In the spring of 2011, I took a job as General Manager of three urban radio stations in Cincinnati, owned by Radio One. I’d never worked in a radio station before, much less managed one.
The job didn't quite work out the way both parties had hoped and after two years I was gone. While it wasn't a pleasant ending, I have no regrets as the job gave me a chance to work with one of the finest people I've ever known, Steven Harris. As the station's Operation Manager, Steve took it upon himself to teach this novice everything he knew about radio based on his 30+ years as a top programmer in the business. It was a wonderful business partnership that evolved into one of the greatest friendships of my life.
The first stop on my American Journey was to visit Steve at Beechwood Point Rehabilitation Center outside Cleveland. Steve is battling a form of blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS. It is a battle being waged by a man of indomitable faith, who, despite knowing what he's up against, refuses to give up. But there's an added incentive that's contributing to his fighting spirit.
See, Steve is about to become a first-time grandfather at the end of this year. All of his energy, all of his faith, is focused on ensuring that he will be able to hold that grandchild in his arms. But he sure could use some help. I wish I could say I had the same kind of faith as Steve, but I don’t. I do, however, believe in the collective energy that flows in and through all of us. And, so, with that, I’m putting out a request to anyone reading this blog and to those to whom this post will hopefully be shared: say a prayer (or 10) for my friend Steve. Help him find the strength to fight on so that he can hold his grandchild. And, who knows, maybe the grace of that small child will give Steve renewed strength to fight on even further.
Thanks.
The job didn't quite work out the way both parties had hoped and after two years I was gone. While it wasn't a pleasant ending, I have no regrets as the job gave me a chance to work with one of the finest people I've ever known, Steven Harris. As the station's Operation Manager, Steve took it upon himself to teach this novice everything he knew about radio based on his 30+ years as a top programmer in the business. It was a wonderful business partnership that evolved into one of the greatest friendships of my life.
The first stop on my American Journey was to visit Steve at Beechwood Point Rehabilitation Center outside Cleveland. Steve is battling a form of blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS. It is a battle being waged by a man of indomitable faith, who, despite knowing what he's up against, refuses to give up. But there's an added incentive that's contributing to his fighting spirit.
See, Steve is about to become a first-time grandfather at the end of this year. All of his energy, all of his faith, is focused on ensuring that he will be able to hold that grandchild in his arms. But he sure could use some help. I wish I could say I had the same kind of faith as Steve, but I don’t. I do, however, believe in the collective energy that flows in and through all of us. And, so, with that, I’m putting out a request to anyone reading this blog and to those to whom this post will hopefully be shared: say a prayer (or 10) for my friend Steve. Help him find the strength to fight on so that he can hold his grandchild. And, who knows, maybe the grace of that small child will give Steve renewed strength to fight on even further.
Thanks.
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