Live – Northern Suburbs.
Work – Green Point.
Play – I play everywhere. On a mountain, the beach, with my dogs…
I was a DJ at Club Entourage in Stellenbosch – I sent an email asking if I could come in and play, even if it was for an hour before the club got busy. I was the only female DJ at the club and after a while they became brothers.
Though it wasn’t my first radio job and I started off with the graveyard shift, from 1am to 4am at Heart 104.9FM in late-2017, and until recently I was the weekday traffic anchor, from 9am to 3pm.A door has opened up for me, but I’m only at the beginning of my career. I still have so much more to offer the industry whether it’s on-air, TV presenting, or content producing.
With that being said, I’m so grateful for this opportunity and the fact that I have been able to work with radio legends has been a huge bonus!
My career thus far has been pretty exciting. I’ve learnt so much in the past six years of working in this industry.
When I started out, I just listened to one music genre and I wanted to be a sports anchor/reporter, but somewhere in between my training at MFM 92.6 I was introduced to other genres and how to create compelling radio content that evokes different emotions in order for you to connect with your listener.Then I moved on to Pep stores’ Feelgood FM retail radio, and to a short producing stint at Cape Talk 567, before starting my dream job at Heart FM, which I've since left, having parted amicably with the station. Keep an ear out for me as I find my wings? Side note – I’m only getting started!
I see myself growing as a broadcaster and really getting to understand radio on a commercial level. I just want to do radio and have lekker conversations with people from all walks of life, whether it’s on a daytime or night-time show.
I love hiking and dancing – in my head, I’m a professional video vixen!
The industry is very small and everyone knows everyone – I love the people you get to meet and work with.
I also love the storytelling aspect, the stories you get to share with the listeners and the impact you get to have on their lives. To be able to change the listener’s mood is really something special.
I’m a true Capricorn in every essence, so my days are pretty planned out… until recently I was at Heart FM from 9am to 3pm, and if I’m booked for voice-over castings, they happen after 3pm. My nights belong to reality TV shows –yes, I’ve watched all of the Real Housewives franchises!
My authenticity. I don’t know how to be anything else but real.
I absolutely love Phat Joe! He’s been my mentor in my head for many years. I love how real and authentic he is, be it on TV or on radio.
Also, Pearl Shongwe of Metro FM. She’s young, bubbly and her energy is next level. I love how she’s shaping her own path in the industry.
I’d like to see more females leading the pack.
Besides radio, I’m currently doing a social media and marketing course. I think as media personalities, it’s important for us to understand our brands and how to fuse print, radio and TV with social media.
“Content is key,” definitely floats around the office every now and then.
In the morning, when I’m having breakfast.
I can’t b-boy to save my life, but I’ve mastered the windmill. Shout out to my primary school ballet teacher, Ms Penny!
I’m definitely in-between.
Nothing, to be honest. I clear my messages and call logs, even on WhatsApp. My apps all have passwords, so you can’t access them. The photos, music and videos are all copied to my laptop.
Tuesday definitely knows how to work the camera!
— ������������ '��������������������������' �������� (@LESLEYPIET) August 1, 2019
My entire heart right here♥️ pic.twitter.com/SE3kfYketv
Take initiative. If you want something really badly, do the work.
If you really work hard and put in the time and effort and show that you really want to do something, you’ll be rewarded. It might not happen as fast as you’d like it to happen but it will. What’s meant for you will always find a way to you.
I want to show the young girl from Blue Downs, Eersterivier, Kleinvlei or wherever you come from, you can rise above your circumstance. Stay focused on the end goal and everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.Simple as that. Follow Piet on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for her latest updates.
*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
