In the world of sports media, Carol Radull is a household name known for her versatility and expertise.
From her early days growing up in Botswana to her career in various media houses, she has faced both triumphs and challenges.
WoK delves into Carol Radull’s untold story, exploring her journey, setbacks, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
The Lure of Versatility in Sports
Her love for sports was instilled in her at a young age.
Growing up in Botswana, her father’s profession as a mining engineer allowed her access to diverse sports facilities.
With her parents actively involved in sports, it was only natural for Carol to immerse herself in various athletic pursuits.
This early exposure to different sports not only honed her skills but also nurtured her versatility.
A Journey Through Different Media Houses
After completing her studies, Carol ventured into the world of theater, initially doing voiceovers for KBC’s theater programs before rising to become an anchor.
She received valuable training from industry experts such as Raphael Tuju, Anne Ofula, and Yusuf Ali.
Eventually, she joined the Mohammed Amin Foundation for ‘Africa Journal,’ working with one of the world’s greatest photojournalists, Mohammed Amin.
This experience further strengthened her passion for storytelling.
Setbacks and Financial Realizations
While Carol’s career was flourishing, she encountered a significant setback during her time at the BBC.
Although she parted ways amicably, this moment forced her to reflect on her approach to opportunities and financial responsibility.
Despite earning a six-figure salary, Carol had a reckless attitude towards money, often spending lavishly without saving for the future.
“I started earning good money when I was very young. Despite earning a six-figure salary, I was not saving. I would walk into a bar with almost 20 friends and shout ‘peweni (order anything)’. My account was always at zero every end of the month,” she recalled.
This careless behavior left her with minimal savings, a mere Ksh4,000 in her account when she lost her job.
“I had a savings account which had Ksh 4,000 by the time I lost my job. I was a spendthrift. If you ask me what I did with the money, I wouldn’t know because I did not save,” Radull added.
Surviving the Storm
Fortunately, Carol’s resilience and support from loved ones helped her navigate through this difficult period.
Her sister paid her rent for six months, and she was offered a job in Rwanda by Nick Hughes, the director of Vivid Features.
This opportunity provided her with some financial stability.
Although subsequent positions at Citizen TV and other media houses were short-lived, Carol’s resourcefulness and willingness to hustle allowed her to make ends meet by organizing shoots for international news agencies.
“Nick paid my rent for another six months. I later got a job at Citizen TV for a short time. It was shut down by the government as soon as I started getting comfortable. I was jobless after three months. I felt like I was running out of luck,” the football pundit recalled.
“I literally became a hustler. I would organise shoots for Swedish and Norwegian news agencies. I would make a little money to survive till the next gig. This gave me the opportunity to reflect and think about my life. It also taught me to be more responsible,” she acknowledged.
Amidst the challenges, Carol’s mindset began to shift.
The setbacks she faced forced her to reevaluate her life choices and take on a more responsible approach.
In a twist of fate, she received a message from John Wilkins, who was establishing a new radio station.
Radull seized the opportunity and transitioned from a news presenter to hosting a sports show on Kiss 100.
