Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to have a private interview session with the founder of MATA Network and media strategist, Yasmin Obadaki.
This is how it went down;
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My Name is Yasmin Obadaki, A media and communication strategist, I work with Kano distribution Company as a PR officer, I am also the founder of Mcdreamy communication where we offer Media and marketing services and Founder MATA Network with my friends in 2017.
I am a people person, I love people, I genuinely find so much peace being among people, its exciting, listening or seeing people being who they are and the difference is always exciting to watch.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS FIELD?
As a Media/Communication Strategist, its 20 years but for MATA its just 5years.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always wanted to do something to help others, my intention of going into broadcasting is to achieve same, help others, fill up an obvious gap by being solution to an existing problem.
EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED?
It started up as a small girl’s group,honestly the intention wasn’t for a big organization, but as we officially got started in 2018, the vision became clearer. A group of women being big sisters to younger girls, and after months of executing few mentoring programmes, adults insisted there’s a need for same attention.
EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
Honestly, I was already “small” and Famous in Kano before MATA, with 20years working experience in the media, it was easier to get the Buy-in of others in MATA.
And secondly, being a peoples person helped out a lot, with friends naturally taking it upon themselves to be ambassadors of MATA, they talk about MATA in places my legs or face hasn’t been. Other women made MATA grow.
EM: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success is relative depending on the initial set goals.
EM: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
Get a Mentor quickly
EM- EVERY BUSINESS MINDED SUCCESSFUL PERSON HAS A STORY, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
Funding
EM- WHAT SETS YOU APART?
We are the first and the only organization that brings the class of value we bring to women in Northern Nigeria, it was created by women from different diverse group.
EM- YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
LOVE.
It took me time to realize and since then, it keeps me on my toes.
I get really inspired I give and receive love.
EM- WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
A northern society where women can actually be themselves and live in their truth,
EM- IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
I Am A Woman
EM- PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL WITH US
God
Courage
Perseverance and Collaborations.
EM- WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW?
Be Yourself
Be Gentle to yourself
Learn from everybody
Be Kind to People
