As Chief Human Resources Officer, Megan oversees the global human resources operations at Kinaxis. She has over 15 years of industry experience and has cultivated the organization as a top employer of choice which has let to multiple awards over the years.
What achievement or contribution are you most proud of?
While I’m very proud of my career and meeting the career goals I set for myself, I am most proud of the work I’ve done at a local shelter, Interval House. It’s a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence and it’s a cause close to my heart. In my time there we have more than doubled annual fundraising, opened up a pet housing area within the shelter, and bought a second shelter space. This definitely wasn’t all me- it was a big team effort, but it’s what I am most proud of.
What’s one thing you can attribute to your success?
I’ve never been afraid to say no- even when I wasn’t actually sure I was up to the job. If you are resourceful, work hard, and reasonably smart I’ve learned you can figure out just about anything.
What is the most surprising fact about you?
I think people are very surprised that I have survived some pretty incredible things. As a teenager I was hit by a car (I was walking on a sidewalk) and ended up in a wheelchair. In my late twenties, I survived being shot in the head at close range. These things have not defined me, but have definitely made me stronger and helped me set my course in life.
Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration was my Gram- no longer with us but she was an absolute force. She went to university when “girls didn’t do that”, she had several career s and worked until her very last day, she was smart and she didn’t suffer fools. Strong, and independent- she was the person in my family I most wanted to be like. She was also known to be bossy- a trait I may have inherited 😉
How do you celebrate your success?
I love celebrating with a few drinks and some great friends – success is meant to shared!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
Survivor, by Destiny’s Child.
What advice would you give to other women who are starting out in their career journey?
I would tell them to apply for jobs they aren’t sure they can do, try out for teams they know nothing about, and don’t wait to be asked. And find a mentor- they are invaluable.
What is the one thing you knew before you started your career?
I knew that I would work hard enough to escape being poor, and I would do everything in my power to be financially independent and feel “safe”.
How do you find balance?
I am not sure I have mastered this, to be honest. I work a lot, but absolutely love what I do- so it doesn’t really seem like work. I would rather work a few hours on the weekend than start Monday being super behind- that’s balance for me, and it works.
What are you most afraid of?
Bats. I think about bats every day, and know I would jump out of a moving car if there was a bat inside it.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
I love playing tennis, I love reading, and I love driving my 911 and going to car meets. I have met some of the nicest, coolest people at these meets and it’s kind of awesome being one of the only “girl drivers” 😊
Which Superhero would you be?
I don’t know which one I would be but I most certainly could not be Bat Girl.
What has been the biggest learning experience of your life?
I think the biggest learning experience for me has been this- where you came from does not have to define you, if you don’t want it to. Take what you know, and then explore and learn. Surround yourself with people who know different things than you do, who have had different experiences. This has helped me figure out what I love, what I want, and helped me figure out how to get there.