Tamara Dhia hosted the revival of MTV’s iconic “TRL” before heading to E! News where she serves as a Guest Correspondent covering award shows, red carpets and celebrity interviews.
She also sits in as a pop culture and music expert on the live show “Daily Pop.”
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’m a TV Host/producer who initially started in the digital space as a news anchor for Complex before being tapped to host the revival of the classic MTV show “TRL.”
Currently I freelance with E! News as a guest correspondent doing celebrity interviews and covering red carpets.
Aside from that I produce original TV content from pitches to execution and also serve as a consultant for a multitude of lifestyle brands. So pretty much I’m a hustler.
2) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
As a freelancer my schedule changes from day to day. Today for example, I woke up and got my workout in. I’m currently in production on a TV pilot, so I spent most of my morning sending emails and nailing down logistics for the shoots this week.
I work with a lot of brands for my social media, so later today I have a photoshoot scheduled for one of those brands.
Following that I have another shoot scheduled as I am hosting content for a digital app that focuses on lifestyle, sneakers and streetwear fashion. My days might change but the hustle never does.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Yes, freelancing allows me to manage my own schedule for the most part but it kills any opportunity for a vacation.
As a freelancer it’s tough to take time off and travel out of state when you risk losing the opportunity for potential earned income.
While I do prefer this lifestyle as I am essentially my own boss in many respects, I’m still working on how to balance it all honestly.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?
You need to find an anchor to your day as a freelancer. When you work a 9-5, you know when you have to be into the office, when you’re lunch break is, etc.
Everyday is different for me, so I use fitness as my anchor. I wake up, work out and then start my day from there. I think routine is important especially when there is nothing routine about what you do for a living.
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5) What does work life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
I’m still learning this. I work a lot, it’s always been how I operate. But I sincerely believe that balance is important in everything you do.
There is so much stimulus coming at us in any given day that it’s impossible not to internalize everything but as humans we need breaks. You need to recharge, otherwise you will burn out.
6) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
Honestly fitness has been the best habit I have cultivated. When I hosted TRL, it was an hour-long live television show, so the stakes and pressure were really high.
It was necessary for me to decompress everyday which is how I ultimately found hot yoga. It helps calm my mind and keeps you in shape so you get a multitude of benefits.
Also, the best business advice I can give is always follow-up. Whether it’s an email, a phone call or text. Doesn’t matter. If you meet someone new, or have a meeting, or share an idea, always follow-up!
That’s how things go from being just a conversation to an execution, and at the very least it shows you have manners.
7) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
I have 2 books in my collection that I always find myself re-reading:
They are both so fantastic and I find new lessons in them every time.
8) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
I write everything down. Everything. Every little task you do in your day, from your workout to your errands to your appointments, I write them all day and check them all off one by one.
At the end of the day when you have 30 items checked off, you not only have a visual aid to your progress but it just makes you feel really damn good about yourself like “Damn, I was productive as hell today. Go me!”
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
It’s all trial and error at the end of the day. What might work for me may not work for you and vice versa. But I would say work on better self-talk.
If you are still struggling with work-life balance you are not alone! Give yourself the lee-way to figure it out and celebrate every small win.
Seriously, I will literally pat myself on the back if I make even the tiniest positive progress. No one has it all figured out, some people are just better at pretending they do.
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