We were lucky to catch up with Megan Gallagher recently and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I would change the educational system by implementing mandatory classes on mental health, nutrition, meditation and healing childhood trauma. I am a massive advocate for teaching young adults helpful tools in order to live a meaningful life. I feel that many of us grow up into adults that lack tools such as; breath work, journaling, EFT tapping, meditation and eating healthy. From my own experience, I struggled terribly when I was in High School. I had debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. I didn’t see a future for myself and at just 16, I was at rock bottom. I was barely hanging by a thread. As I look back at my High School experience, I wish my school had done a better job at preparing us all for real life. I never knew how to manage my time, listen to my intuition or what happiness really was. The younger we teach these teenagers these tools, the more successful they will be in the long run. They need to know how to find their worth themselves, be confident in their body and understand that life should be lived on your terms.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Megan Gallagher. I’m 27 years old and I’m a motivational speaker for young adults. I speak at Colleges and Fortune 500 companies regarding the topic of mental health. From my own experience, I know what it feels like first hand to struggle and be in that low place. I grew a huge passion for helping young adults that are in that space or could use a little motivation. I want to be a voice for those that are in that dark place. I speak at seminars, events and Colleges all about wellness and mental health. I enjoy speaking in front of young adults and sharing my story on mental health, being positive and manifesting. I love being on stage, there is nothing else I want to do or speak about. I know God put me on this earth to be an instrument, to really be of service and channel messages to those in need. My entire life has prepared me for this moment. I know it. I feel that what sets me apart is the fact that there is no one else like me doing this. I am the only 27 year old female speaker that has given two TEDx talks on mental health. I’m unique because I have walked the walk and I have many years of experience. I know what being at rock bottom feels like, I know what it feels like to never think your anxiety will go away. Despite those circumstances, I rose above! I never gave up and I kept showing up, giving it 150% and focusing on healthy routines. I want my followers, fans and clients to know that I have such a genuine presence and I love storytelling! I am available to speak at Colleges, Fortune 500 companies and conventions/seminars/expos!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I feel that growing my clientele has been a natural, organic process. I started my career 9 years ago, at only 18. I was so young and I had no idea what I was doing. I just had this idea, I knew in my heart that I had to speak on stage and inspire others. In the early days, I would just make business cards online and walk around to schools, PTA meetings and anywhere I could get my message out, for hours. I spent years just hustling, networking and sort of reaching in the dark. I didn’t have any connections or special advantages, I just didn’t stop pushing for what I believed in. I think I have grown a great platform on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube, because I am my authentic self and I have a vey relatable personality. That’s me! I am just as genuine, bubbly and social in person. I also think having a mixture of posts that are inspiring and attractive yet also positing the “real-stagram” where I show my acne scars, stretch marks and my natural self. I know that my audience loves when I post raw pictures. It’s sometimes challenging because I don’t always want to, but it benefits both my followers and I.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I recently had to unlearn, well I would say re-learn. I moved from Miami to Austin a few months ago, It was a very emotionally taxing experience. I was so excited, but I had no idea what was to come. I had to go Austin with only two suitcases and live in a blow up mattress for two weeks, with no furniture. I was in a brand new city, by myself and dealing with so many feelings at once. I didn’t think my move would be so hard. The grief, the doubt and everything in between. I also was going through a breakup so it was almost too much to handle. I just did what I knew best, I focused all of my energy and attention on things that brought me joy, hope and laughter. I just kept on exercising, journaling, eating healthy and being out with friends. One mantra that has saved me through a lot of tough times in my life, is “Create solutions, not excuses”. I learned it, a few years ago when I started working at Afterbuzz TV in LA. It was created by Maria Menounos, from E! news. I loved my time there and I still think fondly of all the great lessons I learned there. I remember though, when I was in the move to Austin. I just felt so low and not like my best self. I allowed myself to cry, grieve and feeling “stingy” I call it. I kept getting back up though. I didn’t stay down in that place. That’s not me. I don’t allow hardships to turn me into a negative, mean person. I just view it as a lesson, find the blessing/lesson and move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meganwgallagher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganwgallagher/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganwgallagher/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/meganwgallagher
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@megangallagher4084/videos

Image Credits
Photo 2.) Photo credit goes to Angelica Galluzzo