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10 Questions with ... Laura St. James
December 8, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Sixteen years at Top 40 WAEB in hometown of Allentown. Held Promotion Director, Music Director and on-air positions prior to becoming Program Director in 2002. Four years of on-air weekends at WBEB/Philadelphia. Currently on-air weekends at WLTW/New York.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I work out daily, eat healthy and have a strong support system, all of which encourage a positive outlook. Keeping a set schedule gives you a sense of normalcy. Doing my weekend air shift and having a personality page to update daily definitely helps!
2) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it. I've never been out of a job before in my 16-year radio career. I know ... rare, huh?
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Getting written up in All Access "On the Beach," I hope! Seriously, connecting with someone when there's NOT an advertised opening. Few people think of it, but when the hiring manager isn't flooded with a ton of packages, they have more time to focus on yours. When an opening does become available, you're top-of-mind. I've been hired twice this way.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Besides the All Access Job section, which I love for the timely updates, I search individual company sites and get tips from my networking contacts.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
A programming position, ideally coupled with an on-air shift.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Fortunately, I'm still connected with Clear Channel, working weekends on-air at WLTW/New York. It certainly helps to have your foot in the door when you're looking for your next opportunity.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I didn't listen for a while, but now I'm listening again. It's frustrating, though ... I immediately go into PD mode when I hear something I don't like and then realize, "I can't fix it!"
8) 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! I've developed a deeper relationship with my parents through all my visits with them. Reconnecting with old friends has been great. And I just got back from a Maine coast road trip, which I've wanted to do for years.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Having a career as a female PD when there are so few of us to begin with, and going out at #1! And I have to say being on the air at WLTW/New York.
10) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the creative process. A great promotion or promo will pop into my head and I'll think, I will use this ... someday, somewhere! I miss the interaction with my staff and the great radio we created working together as a team. I don't miss having the stress and worry that my employed friends still do.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
"What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard Bolles. It's about finding your passion.
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