2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Bonnie Bell

“He wanted me in sales, so he told me he didn’t think I could do it,” says Bell, who is now vice president of sales at Meyer Communications. “That may be one of the smarter management tools that’s been used against me.”

Determined to prove Meyer wrong, Bell ventured into sales while still on-air. Meyer Communications owns KTXR 101.3 FM, Jock Sports & More 98.7, KWTO AM 560 and KBFL 99.9 FM/AM 1060.

Born in Chicago, Bell moved to Hannibal when she was 6. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications and political science from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She spent her sophomore year studying abroad in Rome and Paris, and she has done some master’s-level course work at Missouri State University.

Bell lived in Denver before she relocated to the Ozarks. She worked for a year at Patch Communications in Branson, producing and co-anchoring a morning TV show.

She moved to Meyer Communications in 1996. With a staff of about 15, Bell is responsible for developing and implementing long-term sales strategies. She even gets behind the microphone once in a while.

Bell enjoys the challenge of radio. Less than a year ago, she was involved with a successful format change for KTXR, when the station moved to a “timeless-love-song” format.

“Radio is an evolving medium, and it has to be. Radio has to be able to change and change quickly or we get left behind,” she says. “You just always have to keep your eyes open and be attuned to what (people) want to listen to.”

In a field that can be all-consuming, Bell still manages to find work-family balance. She credits Meyer Communications for encouraging family to be at events when possible.

“I incorporate my work into my family and my family into my work. … It’s a decision that you have to make, and then you have to work at it,” Bell says. “Friendships and family take a little work, and I think sometimes people forget that.”

Bell is passionate about her involvement with the board of Springfield Workshop, which contracts with businesses to employ people with disabilities. She’s equally enthusiastic about being on the board of directors at Students in Free Enterprise, from which she received an award for being the most supportive board member.

“If you’re ever concerned … our world has a bleak future, all you need to do is watch these kids and you will see our nation and our world has a bright future,” Bell says.

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

Golda Meir. As one of the founders of the state of Israel, you could say she helped give birth to a nation. As prime minister, she was a person of great power, yet she handled it with intelligence, grace and wit.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

Don’t be afraid to dream big dreams, and when the realities of life put an obstacle in your path … don’t give up the dream.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

After getting over the heartache of realizing I would never be a prima ballerina and the favored partner of Mikhail Baryshnikov, I wanted to be an author – or just like Barbara Walters.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

I remind people of Bebe Neuwirth, because she is an articulate, outspoken and opinionated woman and usually plays characters much the same.

Tell us about your family.

I was raised in a single-parent home by a mother … Mrs. Rae Bell … who always told me I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I was willing to work hard. I am who I am and where I am today in large part because of (her). My aunt and uncle (are) Marilyn and Norman Truber (and) their support through the years has been invaluable.

Web Exclusive: What “hot” hobby used to keep Bonnie busy?

Bonnie, a baton twirler, was a member of a drum corps and, at one time, was fairly adept with fire batons. [[In-content Ad]]