We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Mccann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My father died of cancer when I was fourteen. Until very recently, I said I was fifteen. Fifteen sounds so much older than fourteen.

Growing up, we were empowered to try new things and do new things. No “boundaries” were placed on what we could and could not do. My parents instilled in me, and my two younger brothers, confidence, and the belief we could achieve all we aspired to do; we needed to invest time, practice, and be committed to the work, and we could do it.

My father also repeatedly shared three “life” lessons with us. As a teenager, it felt like they were on repeat, and I often rolled my eyes when he shared them. As an adult, and a growing, evolving, learning, and thriving business owner, I now hold them as truths. They are, in fact, the foundation upon which I have built my life and career.

They are simple yet impactful and are as follows:
1. Firmly shake hands and look people in the eye. Both are signs of respect and are foundational to building relationships and community.
2. Everyone puts their pants (or skirts) on the same way: one leg at a time. This is a testament to the fact that no matter our title, how we identify, lot in life, etc., we are equals.
3. Find a way to support the community where you work and live. It is a full-circle moment.

After my dad’s death, my mother continued to reinforce the importance of these truths—my father’s truths—into my adulthood. Not only did they get it right, but these simple yet impactful lessons have shaped who I am in all aspects of my life. I am forever grateful.

Megan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Like many in the staffing world, I accidentally stumbled upon it.

Upon graduating college and spending a couple of years working for my Alma Mater doing international recruitment, I aspired to move to the big city. For me, this meant Chicago. I had friends here and a network to support the move. I began applying for jobs, not focusing on what I wanted to do so much as where I wanted to be. I happened to apply and have an opportunity to interview for an IT staffing role. I took the chance because it was a wonderful way to get to Chicago, thinking it would be a short-term stent, a stop along the journey. However, in that role, I fell in love with all things workforce development, the ever-changing landscape of IT technology, and the opportunity to forge a new path, opening doors for women and underrepresented individuals in IT and leadership. It came so naturally that I could not escape it. I did not realize how quickly it would come home to me. Fast forward all these years later, and that is my life’s work. My mission and how I spend each day.

I am an established IT recruitment and technology services leader known for building and leading highly successful IT services firms and for my work advancing diversity and cultivating talent across the technology industry.

Today, I am the CEO of the leading IT recruitment firm McCann Partners, which I founded in 2011. We deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce and is proud that more than 70% of our talent placements in the past three years have been diverse hires. Before McCann Partners, I co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS) and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.

My impact on the tech community far exceeds my day-to-day work as CEO of my firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, I am the proud co-founder of ARA. This national organization seeks to increase the number and influence of women in technology and leadership.

What started as a career is now a calling – a vocation – to make a difference in this world and the communities where I work and live.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2016, McCann Partners experienced what I will call a perfect storm. And by perfect, I mean anything that could go wrong did go wrong. At that time, more than five years after founding the company, I had been so fortunate. Year-over-year, things were progressing so positively and then, suddenly, it felt like everything was imploding.

I was paralyzed, watching all of the great work my team helped me achieve over the previous 5+ years go down the drain. In hindsight, I realize this is an exaggerated statement, but it was what I was feeling, and it was solely based on fear.

So frightened, I almost walked away. I simply could not see the positives – I was looking for an out. I failed to take stock in myself and my team—in what we were capable of and what we already had accomplished.

Fear breeds self-doubt. It impacts confidence and an ability to make good and thoughtful decisions. It plays greatly into imposter syndrome.

I can share with you the journey that year was not easy – anything but. Reflecting, one of the most profound lessons learned is that the temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed. Because I finally was able to look at myself in the mirror and face the fear, I am here today as CEO and Founder of McCann Partners.

The learning prompted me to compile a growing list of mantras to help keep fear at bay.
● Adapt. Change is the only constant so turn it into positive momentum.
● Ask. If you don’t, you won’t give someone the opportunity to say yes.
● Be Confident. Believe in yourself and your abilities, others will follow.
● Collaborate. Collaboration over competition gets us exponentially further than doing anything alone.
● Don’t Compare. Comparison is the thief of joy.
● Find Allies. Know who is in your corner and how to leverage their advice and counsel.
● Inspire Others. Use your gifts to give back. Don’t just consume, contribute!
● Keep Perspective. If you focus too intently on pleasing others, you’ll please no one while losing yourself in the process.
● Know Your Superpower. You have one – we all do! Knowing is believing and believing is empowering.
● Love What You Do. You will never work a day in your life if you truly love what you do.
● Make Mistakes. You take away lessons not only from your victories, but from every single one of your defeats, no matter how great or small.
● Take Risks. The only risk you’ll ever regret is the one you didn’t take.
● Work Hard. Success is determined by attitude and effort.

And, above all, BE FEARLESS. Witness what is possible when you fight for something bigger than yourself.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What has helped me build my reputation in the IT staffing and services market is a combination of a few key factors:

1. Relationship-Driven Approach: From the beginning, I have believed that building and maintaining strong, authentic relationships is the foundation of success in this industry. I have invested in people, whether they were candidates, clients, or colleagues. This built trust and a network that has been essential for growth.

2. Commitment to Quality and Integrity: I have always emphasized doing things the right way, even when it is harder. Being transparent, honest, and consistent in delivering results has helped me stand out in an industry where integrity sometimes gets overlooked.

3. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: I am passionate about creating opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented groups in tech. Advocating for and actively supporting diversity has aligned with my values and positioned McCann Partners as a leader.

4. Adaptability and Forward Thinking: The tech industry is always evolving, and I have worked hard to stay ahead of trends, whether it is new technologies or shifts in the workforce. This adaptability has helped the company grow and remain relevant in a competitive market.

5. Personal Involvement and Leadership: I stay involved at a high level, whether building relationships or working on projects. My active participation and genuine commitment to helping others succeed have helped solidify my reputation as a trusted leader in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mccannpartners.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganpmccann/
• Other: Email: mmccann@mccannpartners.com