Published April 15th, 2025
In the latest episode of Media People Podcast, M&K Media President Jill McDonald shares her journey. From growing up in London, Ontario, to leading a successful, women-owned independent media agency.
Jill reflects on how her early passion for classical music, her first job at Pizza Hut, and her career at Cossette Media, BOS Advertising, and Starcom all helped shape her communication and leadership style. She offers candid insights into what it takes to build strong teams, manage client relationships, and mentor the next generation of media talent.
She also touches on the importance of staying curious, understanding the numbers behind the media, and why critical thinking is more essential than ever in an AI-driven industry. For anyone starting out or looking to level up, Jill shares smart, actionable advice on how to stand out and position yourself for that next big promotion.
In this short clip, Jill shares a key lesson for anyone stepping into management: the importance of learning to manage both down and up. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating stakeholder expectations, this insight is something for new managers and aspiring directors to always keep in mind.
In this short clip, Jill shares a key lesson for anyone stepping into management: the importance of learning to manage both down and up. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating stakeholder expectations, developing this skill is essential to growing your impact, building trust, and advancing your career.
Listen to the full episode here: Media People Podcast – EP117 – M&K Media President – Jill McDonald
