-
10 Questions with ... Channah Hanberg
May 23, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
1. Share a moment in your career that you’ll always remember.
I think for MOST of us March 2020, when lockdown from COVID was announced, would be a moment we will never forget. I thought it would last two weeks, not two years. God had been working behind the scenes on me for MONTHS before this moment. In December 2019, I was serving as the GSM of SPIRIT 105.3 and KCIS. After about six months of mentoring with my VP, God woke me up multiple nights in a row speaking to me and encouraging me to ask if I could step into the GM role for SPIRIT 105.3 and KCIS in the new year. This request felt a little premature, seeing as my VP’s plan was to give me the opportunity for this role after an additional six months of training. As scary as it was, we both listened to God, and I was promoted to the role of GM in January of 2020. Little did I know that our whole work environment would be turned upside down and my first year of being GM would be the most challenging, but fulfilling, year of my career. Because I obeyed what God asked me to do, He used me in that year to make decisions on sustainability for our stations, work with the essential staff and remote staff on a cohesive plan, and to create a work environment that still brought us together in unity, even during times of separation.
2. If you weren’t working in radio what else do you think you’d do?
I don’t think other jobs would challenge me as much! BUT if I had to choose, I would say I would want to still work for a non-profit Christian org in sales or fundraising.
3. Some great advice you've received is…
We do our part; God does the rest. We can’t control everything and we don’t have to! What a blessing that the outcome is not ours, but God’s.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
I have a hard time when I’m NOT growing and learning, which is why I love media! I have amazing mentors, one being my VP (TJ Malievsky), who has taken me under his wing to coach me for this role. I also listen to many podcasts (love Craig Groeschel’s leadership podcast!), read books, and ask many…many…questions of anyone who will answer!
5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
What I had to figure out early on is that radio is not about achieving perfection 100% of the time! We are fluid, we move fast, and there will be imperfection. This is the result of broadcasting 24/7! Even through our imperfections, we can create deeper connections with listeners, or we get to learn quickly that something doesn’t work and move on quickly. Relationships can be messy and so can radio, at times.
6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
I mentioned TJ Malievsky earlier, but he has been such a great mentor to me! He shows me how to spiritually lead and create an environment that welcomes unity with our stations. He has poured many hours into mentoring me and I am thankful. It inspires me to pass that generosity along to others.
7. What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I moved to Washington state (from NY) at just 15 years old after a mission trip to the west coast, leaving my family for the last two years of High School. I lived with a generous family that I got connected with from the mission trip. After high school, I went to college here, met my husband and…I never left! We do get to see my family 1-2 times per year.
8. What’s your favorite room at home and why?
It’s not really a room, but it’s our deck. Seattle is USUALLY grey, but when it is sunny, I want to sit out on the deck as much as possible. From there, I can watch the kids jump on the trampoline and play, and watch my dog run laps around the yard. We can also see the Cascade mountains (on a rare sunny day) and it’s just a beautiful way to experience God’s creation.
9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly until I...
Drink my Nespresso coffee… (and do Wordle)
10. What do you do to unwind and chill?
I’m weird, because “unwinding” for me is more of some sort of activity. I like working out with my husband or being surrounded by friends. I’m a true extrovert!
-
-