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CAROL ODERO
JOURNALIST
Nairobi
Summary
Ambitious. Curious. Influential.
Versatile media executive with 15 years experience handling powerful, high profile personalities with excellent written and verbal skills. Highly autonomous with excellent management, analytical, strategic and interpersonal skills. Seeking a challenging leadership position in media and communications that offers an opportunity to focus on strategy, innovation, brand and business development and leadership.
Nimble Editor-in-Chief, talented at adapting to changing publication platforms and standards. Talented seeker of exciting publishing opportunities and undiscovered editorial talent. Ceaselessly monitors emerging publishing trends for integration in growing products. Combines in-depth market research with innovative content to create superlative deliverables.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Editor-in-Chief
COUTURE Africa Magazine
05.2018 - 12.2018
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Reviewed reports and recommended changes to improve copy flow.
- Communicated directly with reporters to assess stories and improve quality of work.
- Prepared, rewrote and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Monitored breaking news for information on incidents, events and topics of interest to quickly assign coverage to staff.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
- Assigned stories, led content development meetings and reviewed completed stories to guide execution of concepts and tone.
- Devised attention-grabbing headlines and summaries for articles.
- Provided concise and constructive editorial feedback to writers.
- Developed and optimised online and print strategies to maximize coverage, advertiser funding and subscriptions.
- Built productive relationships with writers, designers and other professionals to successfully produce monthly publication.
- Guided and motivated staff to achieve demanding targets under tight deadlines.
- Managed team to deliver consistent, accurate, engaging and relevant content.
Content Creator
Viusasa
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Creating, voicing and scripting weekly content for fashion shows on Viusasa, video on demand on mobile.
Editor-in-Chief
CIO Africa
08.2020 - Current
- Oversee publication of digital and print products, aligning multi-media content strategies to maintain cohesive brand identity.
- Oversaw editorial transition from CIO East Africa to CIO Africa.
- Grew online impressions by 412%.
- Oversee compliance with style guide, editorial guidelines and brand identity throughout entire publication portfolio.
- Hire, train, and provide daily direction for team of 9.
- Proofread, edit, and evaluate final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
- Edit long and short-form content, specialising in technology, business and leadership content.
- Maintain advanced social media presence to promote deliverables and solicit new contributors.
- Manage freelance editorial teams, coordinating remote workers to achieve prescribed deliverable milestones.
- Propose ancillary projects and products to expand diversity of editorial offerings and revenue opportunities.
- Provide concise and constructive editorial feedback to writers.
- Work with graphic artists, post-production team members and other specialists to produce captivating and successful content.
- Conduct editorial meetings with staff members to collaborate and review proposed publication suggestions.
- Support and encourage editorial board to provide independent and objective advice, opinions and perspectives to enhance publication.
- Oversee train and develop writers and associates, assistants and junior editors to optimise production and quality of work.
- Determine readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Solicit and encourage public reviews and commentaries on trending topics and subjects of topical interest.
- Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards to promote responsible publication and media practices.
- Represent and promote publication at publisher events, trade shows and conferences.
Co-Founder
Kenya Fashion Council
11.2017 - Current
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Collaborated with Council Board to achieve communication and cohesion of legal projects.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
Board Chair
Kenya Fashion Awards
, Kenya
01.2016 - Current
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritisation and great work ethic.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Helped plan two Kenya Fashion Award events in 2016 and 2017.
Fashion Journalist
Nation Media Group
05.2006 - Current
- Write column polled as most read column at Nation Media Group
- Polled as 3rd most read columnist in Sub Saharan Africa.
- Pioneered fashion journalism in Kenya.
Head of Legal & Strategy
Kenya Fashion Council
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Handle arising legal matters in the Council.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
Deputy Managing Editor
CIO Africa
01.2020 - 07.2020
- B2B and tech journalism and content marketing to and for businesses across East Africa,.
- Lead entire content strategy from end-to-end, from ideas, to execution, to distribution.
- Designed editorial calendar and monitored engagement via Google Analytics and WordPress.
- Write lead and complex stories and editorials.
- Work closely with heads of marketing, events and head of partnerships to generate content across multimedia platforms on multiple projects.
- Hire and coach editorial team which consists of freelance columnists and creatives, assigning, editing and and ensuring apt writing content.
- Manage editorial team of 7 and ensuring content engagement.
- Ensure editorial standards are met with every article.
- Determine look and feel of publication.
- Content strategist for podcasts, magazine, website and CIOTV content.
- Determine publishing guidelines by setting tone and scope of publication.
- Create flat plan, and production schedule monthly for magazine.
- Represent publication as face of brand.
- Meeting and interviewing prolific African personalities such as entrepreneurs and personalities.
Creative Director
Vivo Activewear
07.2019 - 09.2019
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports and documents to ensure smooth operations.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
Creative Director
IWO Consultancy
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Established procedures and quality standards for department.
- Revamped work strategies and processes to accomplish agency objectives.
- Collaborated with outside agencies to manage project progress and milestones.
- Oversaw full teams of writers, artists, designers and project managers.
- Developed strategic communication and marketing plans.
- Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
- Orchestrated photo sessions by choosing photographers, stylists and cosmetic artists.
- Evaluated and approved image retouch work, mechanicals and art proofs to deliver quality results.
- Carefully prepared all design layouts into prepress files for offset, web and digital printing.
- Collaborated with production on task list creation to meet overall project goals on time.
