Meet Megan Bruneau | Therapist, Executive Coach, & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Bruneau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, how do you think about risk?
Can you imagine life without risk? It would be like watching a movie having already read the script! As humans, we desire a delicate balance between predictability and novelty. We experience stimulation and growth by stepping out of our comfort zones (taking risks), yet our fear of the unknown convinces us we’re better off playing small.

If we’re not conscious of this programming, we’re likely to fall victim to fear and perfectionism–avoiding taking any steps that might result in embarrassment, rejection, or failure.

I’ll be honest that, until my mid twenties, I didn’t take many risks. Perfectionism (which I now specialize in) kept anxiety and shame high around being “new” or “bad” at things. If I wasn’t good at a sport, I quit. If I got a bad grade, I decided I wasn’t talented or intelligent enough to try in that subject. But one thing I was good at was psychology and as I finished my Master’s degree in 2011 I simultaneously received a life lesson more valuable than seven years of post-secondary education: I went through my first shattering heartbreak, and realized I had been living my life in a “House of Cards” way. One where I believed that if I was successful, thin, and hardworking, I could protect myself from pain.

Desperate to ease my heartbreak, I began studying Buddhist philosophy and adopted a rigorous yoga and meditation practice. I came to realize this is a lie we’re told by Disney, Rom-Coms, and social media–and that the key to a good life is not to learn how to live without pain, but to live alongside it. The truth is that the tax of being human is experiencing the spectrum of emotions–some blissful, some excruciating. And as long as we’re alive, none of us is immune to life’s inevitable losses, disappointments, and frustrations–no matter how much money, beauty, or “likes” we acquire.

And so from there, I began trying to invite in discomfort. I started a blog and put my writing out to the world. After a couple of my articles went viral, I got offered an opportunity in my dream location: New York City. I cashed out my retirement and left my well-paying faculty position in the Student Health department of a college in Vancouver, Canada to move to Manhattan–where I didn’t know a soul.

After several months of working at a startup (because they sponsored my visa), I once again took my modest savings and left to start my business. This was 2015, and I began seeing clients out of coffee shops or over Skype for as low as $30 a session. I took jobs entirely unrelated to my masters education so I could afford rent while I accidentally grew my social media following, started writing for Forbes, and began getting paid to speak about entrepreneurial resilience. Today, I coach entrepreneurs, executives, and other high-performers to do what scares them. Ultimately, they grow to understand and metabolizethe shame, fear, and perfectionism holding them back from success and joy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have a coaching and therapy practice that consists of coaches who are also masters-level-trained licensed therapists. We work primarily with entrepreneurs, executives, and other high-performers. Our style is unique in that we incorporate the bodily (“somatic”) techniques that coaching often neglects, alongside the goal-oriented work and “loving challenging” that therapy often neglects. We believe emotional avoidance is at the root of most human suffering–perfectionism, depression, anxiety, addictions, self-sabotage, and even physical pain–much of it develops in an attempt to protect ourselves from emotional discomfort.

Our approach gets to the root of clients’ challenges, helping them develop the tools to metabolize the shame and other difficult emotions holding them back from expansion and connection. Depending on client’s or organization’s needs, we tailor our approach–from conducting 360 reviews for corporate leaders to psychedelic integration for truth-seeking founders.

I also am a speaker, a regular Forbes contributor, and the host of “The Failure Factor” podcast. I explore how setbacks and challenges shape our entrepreneurial growth journeys, and write about the intersections between psychology, leadership, mental health, and spirituality. Finally, I am the author of “How To Be Alone And Together: 72 Lessons on Being At Peace With Yourself,” available on Amazon.

I started my business a decade ago, and it has grown slowly and steadily into the multiple six-figure operation it is today. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t say it’s been hard either as I love what I do. It is the greatest gift to proverbially hold hands with someone and explore the shadowy corners of their minds–then get to witness their courageous healing journey toward the success and connection they deserve.

I’ve also managed to build my business with minimal investment, making it profitable from day one and alleviating much of the financial burden many entrepreneurs shoulder.

As far as lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1) “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.”

I know this isn’t novel advice, but it cannot be overstated. So many entrepreneurs are paralyzed by perfectionism or need all the information before taking a step. They fear their imperfect website being judged negatively when they don’t yet have traffic! They obsess over developing a flawless brand or product without realizing consumer feedback is integral to iteration and refinement. I often cringe when I look back at content I put out to the world years ago–but those same cringe-y articles, videos, and posts led to the big opportunities that got me to where I am today.

2) Treat every interaction like that person could be holding the keys to your next big break:

I’m not suggesting that one be inauthentic, exploitative, or overly ingratiating. This is about building authentic, reciprocal relationships based on mutual inspiration and support. However, do consider that any person you meet could have access to an opportunity in your wheelhouse–either now or in the future. While my business growth has a steady climb, there have been a few inflection points that were solely due to others suggesting I’d be a good fit: the startup role in NYC that sponsored my visa, the podcast I hosted for Forbes, and an influx in social media followers thanks to a meaningful shoutout. Just because someone doesn’t seem to have the “power” you’re seeking in a networking connection currently doesn’t mean they won’t down the road. Remember, they’re growing too. Be kind, be curious, and be humble–and build a community that you feel supported by both personally and professionally.

3) Remember: *You* are the expert on your business and brand; and more importantly, you are the expert of your needs and values:

I can’t count how many times people have tried to tell me how I should change my brand or strategy at the cost of my authenticity or mental health. I respect that for some people, making money is the most important thing–above their health, relationships, inner peace, sleep, fun, and freedom. But that’s not me. I make money to experience a comfortable life alongside all of those other things. I built a business that brings me joy and, with minimal overhead, can be ramped up or down depending on my life season.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve only been in Nashville for a little over a year, so I’m still discovering spots all the time! But we would grab matcha at Retrograde Coffe, then stroll around Centennial Park (where I walk and listen to music or podcasts several days a week). We’d go to pilates at BodyRok, and yoga at Bend And Zen or Small World Community Yoga. Then pop by Detox House for a sauna and cold plunge afterward. If it’s a Monday or Friday when I try not to book clients, we’d work from Soho House. I’d also bring them to the Malin, a gorgeous coworking space in Wedgewood Houston. For dinner, we’d go to The Butcher and The Bee, NOKO, Xiao Bao, and Iggy’s. And of course, I would have to show them the honkytonks on Broadway because… it’s Nashville!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While there are countless people (strong women especially) who saw in me what I couldn’t, I’d like to highlight one person in particular: my mom, who I lost suddenly earlier this year. My mom was not what you’d call a “strong woman.” She struggled with confidence and mental health and never quoted Bell Hooks or Gloria Steinem. But she loved hard and felt deeply, and I know I inherited her superpower (and at times great challenge) of heightened sensitivity and intuition.

In addition to the gifts she gave me, she loved me unconditionally and supported whatever wild decision I made, which helped fuel the courage I needed to get to where I am today. While she and I had our differences and rocky seasons, it is her voice that I’ve internalized that provides me with the self-compassion necessary to carry myself through moments of loneliness, defeat, and despair.

Website: https://meganbruneau.com/

Instagram: @meganjbruneau

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-j-bruneau-m-a-psych-4573b940/?trk=public_post-text

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganbruneauma/

Image Credits
Emily Crenca Photography: https://www.emilycrencaphotography.com/