From Hospital Radio to Channel 4 | Cherise Stephenson on Investigative Journalism, Career Resilience & Making Your Work Matter

Cherise Stephenson didn't take the obvious route into journalism. She started at hospital radio, worked her way through graduate schemes, and eventually landed at Channel 4 — doing the kind of investigative work that doesn't just tell stories, it changes them.In this episode, Cherise gets honest about what a journalism career actually looks like from the inside — the resilience it takes, the feedback you have to learn to sit with, and the moments where authenticity on camera matters more than any script.We talk about how to break into competitive media environments, what made her stand out in graduate scheme applications, and how investigative reporting can drive real legal and societal change. We also get into the practical stuff — asking for raises, managing long hours, and knowing when to take charge of your own career progression.Purposeful, grounded and genuinely inspiring — this one's for anyone who wants their work to actually mean something.⚡ What we cover: → Starting at hospital radio and using every experience as a foundation → Graduate scheme applications — what stood out and what didn't → Building resilience and learning to handle feedback in a competitive industry → How investigative journalism can drive legal and societal change → Navigating salary negotiations and career progression in media → Authenticity on camera and building rapport in interviews → Balancing long hours with wellness and personal growth → Why it's never too late to start a career in journalism🎙 She's Lost Control — the podcast for ambitious creatives who are done playing small. 💌 Join #TheChaosClub → www.instagram.com/sheslostcontrolpodcast/