Matriarch, Adventurer, Caregiver, Positivity Beacon, Tolmin, Slovenia

“I have done OK in my 55 years!” said Ms. Megan White, or Megsy.

I’d say! Megsy is an adventuress in every sense of the word. We met in Indonesia while kiteboarding, surfing and venturing off the beaten path. When the wind died, Megsy was snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding and exploring the ocean. The woman did not sit still. She also fished, led the crew in a workout session, her contagious laugh resonating throughout the boat. Megsy is a pleasure to be around; when with her, nothing is impossible and pretty much any adventure must be considered and explored.

As I spent more time with Megsy, observing and studying her ways, I realized that she deals with life’s curveballs by remaining an all-around positive human. I don’t know if this due to her Aussie DNA but Megsy, sometimes annoyingly so, seems to judge most people and interactions from the most charitable angle, choosing to always give folks a benefit of the doubt. She is a true optimist; no worries mate, she’ll be right! Such a state of being is contagious. Enthusiasm for living life to its fullest and squeezing the most out of each experience are Megsy’s true superpowers.

Crikey, Megsy, you are a real WOW Woman and a true ripsnorter! (sorry Aussies, but I had to).

1. Your name.

Megan Louise White - or simply Megsy.

2. Where is your hometown?

I was lucky enough to be born in beautiful Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia.

In 1966, it was a quieter city, with more of a country-feel. We are now a quite modern city. We are on the world map as a tourism, sport and business destination. We will also soon be an Olympic City in 2032. Brisbane is quite picturesque, it boasts an outdoor lifestyle as well as modern galleries, quality live entertainment and a world-class restaurant/pub scene.

Definitely worth adding Brisbane to every WOW Woman’s travel list. Stop over for a week or two, then travel to our world-renowned beaches, two hours north or south of the city.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

After a very fun, exciting career, I now have one of the nicest jobs - looking after my lovely, busy husband and being there always for my adult children.

I simply love looking after the family, and our friends and creating happy memories. In my 55th year, I am fully content with achieving this every day.

I have truly enjoyed being a host all my adult life. When I was 21, I cooked for 120 people at my own birthday party. I have always loved the entire process of putting a celebration together. I put this down to experiencing a very happy, fun, loving, family life growing up. My gorgeous parents, kept things simple, with no pressure and just enjoyed each day as it came.

I finished school hoping I was going to become an art teacher and ended up still in the creative industry of Special Events/Entertainment. I’ve also been a Public Relations Consultant, Hotel Sales and Marketing Manager, then Motherhood came. I finished full-time work as a Sales General Manager in the Food Industry, selling high-end ingredients and finished off selling seafood to Executive Chefs. Quite an adventure.

Thinking about it, each job involved looking after people, making sure someone feels special and that they are having a great time. I really enjoy seeing people having fun.

The most rewarding of all is being a good mum. “Firm, fair and fun” is still my motto even to this day. My priority was always making sure my children grew up into kind and generous adults. Most importantly, I wanted them to be polite and thoughtful toward others. I have enjoyed cooking gorgeous meals, preparing nice surprises for school lunches, and after-school treats; I loved every second of it. The kids would jump off the school bus, run up the hill, and head straight to the kitchen bench. I would have nice music playing to relax them after a crazy day at school and they would tell me all about their day and what they achieved. Introducing sport to their lives, and seeing them have success, smile, and laughing with friends, was an aspect of motherhood I truly found rewarding. We were fortunate to live in a wonderful community of Samford, 45 minutes outside of Brisbane, on an acreage, in a peaceful country area. To this day, my kids, Max and Marni, still talk about the fun years we spent there; they are still in contact with many special friends from that time.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stop working, run an active house. I was able to be there every day for special moments with my family.

I realise not many women have the opportunity to experience that in these times. Many women have busy careers, large financial commitments and the ever-present pressure of trying to do it all well. I’m truly blessed for that time at home and must thank my first husband for supporting my decision to be a home mum.

