I've been in this radio business for over 10 years now, and I have worked with all sorts of characters. Their personalities are all over the place ... from those who need to be the center of attention when they walk into a room, to the completely introverted ones in front of a crowd. The same goes for the Program Directors I have worked for. Some have been the most supportive people and I consider them family, and others made me ball at my desk in private because they were so horrible. I won't name names on any of those as I don't want to single anyone out, but I will name names this week for the most bad ass woman I've had the pleasure of working for.
Katie Kruz is the Program Director of not only our iHeartRadio Top 40 station in Madison, WI (Z104), but she is also the BOSS of 96.3 Star Country. I've worked for Star on and off for a little bit now, and I love how she runs her station. She isn't afraid to take risks with the songs that she plays, and she's DEFINITELY not scared to give her opinion either way on the music. She received national attention for being the only country station to play "Old Town Road" (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus), and I freaking love her for that.
I honestly thought I had Katie figured out with her no nonsense attitude, but she's so much more than that. I'm thankful that I had her on this week, and got to know who she is on a deeper level. She's smart. She is caring. And she wants the best for those around her and for her station.
We talked about what artists we want to see succeed in the format (including Lindsay Ell and Tyler Rich), what women we look up to (the story of the woman she admires is absolutely horrible - but I give her so much credit for handling what's been thrown at her in her life in the best way possible), and how Katie is actually a life coach! Oh! And one of our favorite ladies - Chelsey who is also on Star Country 9a-12p - popped in as well!
Listen below, or search for Women Crushing It Wednesday on iHeartRadio!