10 Questions with ... Ki Ki J

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started working at KKDA in 2002 as a phone operator and immediately loved everything about radio, so I would spend night and day at the station, learning the ins and outs of the board, promotions, programming and producing, which led to me filling in on air shifts and hosting my own highly-rated show, "Street Swagg Sunday," which featured independent and new artists. I balanced that with assisting the Promotions Director, I helped to implement the station's social media platforms and worked as the MD/Programming Coordinator, directly working with the PDs and OM on branding, music scheduling, marketing and promotions.

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

Practicing positive thinking at all times is very important to me, as well as having forward thinking ... never looking backwards is my motto.

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

I started a podcast called "GetNThaGame" which focuses on the Urban lifestyle.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Radio is my first love. I love the hustle and bustle of it. I love the challenges and I love connecting with people, so yes I hope to get back in the game real soon (no pun intended, LOL).

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

This is the longest I've been on the beach in my life ... but I'm appreciating the time because I have learned a lot about myself and what my needs and real goals are. Because of that I'll never lose sight of what my purpose is.

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

I'm listening to the radio, but I listen differently, now I listen for what's missing and how things could connect better, with people having a plethora of media options, now more than ever it's important to engage people quicker and more effectively.

6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Yes, my friends and family have been super supportive, and spending time with them has been great. Our talks regarding music and what they look for in entertainment have been invaluable.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment was implementing our social media platforms. For such a big brand as KKDA, it was imperative that we hit the ground running and that we extended what we were doing on air to our platforms. I was able to do our first big social media exclusive contest with Trey Songz, called "Workout with Trey," and my boss was very nervous about it, but we had over 300 applicants and the event was amazing!!

8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss the team I worked with. We were very much family and we all had a "let's do whatever we need to and get the job done" type of attitude.

The thing I miss least ... is having to get up in the middle of the night to merge the logs, LOL.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

I would say just get you foot in the door ... street team ... running the board ... whatever. Just get in and prove it from there!

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

Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes To Those Who Create It, by Charlamagne The God.