Recently, my good friend Becky Switzer asked former Oklahoman and current HARPO Productions Executive Vice President Erik Logan to come share more about his career in the media business with students at the Gaylord College at OU. HARPO, of course, is Oprah Winfrey’s production company. Erik started his career in Oklahoma City at KXY and now is one of the stars in national media, with a focus on radio. He previously has been a senior level executive at CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting and XM/Sirius Radio. The following are a couple tips Erik shared with the students:
On how to manage:
- Share information with the team.
- Never miss a chance to share the vision.
- Share all responsibility, but be responsible.
- Always carry a sense of urgency in all you do.
On how to balance life and work:
Develop a respect and expectation among your co-workers when you are “off.” Erik arrives early and leaves around 5 each day to spend time with his young family. He said he is mostly unavailable between 5 and 9 p.m.
On growing the business:
- Asks his team each day what they did to raise ratings and/or revenue for the company.
- Writes on a sheet of paper each Sunday evening “what am I going to do to grow my business?”
On gaining respect on the first day of a new assignment:
Share with the team that the basis of all successful work relationships is asking people to come at everything based on love and trust. If you have love and trust, you are less likely to have fear and doubt. Fear and doubt tear teams apart and also cause individuals to question any decision. Love and trust allows you to give up ego to work together towards the overall goals.
On preparation:
For every 10 minutes with Oprah, Erik prepares 50 minutes. You cannot succeed without preparation.
Erik is another example of a creative Oklahoman who has left the state and gone on to do great things. I enjoyed meeting Erik and getting the opportunity to spend time with him.
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Tags: Erik Logan, HARPO