Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Flowers.
Lori, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew at a young age that I wanted to be in some form of media whether it was TV or radio. Just had no idea which one. Well, after a small stint in TV I realized that it wasn’t all that it was cracked to be for me, therefore I began my career in radio with an internship. This internship started in Phoenix, Arizona (where I grew up) with a cluster of radio stations. After graduation, I ended up here in Atlanta and had the opportunity to have my first real radio gig as a Promotions Assistant at V-103. I worked super hard… so much so that I was then offered the opportunity to move to West Palm Beach, Florida as a Promotions Director. Much smaller market, but I literally took everything I learned at V-103 and implemented it there. After a year, I was offered another position as Promotions Director in a larger market, Miami. Two years in, I received a call to come back to Atlanta as a Creative Marketing Director at Radio One Atlanta. Well, the journey continued as I was offered the position as Marketing Director for a group of radio stations in Washington, DC. My last and current stop was here in Atlanta where I serve as the Marketing Director for Radio One Atlanta.
Has it been a smooth road?
Yes and no. I work in a predominately male industry and it can be challenging. I have been able to work with some radio greats who have taught me a lot. I realized early on that in many cases, I was the only woman “at the table” and had to represent us well. I did that by not compromising myself to get a better position in my career. Instead, I worked hard and learned everything I could about the business.
My advice to young women starting their journey is to KNOW YOUR STUFF! Learn the industry. Show up on time to meetings and events. Be dependable. Have a great attitude. Do the things no one else wants to do.
Most importantly, I would remind them to keep their eyes in their own lane. I see so many young women get discouraged quickly when they feel they are not where they should be. I remind them that their journey and race is different than the next girl. I also tell them that times have changed since I started my career. I mean, look at how many times I had to move to get to a higher position??? I see young women coming right out of college and getting an on-air shift or becoming a manager which is great!! Be grateful for wherever you are and continue to work hard at whatever capacity you are working in. People are watching and you could be one step away from a great opportunity.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
By day I am the Marketing Director for Radio One Atlanta and oversee the promotions and marketing for four radio stations, WHTA – Hot 107.9, WAMJ -Majic 107.5/97.5, WPZE-Praise 102.5 and WAMJHD2 – Classix, 102.9. I call my department the “fun and games” department because we are essentially responsible for this aspect of radio. Whenever you hear ticket giveaways or prizes on the air, that comes from my department. Whenever you see us set up at a concert or festival, that’s my department. Additionally, I lead the logistical and production efforts for two of our major concerts, Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash and Praise 102.5’s Praise in the Park. I also work closely with community groups to ensure they are able to get their message out fo our audience. I am known as #RadioChick or #RadioChickAtl
I am most known for helping young women be their best whether it’s in the media industry or outside the industry. I know how hard it can be so I wrote a book called “A Seat at the Table: A Survival Guide for Women in Business” I created this because I would receive random messages via LinkedIn about what to wear on an interview, or how to do this or that. I literally combined everything in a small and easy to read a book. I made it that way because I learned that people often get overwhelmed when a book is “too long”, so this one is concise and to the point.
My goal is to help young women grow professionally. While I do not have a formal mentorship program, I have become a virtual mentor to so many. Not to brag, but the ones who took all of my advice and guidance have grown into some pretty successful women. These are also young women who have kept their eyes in their lane and not in others lane as I mentioned earlier.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My very first inspiration is my mother. My mom has always been my biggest PR agent and literally the reason why I was able to receive my first internship in Phoenix. I was very shy back then and she introduced me to the woman who would hire me for my first internship. She is resilient and determined and I feel that I have taken on these two qualities just watching her.
I am also so inspired by Michelle Obama. She has shown me that a positive attitude and hard work can lead to huge success. Her gracious personality and spirit have challenged me to be this way even in adverse situations. I have to remind myself of her phrase, “When they go low, we go high” because the industry can be ugly and hurtful.
I have also been inspired by Heather Lindsey who is the founder of a Christian organization called Pinky Promise which encourages women to live for Christ with their lives and their bodies. On a personal note, this woman has strengthened my relationship with Christ and was there for me during a challenging time in my life. She works very hard and stands for what she believes in no matter what people think which are also additional qualities that I take with me in my professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loriflowers.com
- Email: loriflowers111@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Loriiflowers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loriinez
- Twitter: @loriiflowers
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