Megan Dalla-Camina is one amazing lady. As a business, creative and leadership strategist, coach, and writer and speaker on women, work and wellbeing, she is a thriving entrepreneur who is truly is doing what she loves.
Before going it alone, Megan enjoyed a high-paced career as a corporate executive. She was an award winning marketing director, head of strategy for a five billion dollar business and had interesting endeavours in gender diversity, leadership development and organisational change. But at the age of 35, it all changed. Like many successful high flyers she hit burnout, or what she describes as a kind of “greyness” in which she felt she was simply going through the motions in all aspects of her life. It was a big wake up call that made her realise it was time to do something different and be her best self. 15 years on Megan has her own flourishing business and has built a life based on all the things that really matter to her.
We hope that this interview gets you thinking about what matters most to you in your life and how you could be the best version of yourself. Enjoy! ~ Rachel
1. So many people, and women especially, struggle with the idea of having it all; a career and a personal life they love. But you know it can be done because you’ve spent the last decade figuring out how to get it! Tell us about your journey to this point…
I grew up as a creative; a dancer, actress, writer, poet, singer, music producer. I was always creating and performing, right through until I was in my early twenties. A car accident then changed my course, and I ended up in the corporate world, which saw me working for big global companies like GE, PwC and IBM for the best part of the next 20 years. I worked in marketing, business development, business strategy, gender diversity, organisational change and leadership development. Really senior roles, in Australia, Asia and the US. My last role was Head of Strategy for IBM, a 5Billion dollar business. During that time I also completed two Masters degrees, one in Business Management and the other in Wellness with a major in Positive Psychology. And just before I made my first big Director role, I got pregnant with my son who is now nearly 15.
Whilst I loved and thrived for most of my corporate year, it was also pretty brutal. I was a workaholic for a lot of it, at my worst working up to 18 hours a day and living on a plane across multiple countries to do my job. And this led my to one of my pivotal moments, having a complete burnout at age 35 and realising that this really wasn’t how I wanted to live my life. It was the first time in more than a decade that I actually stopped to consider what I wanted my life to look like, as the thought of doing that would never have crossed my mind – an issue I see in so many women.
At that point I took a few months off, and then went back into my company in a newly created executive role, but in a flexible part time capacity four days a week. I stayed there for another seven years, and I made it work for me. I went and did my yoga teaching training to get really deep into my spiritual practice, and I did the second Masters degree in Wellness to get into the science of thriving. It was then after much urging from women in my life, that I landed the book deal to write Getting Real About Having It All. And I started to build my exit strategy from corporate life, to step into my own business.
Megan’s book
Now, I’m a thriving entrepreneur and love it. I’m a business, creative and leadership strategist, and a coach, speaker and author on women, leadership and wellbeing. I’ve also recently created The Career Toolkit, an incredible online program to help women with their own career journey, with all of the lessons, tools and strategies that they need to get clear, confident and lit up with the work they do in the world.
I’m also a single parent to the most amazing teenage boy who is the coolest person I know – he keeps things interesting in between running the business, writing my next book, setting up my second business which is a leadership development company, travelling to Byron and New York whenever I can, coaching, speaking and doing my PhD researching women and feminine power. I like to mix it up.
2. What’s your definition of having it all now? How has it changed from 20 years ago? What big lessons have you learned along the way?
It’s interesting that 20 years ago this whole conversation about gender and having it all was not part of my consciousness. But as I look at it now with all that I have done and learnt, my definition is pretty simple – it’s about having what you want in a way that works for you. Now this isn’t as simple as it sounds of course. We spend so much time listening to what everyone thinks our life should look like, and then trying to keep up with that. And the societal norms and pressures on women to behave a certain way are enormous. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that you have to spend the time to work out what you really what for your life, and then create the space to go and create that. And it has to be a priority.
3. Your book, Getting real about having it all – be your best, love your career and bring back your sparkle, was inspired by your own experiences. Where do you start when you’re helping other people figure out what a meaningful life means to them – and what tools and resources can you offer them?
When my private clients come to work with me I always start with the life vision. Now that may seem strange if an entrepreneur has engaged me as a strategist to work on their business, or an executive is wanting to sort out career issues. But we have to start there. Getting clear on what we are trying to create for our lives, being mindful and intentional about that, is absolutely critical. What are you passionate about? What are the different elements you want to have in your life from your work, to family and friends, creativity, spiritual practice, community etc. How do you want it all to come together? That’s the first step.
People can read all about it in my book. I have some great resources on my website including a free career planning bundle that guides you through putting it all together in a way that works. And The Career Toolkit is incredibly inspiring for really creating a career and life that you love – starting with this life vision piece.
