Guest Introduction

Chris McCay serves as Vice President for Corporate Infrastructure at Brailsford and Dunlavey, a national program management and development advisory firm supporting higher education institutions, municipalities, sports organizations, and K 12 districts. In his role, Chris oversees IT, corporate real estate, facilities operations, and internal administration. His career path into technology leadership was nontraditional, beginning as a music major before moving through hardware, networking, and business operations. Over nearly two decades at Brailsford and Dunlavey, Chris progressed from IT manager to director and ultimately into an executive role that reflects how infrastructure leadership now spans people, technology, and physical space.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

• How corporate infrastructure expanded beyond traditional IT after hybrid work became permanent

• Why facilities, real estate, and technology now operate as one system

• What it takes to transition from managing tasks to developing people

• How AI should function as an ideation and productivity tool rather than a replacement

• Why recognition and culture matter as much as compensation

• How career growth often requires leaving and sometimes returning

• Why startups may offer long term opportunity for early career technologists

In This Episode

Chris McCay explains how hybrid work reshaped corporate infrastructure by forcing technology and physical operations to function together. With teams distributed across offices, homes, and client sites, systems must work consistently regardless of location. This reality led to the convergence of IT, facilities, and real estate under a single leadership model.

He shares his unconventional career journey, moving from music and creative interests into defense contracting, IT support, and eventually executive leadership. Chris reflects on how early exposure to customer service and technical fundamentals shaped his management style and helped him guide others through non linear career paths.

Leadership development emerges as a central theme. Chris discusses the challenge of helping team members grow, even when growth may lead them outside the organization. He emphasizes the importance of honest conversations about career direction, compensation, and long term fulfillment.

The conversation closes with a practical discussion on AI adoption. Chris explains how Brailsford and Dunlavey uses AI as a starting point for learning, analysis, and internal tools while maintaining human accountability. He reinforces that AI works best as a companion that enhances judgment rather than replacing it.