Media Veteran Shares Lessons on Building a Career and Brand

Mike McVay emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and personal branding for success in the media industry.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a presentation at the Intercollegiate Broadcast System (IBS) conference, media veteran Mike McVay shared insights on building a successful career and becoming a personal brand. McVay stressed the value of continuing education, self-awareness, and commitment to one's values and performance, regardless of career stage. He encouraged the student audience to listen more than speak early on, think before speaking as their careers evolve, and practice the Golden Rule. McVay also discussed the benefits of developing a personal brand, noting that it can aid in career advancement and preservation.

Why it matters

McVay's advice resonates with media professionals of all levels, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, personal branding, and maintaining integrity in an industry that is constantly evolving. His message emphasizes the need for media workers to stay relevant, adaptable, and true to their values in order to thrive throughout their careers.

The details

During his presentation at the IBS conference, McVay shared lessons from his own extensive experience in the media industry. He emphasized the importance of continuing education, even for those with successful careers, in order to stay relevant and adapt to changes in the field. McVay also discussed the benefits of developing a personal brand, noting that it can aid in career advancement and preservation. He encouraged the student audience to listen more than speak early on, think before speaking as their careers evolve, and practice the Golden Rule. Additionally, McVay stressed the need for media professionals to be honest about their strengths and weaknesses, and to be willing to adjust their career goals and paths as necessary.

  • The IBS conference took place this past weekend in New York.
  • McVay has attended the IBS conference yearly, as it is one of his favorite events.

The players

Mike McVay

A media veteran who shared insights on building a successful career and becoming a personal brand at the Intercollegiate Broadcast System (IBS) conference.

Intercollegiate Broadcast System (IBS)

An organization that supports college and high school media outlets and organizations, formed in 1940 and led by passionate educators and broadcasters.

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What they’re saying

“Continuing education should be a part of what you do to excel and advance your career. Especially true if you intend to be a part of the leadership team of any company.”

— Mike McVay (radioink.com)

“I encouraged the audience to listen more than they speak in the early days of their careers, and to think before they speak as their career evolves. Be undaunted, flexible, dependable, and the solution to problems. Acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.”

— Mike McVay (radioink.com)

The takeaway

McVay's insights on the importance of lifelong learning, personal branding, and maintaining integrity in the media industry provide valuable guidance for professionals at all stages of their careers. His message emphasizes the need for adaptability, self-awareness, and a commitment to one's values in order to thrive in an ever-evolving field.