10 Questions with ... Mo Mellady

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I'm an on-air talent with a history of Alternative Rock (91X , Live 105, KTCL, Alice 97.3) and production expertise. I'm an accomplished VO artist, and the voice of the animated pop icon, "Erin Esurance." I'm also the founder and voice of a green MTV-like radio minute, Planet Check. My latest endeavor? VO radio imaging.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

A steady diet of comedy and live music keeps my spirits up. Reading success stories inspires me and just knowing that this, too, shall pass. I am the queen of motivational phrases. I believe that what you talk about you bring about. I only hang with upbeat, positive friends. There's a saying I love, "Keep your goals away from the trolls."

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I am taking one college course to feed my brain, learn a new skill and be challenged.

3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

With the advent of new media, Internet and iPods, it saddens me that radio has become too homogenized and all the Alternative stations sound exactly the same ... very cookie cutter. Plus, there is no sense of community, local vibe nor personality. With automation, what happens when there is a real emergency and no one's home to alert the public? Isn't that the media's job? I am encouraged to see more women getting day parts and PD slots.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Maybe.

5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Be creative, stand out, and be like a dog with a bone!

6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

My fellow radio compatriots and Allaccess.com.

7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I have found that the pay has dropped, or they want one person to do the job of three.

8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I'm versatile with voiceover, copywriting and production, Pro Tools skills, as well as on-air. Plus, I have the advantage of working in major markets like San Francisco.

9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

I listen to Live 105 and KFOG in the car.

10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I'd have to ... it's a tie! It was a dream come true to be the voice of "Erin Esurance" for five years, and getting my green minute, Planet Check, syndicated in 60 radio markets.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"Crush It" by Gary Vanderchuk.