I often hear from colleagues, clients, and friends that my superpower is building trust and relationships quickly. While this may be true, knowing a bit about me and pillar moments and people in my life might give you a bit of insight into how I approach my work and my relationship with you.
My parents married as recent college graduates (Colorado College and USAFA) with my dad heading right into pilot training and off to fly missions over Southeast Asia in the Vietnam War. Their marriage is one of commitment, loyalty, hard work, humor, and family with those influences deep in my character.
The youngest of two, I embody the role of the little sister – scrappy, ambitious, and a little bit mischievous. My big brother was my first role model and continues to be.
We ate dinner together on the regular, and talked about the commotion on the bus and the challenges of academics and social dilemmas. It was my early experience of having a sense of belonging. Metaphorically, I have hosted the dinner table to create a sense of belonging for many.
As a junior in high school, I had the honor of interning for Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) on Capitol Hill. He was a true leader who represented inclusion before inclusion was a buzzword. His actions were early imprints on me of creating an engaging office culture.
I am a dedicated dog lover. There are so many life lessons from dogs, mainly to wag more and bark less.
My easiest hard challenge is being mom to this amazing, bright, beautiful, kind, independent, and spunky (now adult) girl who continues to inspire me to do and be better every day. Parenting is hard, and it has no end. I am grateful for the lessons I continue to learn from this role that has no job description or clear measure of progress and success!
The little engine that could, and did. Running was not my “thing” until my adult life. My mantra is goal = completion. Getting the training, fuel, hydration, pacing, and mental state aligned is a grand event. I am continually learning to be still in the space and use it for what I need from it, not to be beaten by expectations. Many small steps to cross the finish line. Behavior change and leadership development are no different, just take the first step.
The greatest challenges in leading authentically and conflict styles to face have by far been in my role in a blended family. There is no greater joy than the success of each of our kids, and no greater reflection for me than the choices I have made and demonstrated on the journey. A continual work in progress. We are never fully developed, me included.
Corner offices are nice, but where does the work really get done? Sometimes the plant parking lot is the only place to be able to take a call to navigate the challenge. My aspirations are to be where the work is impactful – where people are at their best or where they need it, not necessarily inside an office. Agility in meeting others where and when they are at their best.
My dad gifted me the joy of flyfishing and spending time on the water with him. The thrill of catching the fish, but re-entering it to its habitat is a great metaphor in leadership of guiding people and creating the space for them to swim. A bad day on the water beats the best day at the office holds true.
Fully embodying the little sister, the family antics always include some banter and a lot of laughter. We spar around leadership trends, DEI topics, what inspires his teams and how to work in congruence with our personal values. This is as “ugly” as it ever gets and neither of us really swing.
Holding being hard and soft at the same time is a gift and a curse. Being dressed for a wedding but having cornhole at the reception visualizes that balance and how I engage with clients to keep the balance.
Individual and small group work is great, and being able to step on the stage impromptu and hold the room for serval hundred and more is equally important. I love helping others gain the confidence and routines to command the room when the opportunity arises.
I am shamelessly motivated by non-fat lattes. The beauty of a barista’s artistic touch actually makes them taste better too.
We don’t get together often as a group, but this family of mine grounds me. They are always here and each inspiring me in their different ways. Not everyone has a great family, I know I am fortunate. I live curiously to see what others have that inspires, supports and encourages them.
Yup, dog lover. There are no bad weather days, only bad gear days and a little snow on the nose makes for feeling alive. Say yes to the adventure.
Work hard, play hard, love big. My husband. My rock. My partner in crime. My inspiration.
To learn about Megan’s professional experience and qualifications, please visit LinkedIn.