Megan Fenyoe is an Air Force Veteran, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Transformational Mindset Coach, Best Selling Author, Speaker|Trainer, Host of the I Am Enough TV, and founder of the I Am Enough Movement.
A Mental Health Therapist and Transformational Mindset Coach for over 15 years, Megan has both the personal and professional experience to help you uplevel your negative self-talk into positive self-empowerment.
Deck 7: Let's begin with your journey so far. How was life as a woman in the Armed Forces? What prompted you to become a Licensed Mental Health Therapist?
MEGAN FENYOE: I have always had a heart to help people and began my journey of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Therapist back in 2002 when I began my Master program. I successfully graduated with my master’s degree in 2005 and I have been licensed to practice therapy for the past 15 years.
In 2012, I was given the opportunity to commission as an officer (Captain) in the Air Force at the age of 33. I moved from Michigan to California and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. I provided mental health and substance abuse treatment to active duty members. My transition into the service was difficult since I was 33 years old and had absolutely no knowledge about the military culture, but I was able to find my way rather quickly. I loved wearing the uniform and helping fellow service members serving our country. However, being a Mental Health Therapist in the Air Force was difficult at times due to rules and regulations and I felt at times it was more about the “higher ups” rather than the patients. I made the decision to leave the Air Force after my 3-year contract was complete. I felt that I could not be the most effective therapist for my patients due to the military culture that I was expected to follow as an officer.
"Successful business leaders maintain healthy levels of self-esteem, confidence and unconditionally accept themselves."
D7: How do you see the participation of women in armed forces? How accepting are the Armed Forces of women, or do they still face disparity?
MF: I believe the armed forces has made great strides over time in regards to women. I did not experience any disparity when I was an active duty member.
D7: What do you aim to achieve with 'I AM ENOUGH' TV?
MF: I interview people who allow themselves to get vulnerable, raw and real and share struggles they have endured throughout their life and how they have moved past those struggles into their strength. I want to encourage people to be their best self, awaken the power within and transform their life completely through the power of ultimately believing they are enough!
"More than 80% (8 in 10) of women believe they’re not good enough, feel they don’t measure up in some way and believe they fall short when it comes to their looks, success in business and relationships."
D7: What are the mentality issues you see affecting most of the people? What should be the "right way ahead"?
MF: More than 80% (8 in 10) of women believe they’re not good enough, feel they don’t measure up in some way and believe they fall short when it comes to their looks, success in business and relationships. In Business: The fear that you’re not good enough can have a dramatic effect on your career. It prevents you from leaving a bad work situation, seeking stretch assignments, or applying for a new position.
Eventually leading to a loss of motivation undermining your self-esteem. In your personal life: Research shows low self-esteem is the most common cause of toxic relationships. Women who believe they are not good enough are more likely to stay in toxic/abusive relationships. Result is...This “not enough” mentality steals dreams, ambitions, relationships, health and happiness from women. It causes increased depression, anxiety, fear, & lack of motivation and creates a vicious cycle of self-abuse.
"I want to encourage people to be their best self, awaken the power within and transform their life completely through the power of ultimately believing they are enough!"
D7: What commonality do you observe between successful business leaders?
MF: Successful business leaders maintain healthy levels of self-esteem, confidence and unconditionally accept themselves. They allow themselves to be authentic and hold themselves in integrity. They are not afraid to make mistakes and be “seen.” They go above and beyond for others without expecting anything in return. They unapologetically own who they are.
D7: What is your favorite quote?
MF: You are ENOUGH just as you are, regardless of whatever season you’re in, and the more you celebrate and focus on that, the more you will live your STRENGTH! – Megan Fenyoe