Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carlos Duran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carlos, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I’ve always had a deep-rooted love for radio. My first taste of the industry came in Albuquerque, where I landed a great internship at a local station (KKSS-FM). Eventually, turning into a fulltime job and taking over the music as a Music Director. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was let go. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I couldn’t let it discourage me.

Determined to stay in the game, I accepted a position at another station in Albuquerque, even though it meant a significant pay cut. I was grateful for the opportunity to keep doing what I loved, even if it meant tightening my belt for a while.

Then, a life-changing call came from a station in West Texas. It was a risk, moving to a new city and taking a pay cut again, but I knew it could be a great opportunity for growth. So, I packed my bags and took the leap.

The experience in Lubbock was invaluable. I learned so much and gained new skills. And to my surprise, it also eventually led me back home to Albuquerque. I was offered a dream job: eventually programming my own radio station and hosting a morning show. It was a wild ride, but it all worked out in the end. Sometimes, taking a risk can lead you to the most unexpected and fulfilling places.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a proud Latino in the media industry (Radio), I’ve faced unique challenges and opportunities. While representation has improved significantly in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Breaking into the industry as a minority can be tough, but I’ve been fortunate to have the support of mentors and colleagues who believed in my talent.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about using my platform to amplify voices and stories that you wouldn’t usually hear on a Top 40 station. I believe it’s important to see ourselves reflected in the media we consume. As a radio personality and program director, I’ve made it a priority to feature newsmakers, and community leaders. I’ve also worked to create programming that resonates with the local audience in Albuquerque.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the stereotype that Latinos are only interested in certain types of music or content. It’s important to challenge these stereotypes and showcase the diversity of the Latino experience. I’ve worked hard to break down these barriers and demonstrate that Latinos have a wide range of interests and tastes.

Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made and the impact I’ve had on the community. I believe that representation matters, and I’m committed to continuing to use my voice to amplify Latino voices and stories.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As a radio personality, I’ve always understood the power of connection. Building an audience on social media has been a natural extension of that. I’ve focused on creating content that’s authentic, engaging, and relevant to my listeners.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of consistency. I post regularly on my social media channels, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life, interacting with followers, and offering exclusive content. It’s about building a relationship with my audience, one post at a time.

Another tip that i feel is key is the value of authenticity. I’ve tried to be as genuine as possible on social media. I share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, both good and bad. People can tell when you’re being real, and it helps build trust and loyalty.

My advice to anyone starting to build a social media presence is to focus on quality over quantity. Don’t worry about having a massive following right away. Instead, focus on creating content that resonates with your target audience. Be patient, be consistent, and most importantly, be yourself.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

As an radio personality and influencer it requires, discipline, consistency, and creativity are essential qualities. Here are a few books that have helped me develop these traits:

“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins: This memoir of Goggins’s incredible journey from poverty to elite athlete is a testament to the power of discipline and perseverance. His relentless pursuit of excellence has inspired me to push my own limits.

“Gary Vaynerchuk’s 10 Laws of Social Media” by Gary Vaynerchuk: Vaynerchuk’s no-nonsense approach to social media has helped me understand the importance of authenticity, consistency, and creating content that resonates with my audience.

“Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?” by Seth Godin: Godin’s exploration of creativity and individuality has inspired me to think outside the box and find my unique voice. His emphasis on becoming indispensable in your field has motivated me to strive for excellence.

These books have provided me with valuable insights and practical advice that have helped me to develop the discipline, consistency, and creativity necessary to succeed as an successful radio personality/influencer. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to take their expertise to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @badboycarlosd
• Facebook: @badboycarlosd
• Linkedin: @carlosd
• Twitter: @badboycarlosd