By: The People’s Paper MS Staff
When Kayla Thompson greets viewers each morning as anchor and host on WJTV, she brings more than news and headlines. She brings heart, humor, and hard-earned perspective. Since stepping into journalism in 2018, the Mississippi native has shaped her career with authenticity and resilience, two traits that now define both her on-air presence and her life’s journey.
A graduate of Northwest Rankin High School and former student-athlete at Jacksonville State University, Thompson was first drawn to television through a love of entertainment. But, as she soon discovered, news offered something more profound.
“I realized the impact you can have on communities, and the fact that no two days are ever the same,” she said.
After starting at WTVA in Tupelo, Thompson returned home in 2020 to join the WJTV News Team. Today, she’s not only one of the station’s familiar morning faces but also an author and motivator known for encouraging others to embrace life’s transitions.
Her debut book, ‘Master of the Pivot’, released last year explores how faith, laughter, and self-awareness can turn life’s detours into divine direction.
“I wanted to challenge myself to bring that title, ‘Master of the Pivot’, to life,” Thompson said. “I was thinking about legacy and what I wanted mine to be. There’s no better way to make sure your story is told than to write it yourself.”
Thompson’s story begins with a close-knit, faith-filled upbringing in Mississippi. An only child who experienced loss early in life, she draws strength from her “small but mighty” family and often jokes that her two grandfathers and four grandmothers might explain her “old soul.”
She learned persistence and perseverance through sports, especially soccer and track. Those lessons now shape her approach to journalism.
“In both sports and TV, you constantly have to prove yourself,” she reflects. “But now, I see challenges as opportunities to showcase God’s greatness and His ability to transform my life.”
Her authenticity especially in an industry often shaped by rigid norms sets her apart.
“I realized that conforming would always be a challenge,” she admitted. “So I decided to be my true self. During the pandemic, we all needed laughter and relief. That was the perfect time to embrace who I really am.”
In both her on-air presence, her writing, her speaking and emcee gigs, Thompson’s humor shines.
“Laughter is the greatest free medicine out there,” she said. “Sometimes I say things that come to mind, and I’m not even trying to be funny. But, those moments remind me to find joy every day.”
‘Master of the Pivot’ uses wit and honesty to explore the power of adaptability. Through personal stories about faith, grief, and growth, Thompson invites readers to see that every setback can be an opening for change.
“Life happens,” she said. “People we thought would never leave do. But, we are more than our jobs, and we all have an opportunity to make the world better, starting with our own community.”
For Thompson, the key to navigating life’s transitions is consistency and a little humor.
“I always tell people: everyone doesn’t start great, but greatness is achievable. Consistency breeds progress, just like in sports. And never let your zip code limit your impact,” Thompson added.
Her typical day begins long before sunrise, starting at 4:30 a.m. to prepare for morning broadcasts. Between anchoring the early newscast and co-hosting “Live at 9,” Thompson balances editing, producing, and community interviews — all before lunch. Yet, even amid the daily bustle, she finds grounding in prayer, planning, and faith.
“When change comes, I usually allow myself a 15-minute panic, then I pray, then plan,” she laughed. “Every time I follow my gut, that spirit-given discernment, it leads me to the right next step.”
Her heroes and sheroes are deeply personal: the men and women of her family, along with a long list of Black journalists she admired growing up.
She mentioned local names like Byron Brown, Katina Rankin, Maggie Wade, and Ross Adams to icons like Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah.
Their example shaped her, she says, but she’s most proud of carving her own lane.
“I don’t pattern myself after anyone,” she said. “I just try to be consistent and authentic. That’s what keeps me connected to my audience.”
For readers of ‘Master of the Pivot’, Thompson hopes her story will inspire courage and reflection. “It’s for anyone in transition or needing one,” she said. “It’s also for anyone who’s grieving or just needs a laugh or a bit of encouragement.”
Her advice to others echoes the mantra she lives by: “Don’t ask for the opportunity. Create it and then present it.”
From her early start in Tupelo to her vibrant career in Jackson, Kayla Corine Thompson continues to be exactly what her book title proclaims, a ‘Master of the Pivot’ … turning faith, humor, and realness into a career that shines far beyond the morning news.
Readers can find ‘Master of the Pivot’ on Amazon or by visiting her website at kaylacthompson.com.
