In my not-so-subtle opinion this charismatic boss lady is the epitome of role model material. Her wise words and down-to-earth views are super grounding, in a good way of course. You may know Lee ‘Stampsy’ Stamps from K Rock radio’s ‘The Departure Lounge’ or you may have seen her emcee an event or two. Why did I ask her to be on the blog? Because she doesn’t follow the crowd and that is something to look up to. In a world with so much insecurity and fear of being seen as “different” (especially the easy trap of reliance on social media for validation) it’s a breath of fresh air to read someone presenting the life we are all aware of BUT don’t see much of on our Instagram feed. So enough intro reading, grab a cup of tea, put your dog on your lap and get a good dose of guidance below.
What does a typical day look like for Stampsy?
Working in the media and radio industry means there is no ‘typical’ day. Every day is different and chaotic and exciting and exhausting. Then you wake up and do it all again the next day! There are days I’m so exhausted I sleep through my alarm, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve begun starting my day with my Archangel Michael shout out for energy protection. (This was a little tip from Naturally Yours By Isabel when I had my cards read recently and it’s already been a game-changer). I have a workout with Karl, Jess, Jayden and the team at BodyFit Geelong West. Exercise keeps my mind sharp and my emotions in check. It’s also a great way to have a chat with my beautiful friend Kirsty. I walk to work most days and get my coffee from the barista legends at The Courtyard on the way in.
I’m the CHR (think hit music) Network Music Director. I schedule and manage 8 stations across the country for the Grant Broadcasting Network. I’m the co-host of K rock’s drive show 'The Departure Lounge' alongside my work hubby Josh. Within that I produce the show, coordinating interviews and content.
On the ‘average’ (and I use that word very loosely) K Rock Geelong workday, I’d check through emails and search for interview opportunities and new music additions for our playlist. I’d schedule a music playlist or two for the network. I chat with record companies about upcoming releases and promotional opportunities. On a good day, I’d sneak out of the office for a quick bite to eat. Then it’s Drive Show plan time. We might pre-record some interviews depending on the talent’s availabilities. People often ask, ‘how do you come up with things to talk about?’. TBH most of the time we shelve ideas because there is so much in the news locally or happening in our lives. Then we’re live across Geelong and the Surf Coast from 4 pm with 'The Departure Lounge'.
You have a career filled with so much creativity, how did it all begin?
When I was 15, I did work experience at a Community Radio Station. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do once I finished school and, in a way, I feel radio found me. I spent the week reading the weather, reorganizing the music library (it was still carts, CDs and vinyl) and writing copy. That’s where I had a lightbulb moment. “People get paid to talk?!?”. After the initial work experience, I continued presenting and producing two radio shows a week at Plenty Valley FM throughout my VCE.
I completed a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting at Wodonga TAFE. It introduced me to people in the industry and landed me my first paid job at Star FM Albury (now HIT). I started in Commercial Production, coordinating producers and making ads. I discovered very quickly that I couldn’t be contained in a 5m x 5m studio for 9 hours a day, so I moved into the role of Promotions Manager at the same station. I moved to Launceston with the same role and then to QLD (Sunshine Coast and Townsville) to assist in launching new stations. After a couple of turning points, I was accepted in the role of Breakfast Announcer at Star FM Gippsland (now HIT) fulfilling my lifetime dream of being on-air full time. After a few years, I took up a role in Hobart which then lead me to where I am today in Geelong. Where has the last 5 years gone!
Radio is a transient industry. Often you must move where the work is or where the opportunities allow you to develop and move up. I have seen so much of the country however it has come at a cost. I’ve missed family milestones and important occasions however my life has been more adventurous than I’d ever planned.
“For the record, today I have jeans on. I feel like I’m winning at life.” Signed off by you on a REALLY boss post on Instagram. Your social media is refreshingly real, and it challenges the superficial ‘perfection’ on these platforms that many people feel pressure to compete with. What is your take on social media and what would you say to someone who is struggling mentally with it?
Firstly, thank you for your kind words. It has taken me years to be truly honest with myself and become vocal with my beliefs and values on this. I’m tired of miscommunication and perception across the media and social media platforms. There are too many influencers in the media and on social media who say they are ‘real’, but they aren’t upfront. They are the real they want to be perceived to be. There give an unreal expectation of the hard work and sacrifice, and unsustainable commitment and it leads to an entitled era of social climbers. It was starting to piss me off.
What I didn’t expect was the wave of support I received after that two-part post. It gave me more than just warm fuzzy feels. It showed me that by talking openly and honestly, I would find likeminded people who share my values and expand my tribe. That is important on the days I feel isolated and alone, exhausted and withdrawn.
I hope to show people that you can continue to learn and grow and develop in your 30’s and beyond. You can be kind and respectful however you don’t need to align yourself with people or things you don’t agree with just because you can’t say no. I have been my biggest critic, withholding my own strength and my own self-worth either from fear of being ‘unpopular’ or prioritizing others before my own happiness.
I would say that you just have to do what’s right for you. Never apologize for doing what’s right for your own state of mind. On the flip side, be respectful to those who don’t agree with you. You may lose one or two from your social network, but it will make room for people who will enrich your life and fill your cup.
Surround yourself and your eyeballs with healthy images. Have trust in people’s word however you are allowed to ask questions. Ask yourself if there are deeper motives or expectations from what you’re seeing or reading. And the big one I am living right now… stay in your own lane. Look around, take it all in but keep running your own race.
You’ve spoken previously about putting your all into your work, so much so that it can come at a cost to your health. How do you find a happy medium between work and pleasure?
Yeah, this was a big one. It’s taken many years of reflection, reevaluation, speaking with professionals, losing relationships and hospital visits to get to where I am today. As I said, media is erratic and busy and exciting, and it can be long hours. At work, I’ve learned to let go of things that don’t need to be done or done right then and now. I’m trying to be kinder to myself and laugh more.
