10 Questions with ... Felisha Monet

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have 15+ years in Urban radio, starting off with weekends, then overnights to nights, then finally getting PM drive. All with 99 JAMZ. Over the years I've interviewed everyone from Cardi B to Migos, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, President Obama and Hillary Clinton.

1. How do you approach being an air-personality?

I pretty much approach being an on-air talent as simply being me! I am my authentic self, off and on the mic. For me, being a talent is knowing that you represent the people, the listeners and the community, and I always feel I have a great responsibility to serve them first ... from what's going in in the community to world events and just relating to everyday life. I can remember doing a live broadcast in a club during election night in 2008 and having to announce that President Obama had won. I honestly didn't care how "professional" I should have sounded, I sounded how I felt, how the club felt, more importantly how my people felt listening to the radio. (aka I was LITT) I used to think I had to change the way I sound, the way I talked, my high-pitched laugh to become someone else, but I learned just being me was enough. And that is what I gave.

2. Would you please share those who've influence your career?

Before I got into radio, I would say my grandmother and mother most certainly influenced how I treat people, and how I should always be of service ... My grandmother volunteered at a hospital for years, serving people, I can remember my mom bringing homeless people to the house (though looking back, it was probably not the safest thing to do, LOL) or even opening the door to Jehovah Witnesses when people usually didn't even answer the door. I learned engagement through their actions. My father taught me to treat the janitor the same way you treat the boss, and that all people are the same. So, before I even thought about radio, I learned the importance of people and customer service. Of course, throughout my years in radio I've been inspired by many -- Angie Martinez, for her relatable approach and her style of casually talking/interviewing guests and making them feel comfortable with sharing info without even asking a direct question. I loved the courage and confidence of Howard Stern; growing up I was so shocked at how direct and bold he was to guests. I learned how to have fun listening to Ed Lover and the Morning Show; they used to do this AM-roll call that made me smile and put me in a good mood before school, "What's up y'all? What y'all gotta say? Who's on the phone with Ed Lover and Dre?" (How do I still remember that?) LOL. In later years, I had the pleasure to work for the legendary Mr. Jerry Rushin and can remember him teaching the importance of business. One time he showed me his infamous "money book," which was a handwritten journal of the money he made over all the years.He told me very bluntly, "Felisha, be about your money!" Another inspiration is most certainly DJ Khaled. Not only did he start in radio at 99 JAMZ, but how he evolved into this mega-superstar is most certainly the blueprint or should I say, "keys to success!" He is a marketing and branding genius!

3. What are you up to these days?

Life after Jamz ... that just sounds weird. Jamz has been my life for the past 10 years, every day of my life. I can't lie; I'm still wrapping my head around Friday, May 4th being my last day on Jamz -- and yet I am filled with excitement to start the next chapter in life. Today I'm enjoying my family; I get to spend more time with my two sons, my oldest just turned 12 and youngest one. So, changing diapers and monitoring my son's cellphone gets consuming. But in between that, I'm excited to be stepping into a space of entrepreneurship and my focus is on establishing and creating my "I Am Greater Than Yesterday" brand.

4. How do you plan to transition your radio skills to your new endeavor?

Radio has taught me a lot of things, such as being quick with your words; when something isn't going as planned, being able to think fast. I remember one time our computer server (which was responsible for playing the music) was getting maintenance done during my show and I was literally talking on-air and during my on-air break, the engineers were in the studio switching the server to play music off of the back-up. I had to talk and continue to talk until the song was up and loaded and ready. Stalling and still being engaged is a skill set! Being ready for whatever at any time is something that I will most def take with me.

5. What's the most fun you've had in radio?

Radio has always been fun for me. I was just always so happy to be fulfilling my dream, but I can remember sleeping in the car in the parking lot of the station because I didn't want to oversleep and miss my overnight shift, and my co-workers would always catch me sleeping (with my mouth open, too), take pics, then print them and post them in the studio! Recently I had the pleasure of having a "surprise" baby shower at the station. I thought we were having a mandatory station meeting and I walked in the room that was filled with balloons and a full baby shower set up; it was amazing!

6. How do you see the future of radio?

The future of radio is strong. People will always look to local radio for local news and a sense of what's happening in their community. With radio station apps and companies merging with online services, radio is making the necessary steps to evolve and reflect the times of technology and are capitalizing in the digital space, like iHeartRadio.

7. Was there anything that surprised you when you got into radio?

I have to be honest; looking back I laugh at myself now, but growing up I really thought that the person talking on the radio lived IN the radio. I can't believe I just said that, but as a kid I was fascinated by the fact that a voice could come from there, from the speakers. I also thought the jock was the one picking the songs. I had no idea a PD even existed. Early in my career I was also surprised that the music was being played from a computer, not CDs or even a turntable for that matter. SMH

8. Outside of radio, what are your passions?

Outside of radio, my passion has always been music. That was why I wanted to get into radio; it was the love of the music and culture. I can't sing, can't rap, and don't play instruments but something about music always inspired me. Let me bring 88 back real quick, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick made me fall in love with Hip-Hop as a kid. My older brother was a DJ and my pops had a mean record collection in the basement -- Sade, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Bob Marley, so much music was always around. So, I love listening to music. Right now I'm vibing to Tory Lanez' new project, HER and Kali Uchis. I'm also extremely passionate about launching my non-profit, "I Am Greater Than Yesterday," whose sole mission is to empower and encourage people to live a life of purpose and passion.

9. Any advice for those wanting to go into radio?

The main advice I would give people who want to get into radio is make sure you are utilizing your social media platforms -- Facebook, IG, even the digital space of YouTube. Make sure you are building and establishing your brand on these platforms because this is what PDs and upper management are looking at. Right now, we (talent) have a way of servicing our followers with content so make sure you are engaging with your audience on social media and providing content that will make you unique! Be YOU ... that is where your power lies.

10. What does the future hold for you?

I'm a dreamer! I'm a goal-getter! So, I see my future as shining BRIGHT! I'm going to do a lot more speaking, specifically, motivational speaking. I have my 1st annual wellness conference called "I Am Greater Than Yesterday" kicking off on October 6th in Fort Lauderdale and I will be bringing it on the road, to a city near you. I want television, a Talk show to be exact! I want a National syndicated show where I can connect with my audience and talk about life, real issues and empower people to live out their best life! My non-profit, "I Am Greater Than Yesterday" will become a movement, a lifestyle that will create a support system that will encourage women to find their passion and purpose in life.

What makes you happy about being on the radio?

The thing that has always made me happy while being on the radio is connecting with the people. From callers sharing their break-up stories, or just needing to make a request, a barbershop calling to check in, when my phones light up that makes me happy. It's always been about connecting with the audience for me. And of course, interviewing guests and celebrities is pretty cool, too.