Panelist, The Fashion Watch
Citizen TV
02.2014 - 07.2018
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Established a solid social media presence and became an influencer.
Managing Editor
COUTURE Africa Magazine
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised work of contracted employees to keep on task for timely completion.
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
Editor-in-Chief
Carole Mandi Media Ltd
11.2010 - 01.2014
- Managed team of up to 10 full-time staff and 5 to 15 external contributors at any given time.
- Reduced DRUM budget by 50% while generating better, dynamic, vibrant and relevant content.
- Increased circulation of DRUM by 80% within 2 years.
- Led team in repositioning and redesigning DRUM increasing readership numbers by over 80%.
- Designed and formatted extensive brand document for DRUM now used for induction and externally to explain brand to advertisers.
- Handled high net worth, influential, powerful personalities in their private spaces.
- Oversaw and interfaced with sales, design and marketing on strategy, sales, brand and business development.
- Brand ambassador for DRUM EA with prolific media and public presence.
Reality TV Judge
Citizen TV
06.2010 - 10.2012
- Involved in creative development of The Fashion Show, a television show on East African fashion.
- Co-produced and reported on The Fashion Show.
Deputy Editor, True Love EA magazine
Carole Mandi Media Ltd.
05.2010 - 11.2010
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes and approved final versions for publication.
- Pitched content strategies and managed asset acquisition.
- Devised attention-grabbing headlines and summaries for articles.
- Collaborated with graphics department to develop and implement visual elements.
- Chose and prepared photos for use with feature pieces.
- Prepared, rewrote and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Reviewed reports and recommended changes to improve copy flow.
- Checked reference sources to verify dates, facts and statistics.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
- Supported design team by helping develop layouts and collaborating with production professionals to create publications.
- Built productive relationships with writers, designers and other professionals to successfully produce monthly publication.
- Formed core of revamp team for True Love EA magazine when it re-launched in May 2010.
Creative Writer
East Africa Magazines
08.2007 - 03.2010
- Created and planned for True Love’s birthday event, a movie premiere.
- Profiled personalities for exclusive interviews.
- Was lead creative writer on the True Love team.
Business Journalist
Nation Media Group
05.2006 - 08.2007
- Formed core team of personal finance journalism when it premiered in Kenya under Money magazine.
- Established myself as business journalist with picture byline as an intern.
- Featured in publication as a female business journalist.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
Education
MA - Communication and Journalism
University of Nairobi,
Nairobi 09.2006 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Hons - Law
Moi University
Eldoret 09.1999 - 11.2003
Women in Leadership -
Strathmore Business School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Business of Fashion Short Course -
Riara University School of Business
08.2013 - 08.2013
Skills
Editorial Policy Making
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Additional Information
- Winner Fashion Journalist/Blogger of the Year 2018 Swahili Fashion Week.
- Jurist at the Riverwood Academy Awards 2018.
- Judge, The Afro Hair Awards (2016 - Present).
- Nominee Fashion Icon of the Year 2017 Mashujaa Awards.
- Winner East African TV Show with Best Fashion Segment 2016 Kenya Fashion Awards
- Winner Best Fashion Segment in Magazines, East Africa 2017.
- Nominee, East African Fashion Journalist of the Year 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018
- Media Fashion Personality of the Year Award 2014, & 2015.
- Named one of the Top 10 Key Players in the Kenyan Fashion industry by Business of Fashion in 2015.
- Panelist at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in July 2015.
- East African Fashion Journalist of the Year 2014.
- DRUM EA 100 Most Influential Personalities in East Africa in 2014.
- Making Of A Mogul - Ladies Edition TV Show MNet Africa Magic aired October 2012. A Pan-African TV show profiling up and coming talent. Nominee, Eve Woman of the Year 2006. Profiled in True Love in 2006 as a business journalist in a male-dominated field.
Quote
Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.
Voltaire
Timeline
Editor-in-Chief
CIO Africa
08.2020 - Current
Deputy Managing Editor
CIO Africa
01.2020 - 07.2020
Head of Legal & Strategy
Kenya Fashion Council
11.2019 - 08.2021
Creative Director
Vivo Activewear
07.2019 - 09.2019
Creative Director
IWO Consultancy
01.2019 - 07.2019
Editor-in-Chief
COUTURE Africa Magazine
05.2018 - 12.2018
Content Creator
Viusasa
01.2018 - 12.2018
Co-Founder
Kenya Fashion Council
11.2017 - Current
Managing Editor
COUTURE Africa Magazine
06.2017 - 04.2018
Board Chair
Kenya Fashion Awards
01.2016 - Current
Panelist, The Fashion Watch
Citizen TV
02.2014 - 07.2018
Business of Fashion Short Course -
Riara University School of Business
08.2013 - 08.2013
Women in Leadership -
Strathmore Business School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Editor-in-Chief
Carole Mandi Media Ltd
11.2010 - 01.2014
Reality TV Judge
Citizen TV
06.2010 - 10.2012
Deputy Editor, True Love EA magazine
Carole Mandi Media Ltd.
05.2010 - 11.2010
Creative Writer
East Africa Magazines
08.2007 - 03.2010
MA - Communication and Journalism
University of Nairobi,
09.2006 - 12.2012
Fashion Journalist
Nation Media Group
05.2006 - Current
Business Journalist
Nation Media Group
05.2006 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Hons - Law
Moi University
09.1999 - 11.2003
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