See.Think.Do. with Lape Olarinoye
Hey Lape. Whereabouts are you right now?
I’m currently stuck at home in self isolation after returning from holiday, and boy is it extremely boring and tedious, especially with the lovely weather at the moment!
What (if anything) is getting you excited right now?
I think like everyone else, returning to some form of normality and I’m eagerly waiting for July 19th for everything to be open.
Tell us about your journey into becoming a journalist? What inspired you to become one and when did you take that first big / small step?
I’ve always been very vocal and thoroughly enjoyed debating as a child and then as an adult. Initially I was gearing this character trait towards a career in law, but that quickly changed as I thought it would be very boring, especially as I come from a family of lawyers. The next best thing for me was journalism, and so I channeled all my energy into that career path. My first step was when I had the opportunity to train as a video journalist at a local London channel. I excelled at the role and that propelled me into many opportunities in the world of broadcast journalism.
What’s been your highlight to date?
Well there are a few, but the best I’d say was when I did an investigative piece on mental health and suicide in part of west Africa. A week after its broadcast the substance contributing to the increased rates of suicide was banned by the body responsible for its distribution.
THINK.
What have you learnt in the last 12 months, that you could apply to your next challenge/goal?
I think the most important thing I’ve learnt in the last 12 months is being able to adapt and reinvent yourself. We have all been forced into doing this, and being able to survive and sustain myself in the last year has really taught me that I have the ability to overcome and achieve both challenges and goals in the future.
What’s been inspiring you recently?
The way everyone has managed to show so much resilience in the last year, from the healthcare system, to working lifestyles, and even new ways of socialising despite limited contact.
How do you think about mental health and what helps you manage it?
I treat my mental health and that of others with the utmost priority. The best way I manage is by talking, I wholeheartedly support talking as therapy. Bottling matters of the mind only worsens things and being able to vent, cry and have a listening ear is very soothing. 
DO.
Any bad habits you’d like to kick?
Yeah definitely eating meat, I really want to be able to convert fully into a plant based vegan.
How will you measure “success” in 10 years' time?
Well definitely not by material things, but instead the lives I have impacted, and of course knowing that I’ve achieved the majority of the goals I set out for myself now.
What’s the next adventure?
Well, as well as the adventures that come with practical journalism I’ll also be starting a new venture where I’ll be teaching Journalism and Media Production to undergraduates at the University of East London .
Lape Recommends
Top Local Spot: Ikoyi - a restaurant in central London that puts a spin on traditional African dishes with a great ambience and of course great service.
Watch out for: A online social commentary production by yours truly coming to your screen soon.
Best new thing: For those who love a series, Lupin season 2 is out and is the best new thing on Netflix, thank me later.
Smallest change/ biggest impact: For me it would be reading hard copies more, I noticed I had not touched a hard copy of any book for years. The change has meant I’m less distracted and it’s also a form of unwinding and meditation for me which I love.
Your message in a bottle: Experience is the best teacher.
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What's Doing at Days
Doing: Yoga
Wearing: Waterproofs
Planning: Events
Counting down until: 19th July
Listening to: Radio Headspace
