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10 Questions with ... Lexie Kaye
September 29, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started this ride in radio at the age of 17 when I joined the WVUM advisory board at the University of Miami in Miami, FL in 1987. When I transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, I began interning in promotions at AC WKTK in 1995. I got my first actual gig board-oping one day a week, Sunday mornings, moving on to overnights then 7p-12a at WYGC-FM Country 1993-1996.
1996 Asst. to Regional Sales Manager at WKTK, AC
1996 Production Director/Afternoons at WRBA, Classic Rock, Panama City Beach, FL
1997 APD/mornings at WPFM, Top 40, Panama City Beach, FL
1997 Middays at WMXZ, Hot AC, Destin, FL
1997 Weekend TV News reporter at WJHG-TV, Panama City Beach, FL
1998 Music Director/Interim PD/middays at WMXW, AC, Binghamton, NY
2000 Morning Co-Host at WMXK, Top 40, Brunswick, GA
2001 Morning Co-Host at WZAT,Hot AC, Savannah, GA
2002 Started my VO business, Lexie Kaye, LLC
2003 Middays at WIXV-FM, Classic Rock, Savannah, GA
2004 PD/mrnings at WGZO, Classic Hits, Hilton Head Island, SC
Also mddays at WFXH,Active Rock, Hilton Head Island, SC
Most recently I was a solo female morning host at WSRV, Classic Hits, Atlanta 2006-2008.
Now searching for my next great opportunity!1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
It can be a challenge at some point to remain positive and stay motivated, especially if you've been on the beach a while and can't get the sand out of your suit! But what is the alternative? To give in or give up? Not an option for me! You get up each day and try again, keep working harder toward your goal and the right opportunity will come ...and it will come! That's just always been my outlook. Plus, I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by a loving and supportive family and friends who are encouraging. I find great motivation in proving wrong those who say I can't or won't make great things happen!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Besides searching for employment, I run the freelance business I launched in 2004 recording voiceovers, copywriting and commercial production for TV and radio out of a home studio. There's not much work now, but it keeps me doing what I love -- and I enjoy it, so it's not really work to me. I have also become more involved in my community, volunteering for a variety of charities and organizations like the Miami Rescue Mission and the Ronald McDonald House. Just when you feel your situation is desperate, you discover there are others out there who have it far worse. It's a humbling experience and by giving your time, you really do get back so much more.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Initially, my search only focused on jobs in radio, on-air and in programming. However, as time went on I realized that was limiting, so I broadened my search to include media relations with various companies and organizations, since I have a degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida. In all honesty, though, I would love to be back in the studio and behind the mic as a personality again. It's something that comes natural to me; I've enjoyed doing for 17 years and would love the opportunity to continue.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Before now, the longest stretch was three weeks. This time is the longest stretch I have had on the beach, adding up to just over a year.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I've had the privilege to speak to kids at many schools over the years and I have been asked that question numerous times. As I have told the kids at the schools and my previous broadcasting students with Radio Connection, the best way to get your foot in the door is to get experience any way possible at a station. Intern at a station or work part-time in any area needed ... most start out now in promotions. Show desire, effort and a willingness to learn and be available to work to make your goal not just a dream but a reality. It doesn't happen overnight, but it can happen by showing that you are dedicated, a team player and have a passion for radio. My favorite quote to my students: "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard."
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?
AB-SO-LUTE-LY! I believe in making the most of any situation you're handed. So even though I have always been a productive person I began to realize even more that slowing down and enjoying life is good and necessary. Something we should ALL try and do WHILE working, but I understand it is a challenge. So when I got to the beach I viewed the situation as a positive ... it's a gift no doubt! I have been able to spend much more quality time with my family and friends ... and do things I never had time for while working, such as traveling. I've recently spent some time in Bimini, and two weeks in the Philippines on a mission trip, something I have wanted to do for quite a while. I'm also running my first 2k in October and training for a 5k in January 2010.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
By radio standards you would think it would be getting the gig as a solo female morning host on a station in a top-10 market, or your show ranking in the top five, or #1 spot in the ratings in your core demo, right? For me, it is an accomplishment every time a listener stops me to say I've made their day better, or felt a connection with me that helps them in their life.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
You know, radio is all I have done for a very long time as a career, but it is not all that I know I can do. I've learned that in my downtime ... not to limit myself as simply a talent, because there is so much more that I can offer a company, an organization or a station, its clients and audience. I've learned that others will do what they can to help, when they can, but their lives go on and it's up to me to find that next great thing on my own.
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
Personally it's never been about market size or the amount of money for me ... really! Many people don't want to believe me when I say that, but that's ok. I did radio because I enjoyed it, and if the opportunity was right, then I accepted the job. I was fortunate in my career to eventually land a gig in a top-10 market such as Atlanta in the last three years and I would love to be working on-air again as a talent. I realize that there are potential employers out there who see Atlanta on my resume and probably think they can't afford me. Not true! So it tends to be a double-edged sword, especially in this economy. I say "Let's negotiate!" What is important to me most is the company culture and quality of life. So yes, I would consider doing a morning show for less money because it's what I love to do!
10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
As I've said, I am a productive person and I have so many diverse interests, so in 5-10 years I see myself continuing to grow, to learn and to volunteer. I am definitely going back to school for a graduate degree. I see myself working either on air in radio AND programming a station OR doing media relations for a sports organization. That's something I'm currently involved in now living in Miami.
Along with my community work I also volunteered for the Super Bowl/Pro Bowl Host Committee, as well as the Orange Bowl Host Committee. I have a love for sports, watching sports and participating in sporting events throughout my career, so that's a natural fit for me.
I don't know exactly what the future holds, but what I do know is I won't waste one minute of time. I'll be working toward my goals, doing what I love and enjoying life along the way.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
Lexie Kaye "Lobster" Salad
Okay, if you're on the beach like me, then you CAN use imitation lobster or imitation crab meat
1 cup of Lobster (or imitation Lobster or imitation Crab)
1/2 onion cut up in small pieces
1/2 green pepper cut up in small pieces
3/4 cup of cilantro cut up in pieces
2 limes squeeze in the juice only
Dash or two of Garlic Salt
Optional: add in a dash or two of Tabasco or any hot sauce you like to make spicy
Chill in the refrigerator and serve with crackers or bread of your choice -
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