Preparing for Success, Young Professionals Series: Journalist, Kiana Wilburg

Oct 02, 2022 News

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==The Creators’ Coven==

By Zena Henry

Kaieteur News – Each of us has a journey to fulfill. Sometimes we recognise it, or we don’t. Sometimes we are even aware of what must be done and yet we fail to achieve it for various reasons. I’d like to believe, however, that the majority of us have dreams and aspirations; and for the most part, we strive our best to attain that which we feel will fulfill us most, while at the same time, giving back to the societies that would have nurtured us.

More than anything, as I understand it, fulfillment of our journey here is truly blessed when we are enjoying what it is that we are doing; that is, whatever path we are taking is bringing the satisfaction that we desire. But as some of us would have already found out, satisfaction doesn’t always come easy, or free. Owning one’s business takes work and time, achieving that career didn’t come easy, all those long nights of studying, or intense training; owning your own home didn’t come easy, buying that car was not cheap nor were those two vacations you so desperately needed; but yet you made it happen.

Putting our best foot forward is not always a walk in the park, but luckily some of us have found the remedy. We have been able to apply ourselves, again through hard work and discipline. It takes a lot out of us to do what we must with so many challenges, distractions, hurdles and negativity around. We are demanded to be more than our issues and more than the externals that prevent us from moving forward. As mentioned, some of us have found the remedy and continue to work on ourselves. The fact is that all we need to be successful is already within us- we just need to apply ourselves.

It is a pleasure therefore to highlight some of the progressive young people within our society who continue to apply values in their lives, and work ethics that allow them to keep pushing for success. This week, we feature Journalist Kiana Wilburg, a senior functionary within the Kaieteur News Editorial Department with a main focus on the oil and gas sector. Ms. Wilburg would have entered the media field several years ago, and today is one of the most prominent media names, especially when talking about the oil sector. Of course, it wasn’t always that way for the 30-year-old. Earning her reputation didn’t just come overnight, but with earnest effort.

The Coven asked Ms. Wilburg to let us in. We asked basic, but key questions pertaining to her acceptance of discipline and responsibility which we know play important roles in fulfilling our achievements. We also asked of her application of these qualities as well as how she keeps motivated and releases stress when she has to.

For the Journalist, being disciplined and taking responsibility for herself are key qualities to a long-lasting and enriching career. She said they are qualities at the core of any young person desirous of being their best self. “From an early age, my father, among other key role models, instilled in me the importance of being responsible. He has described it, for as long as I can remember, as being the manifestation of self-accountability and candid introspection. Discipline on the other hand is the practice of putting obedience to principle above the gratification of our innermost wants and desires.”

“To be a responsible, disciplined professional young woman is a pinnacle that I strive to achieve. It is a work in progress and I enjoy it,” she said.

To consciously incorporate such qualities, “There are two key ways that I apply this in my life. One is being a responsible manager of my time, especially with my work. Most recently, I have tried earnestly each week to make it to work earlier than usual. This allows me to plan my work with ease and to ensure when I leave the office at the end of the day- the work does not follow me home. Keeping that separation between my work time and my home time is challenging but also one of the ways I practice being disciplined and responsible.”

Another key way that I apply these principles is in setting boundaries with people who are intent on injecting negative energies into my space. “It is in my view, that it is irresponsible to not protect your mental space and your energies,” the Journalist highlighted.

She noted that one thing learnt throughout her 10-plus years in the media is that motivation is a feeling that comes and goes. “There are days when I simply have no interest in typing a syllable much less completing my daily production. What gets me to complete the task at hand is my reverence for discipline. I also believe that every young professional should have something that defines them; that they should be known for. For me, it has always been my work ethic. Keeping this intact as my trademark is what keeps me going when the motivational spark eludes me. I am also a very competitive person. I compete with myself to be better than I did the month before, and again, this returns to the point of being responsible.”

“As to my rewards, I have honestly never taken a conscious decision to reward myself for my efforts. I have however taken extended periods to engage in long hours of rest on the weekends, binge-watch my favourite shows with a bottle of wine and snacks, or taking a drive around the city. I am a lover of the simple pleasures of life,” she said.

If you are a progressive young person, self-made or just forging ahead in your endeavours and would like to be featured in the Creators’ Coven, please email me at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

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