UM’s Sydney MD Ben McCallum Gives His 10 Tips To Media Success

UM’s Sydney MD, Ben McCallum (lead image), has penned 10 hard-earned tips he’s learned along the way to help newcomers forge their successful career in media…

After more than two decades in the media industry I guess I have to accept that I am heading towards becoming a veteran. A frightening thought.

This has made me a tad reflective, and I thought I’d share some “pearls of wisdom” with those just starting a career in media or have just been part of the media industry for a short time. Here’s my top ten tips I have learned along the way:

You are going to have a lot of fun, this truly is one of the very best things you can do to earn a living. However, you get out what you put in. If you contribute to the team around you, the culture of your business and the good of the wider industry you will unlock the huge potential that lives under the surface. You will expose yourself to different people, ways of thinking, causes, and opportunities to learn new things and better yourself.
Take the time to truly think about what you want from your working life, that’s a hard question to answer and I didn’t know in my mid-20s. It’s also ok if this answer changes, it should change as you develop and get to know yourself even better (I just heard myself say that)
Surround yourself with people that help you to achieve your goals, don’t be derailed by people that don’t share your energy and passion
Don’t try and be someone you’re not. You will always be the best version of yourself. Listen to the advice and guidance of people with experience but interpret this in your own way and use this to make the decisions you feel are right. Trust your gut instinct, it’s usually right.
Give people time and listen, there is far more value in listening vs talking. Some people will enjoy the irony of this comment.
Take on new challenges frequently, say yes to things that make you feel uncomfortable. You are far more capable, resilient, and talented than you give yourself credit for. Trust me.
Look at the opportunity in every problem you face, how can you gain something from the situation for you, your colleagues, family, friends etc. A positive outlook will make a big difference and set you apart.
The majority of good things in life don’t come easy, you will need to fight hard at times and use your determination, resilience, and motivation to overcome these challenges. Be prepared to do this.
Share your ideas, it’s important that we continue to develop the industry with fresh thinking and diversification. This more than any other is an industry that cannot and will not stand still, it’s creative, inspirational, and innovative by its very nature. So, push the boundaries.
You are the future leaders and I look forward to being led by you too, trust me that time will come, and I welcome it.

In fact, I’m still information hungry, so if any new Young Guns out there want to respond and share 10 tips for those of us who are not starting out fresh, then I’ll be only too happy to learn a thing or two as well.

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Ben McCallum UM