Rosemary Laryea

Before she became a radio broadcaster, Rosemary had built a successful career in the IT industry as a consultant. Her job involved long hours and lots of travel, demonstrating software solutions to various companies in the UK and abroad. The role called for great communication skills, always one of Rosemary’s strengths. Yet she never dreamt that the same skills she used in the boardroom would one day lead her to entertain and inform thousands of listeners as a broadcaster.

Eventually Rosemary began to think about having children, and realised it would be difficult to fit quality time with her children around the long and demanding hours her job required. So she left her job in software to have children and be a full-time mum.

Once her children were in school, Rosemary began to wonder if there might be a different use for the presentation skills she’d honed for years pitching to company executives. She had always had a passion for media, but it was the Women’s Radio Group that helped her develop the skills she’d need to set herself up as a broadcaster.

Rosemary’s training with the group was a big success, and she started contributing weekly shows on her local radio station soon after. A regular slot with Colourful Radio came a month later.

Rosemary received invaluable support and encouragement from Gordon Mac, legendary broadcaster and founder of both Colourful Radio and Kiss FM. When he asked Rosemary to start doing four shows a week on Colourful Radio, she admits she couldn’t say yes quickly enough!

Rosemary has found her role as a broadcaster and commentator (she also writes a parenting column for Pride magazine) very different to her previous career. She loves the fact that Colourful Radio has been so supportive of her commitments as a parent, and really enjoys the lively but professional atmosphere.