Women In Radio has gone international!
Huda Walid is a Radio Hos on QBS Radio 97.5 fm in Doha – Qatar.
Huda shares an interesting story on her start in radio following a birthday movie night. “December 2005 when Hanan, a dear friend of mine, took me out for lunch and got us tickets to watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose (a horror movie that we were both excitedly waiting to see in theatres) as a birthday treat. Right before we went inside the movie theatre, she asked me if could tell her what my all-time birthday wish was, and I said, “To be a radio host!”.
Four months later, I got a call from Mr. Nasser, the former QBS Radio Director, saying they were looking for radio anchors. They wanted me to go for a voice test and job interview.
On July 14, 2006 at 11:00 am, I went live on air for the very first time, and have been a radio anchor with QBS Radio ever since. My 26th birthday wish got me started in radio, and I gratefully owe it all after God to Hanan, who made my birthday wish come true, Mr. Nasser Bilal, Mr. Ali Thawadi, and Mr. Elias Chalouhi, , my top three mentors who have always been and always will be the most supportive team leaders I have ever worked with, and last but definitely not the least, my family and close friends for their time, unconditional encouragement, constructive criticism, honest opinion, and advice.”
Huda is a true example of how someone who lives in another part of the world can still bond over the love of this medium, which is radio. Huda not only loves her career but has found her life’s purpose. “ Radio, builds a strong bond and connection with the audience, by listening to what they have to say and starting a conversation. Not only are we able to play good music that feeds their souls and puts them in a great mood, but we’re able to share interesting, fun, light, and informative topics, news, and everyday matters that they can relate to.”
As women in radio, we all share a similar goal no matter where we work. Radio is a language that we all speak and understand very well.
While concluding our interview, Huda Walid shares one distinct tip for all women in radio. “Enhance your skills and maintain a growth mindset rather than pursue an easy and safe route embraced by others with a fixed mindset.”