Women to Watch: Keisha Nicole; 97.9 La Boîte, Houston

(By Charèse Fruge’) Keisha Nicole is the host of “Good Morning H-Town” on 97.9 The Box (KBXX) in Houston, Texas. She wakes up the city every morning from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. In addition to this, she is a stadium co-host for the Houston Texans during football season.

She also runs a self-love journal, “Say It From Your Heart,” designed to inspire and encourage self-reflection and personal growth, particularly for women, and she has a line of products that supports this platform.

Keisha’s career began at KDAY in Los Angeles where she was an intern and immediately took on several roles. “I started as a receptionist and HR assistant. I also worked in promotions and as a salesperson, while working on-air on weekends,” she explains. “My dedication was evident in my 1.5 hour commute to and from work each day.”

“After four years, I landed my first full-time on-air position in 2010 with an afternoon show in Louisville, KY. I was there for five years before moving to an afternoon slot with Radio One in Indianapolis, where I stayed for two years,” says Keisha. “Determined to return to the top 10 markets, I set myself a two-year objective. As I approached the two-year mark, I received an offer for a midday position in Houston, a position I have now held for three years.

“In 2020, I launched the show “Good Morning H-Town” while continuing my midday responsibilities for three more years, effectively hosting two shows simultaneously. Last year I decided to focus solely on the morning show. Additionally, I am the voice and imagery of multiple stations in different markets, expanding my impact in the industry.

“I have to say that moving to morning was a big challenge for me, especially after the legendary “Mad Hatta Morning Show” that took place before me. Just as we signed, the pandemic hit, adding yet another layer of difficulty. Throughout this time, I have taken on many responsibilities, including producing and directing the series.

“I’ve had some incredible experiences throughout my career, but my passion for sport has always been a driving force for me,” says Keisha. “Becoming a co-host at the Houston Texans stadium is without a doubt one of the highlights of my career. The thrill of standing in front of 70,000 fans, energizing the crowd and enhancing their match experience is truly unparalleled. »

“Beyond the excitement of sport, community work holds a special place in my heart. I believe in giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of others,” says Keisha. “One memorable initiative was a blanket drive I organized years ago with high school students. Seeing their enthusiasm and the impact of our collective effort has been deeply rewarding. This experience reinforced my commitment to community service and the power of bringing people together for a common cause.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced over the years was moving halfway across the country without my family for the first time in 2010. I was young and suddenly had to navigate alone in life, which was both intimidating and exhilarating,” Keisha says, “Looking back, it was also one of the greatest blessings. This experience forced me to grow, adapt and become more resilient.

“Additionally, the ever-changing nature of the industry has required me to continually reinvent myself and stay ahead of trends. Embracing change and innovation has been crucial to maintaining my relevance and success in this field.

“Balance is another cornerstone of my life. Over the past few years, I have prioritized my mental health and strived to live a more balanced lifestyle. This commitment to self-care has been instrumental in maintaining my well-being and allowing me to perform at my best in my professional and personal life.

“My advice for women who want to succeed in the industry: immerse yourself in learning the ins and outs of your profession. Remember, it’s all about your audience, not you. Stay true to yourself; don’t compromise your authenticity for fleeting gains. Authenticity resonates with listeners, so maintain consistency and integrity.

“Embrace social media: it’s not just a platform, it’s your professional identity. Make sure your online presence accurately reflects your brand. Above all, enjoy what you do; let your passion shine through. A smile goes a long way in establishing a connection with your audience. Ask a mentor for advice; their wisdom can open doors and guide your career. Stay adaptable and be willing to change course if necessary. Invest in building your personal brand alongside your professional skills.

“When it comes to connecting with the younger generation, I think it’s all about staying in tune with what’s happening right now,” Keisha explains. “Where I train, there are middle and high school athletes, and I often find myself playing the role of big sister or mentor to them. They always introduce me to the latest trends and events, while I share with them the best of music from the 90s and 2000s. I have a young spirit and I strive to be the kind of mentor I would have liked to have growing up, because I didn’t have those role models at the time. Being authentic and continually finding new ways to connect with the younger generation is crucial for the radio industry to stay relevant.

“A lot of people think being on radio is EASY, but it’s not. It’s not just about speaking into a microphone. There is much more than that. Being a radio host is almost like being a storyteller. You need to grab people’s attention and keep them interested. This means knowing how to speak in a way that makes listeners feel like they are part of the conversation.

“But it’s not just about talking. Before going on air, the hosts spend time preparing. They research topics, plan what to say, and work with other people behind the scenes to make sure everything goes well. Off the air, the presenters also have a lot to do. They represent their radio stations at events and connect with listeners on social media. In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is essential. So getting on the radio is not as easy as it seems. It takes skill, passion and hard work to bring these vibes to life.

What keeps Keisha up at night? “I have trouble sleeping, I’m a real insomniac,” she says. “Knowing that I have to wake up at 3:30 a.m. every morning keeps me from tossing and turning. But seriously, I feel like I’m not fulfilling my potential if I’m not helping others every day. I’m pretty hard on myself, so I try to be more lenient about the things I haven’t accomplished yet. I’m always thinking about the next thing.

“My mind never stops. So I try to find a balance by going to the gym and going on weekends to recharge my batteries. I’m a big fan of the mountains and the beach, so sometimes I take a flight on Friday after work and come back in time for Monday. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge for the week ahead. Additionally, I sit in my shower every day when I get home for 30 minutes with the lights off and meditate.

Follow Keisha Nicole @keishanicole on all platforms.

Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning content, broadcast and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, particularly young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. Find her at @MCMediaOnline. See more women to watch here.