4. What top tips can we start using right away to get us on our path to ‘having it all’?
Work out what you want. Throw out the language and just really zone in on creating time, space and energy to dream, visualise, vision board and journal, about what your life could look like if you truly gave yourself the permission to go for it.
5. You’re passionate about breaking down the misperception that you need to sacrifice everything to make your career work. How would having better leaders and workplace cultures that encourage us to understand our work/rest cycles and prioritise our wellbeing, etc, revolutionise the way we live and work?
The work I am doing in large organisations, and have done for the past decade, about individual and organisational thriving, is truly creating revolutions in how people show up, how businesses get the best out of people, and the bottom line impacts. I do a lot of work around what I call Positive Leadership, taking the science from positive psychology, neuroscience, behavioural economics, and wellness and have now taught and developed tens of thousands of people in these tools and techniques. When people really understand how to use their strengths, flex their mindsets, work with their energy and manage their wellbeing, the change in them and their work is incredible. And when we train leaders in organisations on the same principles, and that behaviour change ripples through the business, not only is the culture changed, and the business results improved, but lives are changed for the better at work and at home. It’s incredibly powerful.
Running a business
6. How do we know if we are stuck in a career rut? What are the signs that tell us it is time to move on and try something new, get a new job, or take the next step in our career?
I wrote a great piece on this that people can reference on my website if they are interested, which I highlight because it’s such a huge challenge for people. I also have an entire module on career change in The Career Toolkit as I find that people really struggle with knowing if they are just bored or restless, or if there is a deeper issue going on. Essentially, if you are not using your strengths at work each day, those things that you like doing and are good at (take the free survey at viame.org); if you don’t like or respect your boss; if you can’t be well and find some semblance of balance; if you have stopped developing and learning; or if you just feel generally stale, then it’s absolutely time to look for a new challenge.
7. Tell us about 12 Rules For Balanced Women – a mini ‘bible’ you’ve written to help women find balance in life. What are they and why is each ‘rule’ so important?
I wrote 12 Rules as I wanted women to have a real guide on what is essential to create balance in your life. Balance is not a myth, it’s what the sages from the ages taught us. But we have lost our way. I walk through the 12 things that are essential for you to focus on if you truly want a balanced life. It is possible. I learnt the hard way, but now even with everything that I do, I still have balance because I have followed these steps to create it for myself. It is my wish for everyone to find their version of what a balanced life looks like. The bundle includes a video, the beautifully designed ebook which has become somewhat of a bible as you say, and a workbook. And it’s totally free on my website.
8. Everyone is talking about gratitude right now. How can establishing a daily practice change our lives and what type of exercise/s would you recommend?
We know from positive psychology that establishing a gratitude practice is one of the most critical things for our wellbeing and happiness. It can be a formal practice like writing down three things you are grateful for each night before bed, which works wonders. Or it can be as simple as acknowledging throughout your day the things you are grateful for, large and small. Build a ‘thank you’ practice, so that when anything good happens you say a quiet ‘thank you’. It could be that your coffee was especially good today, or that green smoothie you just made was awesome, or someone held the door open for you or you caught a glimpse of the full moon. It’s all about bringing your attention to what is positive and what you are thankful for. It will, without a doubt, change your life.
9. You’re a huge believer in the power of positive manifestation. What is it and how we can use it to improve our lives?
Positive manifestation is setting your intention about what you want to bring into your life. There is science behind it, but you don’t even need to think about that, other than knowing that positive images pull us forward. So get really clear on what you want to create for yourself. Write it down and review it regularly. Visualise and day dream about it – as Gloria Steinem said, it’s a form of planning after all! Get your vision boards done and put them where you can see them each day. The most important thing here is to get clear, really clear, on what you are wanting to create for yourself. Again, it all comes back to the life vision piece and fleshing out what you want to manifest in each facet of your life.
10. As someone who is doing what they love, what does a typical day look like for you?
It all depends on whether I am travelling or have a speaking gig, but there are some things I try and make consistent in terms of rituals. The mornings are sacred for me and I try to keep them clear to ground my day. I generally wake up around 6:30am and get my son off to the school bus, or a few times a week we are up at 5:30am and leave at 6am for his early basketball practice (so much fun, parents will understand!). Each morning I head to the beach with my dog Billie for a long walk and a swim when it’s warm enough (about nine months of the year). I then head home, picking up a green juice on the way, and do some yoga and meditation practice.
Then my work day starts. Monday’s are generally clear for working on the business, and I work with my team on marketing, business admin, business development, strategy and keeping things moving. I tend to coach my private clients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This can be a mix of executive clients, career coaching, coaching creatives on their business or writing strategies, and working with business owners and entrepreneurs. I will normally have one speaking gig per week which is the most I can fit in with my other commitments, and one day for PhD research and book writing. So essentially I try and have some structure whilst keeping it pretty organic and fluid, which is how I work best. If I’m in book writing mode, as I am now, then there will be large chunks of the week blocked out for writing, and my client commitments will be slightly scaled back to accommodate the three to four month book writing deadline.
