BY CHIEDZA MYLEENE MUCHAURAYA
On Tuesday, 24th September, the North 24/25 cohort were greeted by BCOMS programme manager Jack Badu as they stepped through the doors of the BBC Quay House building in Salford for the first masterclass of the year. After several weeks of anticipatory group WhatsApp conversations, the cohort finally met the people behind the profiles, all while overlooking MediaCityUK with a glimpse of a red Old Trafford, an inspiring start indeed. The masterclass began with an introduction from BCOMS founder Leon Mann and founding member and Chair, Drew Christie.
Following the introductions, highly successful alumni from previous BCOMS cohorts Paige Eagle, Usmaan Akhtar, Lucy Berry, and Amy Janette McGregor passed the baton to the current cohort with words of advice and encouragement to make the most of the year ahead.
After a series of icebreaker games amongst the new cohort, we also heard from BBC Senior Business Advisors, Shajan Miah and Laura Lennon, who both discussed various schemes across BBC Sport, such as the First Steps placement and the New Voices scheme, and the successes that have arisen from such opportunities.
They were preceded by a wonderful and insightful conversation between North Programme leader Genny Cotroneo and the aptly named Rasheede Speede, a former youth sprinter turned assistant editor at BBC Sport. Rasheede Speede gave an enlightening account of his career, including working with Ronda Rousey, the former UFC fighter, WWE wrestler, and actress. In this story, Rasheede was initially offered a Zoom interview with Rousey but instead successfully pitched an all-expenses-paid trip to the US, where he conducted the interview with Ronda Rousey in person, highlighting the importance of betting on yourself.
The conversation between Genny and Rasheede also offered networking tips, especially for introverts. Concluding this portion of the event, Rasheede shared how the best thing that never happened to him was not going to the London 2012 Olympics. By missing out on an invite to the 2012 Olympics, it allowed Rasheede to focus and perfect his skill set, and by the time the Rio 2016 Olympics arrived, he had earned himself a spot on the highly desired and very limited BBC Rio 2016 team. During those four years, he acquired the knowledge and expertise to navigate a very demanding Olympic season. By sharing this memory, it served as a reminder to the cohort that sometimes not getting something can mean that something better is waiting around the corner, and when that perfect role emerges, you will be ready to rise to the challenge.
The first masterclass concluded with the opportunity for each cohort member to have their headshot taken, network, and get to know each other, along with programme managers Jack Badu and Genny Cotroneo. A wonderful start to what promises to be a great year with the BCOMS North Cohort.
