My Story

Megan Bauer, CPC, ACC

I know what it feels like to be successful on paper and still sense that something is missing. I also know what it feels like to find a level of clarity so deep that you know exactly what you want and believe wholeheartedly that you can get there.

My career began in public relations, where I was fascinated by how writing and communication could build relationships between people and brands. Over time, I realized that the part I loved most was learning what mattered to people and finding ways to communicate that truly resonated with them. But the day-to-day work of public relations wasn’t where I felt most energized or fulfilled. That realization led me back to research, another field I had studied in school.

I began by conducting research to inform the development of hardware and software products—essentially designing products that actually met consumers’ needs. Later, at Nike, I studied the employee experience. Across both roles, I listened closely, identified patterns within complex information and translated what I learned into products, policies, programs and tools.

The work allowed me to influence experiences affecting thousands of employees, which I truly valued. At the same time, I kept wanting to go deeper—to understand an individual or team’s specific challenges and aspirations, tailor the work to what they needed and stay with them long enough to see change unfold.

One day in 2019, I was sitting in a meeting discussing research findings when I was struck by a realization. I wanted to work directly with individuals and teams over time, helping them understand themselves, work through challenges and grow in the ways that mattered to them. On the drive home, I decided to explore coaching more seriously.

I began working with a career coach to explore my strengths, values and the times in my life when I had felt happiest and most fulfilled. One session became a turning point. Across a large whiteboard were the qualities and experiences that brought me fulfillment and joy: deep conversation and connection; listening beyond what was being said; noticing emotion and energy; asking thought-provoking questions; and helping people draw on their own strengths and wisdom. I also saw how much I valued learning, variety and turning new ideas into something practical.

As I took it all in, I just knew. Coaching was what I was meant to do. The clarity was so deep that I began to cry. After sensing that something was missing for so long, I suddenly felt deeply connected to who I already was and who I wanted to become. It was joy, relief and release all at once.

That experience continues to influence how I work today. I believe meaningful leadership development happens from the inside out. Practical skills and tools absolutely matter, but on their own, they rarely change how someone leads. We also need to understand the beliefs, perspectives, emotional responses and behavioral patterns influencing our choices.

I also believe I need to be willing to do this work myself. I have used coaching and many of the frameworks and practices I bring to clients to examine my own patterns, navigate difficult decisions and become more intentional about how I show up. I understand that this work can be uncomfortable—and I know what can become possible when we are willing to look honestly and practice something different.

Today, I coach leaders one-on-one and work with teams through coaching, workshops and retreats. My role is not to tell people what to do or who they need to become. It is to create space to slow down, reflect honestly, understand what is really happening and explore new ways forward—while offering practical tools, perspective and accountability that help turn awareness into action.

Whether the work begins with a leadership challenge, a team that wants to communicate and work together differently, or a question about what comes next, my goal is more than insight. I want people to feel more connected to who they are, clear about what they want and confident and equipped to move toward it.