This time next week, Pauline Fraser may be feeling a little nervous as she prepares to take to the stage.
And who can blame her, for Pauline will be cast into the spotlight in front of more than 200 people, as The Society Awards prepare to go live for the first time in three years.
But Pauline believes that nerves are a good thing, and there is no doubt that she will once again make a fabulous host for The Society Awards 2022, in association with Aberdeen Inspired.
If our sponsors and finalist reception is anything to go by, we’re in for a fantastic night at Sandman Signature in Aberdeen, with winners set to be revealed on November 10.
The awards were of course set up to celebrate and reward the hard work of independent businesses across the food and drink industry, alongside retail, wellbeing and lifestyle sectors.
Whilst it has been all change with new categories and fresh faces on the judging panel, we’ve kept things traditional with our marvelous host.
Well known both on screen and on the presenting circuit, Pauline has been the gracious host since the awards were launched three years ago.
From presenting the awards virtually when the event was held on screen during the pandemic, to getting her big break on radio after leaving school, we caught up with Pauline and found out some secrets of the trade.
“I started off in the media industry by working at Northsound, right from where I left school,” said Pauline, who is currently juggling her biggest challenge yet.
She has recently become a mum for the first time, and granted herself three weeks maternity leave before returning to work as a PR expert.
“I had been trying to get a job in media for so long, but everyone was fobbing me off,” she said.
“No one wanted to give me the opportunity, but I somehow managed to get through to the managing director at Northsound.
“He asked me when my last exam was, and told me to come in the day after.
Pauline will never forget her humble beginning, after she made teas and coffees on sports desk and also helped out with the advertising team.
Ever determined, she then studied journalism at Aberdeen College and came into Northsound in her spare time.
“I was also a part-time waitress, and I worked for free in the newsroom on my days off,” she said.
Pauline’s big break was to come when she was awarded The Charlie Allan prize for radio journalism.
Allan was sports editor at The Evening Express for 27 years, and is most well known for successfully lobbying to improve the standard of pies at football matches.
“After I graduated I did some freelance work for the BBC, and also worked at the Deeside Piper newspaper in Banchory for two years,” said Pauline.
“Then I went to what was then known as Grampian TV.”
Pauline spent seven years in the industry before going on to form her own PR company, which, at its peak, had two offices and 10 staff.
She believes her experience presenting on TV, stood her in good stead for the presenting circuit.
“One of the first events I did was for Enterprise North East Trust, and once you’ve got yourself on the circuit it just goes from there,” said Pauline.
“The trades awards could get pretty wild.
“Especially in the construction industry, where staff sometimes finished at lunchtime on a Friday and had a few drinks before the evening started.
“There was a really good party atmosphere, but it could sometimes get interesting to try and keep people focused.”
Pauline does have one trick up her sleeve however, and you might be surprised by its simplicity.
“I am a great believer in the shushing technique, when you gently shhh through the microphone,” she said.
“I never hold up the evening, but I do say ‘can I have your attention please.’
“I don’t start until I have the attention of most people in the room.”
As for The Society Awards, well Pauline has a soft spot and who could blame her.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting back on that stage, and having interaction with people again,” she said.
“There’s nothing quite like a live audience.
“The Society Awards is such great fun, and there are so many different businesses all in one room.
“It will be lovely to see people face to face, I can’t wait.”
Neither can we, rest assured we are in safe hands with Pauline leading the way.
To find out more about the awards, from the shortlist to the judges, head to https://www.dctevents.com/event/societyawards/