Tell us a bit about yourself...
I’m Frankie, the co-founder and radio manager of foundation.fm.
How did you get into what you do?
It’s a classic story really, I started in radio at university, went to Global Radio and worked at Capital Xtra, 1Xtra and more. But it was outside of this 9-5 where I was able to be involved with grassroots radio stations like Transmission Roundhouse and Radar. I saw the world of online radio and all the options it gave me and started to really love radio and what I could create. I was also talking to a lot of women in nightlife and music who felt like there was a lack of space for us. Myself and my co-founder sat one day and asked, “why not?” And we haven’t looked back since!
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by all the amazing women, queer, non-binary folk and collectives I’m surrounded by at foundation.fm. We all encourage, champion and support one another. Plus, seeing these people find their stride and their place is really inspiring and exciting.
What does being a creative mean to you?
Not waiting for permission and pushing forward with my ideas. I love that I get to come up with new creative ideas and work together on them with other people, seeing where it takes us.
What biases have you faced in your career?
Personally and professionally, I think the main issue has been people not taking me “seriously” and taking me out of the equation or conversation. Especially being a young woman in the music industry. Often, I found myself being the only women in the room which can be isolating and intimidating. Luckily, I’ve found a great support group and team and I do have a lot of privilege, so I‘ve been able to make and take space.
What biases have you faced in life?
Being creative, I feel like the school system doesn’t always support and encourage young people who don’t tick certain boxes. I feel like a lot of people have felt not good enough or not clever. But I’m grateful that to have a few guiding lights who made me feel like it was okay not to be academic and that the path I was on wasn’t a bad one.
What's your proudest moment to date?
I’m really proud of the whole foundation.fm family. That it exists and that people who are at the station grow and evolve here was the dream and it’s come true.
