We recently connected with Meg Schlabs and have shared our conversation below.
Meg, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
You know, when someone asks me where I got my resilience from, it’s not a straightforward story of having it all the time. It’s more like a patchwork quilt, stitched together day by day. I’ve had to learn resilience the hard way, especially in my professional life. It’s not always about having all the answers; it’s about being open to the tough feedback, the brutal honesty from clients, my business partner, and even my loved ones. Those moments, as uncomfortable as they are, have been my crucible.
But if we go way back, I think my journey towards resilience started when I was just a kid, between the ages of 7 and 12. My family hit a rough patch. My mom fell ill, had to quit her job, and my dad took on two jobs just to make ends meet. He was hardly ever home, just an hour a day. I missed him terribly, and it was just my two younger sisters and me trying to figure out life without our parents. Our house was in disarray, and there were days when we barely had enough to eat. Those five years were incredibly tough, but somehow, I made it through.
In the midst of that challenging season, our dog (Wiggles) accidentally got knocked up and gave birth to five adorable curly black puppies. Those puppies became our ray of hope, our reason to smile each day. I can’t help but think of them when I reflect on those years. They symbolize resilience for me—life and joy emerging from the darkest of times. So, when you ask me about my resilience, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about finding strength in vulnerability, facing hard truths, and holding onto moments of hope, just like those puppies did for me back then.
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 appreciate the opportunity to share more about what I do and what keeps me inspired at Wizardly. As the owner and a graphic and web designer, my journey has been all about learning, evolving, and embracing vulnerability in leadership. I believe that a good leader isn’t just someone who knows it all but someone who encourages excitement and growth in the workplace.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the constant evolution of design and understanding the intricate relationship between user research, competitors’ analysis, and the visual directions we choose for our clients’ branding. It’s a never-ending journey of improvement, and I’m personally committed to honing my design skills and expanding my knowledge in this field.
At Wizardly, we’re also venturing into an innovative direction. Our focus is on delivering exceptional work and ensuring our clients are on a continuous growth trajectory. There’s nothing more exhilarating than helping our clients achieve success through effective design and a well-positioned brand.
On a personal note, I’ve recently reached a significant milestone as a mother – all three of my kids are now in school on the same schedule. It feels like I’ve emerged from the chaotic times of early parenthood, and this newfound energy allows me to invest more in Wizardly, be it through expansion or more dedicated attention. Additionally, I’m excited to explore opportunities to enhance my personal brand through writing and reading, further connecting with others who share my passion for design, leadership, and growth. This phase of life is brimming with possibilities, and I’m eager to embrace them with open arms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have played a pivotal role in my growth. Firstly, the understanding that success is not an overnight phenomenon has been crucial. It’s about creating and maintaining good daily habits consistently over time. Reading extensively has been my secret weapon; it’s through reading that I’ve gained insights into what others know, helping me avoid unnecessary mistakes on my path.
Secondly, staying humble and receptive to feedback, even when it’s tough to hear, has been transformative. Embracing feedback not only accelerates personal and professional growth but also strengthens relationships. Prioritizing the value of these relationships over momentary conflicts or drama is a key piece of advice I have for those starting their journey.
Lastly, understanding that success is a collaborative effort has been vital. When you choose to work together, valuing the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives within a team, you unlock solutions to work-related challenges that might seem insurmountable when approached alone. So, my advice to those early in their journey is to be patient, cultivate good habits, read voraciously, stay open to feedback, and prioritize relationships and collaboration. These qualities will not only set you on the path to success but also make the journey itself immensely rewarding.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle has had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. This book delves deep into the intricacies of building and sustaining a positive and effective organizational culture, and its insights have been transformative.
One of the key takeaways from “The Culture Code” is the importance of creating a culture of safety and belonging within a group or organization. Coyle emphasizes the significance of fostering an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and be vulnerable. This culture of psychological safety encourages open communication and collaboration, ultimately leading to higher levels of trust and productivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: wizardly.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardlyteam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wizardlyteam
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-schlabs-7a7714b1/
Image Credits
@fluffmedia
