Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan McCann.
Megan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Who is Megan McCann?
I am an established IT recruitment and technology services leader known for building and leading highly successful IT services firms, and for the work, I do to advance diversity and cultivate talent across the technology industry. I do this work as CEO of an IT recruitment firm, McCann Partners, which I founded in 2013.
My team and I continue to expand our reach and influence, working with a growing portfolio of diverse and innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. Prior to McCann Partners, I co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.
My impact on the tech community far exceeds my day-to-day work as CEO of my own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining and advancing women in technology, I am a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, networking, and open discussion.
In 2015, my ARA co-founders and I were named to the Techweek100 and Chicago Tribune BlueSky Innovation Vault, a list of Chicago’s most compelling innovators and entrepreneurs. Most recently, we were awarded the 2017 ATHENA Chicagoland Organizational Leadership Award for our dedication to actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership.
I am a founding partner of the Chicago Executive Women’s Networking Group and was recognized as one of ChicagoInno’s 50 on Fire 2017 finalists and as a finalist in the talent management category of the Midwest Women in Tech Awards. Most recently, I was named to the 2018 Enterprising Women of the Year, a prestigious list of female entrepreneurs from Enterprising Women magazine, as well as a 2018 Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence honoree which recognized women who have made an impact both professionally and in their communities.
I also have a deep commitment to philanthropy, especially to organizations supporting young people and big dreamers. I am actively involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois; i.c.stars, an organization dedicated to grooming future business and technology leaders where I serve as Board Member and Vice Chair of the Events Committee; and board member at STEM nonprofit Lumity.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth – thankfully because that would be boring. at least in my mind. That said, knowing what I now know, I would have told my younger self that business is filled with highs and lows. As a business owner, those ups (and downs) can be far more personal.
To be successful, you must learn to ride the rollercoaster, celebrating the highs equal to the lows because the lows are opportunities for growth, learning and recalibration to future success. Also, one of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that the temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.
Over the years, I have adopted mantras which have been impactful to my professional and entrepreneurial development AND have aided in navigating obstacles/challenges. A few of my favorites follow:
● Adapt. Change is the only constant so turn it into positive momentum.
● Ask. If you don’t, you won’t give someone the opportunity to say yes.
● Be Confident. Believe in yourself and your abilities…others will follow.
● Be Fearless. Witness what is possible when you fight for something bigger than yourself.
● Collaborate. Collaboration over competition get us exponentially further than doing anything alone.
● Don’t Compare. Comparison is the thief of joy.
● Find Allies. Know who is in your corner and how to leverage their advice and counsel.
● Inspire Others. Use your gifts to give back. Don’t just consume, contribute!
● Keep Perspective. If you focus too intently on pleasing others, you’ll please no one while losing yourself in the process.
● Know Your Superpower. You have one—we all do! Knowing is believing and believing is empowering.
● Love What You Do. You will never work a day in your life if you truly love what you do.
● Make Mistakes. You take away lessons not only from your victories but from every single one of your defeats, no matter how great or small.
● Take Risks. The only risk you’ll ever regret is the one you didn’t take.
● Work Hard. Success is determined by attitude and effort.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with McCann Partners – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Meet McCann Partners… Agility, balance, integrity and intention are core tenets at McCann Partners. We are builders at heart and tech teams, our specialty. Building relationships is the foundation of how we engage with candidates and clients alike.
Building anything – a home, office, park, relationship, team, etc. – takes time, energy and collaboration. Understanding that to help others you first need to care for yourself is the underpinning of our unique services model which supports McCann Partners’ client partners – a growing portfolio of diverse and innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What is not to like – actually LOVE – about Chicago?!?!
I am proud to work in and contribute to, a thriving and growing IT community. Yes, there are challenges (i.e., need for more diversity in the industry generally, as well as in leadership roles, lack of talent pipeline, etc.) but solving for those challenges is both my passion and my fuel.
Other bonuses to being Chicago-based? There are so many to name! From the spectacular lakefront to amazing restaurants to culture and shopping. I was not born and raised in Chicago, but it is home.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3009 West Newport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
- Website: https://www.mccannpartners.com/
- Phone: 773.255.6869
- Email: mmccann@mccannpartners.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/McCann-Partners/366040546819346?fref=ts
- Twitter: @McCannPartners & @meganpmccann
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganpmccann/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
