RAB, BMI & MIW Complete 13th Annual Management Training

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in conjunction with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), is pleased to announce the completion of the 13th annual Rising Through the Ranks program, the first to be held virtually. Twenty-six scholarship recipients completed the rigorous professional development training program that took place weekly for five consecutive weeks throughout the month of August.

Scholarship recipients were selected after applying for the program. The curriculum focused on the specific needs of women in radio management or those aspiring to move into management positions and worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills.

Sessions from this year's seminar included:

• Managing Teams' Personalities
• Building Your Personal Brand
• Having Difficult Discussions
• Role of Today's Radio Manager
• Managing Up, Down and Sideways
• Modern Female Manager
• Recruiting, Hiring and Firing
• Budgeting, Forecasting and P & L
• The Connected Vehicle Today and Tomorrow - What Does that Look Like for Radio?
• What I Know Now

Featured speakers included:

• Hartley Adkins, president of markets group, iHeartMedia
• Donna Detweiler, senior manager, broadcast services, Xperi
• Erica Farber, president and chief executive officer, RAB
• Kim Guthrie, former president and chief executive officer, Cox Media Group
• Kim Johnson, director of sales, Radio Advertising Bureau
• Laurie Kahn, president and chief executive officer, Media Staffing Network
• Susan Larkin, chief operating officer, Audacy
• Val Maki, senior vice president/market manager, Bonneville International
• Ginny Morris, chair and chief executive officer, Hubbard Radio
• Beth Neuhoff, president and chief executive officer, Neuhoff Media
• Ruth Presslaff, board president, Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc.
• Dan Spears, vice president, industry relations, BMI
• Erika Sylvia, market controller, Emmis Communications

The curriculum was customized to feature practical and real-world applications that graduates could immediately use within their own companies. Additionally, the intimate setting allowed for personal success stories and leadership journeys from the featured radio executives.

"Even though Rising Through the Ranks was virtual this year, it was as intimate, engaging and rigorous as past programs," noted Erica Farber, president and chief executive officer, RAB. "These talented women were able to not only develop new radio management skills they took back to their companies immediately after each class but became an interconnected network of future leaders during the midst of a global pandemic."

"BMI has been proud supporters of the Rising Through the Ranks program since its inception," said Dan Spears, vice president, industry relations, BMI. "This year's virtual seminar provided these talented participants with multiple days of networking, education and mentorship from leading executives, giving an insider's look into how to succeed in the radio industry. We were thrilled to provide the scholarships to these deserving women, and I look forward to watching them ‘rise through the ranks' after applying what they've learned from this invaluable five-day seminar."

"From the quality of the applicants to the palpable energy of the group, over Zoom no less, the 2021 Rising Through the Ranks program was overflowing with talent and promise," said Ruth Presslaff, board president of Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. "It was a privilege to present to this year's class and see what great potential lies within these women as they continue to climb in their careers while making a positive impact on our business."

"While I'm learning SO much from all of the presenters and having great takeaways, I'm mainly inspired by the other women in the group," noted Gina Ochs, digital manager, The Cromwell Group, Inc. "It's really neat to hear from women in similar positions or predicaments in the workplace. Everyone is really open and candid about their struggles, and I find myself relating to them."