Radio host, Joanne Randall never imagined she would have her own show, let alone become known as a radio personality. Now, as the host for NH Women and Business on WPTL 107.7 The Pulse, she can't imagine being anywhere else. "It's such privilege to be on the air even for just a half hour a week," she says. "I feel like I am a part of something way bigger than me. It filled a niche."

Born and raised in Plaistow, New Hampshire, Joanne was influenced by her parents' business careers. Although initially intending to study music in college, it wasn't until she neared her high school graduation that her father sat her down and encouraged her to take a few business courses. She heeded her father's advice and attended The Whittemore School of Business and Economics at The University of New Hampshire.

"I would credit my parents with everything," Joanne says of her blossoming career. "My mom had a head for business," referring to her mother's at-home-daycare business that she ran for twenty years. "My mom taught me that working hard really did pay off. And my dad was so encouraging," she says. "He taught me that people's feelings really matter and how to do the right thing. He was one of the best examples growing up."

Every so often someone develops a passion without ever seeking it out in the first place. This is exactly how Joanne happened upon her career. She was never a stranger to radio—she was an avid listener. In fact, she was a loyal listener of WPTL. One afternoon she called into NH Today, a show hosted by Jack Heath, and was called into the studio. Jack asked her to host one of his shows. "I was shocked," Joann remembers. "He didn't even know me." After the first taping, she was invited in a second time and it was then that the station offered her a job. "They thought I had personality." She began part-time in sales before coming up with the idea for her own show.

"It started out because I wanted to figure out a way I could have more credibility with my clients.," Joanne says. However, her show has turned into something much more rewarding as it has given her a rare opportunity to really help people, and Joanne couldn't be more thrilled.

And that's not all. Joanne is also a Selectman in the Town of Epsom, New Hampshire. And how does she balance this? Her main goal is to keep family a priority. Thanks to flexible hours at the station and the help of her husband, she is able to accomplish that. "My husband and I are a team," she said.

When asked what advice she would give to women, she says, "be comfortable with who you are. There will be those who disagree with your views and approach, but that's not your problem. Not everyone has to agree with everyone."

Joanne is thrilled by the growth of the show which was just created last November and is humbled to be a part of something so big. One day, Joann hopes to turn the half hour show into an hour long production and perhaps even go live as opposed to pre-recorded. "I'm open to everything," she says. "I never thought I'd be in radio. Three years ago, I'd think you were crazy!" One thing is for certain though—not even Joanne can predict what her future holds.

Visit her at www.nhwomeninbusiness.com.

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