‘Career highlights’ come in all shapes and sizes

What’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to you?!!

That’s a big question isn’t it?

When New Order’s ‘True Faith’ came on Spotify this morning, I was instantly transported back to an evening in 1987. It’s Saturday 29th August. I’m nineteen years old. It’s 5.30pm, I’m in Studio 1A in BBC Essex’s studios in New London Road, Chelmsford. I’m seated at the control desk, I’ve opened the fader that starts up the turntable, those tell-tale beats to True Faith start-up, next I open up the microphone fader and say ‘Welcome to Revolver, I’m Ian Sanders…’ and then over the intro I let listeners know what’s coming up in today’s show. I just manage to close the fader before Bernard Sumner sings that line, ‘I feel so extraordinary, something’s got a hold of me…’

Just nineteen years old and in control of a real life radio show. Choosing my own records, co-hosting a show, interviewing a few popstars, driving the control desk!

It was definitely a pinch yourself moment. Because just a couple of years before this, I’m playing at being a radio DJ in my bedroom. And now I’m doing it for real. Since I first used to listen to Radio Luxembourg under the bedcovers I have dreamed of this moment. And in a mix of right place, right time and sheer perseverance, I got through a selection process and have been recruited - and trained how to operate the desk - to work on the BBC Essex ‘youth’ show Revolver. Okay it’s unpaid, but I still feel like the luckiest dude in Essex.

Just imagine how that felt.

Let that sink in.

Yes, I can put my hand on my heart and say that was the one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.

I know it can be powerful to reflect on those early career stories, the experiences that have shaped us. When I reflect back now I realise that the 1987 Ian is not unlike the 2023 Ian: happy to be in front of the microphone, creative, independent, curious, playful, comfortable out of his comfort zone, always learning.

So yes, ‘Career Highlights’ come in different shapes and sizes. Not always in the form of a big promotion or reaching a pinnacle. Sometimes they can come at the start of our journey. And often the memories that are the most meaningful occur when we can see the connection between who we were then and who we are now.

And what’s more, teenage dreams can come true. You just need some true faith…