J’Michael Francois is “many things” and in a good way. At a time when carefully curated social media bios try to willfully redefine expertise and accomplishment, it’s always refreshing to discover the rare breed of talent that lives up to their hype. J’Michael Francois is that talent.

After successfully elevating Radio stations in New Orleans, LA, Lafayette, LA, and Baton Rouge, LA, through his work as an On-Air Personality, Content Creator, Program Director, and Operations Manager, Summit Media Corps recently tapped J’Michael to become their Vice-President of Programming of R&B and Gospel formats. Francois currently oversees four (4) of the company’s urban stations – WBHK-FM (Birmingham, AL), WAGG-AM (Birmingham, AL), WJMZ-FM (Greenville, SC) and WRKA-FM (Louisville, KY.) Where many in J’Michael’s position would struggle balancing the distinct complexities of managing multiple formats genres and communities of listeners Francois thrives with humility while the numbers speak for themselves. Although J’Michael acknowledges God and a host of mentors, his success is hard won with experience and smart work.

“We really don’t have students in the industry anymore. Everybody wants to be a teacher; we are all forever students, and we are responsible for continuing to grow and expand in tandem with the world around us. Even the greatest among us are forever students of their craft. ” - J’Michael Francois

Francois’ foray into the radio business is by no means typical. Even as a child, J’Michael loved the radio. In the 5th and 6th grades, he would spend his Saturday mornings in his native New Orleans listening to Children’s Corner and Teen Talk on his local radio station. During these shows, children would be allowed to call in and participate. Francois’ call-in segments would become so popular that his adolescent voice became well known throughout the city. Because of his budding talent, by the time Francois was was in the 8th grade, radio maven The radio station’s Program Director would invite the precocious adolescent to go beyond call-ins and make live in-studio appearances. After several successful appearances, J’Michael was offered an internship at the station, where he began to learn the radio business from top to bottom. He did it all, whether it was answering phones and taking requests or stacking carts.

Eventually, Francois had to give up his internship and focus on High School, but his youthful radio days clearly left an impression. During his senior year, while attending a church convention, The same Program Director approached J’Michael with an offer he couldn’t refuse - or so he thought. Knowing the soon-to-be college student would likely be needing extra funds, J’Michael was offered a part-time overnight on-air position. But J’Michael would initially turn down the offer because he didn’t want to begin something that would have to end once he left for school. After a sobering conversation with his grandparents, he realized that a part-time job would be beneficial to him, no matter how short-lived. In a leap of faith, Francois was offered a Full-time on-air position at another radio station, and the rest, as they say - is history! What was initially intended to be a part time radio gig for some extra money before going away to college would jump-start an extraordinary career and passion for broadcast radio and media. J’Michael’s original plans were to attend Oral Roberts University to study Music Education and Political Science. Ultimately, that changed when Francois decided to study Mass Communications at Dillard University in New Orleans to stay close to his passion. Radio was no longer some temporary gig.

For two years, he continued to hone his radio skills, and the station saw tremendous growth during this time. As much as he loved hosting, Francois knew there was more to master in the business of radio for his own professional growth.

As has been the running theme in J’Michael’s career, he took another leap, this time to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he assumed the responsibilities of Program Director. Three weeks into his move to Lafayette, a brand new city, Francois’ mettle would be tested even more. Hurricane Katrina descended upon the Gulf Coast, and the aftermath of the historic storm ravaged his hometown. There was no going back. Despite these challenges, J’Michael pressed forward and added immense value to the Lafayette community. Soon after, Francois took his decade-long experience and expertise to Baton Rouge, LA, where he became the operations manager of 8 radio stations across two markets and program director of five radio stations and three formats.

J’Michael’s impressive achievements in radio can be attributed to his unique collaborative approach to music and programming. He believes that “you’ve got to let other people inspire you and keep up with what they love,” says Francois. He continues, “No matter what the format is, I want to build a lifestyle. From the car to work, the park, and everywhere else, everything on the station should echo what you enjoy and your passion; the soundtrack to your life!”  J’Michael works everyday to produce this soundtrack because of his gift of learning his audiences and not simply teaching them.

Francois also makes sure to be open to learning from others in the business. He credits programming luminaries like Maurice DeVoe, LeBron Joseph, and Kenny Smoov as inspirations. He affectionately remembers, “I used to actually send my air checks to Elroy Smith before he even knew who I was, and guess what? He wrote back to me with comments and constructive criticism that I would incorporate into my actions!” Media voices like Rick Party and Gerard Henry helped him “see that the world was bigger than where I was.” Ever the student, J’Michael further acknowledges that he studied the mechanics of the shows of Monica Pierre, Matt Anderson, Tom Joyner, and the like. “I will never say I’m self-made; I’m a product of all these people and what they poured into my life,” says Francois.

But J’Michael isn’t just a radio maven. When he’s not on the air or programming the hottest stations across the nation, you’ll likely find him cooking, playing tennis, or traveling. He may even be taking on a DIY project just for fun - “It’s like therapy for me.” He’s also known to always be on the search for ways to help others through his many community service programs and partnerships.

Whatever the next wave in media, you can be sure J’Michael Francois will be there because of his incredible vision. He maintains, “Always open your eyes, not just to what is happening today, but what will become tomorrow. A program director doesn’t just see; they OVERsee so that they can create the next thing to innovate and revolutionize the listener experience.”