Ten ways to build a personal brand: Doug Murphy, HBA ’85

Working in the media and entertainment industry for over 20 years gave Doug Murphy, President and CEO of Corus Entertainment and HBA ’85, plenty of experience entertaining a crowd.

His presentation for the Richard G. Ivey Leadership Series, an annual event to kick off the School’s Homecoming celebrations, captivated the student audience, despite a 30-minute fire alarm delay.

Murphy shared stories from his years in the entertainment industry, encouraging students to be open to change as they embark on their own career paths. He had originally planned for a life in investment banking, but strayed from that goal almost immediately upon graduation.

He worked in business development at the iconic Walt Disney Company for 10 years, taking on new roles and challenges and living all over the United States, Canada, and Japan. He was initially hesitant about travelling to Japan, but accepted the offer because he knew he would regret not going.

“I decided I had to do it because I was so terrified of it,” Murphy said. “I didn’t want to not do something out of fear. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I ended up loving it.”

Now as the CEO of Corus, where he’s worked since 2003, Murphy said he’s found the last company he will work for. Although he occasionally doubted himself and his choices along the way, he always had confidence things would work out.

“You just have to do the best you can,” he said. “If it doesn’t work, move on to the next chapter. There’s no point hanging onto the past.”

Top 10 things to build your personal brand

Murphy shared his wisdom with Ivey’s HBA1s, giving them a list of 10 ways to be successful at work, in school, and in life.

1. Build relationships – Spend time with people. Life isn’t just about getting your work assignments done.
2. Learn to communicate – Headline your idea. Practice public speaking. Work on informal communication.
3. Work smart – Have a “to do” list. Do the hard stuff first.
4. Walk a mile in their shoes – Always think about the interests of the other party.
5. Make your boss look good – Find what’s important to your boss, and help him or her deliver on that.
6. Practice detachment – Be present in the moment. Multitasking is not efficient. Monotasking is. Put your phone away and pay attention.
7. Earn credibility – Make yourself known. Find what you can do to help someone else.
8. Two ears, one mouth – Listen twice as much as you speak. When you do make a point, make sure it’s a good one.
9. Best laid plans – You’re in the launch pad. Be open to things and jobs that unintentionally show up.
10. Take care of yourself – Eat well. Sleep well. Balance yourself with spirituality, fun, romance, music, and art. Think of yourself as a whole person and keep those other parts of yourself alive.