Take 5: Amina Abdi

What you need to know:

  • I prioritise my time around three areas: God, Family and Work. Once you get your priorities right, it is easy to manage your time.
  • Rest is key when you have a lot going on, so I ensure that I pencil in time for resting.
  • Most people party more than they work; what exactly are you celebrating?

 

Amina Abdi is one of the fiercest women in media right now, with a host of accomplishments under her belt: she is a radio presenter on Capital FM, an intercontinental TV host, charismatic MC, voice over artist and actress, just to name a few roles.

1. To do all these and do them right, you must be an exemplary timekeeper.

I often say that God can’t give you responsibilities you can’t handle. I’m trying to build an empire, and this will only happen if I put in the work. I admit that it’s not as easy as I make it look, but since I’m passionate about what I do, I am able to do it all. I prioritise my time around three areas: God, Family and Work. Once you get your priorities right, it is easy to manage your time. Rest is key when you have a lot going on, so I ensure that I pencil in time for resting. Most people party more than they work; what exactly are you celebrating?

 

2. If you could do or be something else, what would that be?

Actually, I wanted to study law or International Relations, but could not afford the school fees. I still hope to study International Relations though. I am however happy with how things turned out because I am fulfilled. I enjoy what I do.

 

3. What was the hardest part of this journey?

The hardest part was difficulty getting work at the beginning, an experience many can identify with. I still encounter challenges, such as being away from my son because I want to be with him all the time. I have also been told ‘No’ plenty of times. I have been turned down and told I didn’t have what it takes lots of times, but I don’t stop trying. I have a thick skin, but what never fails to bother me is being rejected for a reason I can’t control, like my religion or my sex or being  too young or too old. If you tell me that you want a man, not a woman for a certain role, which I have been told before, it isn’t something I can change. When I’m rejected on merit, it is easier for me to understand, but when I am told ‘No’ due to something I have no power over, it hurts, especially when it has nothing to do with my ability to get the job done.

4. What are you planning to do next? Become president?

(laughs) Politics has never been in the cards for me. I’d love to continue doing radio and TV for a while. I would like to get involved in the management bit of things in future though, do more CSR projects. I am brand ambassador for Daisy Girl, a reusable sanitary towel donated to girls that come from needy backgrounds. I also initiated Operation Santa, an initiative to feed street families. I also run Mama Tumi Foundation, which assists children’s homes in various parts of the country, among other community aid projects.

 

5. How important is voting to you?

Voting is extremely important to me, more so because I’m a mum. Every parent reading this will tell you that they work for their kids. They wake up each day with the hope of giving their children a better life than theirs. Casting your vote can ensure that this happens. Your vote will determine the kind of people that will take the helm in government, the people that will be running every aspect of our lives. By voting, you are making your voice heard and registering your opinion about how you think the government should operate. If reading this, please vote on August 8. You owe it to yourself, and the generation to come.