Meet Brenda McGregor

 

We recently connected with Brenda McGregor and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I believe generosity has always been a part of who I am—it feels innate. That quality was further nurtured by my parents, who instilled in us the importance of helping others who were less fortunate.

Over time, my understanding of generosity has evolved. Early in my life, I realized that my giving was often influenced by a desire to please others or to be liked. That desire sometimes played a role in the choices I made, whether it was giving money, gifts, time, or expertise. After doing personal work to better understand myself, I uncovered how often generosity had become an automatic response—I was giving without thinking it through or considering the deeper reasons behind my actions.

As I’ve grown in self-awareness, I’ve developed the ability to pause and reflect. Now, I ask myself, ‘Does this align with my goals and commitments to my life and the world?’ This moment of reflection helps me make clear choices and allows me to give intentionally, and only saying ‘Yes’ when it’s truly a yes.

Today, my commitment is to contribute to others in ways that enhance or expand their experience of life. I strive to create joy through my actions and gifts, ensuring my generosity is both meaningful and aligned with my values.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I spent over three decades gaining invaluable work and life experience in the hospitality industry, serving as both an Accounting and HR professional. Throughout my career, I cultivated collaborative environments where individuals could thrive. Notably, I established and expanded the HR department of a midsized hospitality management firm, earning recognition for building high-performing teams that prioritized both associate well-being and organizational success.

After transitioning from my corporate journey, I embarked on a new path dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations in a healthy and fulfilling way. Through Brenda McGregor Coaching, I bring my extensive experience and expertise to help clients unlock their full potential, both personally and professionally. I create a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals feel inspired and supported as they confidently pursue their goals.

Beyond my professional work, my commitment to fostering equity and opportunity extends into my personal life. I cherish time with my wonderfully diverse family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and my extended family and friends and take pride in serving as the “Team Mom” for my husband’s high school football team, the DeMatha Stags. I am also an active member of Moms Demand Action, advocating passionately for a world where everyone, especially children and vulnerable populations, is protected from gun violence.

Through my coaching programs and my podcast, I amplify voices and provide a platform for meaningful conversations that inspire people to create lives they truly love. My approach to coaching is transformative, offering clients the tools, accountability, and unwavering support they need to overcome limitations and realize their dreams.

In a world filled with obstacles and disparities, I remain steadfast in my advocacy for inclusivity and equity, ensuring all individuals—regardless of background or identity—feel empowered to succeed. My coaching philosophy centers on reigniting passion, embracing possibility, and offering compassionate guidance to help clients navigate a more fulfilling and courageous life journey.

I offer 3- and 6-month one-on-one coaching programs, designed to guide you toward reconnecting with your passion, purpose, and what truly matters to you. These programs include weekly one-hour sessions where we work together to create a personalized roadmap for your journey.

In addition to coaching, I host a podcast for women, by women, called If Only. My commitment is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, and in doing so, inspire my listeners to see new possibilities for themselves.

I am also a keynote and workshop speaker, delivering impactful talks and sessions focused on creating breakthroughs and opportunities for others. My ultimate goal is to help people envision and step into the life they truly love.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ve been told that I’m consistent—or, at my worst, annoyingly persistent. I don’t give up easily; I never have. I also learned early on the importance of honoring my word, both to myself and to others. As your readers can imagine, it’s much easier to keep my word to others than to myself, but I’m working on that. With age and experience, I’ve come to see the negative impact of not honoring my commitments to myself, and I’m making progress in this area.

I’m also incredibly curious, which keeps me learning and expanding what’s possible for me. This curiosity fuels my growth and inspires me to continuously explore new opportunities and perspectives.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Elaine Johnson was my dear friend, mentor, and coach. She saw things in me that I couldn’t see in myself and wasn’t afraid to call me out on my excuses. Elaine had a remarkable way of delivering her coaching with love and honesty, allowing me to truly hear and embrace her guidance. She is the reason I became a coach, and her way of being is something I strive to embody every single day. She loved unconditionally, and that love was transformative for me. Inspired by her example, I am deeply committed to sharing the same unconditional love with my family, friends, and clients, creating connections that build peace, joy and understanding.”

Sadly, she passed away in 2021. Yet, as she once told me I would, I still hear her words every single day. Her wisdom and guidance continue to inspire me to show up fully—for myself and for others. Her impact on my life is immeasurable, and I am deeply grateful for the legacy of strength, love, and insight she left behind.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Pam Long Photography

Haley Phelps

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