Voices of Influence: Meghan Parrish

What’s one risk you took that changed your trajectory, either professionally or personally?

Moving to Colorado after college was a big risk! I didn’t have any connections and finding a job was rough. Living there was a great experience, though, and it all worked out in the end. I’ve been married to my husband—who is the reason I moved to Colorado in the first place—for 21 years now and we have lots of fun stories we tell our kids about how we survived.

How do you stay focused and motivated when things get difficult?

There’s a part of me that loves a work crisis. I’m most energized when things get crazy at the office. But it’s definitely harder to stay focused when things are tough at home. In those moments, I really lean on my team. We’re all human, and we all have times when we need a little help. I’m lucky to work with people who are supportive, organized, and know how to keep things moving when someone’s running at half speed.

What’s your personal definition of success—and has it changed over time?

My definition of success has definitely shifted over the years. Now, it means keeping all the parts of my life moving – family, work, health, relationships – without letting any of them lag too far behind. If I’m showing up where I’m needed and still have something left in the tank at the end of the day, that feels pretty successful!

What’s your go-to way to recharge after a long week?

I love Saturday morning workouts with my family at F45. My husband, my daughter and I go (we’re not leaving Ian out, he’s just too young) every Saturday and it’s such a fun routine. We always go to Starbucks after and complain about which stations were the hardest or brag about what we did well.

If you could have dinner with any woman living or from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?

I’m kind of an introvert, so the idea of having dinner with a stranger, especially someone famous, seems so stressful! But I think someone like Mindy Kaling or Amy Poehler would be fun and silly, without feeling awkward.

What’s one item on your desk (or in your bag) that you can’t live without—and why?

I am a snacker, so you’ll always find some Cheez-its, a Luna bar, or a mini Butterfinger in my purse AND on my desk.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self—if she’d actually listen?

Start working out. It’s not that bad, and you’ll never regret it. Call your parents sometimes. And stop assuming anyone knows more than you do. You’re smarter than you think, and your ideas are worth saying out loud. Trust yourself a little more.