I met Meg Higgins (formerly Haycraft) about 25 years ago. She is engaging, powerful and exciting. She’s not afraid to call it like she sees it, and she says it like it is. When we first met, she was working by day as a corporate trainer, licensed therapist and leader of PAIRS; by night she was “The Love Goddess,” an on-air radio personality in St. Louis and columnist for the Chicago Sun Times. But don’t let her radio name fool you: she’s tough as nails. For decades, Meg has been consulting at the highest levels of the U.S. Army. She is called in to handle some of the most delicate psychological issues faced by army personnel. Across the country, Meg also is a go-to resource for people who want to take their game to the next level.
Last week, I had the privilege of interviewing the amazing and ignited Higgins. We talked about pandemic life, inspiration, Lizzo and more.
What’s your purpose?
Joy. To bring it and to receive it.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I recently moved to San Diego, and now, I’m living without a car for the first time in my life, so I walk. When I walk, I am meeting and greeting people, and I’m always inspired by them.
Describe a dramatic failure.
I’m not a fan of that word. The dictionary defines failure as a lack of success. For me, the word is outdated. Instead, we need to invite people to focus on growing and vigorously pursuing the top tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—self-actualization.
What’s one of your strengths that you appreciate?
How much I value pleasure and taking time to enjoy life.
When all else fails, someone can count on you to …
Love them to pieces.
What have you learned from the pandemic?
If you want to grow, it is critical to put yourself in physical and emotional space with people who are either going to teach you or become your spiritual advisers. Our culture is becoming technology dependent, and that frightens me. Zoom and Microsoft Teams are great platforms. You can stand on a platform, but you don’t want to live there. We can accomplish a lot virtually, but we still need live people and in-person interactions.
What is your walk-up song?
Lizzo’s “Good as Hell.” It encourages you to see how valuable you really are and how you really do have a place on the planet. That song completely changed my life.
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What do you love about St. Louis?
The Hill. There’s no place like it. I’m from St. Louis but I’ve lived in Chicago and California. Of all the neighborhoods I’ve been to, The Hill is still the best. It’s the real deal. It’s so authentic. It’s like being in mama’s kitchen; I haven’t had that experience in any other place. It’s unique to St. Louis, and it should be celebrated.
Beth Chesterton is a master certified executive coach and an expert in organizational development.