10 Questions with ... Kwame Dankwa

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

• 2006-2010 APD WKND (UAC) & WLAT/Hartford (Tropical)
• 2007-2009 Producer and Sports at WDRC-AM/Hartford
• 2008-2011 Swing Shift, WILI/Willimantic (Top 40)
• 2010-2011 Swing at WRCH (AC) and WTIC-FM/Hartford (Hot AC)
• 2011-2012/2013-2016 PD, WZRT/Rutland, VT (Top 40)
• (brief stint in Memphis)
• 2013-2016 Weekends at WODS/Boston (Top 40)
• 2016- APD Afternoons, KWPK/Seattle and National iHeart Custom Air Talent (Top 40)

How is that for brief? Full resume here: www.linkedin.com/in/kwame-dankwa-a3628614

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

I realize that even though things may not have worked out at my last gig, I still have a huge launch pad to jump off. Also, all of the things I have learned will benefit me getting back into the PD chair.

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

I mainly spend my time trying to get back in shape, brainstorming ideas for my next situation and doing the things in Seattle that I didn't have time for when I first arrived. Then there's the daunting task of exiting my apartment and getting back on the road; packing is a real

... Treat.

3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

I have consistently worked in radio for 10 years. At one point I was at multiple stations, so even when I was released from, or left a position, I was still involved.

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

A mixture of close friends and networking. Sometimes I would send my stuff out for feedback to make sure I was doing the right things. When getting feedback from bigwigs, I would build a relationship, which leads to bigger projects.

5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I had the nerve to pick up the phone and call the PD. He actually answered and was surprised I had the guts to reach out (because they don't want you to call them). Mike Merlin was the guy who lead to me leave Urban AC for Top 40. Had I not done that, my career would not have been what it is today.

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I would like to get back in the PD chair, small to medium market. I enjoy working with and coaching talent. I am a teacher by trade so I'm thrilled every time I can reach inside students and help them pull out their untapped potential to harness for success.

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

It depends on who you work for. The medium-sized companies that are in hostile weather zones generally (in my experience) are more likely to play ball. They want to keep their staff as happy as possible for as long as possible. So if you live in the northern U.S. near Canada east of the Cascades, you have a chance of a company taking care of you.

8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

Question: Would you pass a drug test right now if we gave you one?

Answer: Do I look like Rick James to you?

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Being recognized for my success in Vermont at WZRT and being recruited to help launch KPWK/Seattle with Rich Davis.

10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

I regret not speaking up at times when my gut was telling me things were not right. Everyone has that little voice in their heads for a reason, and mine is unyielding. Whether it be something as small as, "Kwame tell them __________ is a bad idea." Or "Kwame don't take that gig, is it the one that will benefit you in the long run?" Either way, I have learned that even when evidence and research says one thing, your intuition can be something that will save you from a lot of heartache and grief.

Where do you see yourself in Five years? Ten years?

I see myself launching a media-related firm that will help nurture up-and-coming talent and get them ready for the next level.