10 Questions with ... Nicholaus 'Niko' Petrou

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I worked with Romeo at WHTZ Z100 for eight years, on the night show. My next venture into the entertainment industry was a TV show for Music Choice called "The Cut." In my most recent position, I was the APD/MD and midday jock for 92.3 Amp Radio in NYC.

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

I was released from my position July 27th, and I've been overwhelmed with the amount of love from so many in the music/radio industry. I had messages from some of the industry's highest executives. That is motivation enough for me to get my ass back on the horse!

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

I change diapers, feed, and bribe my infant to fall asleep! You can find proof on my Instagram. Lots of baby time.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I've had some very interesting conversations lately that may pull me in a different direction. I honestly have no idea what could be next, but you better believe I will be on the air in some capacity somewhere keeping my skills tight.

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

Two years of absolute hustling. If you think the radio industry is tough ... try acting. After the 10 zillionth audition, I realized I am not the next Leo ... LOL.

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

Networking! There is a fine line between constructively creating relationships, and being annoying. I suggest straddling that line closely. I've liked more average Instagram posts than I would like to admit.

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

Wifey and I have recently brought a little one into our lives, so something that suits the family would be nice. Carson wants to have breakfast with his kids ... I just want to feed mine ... LOL. Mornings have always been a goal for me.

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

I believe my strength lies in adaptability. Radio isn't just a "crack the mic" game anymore. You must have a huge arsenal of skills and talent; everything from on-air, to on-camera, to social media. My main goal has always been to entertain, in any way shape and form.

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

Living in NYC, it's tough! Terrestrial radio is a tough sell, unless you live in the burbs. Commuting in the subway system makes for a lot of pre-recorded offline listening.

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

Learn, learn, and more learn. In my most recent position at Amp, I was able to jump on the air at 4a, produce promos, and file the dreaded P.O.'s (boring paperwork stuff). Just to name a few useful skills I picked up along the way. So don't buy Instagram followers kiddie s... Learn stuff!

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

Having a lot of time to share with my family has made me proud to jump back into the industry to support them. Prior to the wife and child, let's be honest, I was in radio for the fun!

My favorite new diversion is...

I have had a dangerous addiction to buying and reselling sneakers over the past few years. I now reload my Twitter feed for sneaker deals every 20 seconds. Severance will run out soon, someone please send help! ;)