«I think everyone has a responsibility to hire the best people regardless of gender. But then I remember I've had more opportunities than even most men in the industry.» Virginia "Ginny" Morris, chairwoman of Hubbard Radio

About Morris: Working as a restaurant hostess during college in 1982, Morris was pushed by her dad, Hubbard Broadcasting chief Stanley S. Hubbard, to take an internship in KSTP-TV's promotional unit. She ended up working full time at the station. Eventually she worked her way through the ranks of the Hubbard radio station business.

Personal file: Morris, 51, is divorced with two teenage children. A private person, she declined to be interviewed for this story.

What's big in 2014: Morris spent $85.5 million this year to buy 10 more radio stations — her second major buy in two years — at a time when some believe radio is obsolete. In September, Hubbard received the National Radio Award, an honor previously bestowed on Larry King and Howard Cosell.

Final word: Morris said her early career was marred by her inability to make decisions fast enough, and she was slow to replace fading personalities. Morris' strengths are her instincts and her ability to listen, said Dan Seeman, vice president of Hubbard Radio. "She leaves you alone, but she's there when you need her," he said.

Neal ST. Anthony