Maurice Potts - Radio One

How did you join the industry and what was your first position? 

I joined Radio One in December of 2011. It was my first job in the media industry. I had previously worked in social services.

What can you tell us about your current role? 

I am the Local Sales Manager for Radio One- Dallas. I work alongside our account executives to generate campaigns for clients that ultimately become revenue for the company. I work with a great staff that has become like family. We work really hard, but take time to have fun together.

What advice would you give someone new to our industry?

I would tell someone new to the industry to get out and meet people outside of their own organization. There are so many great people in our industry with so much knowledge about anything you can think of. You never know when an opportunity may arise and it’s great to know that someone can vouch for your talent and skills. Also, almost everyone I’ve met in the industry are fun, personable people. Take time to network, join organizations like AWM, and be a positive face of the media community.

What has changed since you started working in media?

A lot of face-to-face interactions have moved to online interactions. Where there were many lunch meetings, this has declined due to people’s schedules and workloads.

What inspired you to become involved in Alliance for Women in Media?  What inspired you to join the Board?

I get many stares when I tell people I am on the board for the Alliance for WOMEN in Media …since I am obviously not a woman. However, I began volunteering with the organization a few years back and I saw the great impact it has on our local media community. From the small workshops to the big events such as the annual Gala, the DFW Chapter of AWM is consistently bringing opportunities for others to learn, network and have fun outside of our normal business interactions. I have met many great people in this organization that have become friends, mentors and taught me other aspects of being in this industry. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in something like that?

What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?   

Be kind to others….not just in my career, but in life.

 If you could go anywhere, or do anything for your life’s work, what would that be?

I would like to be an inspiration and mentor to other young black men to join the media industry so that our perspective and experiences can be heard and considered.