Megan Thole
Megan Thole is a dynamic leader, founder, and advocate for mindful, compassionate leadership. As the founder of Hello Mindful You, she helps individuals and leaders shift how they think, lead, and live through mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion. Megan’s approach empowers others to create lasting change from the inside out, fostering clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth both personally and professionally. In her role as Senior Director of Institutional Planning at Kirkwood Community College, Megan translates institutional strategy into operational execution across a complex public organization. She leads strategic planning, accreditation, and continuous improvement initiatives while managing cross-functional teams. A PROSCI-certified Change Management Practitioner, Megan has over a decade of experience guiding teams through change, designing human-centered processes, and building organizational resilience. Megan’s professional journey is grounded in a commitment to leadership development and well-being. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and Management from Concordia University-St. Paul and a Bachelor’s in Finance from Loras College. Passionate about coaching, training, and mindfulness, she also volunteers with the Special Olympics, reflecting her dedication to community engagement and meaningful impact. Through her work, Megan continues to inspire leaders to lead with intention, compassion, and self-awareness.
• Mindfulness Certification
• Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
• Agile Leader Certification SSGI
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
• Human Design Certification
• Concordia University-St. Paul- M.A.
• Loras College- B.A.
• Fall 2025 Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree
• Association of Talent Development (ATD) Hawkeye Chapter
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
• Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque
• Professional Women's Network
• Special Olympics
• University of Iowa Children's Hospital
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to doing what I love, staying authentic, embracing my uniqueness, and creating spaces where growth can flourish.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to not be afraid to make a lateral move, take a step back, or follow what feels right for me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in yourself, don't doubt your abilities, and have the courage to take action even before you feel fully ready.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is finding the balance between supporting others and taking care of yourself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are happiness, simplicity, freedom, and authenticity—showing up as my true self while making time for family, creativity, and meaningful experiences. I cherish spending time with my husband of 13 years and our two children, exploring the outdoors, enjoying music on patios, and creating lasting family memories, while also pursuing my passion for writing and thought leadership.