The news cycle is 24 hours which means you never really switch off. If I read something, hear something or if something happens to me on the street, I make a note in my phone to chat about in our show planning. Our station holds events and supports organizations so there are times I have to host or attend to commitments outside of work hours. I am blessed to be invited to launches and celebrations which I am very grateful to accept. However, time is a commodity and I’ve had to learn to invest more in myself. This does not means being less supportive of others, it’s more about being smarter with my time and prioritizing my commitments.
I have learned to read my body and the signs it is giving me. I slow down when I feel aches and pains coming on. I politely decline invitations when I feel a black fog coming over me through exhaustion or depression. I give myself a break and some slack when I skip the gym or don’t change out of my pj's until 1 pm on a Sunday. And if I eat chocolate… well so what! (Cocoa Beans are a seed and seeds are good for you, right?)
You get to meet a lot of very talented musicians through your work on K-Rock, who has been the most memorable?
OMG this is a tough one. I am really blessed to have met and spoken to people who are passionate about their craft. That includes big names and local artists. (Sam Hanson, I’m looking at you!)
The most memorable….? Ok, you’re going to make me choose one. I will have to say, Julia Michaels. I have been a fan of hers for some time. She is an incredible lyrist and spokesperson for women finding their voice and strength. She shows young people it’s ok to be vulnerable and scared but to stay strong.
She was in the country at the start of 2019 on tour and I was fortunate enough to interview her for our Night show, The Random 30 Countdown. We sat in her hotel room in Melbourne for 15 minutes and talked life and family and music. Her single ‘Anxiety’ had just been released and it really spoke to me. I thanked her for releasing a song that spoke so openly and with such honesty. I am someone who struggles with depression and anxiety and that song I believe helped break down stigmas and open lines of discussion for many young people. I also had the opportunity to give her a little gift. I had brought back worry dolls from Mexico and gifted her one. Her family are from there and she was blown away with the sentimental token of appreciation.
if you were to pick one challenging thing you come across in the music industry what would it be?
Just one? LOL. It’s the same for musicians and for radio presenters. An overnight success takes 10 years or more. It’s also not maintained once it’s earned. You have to keep working on your craft. You have to be consistent and you have to find a healthy balance of patience and persistence. Many people think that talent alone will make them successful. You have to know your worth and have the discipline to see it through.
Network like a boss, however, build and cultivate a relationship first. A partnership should not just be what that person can do for you. Nurture a respectful relationship and that will build the foundations of any future successful partnerships.
Also, you need to put yourself in front of others. It’s ok to have confidence and believe in your ability. There are so many platforms to discover artists now. It could be on streaming platforms or YouTube or busking on the street. So, make yourself present and value each opportunity. You don’t know where it will lead next.
What values are for you the most important to live by in life?
My foundation is always love and trust. I keep my nearest and dearest safe by knowing I am a harbor for them to be themselves without judgement. I always have an ear to listen.
I believe in hard work. I know I should promote myself and my abilities more, however, I have never backed down from a challenge or tough work. I believe you should walk the talk. Success is driven by actions and not just words. That is how you earn respect.
In my industry, I believe no one is more important than anyone else. Ruby at Reception is just as integral to the business as Kate in Sales, Adam in News and Ben in Creative. Our street team members are on the streets more than we are and are often the face of our brand. I have been in that role and I know how hard they work. I see everyone as equal.
This is the big one. I believe it’s ok to reassess your values and your beliefs as you grow. As priorities and situations change, you are allowed and can give yourself permission to change. I read in the gym recently “You are not under any obligation to be the same person you were 5 minutes ago”. I love that.
You are a very big supporter of the local businesses and initiatives, you’ve been a massive support for Surf Coast Trek having taken on the role of their ambassador in the past, what do you love most about the community?
2020 will be my 5th Surf Coast trek. It’s incredible and empowering to know I’ve walked 200kms for the Give Where You Live and Kids Plus Foundation. For me and my schedule, I find committing to one day in March / April incredibly rewarding. It’s outdoors and aligns with my beliefs and is a great way to stay focused on my own health goals.
Whether it’s supporting the launch for a new local business, sharing a post, using my face for a campaign such as the WorkSafe Geelong Reflections campaign or hosting an event such as the Give Where You Live Administration Breakfast, it’s a small part I can do to help.
I love to support people, businesses and organizations. The Geelong community has been extremely generous to me. I have built a wonderful tribe around me who are incredibly supportive of one another. I have made some rewarding connections and been involved in such humbling generosity. As a fellow community member, the least I can do is nurture and support others through lending my voice or lending my time to others. Everyone can lead in some way. It is not always possible through money, but it could be done through business donations or volunteering or time.
I lost my confidence in my ability in radio and lost relationships when I moved from Hobart to Geelong. I had suffered heartbreak, relationship breakdowns, bullying and mental health issues in a small space of time. The Geelong community was patient and kind and restored my faith in people and my industry. I feel it’s my time to say thank you and start to really live again. I also love meeting new people. They are incredible inspirations for me.
Lastly, you’ve found yourself in the world of Aladdin and Will Smith has asked you to make three wishes, what would they be?
The first wish would be for us ladies. I think we’d all shout in unison an AMEN to eating our weight in chocolate without any physical ramifications. Secondly for all humanity, I’d wish for a world where no one would go hungry and everyone would have a roof over their heads. And selfishly for my third wish, I’d ask for unlimited frequent flyer miles to travel to all the countries I’m still yet to explore. There is so much of the globe to see and my bank account is sad.
Insta: @lee_stamps
Twitter: @only1stampsy
Catch Stampsy on K Rock's The Departure Lounge 4-6pm weekdays