Megan Anderson

I attribute my success to a few things, first curiosity, second persistence, and third pattern recognition. My career and life path moved across domains and from the bottom of the chain up to the Founder's seat. I believe a lot of my strength comes from the diversity of my perspective and the intuition built over years of testing and experimentation. Not being afraid of failure is probably the greatest key to my success if I had to pin a single point down. The ability to continually push myself to learn and grow through repeated failures is why persistence is so important. I spent time across marketing, web development, operations, automation, AI , research, advocacy and more. The common thread is always following the horizon of what's coming next because I saw the speed of technology advancing continuing to accelerate and also see how it can shift how businesses operate as it does. I would rather be ahead the curve than racing to catch up as much as possible, so I always keep my eyes towards the future. That helps me remain more agile and adaptive.

Believe in your dreams even if no one else does. As an entrepreneur there are stretches that can be lonely and it is so common to have others cast doubts. But when I think of anything that was a true innovation or a major discovery of its time, I think of the ridicule they faced then too. Anyone trying to break through, create a new way, or find their unique path often faces external pressure to follow a more traditional way. Giving myself permission to take a different path -- over and over again -- even when others thought I was crazy was the way I moved ahead. No one believed in my online t-shirt business when I first shared the idea, but I put the down payment on my first house from that side gig. The full circle is this: without that small start that showed me I could build something from nothing, I would not be where I am now. Others could not understand why I was making another major career shift going more deeply into AI and away from digital marketing when I did that at first either. Flash forward, and now, some of those same people are asking for my help. I adapted to AI early, because I saw it's transformative potential and now I can help others learn too.

First, I would encourage anyone to try having their own business. It's one of the most fabulous learning experiences you could have in your career because it opens your eyes to the world of how business works in a way that you don't always have as an employee. If you want to get into AI, it's not as hard as you think. Don't let anxiety hold you back. Start by trying out the free tools and free trials that are available - you don't have to make commitments at first, just go play around and see what AI can do for you. Consider joining supportive communities like our weekly women's AI group, where you have a safe space to bring your questions and concerns with no judgement. You can also go directly into the AI tools themselves and ask how you can start to use AI for specific purposes - you would be amazed at how well the AI models now can lead you through a learning process if you just have a good question to begin with. I really encourage people to just play and approach it with curiosity. If you can do that, it's not as scary, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at what is possible if you have an open mind. The more you play and experiment, the more comfortable you become. When I looked back after a year in the field, I was amazed at what I could do compared to a year before. That's why I'm absolutely on fire to help other women come into AI and use it as a lever, because we need more women in technology and entrepreneurship, and this is a great intersection to help them do either. AI helps me run my business and supports my research work. There are also so many new programs to learn depending on what part of AI you are interested in.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the widening gap between those who are actively embracing AI and those who feel intimidated or excluded by it. I frequently meet highly capable professionals, especially women entrepreneurs, who believe AI is too technical or out of reach, when in reality the barrier is perception and access to practical education rather than the technology itself. Another major challenge is the fear-driven narrative around AI, which often focuses on replacement rather than empowerment. I believe the real opportunity lies in shifting that mindset toward using AI as a tool to enhance human creativity, productivity, and problem-solving, enabling people to work alongside these systems. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity in improving accessibility through hands-on learning, community support, and real-world training that builds confidence. For women in particular, there is also a clear opportunity to increase representation and leadership in AI, ensuring they are not only included in the conversation but actively shaping the future of technology.

Knowledge is power. That is the single most important value that guides me personally and professionally. I've always been an independent and continuous learner. Self-directed learning through certifications in digital marketing and AI most recently in my educational journey. Community care also plays a central role in everything I do. I’ve been involved in building and supporting professional networks, including work with Chambers of Commerce in Alabama, and I continue that focus today through grassroots community-building in Florida. My weekly women’s AI group is one extension of that mission a space where learning, collaboration, and encouragement can exist side by side. I felt it was important to cerate a space where women could bring their concerns forward with AI in the workplace. I also want to create safer spaces for children online and raise awareness around neurodiversity inclusion, which is why I am am advocate and avid researcher. My commitment to furthering education and building better human centered systems is what drives me.