‘Time is precious and should not be wasted’

Gene De Souza, ’97, has been in radio since his days as a student DJ at UR’s WDCE. Today, he’s general manager of WDNA, a public jazz station in Miami. (Read more about his career in our profile of him here.) We asked him to reflect on his time as a Spider by responding to the Spider Questionnaire. Here’s what he said.

What’s the best thing to happen to you in the last few years?
I had a very special day in July of 2025. I was on tour with Gafieira Rio Miami, an 11-piece samba/jazz big band that I have been managing for the last four years. We were in New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series. It was a fantastic concert and the entire band was overjoyed with their first performance at such an iconic venue. Afterwards in the dressing room, we were celebrating when my phone rang. It was the board president of WDNA 88.9FM offering me the general manager position. Already emotional and overjoyed, I promptly accepted the offer. When I told the band the news, the dressing room erupted, and the celebration went to another level and into the Manhattan night. A truly unforgettable day that changed the course of my life.

At this point in your life, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
I have learned that time is precious and should not be wasted. This goes for both my personal life as well as professional. I have taken more time to enjoy family, have amazing experiences, and create lasting memories for my children. On the work front, I am much more objective and selective regarding projects and opportunities. I don’t want to waste people’s time nor mine. I used to say yes to everything and take on too much work. Now I decide pretty quickly if an opportunity is a good fit or not.  

What makes you optimistic?
I have always been naturally optimistic. It’s in my nature. I am the glass-is-half-full kind of guy and always believe in the better side of people. Of course, I am not naive and know there are bad actors out there, but seeing good deeds and surrounding myself with incredible people makes me optimistic.

What’s something you’ve held onto since college?
I still have a sweatshirt from UR. Living in Miami, I don’t really get to use it very often. I also still have all my CDs from back then and also my ticket stub collection. I saw many phenomenal concerts while I was in Richmond including Dave Matthews (too many to count), Phish, George Clinton, Widespread Panic, Fishbone, Tito Puente, Rush, Pink Floyd, and many more.

What’s something you’ve had to learn the hard way?
A few years ago, I had a situation at work where I learned to stand up for myself and for integrity, honesty, and hard work. It was a rough period, but ultimately I landed on my feet and came out a much stronger, more confident person.

What’s your advice for students on campus today?
Make as many friends and connections as possible. Many students form one group and kind of stay there through their college years. Create relationships with your classmates, teammates, teachers, and people in the community. The more different people you connect with will only increase the value, the impact of your UR experience while you are on campus and for the rest of your life.

What’s the most surprising place you’ve ever run into another Spider?
Well, Miami Beach isn’t so surprising, but I was in traffic one day and someone kept honking at me. Then a car pulled up beside me and this woman rolled down her window and yelled “Go Spiders!” I yelled back at her, and we both laughed. I had forgotten about my Spider bumper sticker.

What does being a Spider mean to you?
It means being unique, resilient, versatile … and being cool!

What’s one thing you’ve learned not to worry about?
I’ve learned not to worry about failure. If something does not work out in work or in family life, there will be another day, another chance to shine.

What is something about yourself or the world that you hope is different in 10 years?
I hope the world is less polarized and more united, empathetic. Music is a universal language and brings people together, be it at a concert or through the radio. I want to continue doing my part by bringing people together through music.