The Path Series - Spotlight on Zainab Boladale

Journalist. Presenter. Author. Trailblazer.

In this edition of The Path Series, we sit down with Zainab Boladale, an award-winning journalist, television presenter, and author who has redefined what visibility and authenticity look like in Irish media. From becoming the first person of African heritage to present a news programme on RTÉ to publishing her debut novel Braids Take a Day, Zainab has built a career anchored in impact, empathy, and unapologetic persistence.

Can you tell us about yourself, your current role, and a brief overview of your career

to date?

I'm a Nigerian-Irish journalist, television presenter, author, and public speaker. Currently, I work as a presenter and reporter on RTÉ's Nationwide, a long-standing factual feature programme. In this role, I travel across Ireland to highlight human-focused and community-based stories. In 2024, I published my debut young adult novel, Braids Take a Day, with The O’Brien Press and I’m currently working on my second YA novel, slated for 2026.

Check Out Zainab's Books

What was your first job, and what lessons from that experience still influence you

today?

My first job was as a student ambassador for a digital-only bank during my first year in college. I led a small team and we visited colleges to encourage account signups. At the time, it felt like a huge responsibility. After that job, almost every role I’ve had has involved engaging with people and getting them to connect with what I’m saying.

Did you have a career plan starting out?

I wouldn’t say I had a plan but I was very clear on what I wanted. Journalism can be an incredibly competitive field and I was well aware of that from the start.

I wrote for my college newspaper in first year, pitched myself to newsrooms and took any opportunity to get published. One of my earliest professional experiences was writing the “news in brief” section for ‘The Clare People’ newspaper during the summer of 2015. 

I started applying for jobs in my second year and in my final year of college, I won ‘Student Journalist of The Year’. Basically, I worked hard early on as I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.

How do you define success, personally and professionally?

For me, success is building a legacy of work that brings you joy, work that makes your soul light up. 

Professionally, I define success as creating impact and leaving something behind that inspires others. 

What pivotal moments have shaped your career?

The most recent pivotal moment in my career occurred when my debut novel, ‘Braids Take a Day’, was nominated for An Post Irish Book Awards in the 'YA Book Of The Year' category in 2024. For my first book to receive such significant recognition for its cultural impact truly affirmed that I'm on the right track in my professional journey.

If you had the chance to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every choice I’ve made in my career, especially the uncertain ones full of risk has shaped how I approach life and work today. 

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Quick Fire Round

Morning routine in one word:

Coffee

One book that changed how you lead:

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received:

“If you stay ready, you never have to get ready!”

One thing people misunderstand about leadership:

Some of the best leaders I’ve worked with have led with empathy and sincerity. True leadership, to me, is about meeting people where they are and creating a space for rewarding collaborative work.

Your go-to way to recharge:

Yoga, beach walks, drawing, or sitting in the sun with a good book.