Back
Megan Conrad is LDG’s Executive Coordinator, a role in which she leverages a broad knowledge and understanding of the company’s operations and business objectives to provide comprehensive organizational and administrative support — from coordinating office relocations and renovations to developing budgets related to office services and capital expenditures. She also serves as the Corporate Secretary and the Leadership Development Program Coordinator.
As part of our Celebrating LDG Women in Leadership series, we’ll learn more about Megan Conrad, from her path to leadership to the advice she has for future leaders.
Did you always see yourself in a leadership role? If not, when did you realize you might find yourself in that position and what effect did it have on you? No, I never saw myself as a leader. I was such an introvert as a child and was so afraid of being in front of people. In my mind, leaders were strong, confident, “no fear of anything” kind of people and that wasn’t me as far as I was concerned! It wasn’t until my position at a previous employer that I was asked to step up and take on more of a leadership role and become more of a go-to person for the department that I worked in at the time. From there, I was able to recognize the skills that I already had and knew the areas that I needed to work on. I needed that push out of my comfort zone.
What inspires you as a leader? For me, it’s growth – watching someone evolve into a better version of themselves, always wanting to do better no matter the task at hand, never getting tired of learning something new or taking on a new responsibility, and not being afraid to take chances.
Do you have a favorite inspiration or mentor? I don’t have one single mentor or inspiration. Some of the most important influencers in my life certainly include my parents, who taught me the value of hard work and dedication. My mom was a small business owner throughout most of my life and then one day decided to sell her business and change professions completely because she wanted to do something different. I thought that took a lot of courage. It would have been so much easier for her to just stay put, not take that chance. And without a doubt, my kids make me a better person just by being around them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the days were full of disappointment for everyone. I’m so proud of how maturely and how positively my kids, at ages 18 and 15, have handled all of this. They’ve taught me a few lessons in the value of kindness, patience, and empathy and what really matters in this life.
How does your team contribute to your success? I am happiest when I get to watch someone on my team succeed or find their own confidence or a new skill. I enjoy watching someone get recognized for a job well done and hope that maybe I contributed in some small way.
What are some of the most significant obstacles you’ve overcome in your career and how did you get past them? I have always felt that I have had tremendous support in my career, and I have been given so many amazing opportunities at both LDG and previous employers and I’m extremely grateful for all of them. My biggest obstacle is myself and my own self- doubt. I am always hardest on myself. It is a struggle that I work on regularly even with the solid skills that I have developed over the years. It is so important to know that no one has all the answers and it really is okay to ask for help in the tough situations. It’s not a sign of weakness at all.
What values, techniques or support systems have you used to achieve a work-life balance? What other advice do you have for future leaders?
Work-life balance is not easy and finding that right balance for work and your family is very important. I think that balance can change from one day to the next and some days are not going to end with a perfect mix! I would say to let go of the guilt on those days because nothing is ever perfect. I have always worked full-time even when my kids were small, but I also have had the best support system to help and every working parent needs that. Don’t be afraid to rely on whatever or whomever that support system is.
I think it’s also important to note that it’s okay to fall down as long as you get up and keep moving forward. Use those moments to learn something. It’s also important to know you can’t be everything to everyone, and you do need to have values and stay true to what values mean the most to you and your family.