Working in her office. Megan currently writes for Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Womens Agenda, Wellbeing Magazine and her work has been seen everywhere from Forbes, Fortune and NBC to Marie Claire, Elle and Renegade Collective.
I work from my home and have created a space I just love being in. My office space is surrounded my vision boards, books and creative projects I am working on, and my desk is covered in crystals, inspiration cards, Ganesh statues and a big white Buddha with my favourite mala beads. For someone who has spent such a great chunk of her life as a senior corporate exec. in very serious environments, and being an academic, I’m about as woo woo as it gets!
I’m inspired by creativity, people doing incredible things, creating breakthroughs for people and businesses, random acts of kindness, beautiful things like flowers and essential oils and making a difference.
11. What’s next for you career-wise?
Creating more magic and serving to my highest capacity. My business has exceeded every expectation I had of it when I started three years ago. It’s quite incredible really. I have a new book coming out next year which is exciting. I have just launched The Career Toolkit, which is the first in a series of five toolkits coming out over the next 12 months. I also have a new leadership development company and global online program for women coming out with my business partner next year, called Lead Like A Woman. We have massive reach already for the work we have been doing in the women’s leadership development space over the past few years everywhere from the US to India, so this will be a major part of the next phase of my career and is a culmination of the last decade of my work. And then there’s the PhD research on women and feminine power that will be keeping me busy over the next few years.
12. What’s your ultimate dream?
I have so many. I’m a big dreamer and I truly believe that anything is possible if you are willing to show up and do the work. My ultimate dream? For me personally, it is having the opportunity to do my work in the world on the largest scale possible – global reach with my research, my writing, my teachings and programs so that I can inspire, enable and empower as many women as possible around the world step into their power. And my dream for the world? Peace, love, harmony, education and freedom for all. I know it sounds trite. But this is what we, the light workers, are here for. The healers, teachers, entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders and anyone who wants to make a difference – this is what we are here for. And I truly believe that we can create that better world if we all rise up, shine our lights, and help other light workers do the same. I told you – big dreamer – but what else is there?
Megan’s snapshot
Happiest moment: Anytime I am with my teenage son, he totally rocks my world. After that, whenever I am writing, coaching or speaking and that breakthrough moment occurs. Sheer joy.
Quickest way to find clarity: Breathe, tune into your gut and trust it.
Mantra of the moment: What is for you will not pass you (as said to me by my beautiful healer girlfriend Justine Peacock).
Best place to people watch: Anywhere, but I love people watching in Byron Bay and NYC, my two favourite places other than Sydney.
Most inspiring books you’ve read recently: Currently reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (isn’t everyone?). As a creative and an author, anything about creativity lights me up. This book is gold. I’m also loving Yoga For Life by Colleen Saidman and Yoga Girl by Rachel Brathen, two inspiring books on yoga and living the yogi life on and off the mat. As a trained yoga teacher I’m always seeking new inspiration.
Biggest ‘ah-ha’ moment in the last year: How much I love running my own business. I had such a successful and enjoyable corporate career that it never occurred to me that I would ever run my own show. But when I left corporate, it was because I had a dream to create more change in more areas than I could possibly do where I was. And it has exceeded my expectations on every level. It’s pretty bloody hard at times, don’t get me wrong, and it’s not for the faint hearted when you’re in the business of creating change on a massive scale. But I’ve learnt how brave I am, and know that I am exactly where I am meant to be doing purposeful work that is making a real difference. And that is pretty incredible.
Current passion project: The Career Toolkit, my online program to help women create the career and life they love. It’s been a wonderful creative process and the feedback is blowing my mind. I’m also deep into writing my next book which will be out in May 2016.
Describe yourself as a colour: It would depend on the day and which chakra I am sitting in (yep, told you, woo woo).
You can do anything… what will you choose?: To write. Always to write.
Your wish for the world: Peace. Education. Freedom. For everyone. Girls and women empowered with control over their lives, their bodies, their education and their finances – this is what will change and heal the world.
Quote you live by: I have two quotes on one of my vision boards that light my path. “The artist is nothing without the gift. But the gift is nothing without the work.” Emile Zola. I love this because we have this misconception with our careers and our creativity that if it’s any good it will be effortless. It won’t be. You have to show up everyday and do the work. That’s when the magic happens. The other quote is, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James. I want everyone to know that what they do matters, even the small stuff. Show up and do your work in the world, because someone needs it.
You can connect with Megan on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @mdallacamina and via her website, megandallacamina.com
