10 Questions with ... Leo G

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Media professional with 15+ years of experience. Top-rated on-air talent and mix show DJ. Acquired 8+ million XM subscriptions in less than six years while on management team -- fastest in history for a subscription service. Solid background with hi-tech broadcasting equipment and studio/live broadcasts. Recognized for influencing growth in the industry and elevating market perceptions of quality and consistency. Proven penchant for creative concepts and initiating large-scale projects. Excelled as talent for #1 rated and top market, Top 40/Rhythmic stations -- Clear Channel Communications WJMN/Boston, Jarad Broadcasting WXXP/Long Island and Albany Broadcasting WFLY/Albany, NY.

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

Three things: 1 - Keep my faith rooted in the one most high and maintain my belief that His blessing is about to come; 2 - keep up my training in the gym five days a week; 3 - keep my head in the music! Meaning keeping up with all the new music/exclusives that I get. Keeping in contact with those I'm closest with in the artist and label community. That has been working thus far, but if all else fails with #2 and/or #3, always revert back to and see #1!

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

Outside of what I already mentioned in question number 1, spending some invaluable quality time with my five-year-old little girl, Sionne. As busy as our lives are and can be in this profession, it's easy to lose sight sometimes of what's most important; why we do what we do in our relentless pursuit. Those quality moments with your child are the cornerstones of their being. They're burned memories in the mind that will always be remembered. You can't put a price on that. Always remember what's most important!

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

I do. I believe that's what I was put here for. I have a God-given talent to entertain ... a knack for programming to what people want to hear and how they want to hear it. Unless I'm guided to another path, I plan on sticking with it.

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

This one right now. This is the longest I've ever been on the beach and I've gotten sunburned, my throat is dry, ran outta Patron and Heineken, and I've got sand in my ear! I don't like it one bit! I'm done with the beach. Hell, I've never really been a "beach" person anyway!

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

Everyone knows it's through networking and through those connections. I'm quite sure most of us in this business have come across that "next gig" through someone who was on the "inside" or heard of it from someone and provided a contact or connect. By the time the listing hits the net the next candidate is pretty much already picked. I'm not saying all the time, but most.

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

One that I'm able to utilize ALL of my talents to help that station WIN! I wear three different hats -- programmer, on-air talent AND mix show/club DJ!

7) 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, see question #2 ;-)

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Hands down, starting from the ground up building, branding, creating, cultivating a nationally recognized entity which contributed to attaining over nine million paying subscribers in sixshort years at XM Satellite Radio. The fastest start-up of a subscription service in history across the board!

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

Entertaining my audience. Entertaining from the programming perspective and getting excited about new music. Entertaining from the on-air perspective and interacting with that audience. That's what I miss the most. It's not a job for me; it's more my passion, and given that, there's nothing that I can say that miss the least.

10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

My only regret is not getting outside of the building more to personally interact with my audience and network with those within the music community. E-mails and phone calls don't equate to the actual face-to-face. My mission to make the product that came out of the speakers was paramount and kept me busy in the office AND in the studio making those millions listening happy and craving for more.

Oprah or Dr. Phil?

Neither! Apple MacBook, baby!