We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bridgett Leslie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bridgett, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
In my home, my parents championed education and independence for their daughters, insisting that all three of us have the courage to carve our own paths. They instilled in us a profound sense of self-worth, empowering us to challenge societal expectations and embrace our potential. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping my career and my identity. My father’s love for literature became a cornerstone of my own creative journey. An avid reader throughout his life, he continues to spend hours each day immersed in books, even at the age of 78. My mother, a woman of frugality and decisiveness, also left an indelible mark on me. Her practical mindset and resolute nature became part of my character, molding me into a unique blend of writer, pragmatist, and decision-maker.
Both parents played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory. I initially dreamed of becoming a human rights lawyer. My mother, however, recognized my aptitude for investigation, critical thinking, and asking incisive questions, encouraging me to consider a career in auditing. She also highlighted a practical concern: the modest salary of a human rights lawyer, which would be particularly challenging for someone of colour to sustain a comfortable life.
It wasn’t long before I unearthed the creative writing gene my father had passed on to me. Writing became an essential part of my identity, opening doors to opportunities in print, radio and television journalism. This dual career path has allowed me to blend analytical rigor with creative expression, enabling me to navigate complex narratives and bring stories to light. Through the guidance of my parents and their unwavering belief in my potential, I’ve aimed to build a career that bridges cultures, challenges norms, and amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. My parent’s legacy lives on in every story I tell and every barrier I break.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In the media landscape, my work centers on discovering and amplifying fresh, inspiring voices across a wide spectrum of industries, including fashion, food, art, culture, and travel. I specialize in spotlighting emerging talent while also celebrating the achievements of established figures shaping these dynamic fields. My platform serves as a springboard for individuals to share their stories, showcase their work, and gain recognition through exclusive interviews and features. Few moments are more rewarding than publishing a piece about an individual and witnessing the ripple effects it creates. Whether it’s hearing that a TV station in their hometown has invited them for an interview or learning that sales and inquiries have surged for a small business owner, these outcomes reaffirm the impact of storytelling in connecting audiences with the people behind my work.
In my professional work as an internal auditor, I work with Adyen N.V., a forward-thinking organization known for its ambitious mission to change the payments industry. I appreciate that our company is about profits and helping people, exemplified through Adyen Giving, a product I value. Adyen Giving allows businesses to support meaningful causes by integrating donation options directly into their payment platforms. By aligning commerce with compassion, I believe that Adyen is proving that financial success and social impact can go hand in hand. We have two CEOs Ingo Uytdehaage and Pieter Van Der Does, including North American President Davi Strazza. I respect the leadership team’s unwavering commitment to long-term goals over short-term gains. The idea that true builders don’t just stop at the foundation of an idea appeals to me. It seems to me that we aim to construct structures that stand the test of time, evolving and adapting as needed.
Interestingly, the fields of auditing and journalism share remarkable parallels. Both demand professional scepticism, meticulous fact-checking, and an insatiable curiosity for uncovering the truth. In both industries, success hinges on the ability to investigate thoroughly, analyze critically, and communicate findings. Journalists are skilled at both sales and marketing their work. In the fast-paced news cycle, journalists are on-the-go product developers, constantly creating content (new products) for each newscast. These versatile skills are highly transferable to the corporate world.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I started building my social media audience, it was a humble beginning. My first two followers were my twin sister Lynette and my friend Maria. From there, it wasn’t about rapid growth but cultivating a space that reflected authenticity and value. Numbers don’t drive us. Numbers inform us about the next steps to take. My platform grew naturally as I conducted interviews, hosted live Instagram chats, and shared them on my feed. If authenticity is the cornerstone of your platform, there’s no shortcut; it must be built from the ground up. That’s what fosters trust and loyalty.
One piece of advice I always share with those starting is to avoid shortcuts like buying followers. Purchased numbers are just that—numbers. They don’t translate into real engagement or lasting connections, and they can undermine your credibility. Instead, focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. Share your passions, remain consistent, and most importantly, be yourself. My audience knows my content largely highlights migrant small business owners, and when I need fresh voices to interview, I turn to my social network. The response is often overwhelming, with referrals pouring in—sometimes more than I can manage! It’s a good problem to have and a reminder that in media, your network is one of your greatest assets.
Social media is about more than metrics; it’s about creating meaningful engagement and allowing your audience to see the person behind the content. People resonate with relatability, which can mean sharing glimpses of your personal life. I’ve introduced my social community to my immediate family and closest friends (thanks, Jackie and Eji). Imagine being surrounded by people who only talk about work—it’s exhausting. Sharing a bit about my life outside of work helps my audience connect with me on a personal level. If you are starting your journey, forget about a perfectly curated Instagram reel if you don’t have the resources. Your message is more important. To this day, I don’t have the time to work on perfecting my social media accounts.
When it comes to engagement, I follow a strict “no reply” policy for degrading or impolite comments. Other than this, I answer most DMs and queries. Social media is a public platform, and how I respond reflects my values and professionalism. By fostering a positive, respectful space, I’ve created a community where people can feel comfortable telling their stories. Some believe in responding to every comment, but that approach doesn’t work for me. Social media is as much about setting boundaries as it is about building connections.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Unlearning the fear of being myself has been one of the most liberating experiences. The way I tell a story resonates with my audience because it’s authentic to me. I’ve learned that trying to mimic others only creates a disconnect. In the media space, where appearances sometimes precede purpose, I’ve consciously chosen to focus on substance. I want to be relevant to my generation, contributing meaningfully to the conversations that matter.
I’ve also had to work through the fear of repercussions in the face of injustice. The desire for social justice is in my DNA. My great-grandfather, T.S. John, was one of the pioneers of the DIMES Commission, an Indian trade labour union that fought against South African apartheid. His legacy, built on standing firm against injustice, has always served as a guiding marker for me—a reminder that we all have the strength to stand up for what is right, even in adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bridgettleslie.com
- Instagram: @bridgettleslienews
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbb/
- Twitter: https://x.com/bridgettnews
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@peopleandcountry
Image Credits
Sanjay Mooneeram