Meet Megan Ladd | Burnout Coach

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

Hi Megan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance went from pretty much nonexistent to the #1 factor in my business’ growth to date. For years I was a hardcore overachiever. I loved my work, and I didn’t mind thinking about it all the time. Even when I did take time off, it was challenging to be fully present and relax. It wasn’t until I hit a point of total exhaustion that I realized something needed to change. It wasn’t sustainable to put so much pressure on myself and be working (or thinking about work) all of the time. When I hit my personal breaking point, I was forced to learn a new approach to success that incorporated taking care of myself — not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I realized that I show up most powerfully for my working hours when I am taking time to fill my cup, rest my brain, and have fun outside of work. In the end, this major shift inspired me to specialize in helping other entrepreneurs learn that work life balance doesn’t have to mean giving less of yourself to your work or bringing fewer dreams to life. Instead, balance gives you the brainpower to come up with new ideas and the energy to make them a reality.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a Burnout Coach for female entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their businesses in a way that feels sustainable without sacrificing their health, happiness, or relationships. My clients love their work, but often feel like they have to choose between success and being happy in their personal lives. I teach them how to stop mentally and emotionally exhausting themselves and thinking about work 24/7, so that they can feel clear, focused and productive while working — and free to enjoy their personal lives when they’re not. My approach is specifically tailored to entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level, but are at max capacity mentally and energetically. I teach them how to quiet all the mental chatter and eliminate feelings of guilt that set in whenever they take time off. What I’m most proud of is the permanent, life-changing results my clients create. Using their words, I get to watch them “build lives that feel better than vacation.” I love seeing how their businesses grow and transform, and watching their creative ideas come to life. In terms of my own business journey, the hardest part has been overcoming the mental blocks that show up when you’re putting yourself out there: things like the fear of failure, worrying about what other people will think about you, questioning your decisions, wondering if you have what it takes, comparing yourself to other people, etc. Most entrepreneurs I meet struggle with some (if not all) of these mental hurdles, which are really just your brain’s way of keeping you safe and not risking rejection of any kind. Learning how to quiet all of those doubts and fears is the first thing I teach my clients, because if you can do that — the rest is easy. Clearing up that internal chatter is the key to stopping the burnout cycle in its tracks, building confidence, and hitting your goals without feeling like a hot mess the whole way there. I want the world to know that it’s possible to experience the success you desire without driving yourself into the ground. That it doesn’t have to feel so hard all of the time. That, in fact, you can feel free, fulfilled, and at peace — without sacrificing the business you’ve worked so hard to build. That it’s time for a more sustainable approach, and that this is the most loving thing you could ever do for yourself, your business, your family, your friends, and your employees. Entrepreneurship is truly a mental game, so if you can learn how to take care of the #1 asset in your business (your brain), and your #1 resource (your energy), you are golden! It’s simpler than you think, and I teach it to all kinds of business owners. All that’s required is that you have a human brain (check!), a passion for your work, and a genuine desire to learn a new approach to achieving your goals.

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?
First and foremost, we would have to take them to the beach! My husband and I love walking along Del Mar’s dog beach and watching all the pups live their best lives! We’d take them to Coronado and visit The Del, stroll through the Little Italy Farmers’ Market, bike along Mission Bay, hike Torrey Pines, and visit the seals at the La Jolla coves (always a crowd-pleaser!). We’d grab lunch at Pizza Port in Solana Beach, enjoy some wine tasting at Orfila Winery in Escondido, and get the best tacos and margaritas at Puesto (seriously…have you tried their Filet Mignon taco yet?). We’d also take them to some of our local go-to spots like Aladdin Mediterranean in Clairemont and Fidel’s Little Mexico in Solana Beach. My husband would be remiss if California burritos didn’t make it into the mix. Lastly, I would add in dessert from Urban Plates (best chocolate chip cookies ever!). For drinks, we would head downtown to You & Yours Distillery and then end with a golden hour hangout at the Pendry hotel’s rooftop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people! I can’t choose just one. My husband Will is the first person who deserves major credit in my story. He’s my rock and has been my #1 supporter since day one. I also have to give a special shoutout to my first coach and mentor in this space, Amber Krzys. She opened my eyes to the world of personal development and supported me in the most loving way possible as I began my career as a coach. Lastly, my business coach Stacey Boehman. Stacey is a powerhouse leader who continues to stretch me, show me what’s possible, and support me in showing up more boldly and authentically than ever in my business.

Website: www.megan-ladd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megladd/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-ladd-507b9516/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganladdcoaching
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/megan-ladd-coaching-san-diego

Image Credits
Meg Marie Photography