Written by Liz Galloway, PR Specialist
Liz Galloway is the founder of Brand Sanity Media and The Well Mind Project, where she blends storytelling and marketing to create impactful campaigns. Liz is also a travel journalist, podcaster, TV host, and extreme adventure enthusiast.
In the heart of Mississippi, where the weight of tradition often casts a long shadow, Meagan O'Nan's journey is a poignant testament to the transformative power of vulnerability and human connection. Growing up in the South, she understood that conformity was survival, and for a long time, she played by those rules. She excelled in sports, was the model student, the all-American girl from a small town where everyone knew everyone. But beneath the surface, she carried a truth she wasn’t ready to share.
“I knew who I was, but I also knew what was expected of me,” she says years later, reflecting on the journey. “And those two things didn’t align.”
When she was outed before she was ready, it wasn’t just a personal crisis; it was an exile. The rejection came swiftly, not just from acquaintances but from people she once believed were permanent supporters in her life. The whispered conversations happened, and doors quietly closed. It was a loss not just of relationships but of belonging.
“There was a point where I thought, ‘Maybe they’re right. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe if I just worked harder, became more successful, I could prove my worth beyond my identity.’” Instead, she took a different path and hasn’t looked back. She turned her turmoil into triumph.
In an era where divisiveness dominates, where spaces once built for inclusiveness are quietly disappearing, and where conversations about identity, belonging, and leadership are being erased from boardrooms and classrooms alike, the work of Meagan O’Nan is more urgent than ever.
Central to O'Nan's philosophy is the belief that storytelling is a catalyst for change. Through her companies, she empowers individuals, leaders, and organizations to harness the power of narrative to foster inclusivity and drive innovation. Her "Unify Experience" keynote is a testament to this.
O’Nan’s path to healing didn’t come from external validation or professional success. It came from choosing, day after day, to no longer be ashamed of who she was. It came from understanding that connection is not just about being seen; it’s about being seen fully.
It's time to step out of the shadows and embrace your own positive main character energy in any realm you choose. Here are some key insights from human connection expert Meagan O’Nan on embracing transformation and how you can apply them in your own life.
Transforming adversity into opportunity
Embracing her truth became the cornerstone of her healing. Today, O’Nan’s voice reaches far beyond the boundaries of her hometown. Her keynotes challenge corporate leaders to rethink how they engage with their teams. Her storytelling teaches individuals how to harness their personal narratives to create change. Her books serve as guideposts for those navigating their own difficult journeys. And through storytelling, public speaking, and leadership coaching, O’Nan transformed her own pain into a bridge for others.
Her path from personal turmoil to professional triumph offers profound insights that resonate with people. A devoted family woman, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and author of three books, her personal and professional lives intertwine seamlessly. She lives the way she teaches and continues to inspire and lead many others through her messaging.
“I used to think strength meant proving myself,” she says. “Now I know it’s about allowing myself to be fully seen, and giving others permission to do the same.”
Cancel culture and the fear of speaking up
In today's polarized society, the phenomenon of disagreement and cancel culture offers profound insights into public discourse and personal interactions. Disagreements, when approached constructively, can serve as catalysts for growth, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. However, the rise of cancel culture, a collective practice of withdrawing support from individuals or entities due to actions or opinions one does not agree with, has introduced complexities to this dynamic. In short, if we don’t get our confirmation biases met, we shut others out. This type of cancellation does not foster honest dialogue.
Moreover, the fear of disagreement and being canceled also stifles discussion, as individuals become hesitant to express dissenting opinions, leading to a homogenization of thought, a loss of critical thinking, and a more divisive culture. This environment can hinder the potential benefits of constructive disagreement, where diverse viewpoints are essential for innovation and societal progress.
Meagan teaches that, on a personal level, transforming pain into purpose can lead to profound growth and resilience. By integrating these principles into our professional and personal lives, we can navigate challenges more effectively, foster meaningful connections, and contribute positively to society. Transformation starts with radical self-acceptance.
Leading with empathy in times of conflict
Have you heard people say they wish things could change? They can. In Meagan’s authentic storytelling, vulnerability creates a deep sense of relatability, empowering individuals to confront their own challenges. She emphasizes the importance of creating environments where individuals feel emotionally safe to express themselves.
"Leaders should create spaces where team members feel heard and valued," she advises. We’ve all seen what happens when the opposite is present. This can include the loss of good people, profits, and purpose.
Leaders, now more than ever, must be intentional about creating environments where every individual, regardless of background, identity, or experience, feels valued. O’Nan’s work isn’t about politics. It’s about people.
And if we allow ourselves to drift further into silence, division, and erasure, we risk losing more than just policies or initiatives, we risk losing each other.
Her award-winning book topics and keynotes have been transformative for many, creating dynamic environments where attendees and readers learn to confront and overcome their fears, leading to stronger, more inclusive lives. Organizations such as Forbes, Inspire Brands, and the Red Cross have lauded her approach for its effectiveness in fostering unity and collaboration that leaves a ripple effect.
Enhancing personal relationships
On a personal level, transforming pain into purpose can lead to profound personal growth and resilience. Embracing one's vulnerabilities and sharing personal experiences can deepen connections with others, creating supportive and understanding relationships. This practice not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to building compassionate communities and positively impacts society. Sounds pretty good to me.
Practical advice for personal and professional growth
Drawing from her experiences, O'Nan offers the following insights:
Embrace vulnerability: Sharing personal stories fosters authenticity and strengthens relationships.
Seek supportive communities: Surround yourself with understanding individuals who provide support during challenging times.
Engage in self-reflection: Understanding your emotions and reactions leads to personal growth and resilience.
Practice active listening: Focus entirely on the speaker, avoiding interruptions to ensure understanding.
Encourage open expression: Invite partners, family, and team members to share their thoughts without fear of judgment.
Model empathy: Demonstrate understanding and compassion in your responses, setting a standard for others.
Meagan chose a route that changed her life. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind the familiar landscapes of her hometown to explore the broader world. This odyssey was not just geographical but deeply emotional and spiritual. She confronted her own fears, dismantled internalized prejudices, and sought to understand the roots of the intolerance she faced.
Her return to Mississippi was marked by a renewed sense of purpose. Meagan dedicated herself to fostering authentic human connections in a world increasingly divided by differences. She now guides others in navigating conflicts and building inclusive communities. Her work emphasizes that true leadership arises from empathy and that by embracing our authentic selves, we can transform personal adversity into collective strength. Even in the face of opposition, there is always a path to connection. But choosing that path requires courage.
For a deeper insight into Meagan O'Nan's journey and her perspectives on moving past cancel culture, you can watch her featured interview on The Social: How to Move Past Cancel Culture with Meagan O’Nan.
You can also sign up to stay updated on more human connection expertise at MeaganOnan.com and watch her TEDx talk on What to Do When You Disagree With Someone You Love.
Liz Galloway, PR Specialist
Liz Galloway is a dynamic Creative Director, PR Specialist, and media professional with over 20 years of experience in brand strategy, luxury travel, wellness, and adventure. As the founder of Brand Sanity Media and The Well Mind Project, she blends storytelling, marketing, and sustainability to create impactful campaigns for high-profile clients, and is a travel journalist, podcast producer, and adventure enthusiast.
