10 Questions with ... Michelle Younkman

If you could summarize your career journey into one word what would that word be and why?

Eventful...looking back over my career, there are many highs and lows. I appreciate the highs so much more because I’ve experienced the lows. Through it all, God has been faithful.

Share a challenging part of your career that you grew from.

I’ve had the pleasure of working on both sides of our industry…radio and records. Bringing those two loves together has been a dream. But, I’m not an event person. What a challenge trying to understand that world! I remember when I first started with CMB and looked at our Disney contract. I was in shock! I had no idea that conference food costs so much!

Some really good advice you recently received was…

You have to invest in yourself before you can invest in others. So true, but easier said than done, I try to make self-care a priority each day.

How do you continue learning and growing?

I think it is imperative as a leader to continue to learn and grow. Reading, listening to podcasts, watching webinars, researching...not just being a passive listener, but learning to put things into practice. More importantly, for me, listening to those around me makes me a better person.

What’s one thing you wish you’d known about your job when you first started?

We do everything we can to serve the radio community, but at the end of the day, it is truly impossible to please everyone. I’ve tried and unfortunately, it doesn’t work.

Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

There are many, many people in our industry that I highly respect. Today that person is Sandi Brown. She’s incredibly wise, humble, funny, dedicated...I could go on and on. She’s a remarkable person, and it has been an honor to know her for 20+ years.

What would surprise most people to find out about you?

My family has fostered over 40 children since 2011.

What's your favorite room at home and why?

I'm a 9 on the Enneagram, so I love my bed!

What’s something that you’re looking forward to?

Momentum 2022!!! June 1 - 3. I’d like to say that it can’t come soon enough, but I’ve still got a lot of work to do!

What do you do to chill out?

Go for a run. Okay...I walk too. That always clears my mind, but more importantly, it gives me uninterrupted time with Jesus.