Today’s Notable Young Professional is On The Scene Network (OTSN) host Darriel Roy, who’s had the chance to meet and interview some of the biggest personalities in the world, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Snoop Dogg, Hillary Clinton and Richard Branson. We caught up with her to find out what inspired her career and where she sees herself in 10 years…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the host of On The Scene Network (OTSN), which airs on The Huffington Post & AOL. We are also featured on our website. As the host, I have the opportunity to meet and interview some of the biggest A-listers, politicians and business titans.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
The inspiration behind my career began after I graduated from the broadcast journalism. After graduation, I moved to Arizona to look for a job in broadcasting. I did get a great job offer at a local NBC news station but unfortunately a visa issue kept me from taking up the position. I then moved back to Toronto feeling completely discouraged from letting such a great opportunity slip by. A few months later, I attended the CTV election party where I had a chance to meet with former CTV News anchor Lloyd Robertson, who had said some inspiring words to me, encouraging me to go after my dreams, which re-ignited my passion for journalism.
Shortly after, I hosted/produced an event called Dare to Dream where I featured media personalities from Rogers TV, CTV, and City TV to speak to a live audience about their experience of overcoming obstacles to get into the media industry. The event was a huge success and aired on Rogers TV Toronto and Peel. Shortly after, I was offered my own TV show on Rogers TV, which resulted in the creation of On The Scene Network (OTSN), a web-series with a celebrity and philanthropy spin.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The most memorable milestone in my career was meeting with Senator and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Another highlight was one of my first interviews when I got into the field with Dr. Oz. I remember being so nervous and forgetting my questions. He was so gracious that he put me at ease and the interview worked out perfectly. I was really touched by Spencer West, who is an ambassador for Free The Children. Spencer climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands (he had lost the use of his legs at a young age), all with the hope to inspire others to “redefine possible.” His interview truly touched me as he was so passionate about showing people that anything can be achieved if you truly believe. He is a living example of someone who sees only opportunities despite major obstacles.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In 10 years I see myself becoming the next Oprah. She is someone who has inspired me to become a journalist. I strive to become one of the best journalists in the industry, known as someone who can extract honesty and authenticity from the celebrities I interview and someone who inspires others to find their own greatness. Storytelling has always been a passion of mine so my goal is to use my platform with On The Scene Network (OTSN) as a vehicle to inspire and empower people from all walks of life. Writing a book, hosting my own talk show, and starring in a lead role in a movie are just a few things on my bucket list.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My advice for young professionals would be to be bold and to never take NO for an answer. In any industry, if you aren’t open to taking risks or putting yourself out there, you will never be able to truly achieve your dreams. There’ve been so many times in my career where I refused to take NO for an answer and I scored that dream interview or job I was looking for. Tenacity is key, so the next time you hear NO just remember that it means Next Opportunity!
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support various charities including The Right To Play, The Make a Wish Foundation, and “WE” Day. “WE” Day is one of my favourites as I had the chance to see first-hand the amazing work they do. Craig and Mark Kielburger have so much positive energy to inspire anyone who they come in contact with to get involved and help others.
7. What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable is someone who is known for not just their popularity or net worth, but for making an impact on the world through their work, vision, determination, innovative ideas or inventions.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
My favourite spot in the city would be the Thompson rooftop. It’s a snazzy bar with an amazing view of the city, not to mention hanging out with a ton of like-minded young professionals. It’s a fantastic place to network while being wined and dined in style.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
The most visited website on my browser is On The Scene Network (OTSN). This is not me being biased – I just love the content!
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
The one person I believe everybody should be following on social media is ME! Kidding… it would be Oprah. She always has great inspirational quotes and articles linked on her pages, and everybody needs a dose of daily inspiration to get their day started on a positive note.
4. Your favourite cocktail?
My favourite cocktail would be a drink that I discovered in California called AMF. It’s a blue drink that tastes like a blue freezie. Don’t be fooled, though: this drink is super potent.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
What gives me the greatest FOMO is missing out on a great business opportunity, whether it be meeting a person of influence or even not knowing of every exciting event/red carpet happening in the city. There are so many events in Toronto so it’s definitely hard to keep track of all of them.
6. What would be your last meal?
My last meal would be poutine, a double-stacked hamburger and a large cocktail, preferably an AMF. (I guess the calories wouldn’t matter anyway!)
7. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians. I record all the episodes and watch it in my downtime. It’s so addictive!
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