Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organizational development, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meg Poag, the founder of Mission Squared LLC, an organizational development firm, in Austin Texas, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
We are an organizational development firm partnering closely with our clients, small to medium size organizations, to transform the organization by transforming its people. Graciously and effectively addressing dysfunction and bringing more fulfillment and joy!
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
What gets me out of bed each day? Helping people to identify what is holding them back, giving them powerful tools and support, and watching them change their approaches, influence and success. I've been a student of behavioural psychology, neuroscience, research-based practices in leadership, and the good old school of hard knocks for decades, and have only grown in my passion to support other leaders and their missions. I know that you can't give what you don't have, so I work tirelessly to employ discipline in my own life and learnings so I can see my clients' needs from a place further down the road, and guide them down their own unique paths of growth and success.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
I grew a small organization from 1.5 to 90 people over the course of 10 years. I had to 'level up' my own skills and knowledge for every step of that growth. I've always remained committed to exceptional services and products while fostering an environment of personal growth and fulfillment for my team. This not easy to do in today's world, yet it's the most rewarding accomplishment I can imagine!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
The lessons just keep coming! Just when we think we've hit 'expertise' or mastery, our business gives us the opportunity (aka challenge) that pushes us to our limits. If we avoid this rather than embracing it, life can become QUITE unpleasant!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
1. If you let fear drive your big decisions, those choices will not work out in the long run.
2. There are two types of pain in this world - the pain of regret and the pain of discipline. Choose the discipline you're currently resisting and you'll overcome almost any obstacle in front of you.
3. Stay tapped in to your purpose and your passion. That will be the flame that inspires and guides you when the going gets tough!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
These were great questions! The last thing I would say is to keep your life balanced, and follow your joy. We business leaders can get overly consumed in our work, and we don't tend to our relationships, health, spirituality, hobbies, interests and other adventures life has for us. This imbalance will ultimately hurt your business and zaps the life out of you. Remember to love yourself enough to give yourself the balance, fun, happiness, love and connections you value! Let joy be your NorthStar.
Where can people find you online?
https://www.mission-squared.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megpoag/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
