Meet Mikaela Hunt

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mikaela Hunt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mikaela below.

Mikaela, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My dad began as a teacher and later became an entrepreneur, always balancing a side project or volunteering effort as part of his life. Now retired, he’s living near the beach in Georgia—a true aspiration! He grew up on a farm in Central Illinois, instilled with a work ethic and values that have proven to be some of the best foundations anyone could ask for. Although I only visited that farm as a child before my grandparents sold it, the lessons he exhibited from those years have become core to my values. Plant a seed, take care of it through planned work, and reap the rewards of a job well done.

Through his example, I learned that if I can envision success, I can always find a solution, create a plan, or build a dream to move forward. For me, success is a blend of planning and execution. Life can wear us down, but taking the time to write down goals, visualize possibilities, and spending time each day to make sure I’m rooted in purpose drives me forward. It’s what keeps my focus sharp and fuels my work ethic.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I tell stories that guide communities toward solutions. After years in TV news, where we often called on viewers to act when communities faced challenges, I’ve brought that same focus to my work as a chief communications officer, radio show host, and podcast host.

In my role as a CCO, I’m fortunate to lead an exceptional team of storytellers dedicated to helping Ohioans protect their homes, finances, and families. I see our efforts as outreach—sharing stories and insights that offer practical value for people of all ages. Recently, our team was recognized with a national award for a unique approach to tackling opioid addiction. By working with financial advisors who often detect early signs of substance abuse through changes in clients’ 401(k) activity, we’ve been able to connect families with resources before issues escalate.

Currently, we’re focused on increasing volunteer firefighter numbers in Ohio, where rural areas have seen declining recruitment even as emergency calls rise. Communications and marketing are powerful tools in solving challenges like these. By analyzing data, identifying key audiences, and crafting targeted strategies, we aim to inspire community members to take action for the common good.

As a radio show and podcast host, which are my current side hustles, I get to dive into stories of the greater community in Central Ohio and showcase what individuals are doing to help each other, small businesses, and more.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Curiosity, integrity, and faith. For those at the beginning of their careers, tapping into what genuinely excites and motivates them is essential. Pursuing a career with intentionality means aligning work with purpose, focusing on roles that resonate with personal values, and setting a direction that brings fulfillment.

While life will undoubtedly throw its share of curveballs, having a clear sense of purpose acts as a compass, helping navigate challenges and recalibrate when the path becomes uncertain. By staying connected to what matters most, early professionals can recognize opportunities—even unexpected ones—that align with their goals and lead to meaningful growth.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

In today’s fast-paced world, where our phones constantly ping and personal and professional responsibilities compete for attention, Getting Things Done by David Allen has truly been a lifesaver. Allen’s method is transformative, offering a structured approach to capturing and organizing every task, from immediate to long-term, so they’re prioritized and manageable.

Do I sometimes fall short of achieving everything exactly as planned? Absolutely. But Allen’s process has streamlined my life over the last decade, making it far easier to stay on track. When unexpected challenges arise—whether at work or at home—his system helps me adjust my plans and reset my expectations with a bit less stress. I also use an Evernote template that complements the GTD process, which has become an indispensable part of my weekend routine.

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