We love to find radio’s superstars and tell you how they made it big and why they are passionate about the industry you all love. Kathy Byerly is a great example of how someone who starts out answering phones and handing out prizes can make it all the way to the corner office. Of course, that takes a huge amount of hard work and determination, and that’s exactly what Kathy Byerly is all about.
This week Byerly was promoted to D.O.S. and Associate GM for the Neuhoff Communications Decatur market. She was the GSM for the past five years after moving to Central Illinois from Springfield. In Springfield, Byerly started as a part-time receptionist before being promoted to AE then LSM.
Neuhoff COO Mike Hulvey said, “Kathy is a wonderful success story. She has grown a career from the front desk to market leadership. You can’t get much better than that.” We couldn’t agree more. Here’s our interview with Kathy Byerly and here’s her story.
Radio Ink: Why did you choose radio as a career?
Byerly: As it turns out, radio was the one to choose me, and I fell in love with the industry. How many careers can you have such a significant impact on the communities in which you serve? It fills my soul on one hand to do something meaningful to help our listeners, and on the other hand I get such a charge out of producing great results for our clients
Radio Ink: Has it always been your goal to manage stations? If so, why?
Byerly: Sales and management have always been in my DNA. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the RAB, BMI, and MIW Class of 2014 Rising Through The Ranks. I was inspired by the amazing women involved in the radio industry, and how they have contributed. That experience was pivotal in setting my goal to manage stations.
Radio Ink: Did you have mentors along the way that helped your career? If so, who and how did they help you?
Byerly: I most certainly have had incredible mentors along the way. First and foremost, the people who I have worked with side by side, and learned from every day: Mike Hulvey-COO, Kevin O’Dea-GM Neuhoff Springfield, Danielle Outlaw VP/Sales, and of course Beth Neuhoff, CEO-Neuhoff Media. I consider them all mentors and friends, who have been an incredible inspiration, and always supportive of my career goals. Another great mentoring opportunity was that I was chosen as a mentee in the 2016 MIW Radio Group Mildred Carter Mentoring Program, where again, I was inspired by some of the most incredible women in the industry.
Radio Ink: How do you spot strong salespeople and managers? What are they made of?
Byerly: They need to have a strong sense of customer service, and a willingness to go the extra mile for their clients and those that they work with. Some of the best salespeople come from the service industry, have a retail background, or other sales from outside the radio industry.
Radio Ink: What is the key to managing successful, driven salespeople and managers, some of whom may also have big egos, into one cohesive team?
Byerly: The key is knowing that you can’t manage everyone in the same way. Each person requires something different from me. Driven salespeople and managers sometimes have some sharp edges. The goal is to maximize what they do really well, while minimizing those sharp edges. This allows for everyone to pull together and move forward as a solid team.
Radio Ink: Why are you so passionate about radio?
Byerly: It really goes back to that I love to be involved in an industry that touches people’s lives every day. It allows me to help the community, help our clients with successful marketing campaigns, and be part of a work family where I am supported, and can support those around me every day.
Reach out to Kathy to congratulate her at [email protected]
