Today we’d like to introduce you to Noor Wahba.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Noor. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I started as a Radio Broadcasting major at the University of La Verne which truly propelled my interest and experience in the radio and media world. Not only did I complete challenging classes, have awesome mentorship from my Professors, but I was lucky to have had the opportunity to host and produce my very own weekly radio show on our University radio station, Leo FM.
When I was younger, I used to use a remote control and pretend I was a young Oprah or Ricki Lake (lol) so you can imagine the excitement I had of having a real microphone in my face! As part of my graduation requirements, I had to complete certain hours at an internship in my field, so from there I started interning at Power 106 as a Programming Intern.
I remember being in awe of the perfect combination of professionalism and fun the Power staff had, and I was drawn to learning from DJ Eman specifically, who I feel really helped season me for the industry. He was the first person (aside from my awesome ULV Professor Mike Laponis!) in radio to teach me the science behind the music, challenge my knowledge, and push me to WANT to learn more. Let me put it this way when Eman spoke, I LISTENED!
After my internship ran its course, I got hired as a Promotions Office Assistant at iHeartMedia. I did basic office work there but learned A LOT as far as how contesting works, talking and dealing with various personalities, and even connecting the dots in Sales. Shortly after that, my bosses at iHeart moved to CBS. They asked if I wanted to join their team where I would be exposed to more experience and hours.
At CBS, I learned the importance of cold-calling and really working hard to connect with businesses and sell your station. I am very fortunate to have worked for such great companies: iHeart, CBS, Emmis, and now Meruelo Media. I can’t imagine being where I am at now, without all the experience and mentorship I had across the board.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can’t begin to tell you how NOT SMOOTH this road has been, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learned so much from every dip, twist, and turn this journey has taken me.
I have picked up lessons in my losses, confidence in my wins, and excitement in what is to come. Some concrete obstacles I’ve faced at my various jobs include everything from working with difficult people, interviews gone wrong, to last-minute cancellations or time shifts. Personal obstacles include fear, overthinking, and worrying too much about what other people had to say.
Let me tell you though… I’ll take a “concrete obstacle” over a “mental obstacle” ANY DAY! The pressure I sometimes put on myself blows my mind. The fear I have of not getting to my vision gives me goosebumps. But the thought of it all being crazy enough to actually work out, and possibly be even better than I imagined makes it all worth it. I must say…
I do think I need to take responsibility for some of the roadblocks I set for myself. Often times in this industry, especially when I first started, I allowed it to intimidate me. I was scared to speak up, I was scared of not being liked, I was scared of being different. I was even scared of being wrong, which I’ve learned is OK! No one knows it all. I always keep in mind Tupac saying he may not be the person to change the world, but he knew he’d be the person to spark the mind who will.
I jokingly say that almost weekly to Felli and our team because sometimes a simple or “lame” idea when discussed together can truly blossom into something special. The idea itself may not be a winner off the bat, but it could spark something incredible! There is no wrong when being creative! Some ideas just need more polishing and time.
Power 106 FM Los Angeles – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I work at the greatest radio station in the world! Power 106 FM in Los Angeles. I produce the afternoon show with DJ Felli Fel. This means I create the shows content, cut and edit talk breaks, piece together audio and create leads/teases for it. I do all the daily prep for the show including supervising contesting and interns, operating the board, and I am responsible for our show’s overall sound. This is also an exciting position for me because it allows me to tap into my creativity.
Everyday, I pitch show content to Felli Fel, and he decides to either run with it or run without it. Sometimes we’ve carried out ideas that were so successful we left the show feeling on a high. Other times, the vision doesn’t carry out as planned or as we hoped it would, and it’s still a win because now I know it doesn’t work, and now I know what I can do better. My favorite days are “slow news days.”
I feel like that’s when I get to shine the most because I work with my team to get into new/different ways we can have fun on the air. Some of these ways include playing a game, taking callers, talking about why we’re still single, or who the greatest rapper alive really is (FYI if you’re wondering, it’s J. Cole). We still have to stick to our radio formula, but I never limit myself or the show to that. I enjoy creating a fun vibe, reporting when necessary, and talking sh*t to Felli any chance I get!
What makes me most proud of being part of the Power 106 family is that EVERYONE is so talented in what they do: whether it’s our sales team, our DJs, our interns, our badass street team, our creative social/digital squad, everyone brings something so special to the table. I work with the best people in the game who are so seasoned in their knowledge, it’s impossible to end a workday without learning something new whether it’s from Felli or from our social media team. You never work the same day twice at Power 106!
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to connect with people deeper than industry level stuff and my adaptability. I love building real relationships, I love learning about my co-workers and their ups and downs. I love asking interns about their dreams and struggles. So much so, I even force our team into sharing our “Pit and Peak” (stolen from the Kardashians lol) of our day in the studio just to lighten the mood and learn what the other person is dealing with.
It always puts us into check, even if it’s for a few minutes, and somehow re-fuels us to tackle our “pits.” So often we get lost in our busy “Hollywood schedules” that we forget to check in with each other to see how we’re really doing. It’s a nice escape, and it builds that human connection!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
This is such a great question. A few years ago, success would have easily and only been measured by my title and paycheck. Don’t get me wrong, I have those “feeling defeated” days where I have to remind myself that success is NOT in a title or a paycheck. It is NOT in the amount of followers I have or how many people know my name.
Success to me is honestly about other people. It’s how you make others feel… if I leave this earth knowing I always treated everyone with LOVE and respect, I have succeeded. If I make people feel good, I have succeeded. If my friends and family know I love them, I have succeeded. If I work towards positive change in my community, I have succeeded. If I have inspired an intern, I have succeeded. If I made a stranger smile, I have succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noortoriousbig/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/noortoriousBIG
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