Have you ever found yourself on a completely different path than the one you initially set out on? Well, let me introduce you to Ivani Bing, the vibrant host of the 107.3KC Midday Radio Show. Her journey to becoming a radio show host was full of unexpected twists and turns, but her resilience and unwavering determination led her to where she is today.
During her time at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Ivani sought opportunities to enhance her resume for her dream job as a live TV anchor. In pursuit of this goal, she interned at Shorty and The Boys on 95.7 The Vibe, a station she was all too familiar with. This internship provided her with invaluable learning experiences that she saw as useful for her TV career. However, after moving on to a TV internship, Ivani quickly realized that it wasn't the fulfilling path she had imagined.
Reflecting on her time there, Ivani recalls, "It was not what I thought it was. I was actually miserable. I tell people I didn't find any joy in putting a camera in somebody's face at the lowest point of their life. So being a reporter and covering those hard-hitting news stories—emotional and just stories of the community of people going through hardships—it took a toll on me mentally, and I wasn't equipped to handle it." Realizing that television wasn't the right fit for her, Ivani decided to reevaluate her career path. She returned to her radio job and shared her discomfort with them, and they suggested she explore the role of an on-air personality—an idea that had never crossed her mind before.
Embracing the unexpected, Ivani took on an internship at the station as a sales representative for Sweet Jack after graduation. Although it wasn't her ideal position, she understood the value of seizing any opportunity that presented itself. She advises other interns to do the same, explaining, "Even when it's not what you want, still take it because it's your foot in the door." This position allowed her to elevate herself within the industry and opened doors to new possibilities.
During her time with Sweet Jack, Ivani attended Chiefs games, where she would sign people up for promotions using an iPad. This eventually led to her involvement with the party patrol, attending clubs and generating an online presence for the radio station. One fateful day, a program director asked her a life-altering question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Ivani confidently replied, "I'd like to be on-air." From that point forward, Ivani's journey was far from easy. She faced doubts and skepticism from colleagues and others in her life who believed she would never make it as an on-air personality. However, she remained undeterred and persevered. She shadowed morning shows, waking up at the crack of dawn to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Gradually, she transitioned to hosting weekend shows and eventually landed on a midday show for 107.3.
Throughout her journey, Ivani emphasized the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself. She never compromised her authenticity, even in the face of adversity. Ivani also believes in treating others with respect, even those who may have treated her poorly in the past. She states, "I always want to make sure that I treat them with respect and live by the golden rule, 'Treat people the way you'd like to be treated' because in this industry, you never know who you're gonna run into."
Today, Ivani Bing has earned her position as an on-air personality host through hard work, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Her journey reminds us that success often comes from unexpected paths, staying true to oneself, and treating others with respect can truly make a difference.