Career

Copy the Leader: Feloniz Lovato-Winston
Feloniz Lovato-Winston is the Director of Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas Audio-Reader Network.

Powered by

Jayhawks in leadership positions are everywhere you look, including through the Jayhawk Career Network. KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, is highlighting Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their industries with our “Copy the Leader” program.

What do you do in your work?

I am brand-new to my current position, director of Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas Audio-Reader Network. My official start date was September 18, but I have been fortunate to start learning some aspects of the job from retiring director Dan Skinner over the past several weeks. I’ve spent the prior thirteen years in development for both organizations, first at Audio-Reader, and most recently at Kansas Public Radio. The two organizations share staff, airwaves, a beautiful building full of custom studios on the KU campus, and a similar mission – to provide access to news, information, literature and cultural experiences, free of charge, using broadcast and digital technology. My job is to manage both organizations, and work with our staff, volunteers, donors and the University of Kansas to continue to fulfill our mission.

What are the qualities of a good leader?
I believe that good leaders are humble, honest and adept listeners. I have found that providing space for collaboration and honest conversations where all available points of view are considered leads to the best possible outcomes.
How do you practice leadership at your job?

I work with a group of very talented and creative individuals, so it’s in everyone’s best interest, especially our listeners, for me to trust the expertise of KPR and Audio-Reader staff, and provide space opportunities for them to do engaging work that they enjoy. I practice leadership by asking questions, listening, and helping out however I can – especially with the big picture stuff. I focus on providing access to professional development opportunities, ensuring everyone has the equipment equipment and software they need to do their jobs, facilitating meetings and connections that can lead to exciting new collaborations. I also think it’s important to model a positive work environment where people feel safe sharing ideas, asking questions and taking risks.

What makes a team or group successful?

I think that a team is most successful when they both enjoy the work they do and feel supported, by the entire team and their supervisor. I’ve been at KPR and Audio-Reader for quite some time, and it’s really because I have always enjoyed the work and I believe in what we do. I love to read, and I grew up listening to public radio with my mom and dad. I know all of our staff feel the same way – and that passion really does help us meet our goals. One of the things I’ve learned as a supervisor is that projects are more fun and successful when we all work together.

How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?

The media landscape is changing rapidly. You don’t have to work in public radio to know that! We still have a strong radio audience, but more and more people are streaming our content and prefer to listen to their favorite programs on-demand. Leaders in the broadcast and reading services industries need to keep looking to their listeners for guidance on how best to serve them, and then work with their talented staff to meet those needs.

Read more about Feloniz Lovato-Winston here.

Want to receive alumni and career stories like this in your inbox? Subscribe to the Water Cooler, a monthly career newsletter for alumni, students and friends. It includes upcoming events, featured mentors, stories about alumni and students, jobs and more.

More Headlines

Career
Get connected at Kyou Networking Week

Connect with Jayhawks locally and around the globe with career-focused events August 4-8.

Career
Copy the Leader: Jessica Sheahon

Jessica Sheahon, b'12 g'13, works in Asset Management in New York City. We sat down with Jessica to learn what leadership means to her.

Jayhawks Give Back
From Campus to the Colorado Rockies: A Jayhawk’s Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back

After decades of leadership at KU, Diane Goddard carried her passion for service into retirement—this time, among the peaks of the Colorado Rockies and beyond.

Career
Copy the Leader: Laura O'Neill

Laura O'Neill works in Public Relations in New York City. We sat down with Laura to learn what leadership means to her.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: School of Business centennial

Kristen Helling from the KU School of Business discusses the school's 100th anniversary celebration.

Career
Copy the Leader: Austin Harris

Austin Harris is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the KU Alumni Association. We sat down with Austin to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Sexual Assault Prevention Month

Taylor Jones from the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention Education Center joins Driving with Jayhawks.

Career
Copy the Leader: Jonathan Ng

Jonathan Ng, c'03 j'03, is a foreign service lawyer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) currently posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We sat down with Jonathan to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Oread Angel Investors

Jayhawks investing in Jayhawks: The Oread Angel Investors network is supporting high-growth startups associated with KU. Learn more on this episode of Driving with Jayhawks!

Welcome to KU Alumni

Your gift to KU Alumni is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your support, KU Alumni:

KU Alumni