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10 Questions with ... Allison Blaes
May 16, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Instagram: @allison_blaes Twitter: @Allison_Blaes Snapchat: allison_blaes LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisonblaes
DEMO:
I have always been an entertainer at heart. When I was little, I loved performing in front of others and would even create radio shows with friends. As I got older, I developed loads of interests like dance, fashion, and health, but what they all had in common was people. I am not a "9 to 5 suit" kind-of person, and radio was a place where I could connect with listeners and make a difference while having fun. I got my big break after finishing my undergrad with the Rod Ryan Show in Houston. Just six months later, I was on my way to England to complete a Masters degree in radio production, and work as a radio host for a variety of stations around the country. I am back in the U.S. now and looking for a place that is as passionate and quirky as I am.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
To stay sane, I exercise. I suffer from anxiety, and an easy way for me to stay present and positive is to exercise. I love to get a good sweat in most days to keep the anxiety away, and get me in the zone to crush my goals.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Besides regular sweat sessions, I am a full-time animal cuddler. It does not pay, but it sure is fulfilling, and helps keep me sane. I love spending time with animals. Aside from that I love listening to podcasts to learn new things, enjoying my time with my friends and family stateside, and getting some sunshine.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
A thousand times, yes, I will sick with radio. I have finally found my perfect fit, and I am not letting go of it. I started out in the fashion world, then moved to the sales and marketing world, then public relations, and then I put the pieces together. Radio had everything I loved, without the stuff I did not like.
4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I once went to a cross-fit class to mingle with and impress the manager for a position I wanted. I pulled a muscle, but I did not get the job.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I am looking to continue where I left off in England as a music radio on-air personality. It is where I perform the best, and have the most fun engaging with the listeners.
6) What's the most unbelievable on air bit you were allowed to do?
The craziest bit I have done was stay up from 11p to 7a on the air and play ridiculous games with food, play all types of music, and do random phone-ins from people going to sleep and waking up. However, it is one of the most memorable and fun things I have done in my career.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
What makes me stand out on a surface level is, my overseas experience, but on a deeper level I am always me. I am not a person to put on a front or a "personality" for the radio. I want to build real relationships, and to do that you have to be 100% authentic, and honest.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My biggest career accomplishment was getting nominated for the Mind Media Awards for the podcast series I did on mental health awareness called "Sharing Space." Mental health has impacted my life, and is an important cause to me; so, I was happy I use my radio platform for the issue and get recognition for it.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the social interaction of radio. I miss going into the studio and seeing all the staff, plus I miss talking to the listeners through social media, over the phone, or at events. The thing I miss the least is the repetitive jingles getting stuck in my head.
10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I am a hustler. I struggle to completely turn off because there is always something I want to do. I have a good work/life balance, but both are filled with constant goals because I like to stay busy and feel accomplished. The only time I really just relax is when I am on vacation, but I am working on it.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
One book that was completely addictive, yet weirdly inspirational was Leah Remini's Troublemaker. One from a U.K. radio DJ that is funny and insightful is Scott Mills' Love You Bye. One for hustle inspiration is The Miracle Morning from Hal Elrod.
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