, it will be telling them you have never learned anything there. Be a jack of all trades when you get in there,” he advised.
Know your worth
He said that with hard work and consistency, your employer will have noticed your worth before noticing it yourself, so claim it!
“Money is not everything, but it is the only thing. Make sure you are paid your worth. Immediately you take the lessons, and you know what youre bringing in, go to HR and tell them that this is what I want,” he said.