Authentically Sadie: How Being Yourself Opens Doors

Ever met someone who just lights up a room with their energy and makes you think ‘why can’t I be more like that’? That’s Sadie Gilbert. She’s funny, fearless, and totally herself . She’s juggling two jobs, chasing a dream in journalism, and owning TikTok with zero filters. We’re so excited to share her story because it’s a perfect reminder that being authentic is your superpower

Sadie, take it away!

If you’d told me at school that I’d end up with a degree in journalism, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I wasn’t the most academic kid, in fact, I had to stick around an extra year at sixth form just to get the grades to even apply for uni. I never really thought I was clever enough, but somehow my stubborn optimism and a whole lot of hard work pushed me through.

Funny enough, journalism wasn’t something I ever planned on doing. When I first saw the course at Liverpool John Moores, it felt exciting and new, something different to try. I’d actually failed media studies at A level, so it was a bit of a surprise! But I’ve always loved chatting to people, and maybe I’m a bit too optimistic sometimes (okay, definitely overconfident), but it’s worked out so far. I was lucky to have teachers who saw potential in me when I couldn’t always see it myself.

Moving from the Isle of Man to Liverpool was a whole new world. I absolutely loved the city, it opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed. But it wasn’t always easy. Coming from a working-class family meant I had to juggle uni with working as a cleaner to pay the bills. Cleaning might not sound glamorous, but honestly, I loved it. It gave me confidence and independence, and I got to know the city while travelling around on my own.

Some moments still stand out like they happened yesterday. Like the time I got to speak on BBC Radio Merseyside with Linda McDermott. I’ve always dreamed of being a radio presenter, and that felt like a big step towards that dream. Another proud moment was landing my job at Media IOM. Writing for Gef The Mongoose was something I’d always wanted to do, so it felt like a real win.

Life hasn’t been without its challenges though. Balancing two jobs here on the island, working at The Terrace Chippy and at Media IOM, is tricky. I want to give my all to both, but sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. And money’s always been tight, university was a huge financial strain, and paying rent was a constant worry. Thankfully, the university helped me out when I really needed it, which was a huge relief.

I’m also thinking about getting tested for ADHD. I often get overwhelmed and procrastinate, like with this interview! It’s something I’m passionate about because ADHD is so often missed in women, and I want to understand myself better.

What do I love about my job? Meeting interesting people and learning new things every day. I’m constantly educating myself and love diving into different perspectives. Working in a newsroom full of men feels like a secret mission to Mars sometimes, but I’m all for it. I want to give a voice to people and shine a light on topics that matter, especially feminist issues. I look up to Rhian Evans at Media IOM, she’s a go-to when I’m struggling to find the right words.

My advice to other women? Always be authentically yourself. People might think you’re a bit crazy (I get called nuts a lot), but honestly, my personality has opened more doors than any grades ever could. If you’re supporting yourself financially, save whatever you can, it’s so worth it when you’re starting out. And block out all the noise. Trust your gut. We’re powerful, and it’s time we own that.

Self-esteem is everything, and I’m definitely still working on mine. Positive affirmations and self-care are my go-tos, whether that’s indulging in a sweet treat or soaking in a bubble bath (though full disclosure, bubbles and I don’t always get along, you know what I mean girlies, so I have to keep it low-key!).

Looking ahead, I want to be a household name. I believe I’ve got what it takes, it’s just about being consistent and putting the work in. I want to talk to everyone and anyone because you never know who might help you get where you want to go. A successful YouTube or radio show, maybe a podcast interviewing interesting people, that’d be amazing. Most of all, I want to be happy, content, and comfortable in my own skin. Oh, and I’d love to grow my TikTok following, I really enjoy posting my videos there.

Speaking of TikTok, I started posting just to have somewhere to say whatever I wanted, no filters, no edits. The response has been incredible, so positive and encouraging. It’s freeing to be myself and to be accepted for it. Being authentic has opened so many doors for me, and I know it will keep doing so. So my advice? Do your own thing, and always be yourself.

At Level Up Club, we’re all about celebrating women like Sadie, bold, real, and chasing dreams on their own terms. Her story reminds us that it’s not about perfection, but showing up as your brilliant, messy, unstoppable self. Here’s to more women owning their stories and smashing it in their own unique way!