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

Alright, Megan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

One of the most important lessons I learned in my professional career came from an unexpected and challenging experience. I spent years completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. The end goal was to work in psychometric testing at a neuropsychology clinic, driven by a desire to help people through accurate diagnoses. As a child, I had seen firsthand how much of a difference this kind of testing made in a loved one’s life.
After years of dedication and hard work, I finally landed my dream job. However, I quickly realized that this job was not all I had hoped for. Instead of feeling fulfilled, I felt disappointed. I was hit with stress, anxiety, fear of failure, and loss of identity. I felt like all my hard work had been wasted. There was so much uncertainty. I didn’t know what I wanted to do now, and I was scared to start anything new after this seemingly huge failure.
But eventually, I realized that it wasn’t time wasted at all. This experience taught me an important lesson: It’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I realized that it was okay to change direction and pursue a different path. This was both relieving and daunting. Recognizing that the job no longer aligned with my passions and goals, I found the courage to let go and seek a new path. I pivoted to a career that truly fulfilled me and still allowed me to help others just in a different capacity.
This lesson has been invaluable in my journey. It taught me the importance of being adaptable, trusting my instincts, and not being afraid to change course. It also reinforced the belief that our paths are not always linear, and it’s never too late to pursue what genuinely makes us happy.

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?

From a young age, I witnessed the impact of mental health issues through family members, and I was later diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and OCD. This personal experience motivated me to help others with their mental health and wellness using a holistic approach. I believe that having gone through it myself is a strength that better equips me to assist others. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and true wellness comes from addressing both aspects together. I am dedicated to helping others and enjoy getting to know each person individually to tailor treatment to their unique background and history.

Additionally, I assist my husband with our menswear company, The Average Gentleman. While we focus on stylish menswear, our company also supports mental health initiatives, especially for veterans. This cause is very close to our hearts as my husband served in the Marine Corps, and we are very aware of the mental health crisis affecting veterans, including the high suicide rate. Sadly, I have seen my husband personally be denied care from the VA because he was viewed as just a number. Some receive great assistance from the VA, but others unfortunately fall through the cracks. Recognizing that many veterans do not receive the support they need or do not have someone to advocate for them, we aim to provide additional mental health and employment resources.

What sets me apart is my commitment to treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. I pride myself on meeting people exactly where they are in life and helping them live healthier, more fulfilling, and balanced lives. I am proud of the positive transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients. My goal is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive both mentally and physically.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I have spent a lot of years in school. I’m starting to feel like a life-long student, as I am now pursuing a PhD in psychology. Beyond formal training and knowledge, I believe that empathy and genuine connection are crucial for succeeding in my field. While my education provided a strong foundation, I quickly learned that effective client care is much more than textbook knowledge. Each person I work with has a unique story, background, and set of circumstances that got them to where they are now and impact their health and well-being. Listening attentively, showing empathy, and treating clients as real people with individual needs and preferences are essential aspects of providing effective care.

My journey has also taught me the importance of adaptability. Transitioning careers underscored the value of being flexible and open. In the dynamic field of mental health and wellness, staying relevant and effective means continuously adapting to evolving treatments, research insights, and the diverse needs of clients.

Overall, while education and training provide a solid foundation, it’s the ability to connect with clients on a personal level, show empathy, and remain adaptable that truly enhances success in my field. These qualities allow me to provide holistic and personalized care that supports each client’s journey towards improved health and well-being.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a child, I held the belief that perfection was the only acceptable standard, and anything short of this was a failure. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success, but an essential part of it. Embracing failure has been pivotal for my personal and professional growth, teaching me resilience and motivating me to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Through life’s challenges, I’ve come to appreciate that each setback is an opportunity to learn and start fresh. I no longer see failure as a negative; instead, it fuels my determination.

By letting go of this childhood belief, I’ve learned that when you fail at something you are not a failure. Our worth is not defined by our achievements or our productivity. When you fail at something, it means you’re at least trying. And we learn the most from our failures rather than our successes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theaveragegentleman.com
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/megan-garcia-a596692b2
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Ren Lenhof: Studio 29 Photography