Empowering Empathetic Leaders
to Create Lasting Impact without Burnout

Transform your leadership approach to build sustainable excellence in complex, resource-constrained environments. The LeadFirst Method helps passionate executives lead with innate confidence and clarity.

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Exceptional leadership requires more than just dedication to the cause. It demands a refined balance of strategic vision and human-centered leadership. Through our proven framework, you’ll develop the confidence to make bold decisions, the communication skills to align diverse stakeholders, and the cultural awareness to foster environments where both mission and people thrive.

Coaching

In a trusted partnership, we’ll navigate the intricate, and sometimes lonely, leadership landscape and create a safe space to explore new possibilities, practice new behaviors, and release past obstacles for forward action.

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Culture

Customized solutions to fit your organization’s unique needs. Building trust. Growing empathy. Leveraging team dynamics. Organizational design. Managing through the intricacies of today’s world.

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I was processing the struggle of the work-life balance as I was working 50-hour weeks, with a 75-minute commute, and three young children at home. Working with Megan, I was able to gain better clarity on the vision I have for myself, identify the kind of leader that I need to be in order to flourish holistically, and seek opportunities that would better satisfy work-life integration. Megan was incredibly spot on with her depth of understanding of the problem and worked patiently with me to tease out areas where I had neglected myself in my desire to satisfy so many roles and so many people. Following our time together, I felt I had a partner, a friend-coach to challenge my status quo and push me to finally confront my self-made patterns of exhaustion and general dissatisfaction. I’ve made some huge shifts in how I approach work; I can love a job without letting it take over my life

– Mary S. – Education Leader

Megan has a thoughtful demeanor that makes it so easy to open up and solve the world’s problems (but mostly just your own!) She coaches you through your own obstacles by asking deep, valid questions, that allow you to unleash a new world of opportunity – all through the power of slowing down and really digging in.

– Molly Di Carlo | Hospitality

Megan Akatu was not only knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my progress and success during our coaching engagement. She took the time to understand my unique strengths, aspirations, and areas for improvement. Through insightful discussions and practical exercises, Megan provided me with a clear roadmap to advance both my professional and personal goals. I feel equipped to make tangible change in ways both large and small. She is also relatable and fun to work with, and makes the entire process enjoyable. 

– Ann Hastings, Principal, Hastings Strategic Communications

Julie Boyton headshot Megan Akatu Testimonial

In looking at succession planning for our department, Megan was able to work with one of my team members to help her move beyond her current skill set in ways that have been truly transformative. This team member’s confidence has grown, she has transitioned to demonstrating leadership and strategic/critical thinking skills and applying them. In working with Megan, our team member has grown substantially and is contributing in more profound ways.
This type of coaching is not something I personally could have executed in such a direct and impactful way. We are now moving other team members through the coaching process with Megan. 

– Julie Boyton, Senior Director, Interior Architecture
University of Notre Dame

Megan is so easy to talk to and very understanding. Trust the process! She helped me understand how I view my own strengths and weaknesses, as well as my unique gifts of creativity and design. Understanding leads to improved confidence, which improves emotional intelligence, and helps build authentic relationships with others. 

-Jame LaCourt, Project Manager, Planning, Design, and Construction
University of Notre Dame

About Megan

I develop leaders by upgrading their operating system and bringing their authentic leadership style forward so they can unlock the full potential of those around them. Creating brave spaces for transformation is my superpower and over the past 20 years I have managed high performing teams by beginning with trust and empathy.

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