Follow along and read PART 2 of the Lionel Moise interview. Get some career and life lessons courtesy of this Kreyolicious achiever. Lionel Moise holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina, and is a morning anchor at CBS Chicago. The son of Haitian parents, Moise was born in Miami and graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Psychology from the University of Miami. Go Canes!
His career launched with internships at two Miami TV stations. From there, he worked in Haiti for the Clinton Foundation before moving on as a producer and reporter in Atlanta, and then to South Carolina as an anchor for News 19.
If you missed Part 1, CLICK HERE.
Read on as Lionel Moise discusses entrepreneurship, and dishes career advice.
K. St. Fort: You founded Sock Concierge. Do you think that one day—at one point in your career—you’ll leave broadcasting to pursue entrepreneurship full-time?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and that the time that we launched the company—it just felt right. I had just gotten my MBA- and wanted to focus on things even outside of work that would interest me. I really love journalism and TV- so I don’t see myself leaving it. It’s been amazing! But I would love to continue to focus on launching businesses that solve a problem for consumers—but also challenge me in different ways. I think that going through this process also gave me more perspective when covering stories that affect small businesses and the economy. So it’s been a unlikely yet great pairing for my broadcasting career.
K. St. Fort: What are some books that you have in your collection that you’ll never donate, or let anyone borrow, or part with…in any kind of way? What did you learn from each of them?
Believe it or not—it’s the Harry Potter series. I have plenty of motivational and self-help books that have given great advice. But that’s all too serious. J.K. Rowling was the first author who inspired me to even want to read 800 pages of anything in a day. While I’m a lot older than I was when I read the series, the books still lighten my mood. We have so many serious decisions to make every day, we’re hearing of the bad things happening around us—and it can really take a toll. Almost like a never ending cycle of trying to reach a goal, while also being in the moment. It’s always a reminder to just take a second a relax—and not try to solve all of your problems in one second. Even Harry Potter waited seven years in the series for his victory. If I ever feel down, one is just a few feet away.
With co-host Marissa inside the CBS Chicago newsroom.
K. St. Fort: Do you have any advice for those out there who love the idea of being a television journalist, but who are camera-shy? Like, in terms of getting over it.
I say go for it. I’ve learned we can be the biggest roadblock for our success. I has no clue that I would be a journalist. In fact, I grew up wanting to be a doctor. Initially, it was a steep learning curve. I knew nothing about the industry, and had not worked on growing in broadcasting since it was never a goal of mine (I was busy thinking of the kind of doctor I wanted to be). The coolest thing about this job—is that you learn so much on the job. In the beginning, I hated my voice, my writing, my delivery, my weight, the way my clothes fit. With a little patience and a lot of work—I feel we all naturally fall into our style and beging improving so quickly. It’s hard to even watch video from just two years ago because I can see the growth. And I may be a big-mouth on TV, but I am also a very shy person naturally. I would say stay focused, don’t overthink it, and spend a lot of time talking to yourself in the mirror—feels weird, but gets you comfortable.
K. St. Fort: Do you visit Haiti often? How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?
I have not gotten a chance to visit Haiti since my time there after the earthquake working for the Clinton Foundation. It’s something I think about every day. I would love to go back to visit or work on projects helping those in need. In the meantime, I stay connected by trying to stay as close to family as possible. Learning about the culture, hearing the music, and of course—enjoying the food.
K. St. Fort: What advice do you have for students graduating in December? Do you think they have a disadvantage over those who graduated in the Spring?
I actually think you’re at an advantage. It may not be the time that most people think of graduating—but at least you’re not competing with the wave of May grads looking to land that first job you want so bad. You can use it to your advantage to really brand and differentiate yourself from others in the job market. And again, be patient—but don’t give up. There are so many opportunities out there—and this is a demanding yet extremely rewarding career.
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