Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Bonano (JBo). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Looking over my life I think the art of communicating has always been a part of me. I was the kid that went home with “talks too much” on my report card but look at me now! Haha. I say that to say, don’t ignore the things you gravitated to or had interest in when you were younger. I got into radio and started learning my craft by volunteering at radio events. I was then offered a part-time job in the Accounting Office at the radio station I volunteered at. Math is not my forte but I stuck it out. I eventually made my way into the Marketing Department and then landed an overnight show, at the same station I once crunched numbers for. My days were long. I would arrive for work, shadow on-air personalities during my lunch time, finish the work day and then stay and shadow the evening DJ. Everyday. Knowing what I know now, I would have started volunteering sooner. An essential skill to communicating is being able to connect. This applies in radio but also as a content creator, as a leader, as an artist, as a human. We as people are made for connection and want to feel like we’re part of a community. I’d say the biggest obstacle as a content creator is not executing an idea because you’ve seen it done before. Your style is unique to you. Some will rock with it and some won’t and that’s okay. Create and release. As a radio personality it’s easy to look at other entertainers and try and imitate them making you a carbon copy and not an original. Most people can tell when someone is trying to be someone they’re not and that can effect the connection you’re trying to create between you and the listener.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was the first of my cousins to attend college. I graduated with a degree in Music Business and worked at Universal Music Group in their marketing department. After college I worked part-time at an indie label, along with some other odd jobs from a sales rep to working in the medical field and for the government to name a few. While working my government job I started volunteering in radio and eventually was brought on, first part-time then full time. I went from the accounting office to the marketing office to securing an overnight show and now currently host a morning show that’s syndicated across the nation. Whether I’m on the radio connecting with listeners, creating content, working on video content for a client or hosting an event my goal is to add value.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when someone is inspired by what I create and it influences them to create. As a radio personality it’s rewarding when a listener feels encouraged and uplifted by something you’ve said on the air. It affirms that you’re connecting and adding value.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A few years after starting in radio I was presented with a career opportunity a thousand miles away from everything I knew. Friends, family, great hangout spots and to be honest I had no desire of leaving where I was. Comfort isn’t a bad thing until it plays a role in holding you back. The career opportunity was definitely a few steps up and lead me to where I am today, hosting my own morning show on a station that’s heard nation wide. The move was hard. I left all my friends and family members when I left Orlando, FL and moved to Saint Louis, MO alone. Over the last few years I’ve made great friends, found new favorite hangout spots and met my now husband.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jboseason
• Facebook: JBo Marie
• Twitter: @jboseason
• Youtube: WorthTheWilson
• Other: TikTok: @jboseason

Image Credits
credit for the on stage photos: Louis insta handle @Lhkwok

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