Chesley Maddox-Dorsey Gives Tips For Success In Honor Of Women’s History Month

Source: Monica Schipper / Getty

Congratulations are in order for the esteemed radio industry veteran, Chesley Maddox-Dorsey. In January, the CEO of A Wonder Media Company was named one of the U.S. Black Chambers Power 50 Women of Influence for 2025. The prestigious recognition honors influential Black women who have made significant contributions across various fields, with a special focus on business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Now, she’s sharing her tips for success in honor of Women’s History Month. 

Maddox-Dorsey’s remarkable achievements have earned her a spot on the list, largely due to her impactful leadership at A Wonder Media Company, which boasts over 8,000 radio affiliates through its two key divisions: American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and Superadio. Since acquiring AURN and Superadio in 2018, Maddox-Dorsey has grown the company into a powerhouse in Black radio, syndicating some of the most popular shows in the industry including Ebro in The Morning, Yung Joc & The Streetz Morning Takeover, Alice Cooper’s Alice’s Attic, Nessa On Air, Viewpoints Radio, and Cafe Mocha Radio, along with inspirational programs like The Marvin Sapp Radio Show, The Come Up with Tye Tribbett, and The Hezekiah Walker Gospel Countdown.

With over 40 million weekly listeners, the radio powerhouse’s leadership continues to shape the future of Black radio. 

Authenticity and a strong team will take you far, according to Maddox-Dorsey.

Source: Monica Schipper / Getty

A graduate of Oberlin College, Maddox-Dorsey’s radio career began unexpectedly—through banking. Her expertise in finance played a crucial role in the successful acquisition of KJOI-FM in Los Angeles in the ‘80s. Along the way, she also became passionate about empowering aspiring Black and female broadcasters. Encouraged by her mentor, John E. Oxendine, Maddox-Dorsey took a significant step in her career, becoming a shareholder in Blackstar Communications. The partnership led to the acquisition of television stations alongside Home Shopping Network and, later, Fox Broadcasting.

Maddox-Dorsey’s work in banking allowed her to support media companies, including several minority-owned broadcasters, securing financing that helped them thrive. However, her transition into media herself came when Sydney Small recruited her in 2000 to lead Unity Broadcasting Company’s transformation. The huge opportunity ultimately led her to become President and CEO of Access1, a company that owned 23 radio and television stations, Superadio, and a minority stake in AURN. Driven by a vision to create something uniquely her own, Maddox-Dorsey went on to establish A Wonder Media Company, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry. 

Offering advice and insight to women striving for greatness, Maddox-Dorsey stressed the importance of taking risks and remaining steadfast in one’s vision.

“The chance to lead a buyout of two well-known but neglected B2B brands was irresistible. I loved the potential of infusing new ideas and talent into AURN, which had become a shadow of its former self. I knew that between Superadio, a top-ranked syndicator, and the distribution network of AURN, we had a base to build upon,” the broadcast giant said, according to a press release. “You should be the producer of your career and life, and to do that, you must make sure your values and goals are authentically aligned.”

For women in senior management, climbing the ladder to success, Maddox-Dorsey said you must “be a collector of talent as you build your team and village.” The radio maven added, “You are responsible for the outcome of people who work for you, so be serious and intentional.”

The U.S. Black Chambers will celebrate all of its Power 50 Women of Influence honorees on March 27.

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