NWA Women in Business: Megan Brown

Residence: Rogers

Education: B.S.B.A., Southwest Baptist University

Professional background: Brown is the director of operations for ULI Northwest Arkansas. In this role, she supports the regional staff and programs like the Small Cities Initiative and the Place Summit. Brown has more than 15 years of experience in banking, event management and association management. She also is a developer with Rally Properties, a company that has two other women developers.

What was your dream job as a kid, and why? From my earliest days, I wanted to be a singer. Music helps me connect emotionally with myself and others. Getting paid to do that felt like the ultimate dream.

What inspired you to pursue your career? In some ways, I stumbled into the career I have, but I feel incredibly grateful. I’m a farm town girl who always craved the city life. I was drawn to the lively connectedness of urban communities, the beautiful architecture, and the incredible places that make them unique. Now, getting to work alongside some of the best and brightest to create that same feeling of connectedness is a true joy and honor.

Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? One of my early mentors, who I still lean on to this day, was my first female boss in Chicago. She hired me for what she saw I could become and challenged and nurtured me along the way. She was no-nonsense but caring, tough but kind. She expected a lot from herself and others in the pursuit of creating great things. She continues to be an inspiration to me as a female business owner, entrepreneur, mom and friend.

What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? No one has it figured out, no matter how much they protest otherwise.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Seek out a community of women who can offer support and inspiration. Speak up for your ideas and trust that your perspective brings something valuable to the table.

You stay busy professionally. How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I get most recharged by laughing with friends and spending time in nature. Indulging in lots of live shows, fun restaurants and visiting fun cities when I can does me good as well.

What are some of the leadership skills that helped you move up in your organization? Listening carefully, asking good questions, and creating space for others’ ideas have been crucial in helping me grow and build trust within my teams.

I wish I knew how to … what? I wish I knew how to write songs and play the guitar. There’s something about music that I find endlessly inspiring.

What do you do to relax when not working? When I’m not working, I love to be with friends, see live music (have I said this enough?), be in nature, or explore new cities and towns.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I’m focused on supporting the growth of ULI’s work in Northwest Arkansas to make the biggest impact where it’s most needed and on getting ready to break ground on our first development project with Rally Properties. It’s a milestone that feels both daunting and inspiring.

First thing you do at the office each morning? I start the day by checking off the easy to-dos. Having some early wins gets the juices flowing and motivates me for the day ahead.