In this episode of Anything But Typical, Gary Frey and Ben McDonald sit down with Ben Kinney, publisher of Business North Carolina, SouthPark Magazine, and North Carolina Tribune.

Ben shares how growing up as the son of a journalist, moving from city to city, and constantly being the new kid shaped his ability to communicate, adapt, and connect with people. What started as a life of transition eventually became a career built around storytelling, leadership, media, and relationships.

The conversation explores Ben’s unexpected path from studying history and planning to become a teacher, to working in advertising sales, to stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina during a difficult season for the company. Ben also talks about the evolution of media, leading through uncertainty, surviving the Great Recession and COVID, and why authentic storytelling still matters in a world increasingly shaped by digital noise and AI.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, connection, leadership, and the power of having a real voice in business.

• Gary, Ben McDonald, and Ben Kinney discuss:
• Ben’s childhood moving through Burlington, Winston-Salem, New York City, South Florida, and Charlotte
• How being the “new kid” helped Ben learn communication, adaptability, and connection
• Why Ben originally planned to become a high school history teacher
• How he fell into classified advertising and business media
• What it was like stepping into leadership at Business North Carolina after tragedy
• The challenges of working in a family business
• How media has changed across print, digital, newsletters, podcasts, video, and social platforms
• Why great content still matters, even as distribution continues to evolve
• How Business North Carolina adapted through the Great Recession and COVID
• Ben’s leadership philosophy and the importance of hiring the right people
• Why authenticity, voice, and storytelling still matter in the age of AI
• The value of strong editing, concise writing, and human connection

• Connection is often built through life experience. Ben’s ability to connect with people came from years of adapting to new environments, new schools, and new communities.
• Leadership sometimes begins with simply stepping in to help. Ben did not enter publishing with a perfect master plan. He stepped in when the family business needed him and learned through pressure.
• Content is still king, but distribution has changed. Strong journalism and storytelling still matter, but today’s media companies have to think across print, email, social media, podcasts, video, and digital platforms.
• Survival requires thoughtful reaction. Ben explains that small businesses have to move quickly, but leaders still need to respond with care, perspective, and intention.
• Authenticity creates trust. Ben’s personal writing in The Daily Digest connected with readers because it felt genuine, human, and different from typical business commentary.
• AI cannot replace real storytelling. AI may help generate information, but it cannot replace voice, judgment, perspective, editing, and authentic human connection.

“He knows a lot of folks. He’s got a great sense of humor. And he really can connect people.”

“I always like to talk about myself growing up as my parents and I grew up together.”

“I was always the new kid at every school.”

“It was trial by fire. It was trial by volcanic fire.”

“You gotta kinda react to things in a thoughtful way.”

“But it can’t replace storytelling, and that’s what we’re all doing, is telling stories.”

“The key is be entertaining, be engaging, and have a voice.”

“Good editing is so hard to find.”

LinkedIn: Ben Kinney Business North Carolina: businessnc.com SouthPark Magazine: southparkmagazine.com North Carolina Tribune: nctribune.com Email: bkinney@businessnc.com X/Twitter: @BenKinneyBNC

Discover the story of Mark McLean’s impressive journey from early influences to leading a multi-billion-dollar company. Learn how culture, relationships, humility, and strategic growth propel organizations through transitions and challenges.

Main topics:

Building a career in insurance and financial services, rooted in mentorship and family lessons

Navigating growth: from founding to billion-dollar company, merger, and acquisitions

The importance of company culture, relationships, and core values in long-term success

Personal resilience through life's challenges including health, family, and entrepreneurial pivots

Timestamps:

00:00 - Defining what takes Mark McLean out in public

00:29 - Interests beyond work: sports, golf, and family

01:54 - The role of sports and family fun in shaping his values

02:40 - Favorite golf locations and social activities

03:10 - Humble introduction and the significance of titles

04:13 - Career overview: from Senior Managing Principal to Senior VP

06:46 - The importance of faith, family, and friendships in reputation

07:49 - The influence of Jeff Warner and mentorship connections

08:42 - Early motivations: lessons from family and mentors

09:30 - Growing up in Florence, South Carolina, and early career influences

11:12 - College journey, changing majors, and love for insurance

12:42 - Industry insights: relationship building, trust, and reputation

15:36 - Industry trends, industry change, and mentorship in risk management

17:45 - Industry challenges, trust, and business growth

20:04 - Licensing, early sales experiences, and building business foundations

22:02 - The role of creativity and relationship management in success

23:11 - Industry evolution and personal insights into trend anticipation

24:46 - Handling life’s challenges, family, and career pivots

25:36 - The importance of good culture and team alignment

27:24 - Transition from employment to entrepreneurship: the leap into owning and growing businesses

32:51 - Building Turnkey Benefits, sale, and subsequent ventures

36:16 - Growth from 25 to 170 employees, industry innovation

40:54 - Navigating partnership changes, relationships, and success

44:11 - Transition into digital organizations, culture, and values

50:46 - Building a unified message, controlling quality and trust

54:45 - Personal experiences: family, loss, and professional resilience

56:55 - Adapting to industry and market changes post-Obamacare

58:26 - Balancing growth, personal life, and company focus

62:22 - About joining One Digital, the corporate culture, and long-term vision

66:00 - The role of private equity, strategic capital, and maintaining independence

70:01 - The secret sauce: company culture as a competitive advantage

73:51 - Leadership values: integrity, humility, and people first

77:08 - The importance of intentional culture, talented leadership, and long-term vision

78:45 - Family, blended families, and parenting insights about nurturing strong values

79:03 - Final thoughts — being discerning, strategic, and building legacy

Resources:

Connect with Mark McLean

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