Audacy congratulates Chief Operating Officer Susan Larkin, SVP and Detroit Market Manager, Debbie Kenyon, and SVP and Houston Market Manager, Sarah Frazier, on their inclusion in Radio Ink’s 25th annual Most Influential Women in Radio.

The yearly list celebrates women leaders in the industry who have broken barriers, acted as role models and mentors for younger women in the business.

All three of Audacy’s representatives on the list embody these qualities of leaders and help blaze a trail for future generations of women in Radio.

“To realize the most success and happiness long-term in a career, you must choose or follow a path that you believe is your calling and that you are truly passionate about,” Susan advises.

Radio Ink picked honorees’ brains on their best career advice, why radio is a compelling career for women, and their take on mentorship. You can read excerpts of their responses and their full spread in Radio Ink below.

Susan Larkin | Chief Operating Officer

What is the best career advice you’ve ever given someone?
The best career advice I have ever given someone is the best career advice that I was given.

There are three parts to this advice: first, to realize the most success and happiness long-term in a career, you must choose or follow a path that you believe is your calling and that you are truly passionate about.

Second, you must recognize your own strengths and leverage those to create value for your company and stakeholders. Don’t try to be something you’re not.

Last but not least, you’re the only one in charge of your career, and you have to own the outcomes. No one is going to do it for you.

Why is Radio a good career for women?
Many women are multidimensional and can juggle different obligations and responsibilities at the same time. Radio is a career for those who want to be highly engaged with diverse customers and constituencies: audiences, advertisers, communities, and colleagues. We can meet those needs as we, by nature, are good at fostering inclusivity and community.

In addition, as we innovate and expand our offerings in tech, this provides more opportunities for women and men that were so minimal in the past.

Debbie Kenyon | SVP/Market Manager, Detroit

What is the best career advice you’ve ever given someone?
It is important to always be on a learning journey. Have a mentor who can help you regularly assess your career path and explore new opportunities. Work to build your network, which can help lead to referrals or opportunities. Networking should be an everyday practice in your life. Embrace new challenges and skills.

Why is Radio a good career for women?
A lot of change is happening in our industry. A woman’s voice is vital to shaping our future.

If you’ve been a mentor to someone, what is the most satisfying aspect of mentorship?
Mentoring rejuvenates mentors. It is exciting to watch someone you have mentored grow throughout their career.

Sarah Frazier | SVP/Market Manager, Houston

What is the best career advice you’ve ever given someone?
Career paths aren’t always linear, so don’t be afraid to take a step back to move forward in the future. People are sometimes disappointed if they aren’t constantly progressing up the ladder, but I’ve found that taking a lateral move or even a step back to change companies has benefited me in the long run. Play the long game.

Why is Radio a good career for women?
It was the first place I found where my income wasn’t capped. I realized I could make as much as I could sell, which attracted me to the business. It is also a business that gives you great flexibility to work after your kids go to bed, at night, and on the weekends, enabling you to still drive to your personal career goals while raising a family.