MEXY'S PLACE

In communication, emotional intelligence (#EI) plays a pivotal role in shaping how messages are conveyed, received, and understood. It goes beyond verbal and non-verbal skills, tapping into the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both our own and those of others. High emotional intelligence allows communicators to navigate complex interactions, build stronger relationships, and mitigate conflicts. A key component of EI in communication is self-awareness. When we are attuned to our emotions, we can better control how we express ourselves, avoiding reactive or defensive behaviors that can distort the intended message. This, in turn, helps to foster an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. Equally important is empathy—the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathetic communicators listen not just to words but to emotions, enabling them to respond in ways that acknowledge and validate the other party's perspective. This enhances...

The morning began like any other in Akure, but for me, it was a whirlwind from the moment my boss stepped into the office. I barely had time to settle in after the Morning Prayer, let alone grab breakfast. Just as I was organizing my thoughts for the day, he calls me into his office. "I need you to cover the opening ceremony of a training programme. It starts at 10; I mean 10 for 10" he said, urgency in his voice. I was taken aback. What programme might this be I wondered but there was no answer. This wasn’t on my agenda, but I knew better than to hesitate. So immediately I consented. In quick strides, I gathered my notepad, pen, and personal effects, making a mental checklist of everything I needed and dashed to gather my team. As I dashed out the door, I could feel the familiar excitement of an unexpected assignment coursing through me. The air was thick with humidity, and I knew rain was on the way in accordance with the predictions of the weather forecast. Upon arriving ...

In my professional world where many chase the spotlight, I discovered early in my career that I shine brightest behind the scenes.  The allure of broadcast journalism once called my name, but as I matured professionally, I found that my strength lay not in front of the camera but in orchestrating the magic from the background.  My journey into public relations and corporate communications began as a curious detour, but soon, it became clear that this was where I was meant to carve my niche. I thrive in the delicate balance of planning and management, ensuring everything runs smoothly while remaining invisible to the untrained eye. Whether it is drafting administrative write-ups, managing events, or bridging the gap in times of crisis, I’ve come to understand that the real work often happens away from the spotlight.  The success of every public-facing moment relies on the quiet diligence behind it. That’s where I come in. Working in the education sector, partic...

Building a successful career is often about persistence, learning, and adapting, especially in those early days when everything feels unfamiliar. I remember when I resumed work years ago, still somewhat "grey" despite my prior experiences at various places: a brief stint at NTA, the Public Relations Unit of a State University, a telecommunications company as a Marketing Officer, and even as Advert Manager of a small newspaper publishing firm. Those roles had prepared me, but the terrain still felt new. I never allowed myself to be idle. Even while pursuing further academic qualifications to better fit into my vision of becoming a high-flying PR professional, I was always striving to learn more, pushing myself beyond my limits. I wanted to be ready for the challenges that came with the path I had chosen. One aspect that truly tested me was writing. There are many types and styles of writing, and I quickly learned that in a professional setting, your editor holds the final say...

Yesterday started like any other day: with the quiet hum of anticipation in the air and a to-do list that could make the most seasoned multitasker shudder. I inhaled deeply, knowing I was about to dive into the deep end of a jam-packed day, juggling hats like a magician in the middle of a Vegas show. But hey, when you're The Journalist Next Door, that’s just another Tuesday. It all kicked off with the Editorial Meeting. Ah, yes, the meeting where every voice is louder than the last, and opinions fly faster than you can catch them. We sat around the proverbial round table, each of us armed with ideas, insights, and a burning desire to have the best story pitch of the week. The pressure? Palpable. The excitement? Even more so. Picture this: a cacophony of ideas clashing like cymbals in an overzealous orchestra, everyone trying to outshine the next. What story should we spotlight? Who’s got the best angle? What fresh spin can we put on the same old, same old? My brain was doing me...

The life of a journalist is literarily a life of service....So, yesterday started off like most workdays, calm and quiet. After a light breakfast,i got off to preparing mentally for the day ahead. The stillness of the morning was a welcome buffer before the assignments would inevitably start flooding in. By 8:30 AM, had long reprted at work after dropping off the kids at school and I was right in front of my computer, several pages open, scanning through a sea of to-do items. Media inquiries, event invitations, follow-ups from PR pitches—each demanding attention. I tackled the most pressing ones first, carefully responding to reporters needing more information about a press release I had earlier sent. With each response sent, I felt the weight of the inbox lighten, if only slightly. Once the emails were under control, it was time to shift gears. The previous day’s event at the University needed to be transformed into a news story. I began weaving the narrative, ensuring it would cap...

The Power of Strategic Communication in Nigeria: A Subtle Shift... Imagine this: You wake up one morning to find that your phone is buzzing with alerts from Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. A story is spreading like wildfire—something about a new policy, an upcoming election, or perhaps, a health scare. The details are unclear, the sources uncertain. But before you even have time to check the facts, your friends and family are discussing it, sharing it, reacting to it. This is the reality we face today in Nigeria. Our digital world moves faster than ever, and information—both true and false—travels at lightning speed. In a country with over 100 million internet users, communication has become more than just sending a message; it’s now a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion and, in some cases, influencing decisions at the highest levels. Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. When the virus first hit, there was a flood of information—some of it helpful, some of i...

THE JOURNALIST NEXT DOOR IS BACK! Seven years. Seven years of growth, discovery, and invaluable experience. Now, the wait is over. It’s time to announce my return to blogging, with a renewed passion and perspective. This journey has been anything but ordinary—stepping back has allowed me to dive deeper into the intricate world of communications and protocol, honing skills that I’m eager to share with you all once again. From corporate communications to crisis management, the landscape has evolved—and so have I. Welcome back to “Journalist Next Door,” a space where stories come alive through the lens of my 15-year career in media relations, public relations, and content creation. This blog will once again serve as a window into the world of strategic communications, where the balance of words and actions can make or break reputations, relationships, and industries. Join me as I explore the fine art of professional storytelling, dissect the nuances of effective communication in ...