Each year, four women in the radio industry are selected for the MIW Radio Group Mentoring Program. Applicants must have five years of radio experience to even be considered. These four broadcasters are given the chance of a lifetime: to be mentored by some of the most successful women in radio today.
The program is named in memory of Mildred Carter, who along with her husband, Andrew “Skip” Carter, founded the first African-American-owned radio station, KPRS in Kansas City, back in 1950. MIW Radio Group spokeswoman Kay Olin says, “We can clearly see a direct correlation between the participation in this supportive and impactful program and the accomplishments and professional trajectory our mentees achieve.”
Emmis Communications Director/Partnership Marketing & Branded Content Lindsay Cerajewski has gone through the program, and is the chair of the MIW Radio Group’s 2016 Mentoring Committee. Cerajewski says that from an educational standpoint, a career-development standpoint, and a networking standpoint, she would not have grown her skills or career so much without the program. She says, “To have exposure to aid, advice, and, quite frankly, the caliber of female leadership in our industry (oftentimes outside of one’s organization) is a priceless investment in oneself that I can take with me no matter what challenge or opportunity confronts me.”
One of the broadcasters that went through the program in 2016 is Stephanie Sabota who is the general sales manager for Cox Media Group in Tampa. We spoke to Sabota about her experience with the program and what it meant to her.
Why did you decide to enroll in the mentoring program?
Sabota: The year I was promoted to local sales manager, I attended Rising Through the Ranks. It was at this event that I met Kay Olin, who took the time to tell me all about Mentoring and Inspiring Women. She also introduced me to an attendee at the conference who was in the MIW program at the time. My interests were thoroughly piqued as I thought to myself how impactful it would be to be influenced by game-changers outside of my own organization.
I strongly believe that sometimes we are just too close to the label to read it. CMG does a fantastic job at facilitating and fostering mentor relationships. Over the past seven years, I have been blessed to connect with coaches and mentors who have been crucial in my development, achievements, and career — not to mention the effects my career has on my life, such as being a working mother.
I have formed a very trustworthy support system within my company. However, I sought out this opportunity with MIW because I wanted to expand my support system and my network to include powerhouses outside of my company. In doing so, I have been able to look at my role, my company, and this amazing and ever changing industry with new lenses.
What role is the MIW organization playing in your career?
Sabota: As I begin my third year as a sales manager, I can say with confidence that I’m very self-aware. That being said, I know my strengths and weaknesses. The role the MIW organization is playing in my career is one of guidance and laser focused development. My mentor, Stacey Kauffmann, has been phenomenal at finding experts nationwide to coach and develop me in my areas of weakness. She has also been key in assisting me in playing to my strengths in unique ways that I did not necessarily think of before. I’m amazed that radio, an industry that is so large, is actually so small. Everyone knows everyone, and I’m honored that MIW and Stacey have welcomed me into the fold.
What are you learning from the people who are helping you?
Sabota: When Stacey and I first met and began talking, I told her my goals and aspirations. I want to be a director of sales within the next three to five years. In order to do this, there are certain skills I need to develop, and she has reached out to her contacts all over the country to ensure I am being coached by the best of the best. I am learning various aspects of business acumen; I am learning how to strengthen my weaknesses; I am learning best practices on failing and what that cycle looks like.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that I will not learn everything from one person. My team has been a sounding board for ideas and innovation on standing out from the crowd and making a loud, positive impact.
How important is having an organization like the MIWs and the mentoring program in our industry?
Sabota: Undeniably crucial. It’s vital for the health of our industry and the growth and development of our talent that organizations like MIW and mentoring programs not only exist, but thrive. As I mentioned earlier, you cannot learn everything from one person; it takes a village. A program like MIW allows you to find professionals all over the country who have various skill sets and expertise they can utilize to help you navigate through this very complex radio world we live in in 2016. I’m a firm believer that mentoring is essential to success, and I act on that principle.
How do you plan to pay it forward if you have the chance?
Sabota: I’m honored to say I’ve had the opportunity to pay it forward already with my team at CMG Tampa. I have paired many of my AEs with mentors throughout our company and have seen them flourish during their mentoring relationships. I plan to constantly promote Rising Through the Ranks. It’s a fantastic opportunity for women throughout varying levels in sales to network with each other and learn about our industry. In fact, I hope one day to be able to present at Rising Through the Ranks. If ever granted the opportunity, it would be an immense privilege to be a mentor for MIW.
Last, but certainly not least, I plan to create a Florida-based mentoring program for women in radio. I’m still working on what the structure of that program would look like, but I would be doing the entire state a disservice by not forwarding my mentoring experience and providing an way for other women to experience a similar opportunity.
Reach out to Stephanie to congratulate her on being one of radio’s bright stars [email protected]
