Today I'm sharing something big. 

It's a shift that's been a long time coming, one that mirrors the evolution that I've been going through behind the scenes for the last couple of years. It's part update, part story-time, and part love letter to you, to this podcast, and to what's coming next.

For years, the events and hospitality industry has glorified burnout—long hours, nonstop chaos, toxic management—and called it passion. But what if there's a better way?

Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He’s created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s lived and breathed, every day.

Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what’s possible when you lead with heart.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut — low on energy, scattered, or just... kinda over it all?

You're not alone, and today's episode is for you.

After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind. 🙃

If you’ve ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something’s off” whisper in your gut—you’re not alone.

In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.

Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.

Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question.

Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing?

You’re not alone.

In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.

This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different.

Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)

Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.

For years, Kristi Coulter climbed the corporate ladder at Amazon, working long hours, hitting major career milestones, and earning great money—but at what cost? 

Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms.

Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement? 

For years, Kristi Coulter climbed the corporate ladder at Amazon, working long hours, hitting major career milestones, and earning great money—but at what cost? 

Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms.

Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement? 

Today, I'm sharing three of the biggest, toughest, most game changing lessons I've learned in my 15 years of business. These are the things I want to share with you to help you realize and recognize them sooner than I did.