Meagan Hardwick, agency director, Red Shoes, Inc.
Looking back, what personal experiences or milestones have had the greatest influence on your professional success?
I’ve always believed that relationships are at the heart of everything we do. For me, it’s been about really connecting with people—not just about work, but what’s going on in their lives outside of it, too. Those moments, whether sharing a laugh or learning something new about someone, have made all the difference.
Can you share one of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career happened during the early days of the pandemic. The world was shutting down, and everything felt uncertain. Suddenly, I was working remotely full-time, managing clients who were also in crisis, all while trying to balance home life with three very young kids. My oldest was 5 and figuring out virtual school, my 3-year-old needed constant attention, and I had a 6-month-old who didn’t care what meetings I was in! That period taught me resilience, how to adapt quickly and the importance of extending grace—to myself, my clients and my family.
What is one cause or issue that you’re especially passionate about, and why?
I’m deeply passionate about the need for a more flexible workforce, especially for working parents. Life isn’t one-size-fits-all, and everyone has unique demands and priorities that shift over time. For parents, balancing work with school schedules, activities and the unpredictability of family life can feel like an impossible puzzle. It’s a real challenge that school hours/kid activities and working hours don’t align. That alone shows how much we still need to rethink.
What’s a failure or setback you experienced that ended up being a stepping stone to something greater?
Challenging personalities and emotionally charged situations are an inevitable part of life. Early in my career, I wasn’t as confident to manage these moments effectively. Over time, I discovered that the key lies in leaning into emotional intelligence. By staying composed, extending the benefit of the doubt and truly striving to understand others’ perspectives, I’ve been able to uncover solutions and foster more meaningful connections.
What has been the most rewarding part of your professional journey so far?
Helping clients through their toughest moments. Crafting the right message, calming fears and cutting through misinformation make a real difference when it’s needed most. Our agency, Red Shoes Inc., shines brightest when others are in their darkest times, and knowing our work brings clarity and ease to others is deeply fulfilling.
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