I hope I created a happy, fun home for at least the first 22 years.

Then I turned life upside down.

Unfortunately, I felt I needed more adventure. Looking back, for my personality, I might have got married a little too young. I was 22 and my husband 29. We still experienced a wonderful time together and have no regrets. A total of 24 years, two magnificent children, many great memories and we are still friends today.

Even though I was in a secure environment, and my husband was kind, supportive, and always there for the family, I felt something was missing. I needed someone to challenge me, inspire me to keep growing; I craved someone who could make me laugh.

I got divorced and was single for two years. I had to get back out there, find a job and start again. Luckily, he and I both realised the importance of keeping things as manageable as we could. We shared our time evenly with the kids, lived three blocks away from each other and kept the respect for each other, that we both deserved.

I openly and honestly explained to my children, what I needed and why I was making the decision I did. Because of that, I now have a wonderful open relationship with my two gorgeous children, which I cherish. I can’t wait to support their own families in the future.

I also attempted a few years of Pilates Instructing. I still enjoy the practice; however, I didn’t like everyone watching me and being up the front. I must admit I found instructing a little repetitive. Meeting many people who needed support and encouragement was the rewarding part. Also, my travel was in the way of building a necessary secure base for clients. It was time to try something else.

I currently help part-time, with social media/website content and coordinate any functions for my husband’s business. He treats patients with a range of conditions, including obesity, hernia, reflux, and gallstones and specialises in bariatric, laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques. I work with his wonderful staff and consultants on the website and social media platforms. Ian is highly regarded in his field, as a talented General Surgeon. He has helped so many people transform their lives. I am very proud of him and what he achieves every day.

I understand now that variety in my career was needed to keep me challenged and happy in life.

4. What did you study after high school?

I’m sure I’m dyslexic, so no surprise my favourite subjects at school were Art and Sport/Physical education lessons. I think I ran to every available to me art lesson. I found peace in the art room which made me very relaxed and content. I enjoyed the challenge of being creative and did well in the subject.

I don’t paint or sketch enough now, however, plan to change that in the new future. It is apparently very beneficial for long-term good mental health and happiness.

I went on to study at the Art College, QUT Kelvin Grove in Brisbane. I didn’t finish the degree, as something more exciting was calling me at the time.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

Our city of Brisbane, won the right to host World Expo in 1988. I went for an interview in 1984 and joined a group of amazing creative, talented people, the best in the country in many different fields. I joined them as support in administration and ended up looking after Long-Term Accommodation for the Entertainers performing during the entire six months. We ended up creating Australia’s most successful event. Not only for the public, but for the thousands of international visitors arriving in Queensland for the first time. It put Brisbane, Queensland, on the world tourist map.

I loved being a part of that creative environment. Every day was different and exciting as I was working with the very best producers in the country, come up with entertaining, interesting, and funny ideas. Being so young, I learned about work ethic, long hours, and doing any job to make it all happen successfully. Commitment and attention to detail were what I learned the most.

Thanks to my friends from the Entertainment division and administration of World Expo 88. We still have lunch together, a few times a year - 34 years later. A very special bond was formed.

After Expo, I joined Brumfield Bird and Sandford, a Public Relation company in Brisbane, and helped them with many events, corporate launches/lunches, and was involved with the Royal Pines Resort Grand Opening on the Gold Coast.

This then led me into the field of Corporate Sales and Marketing with the Southern Pacific Company, where I learned to feel comfortable talking in public and the skill of sales. Nothing can ever be too much trouble for your clients in that industry.

It’s funny how and why life puts you on your path. I’m proud to be open-minded, flexible and give everything a go. I’m proud that I tried so many different jobs even without a piece of paper/degree. I think it’s harder now to achieve that. Getting an interview without a degree is nearly impossible.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Well, I never thought I would be meeting up in Slovenia this week, with an amazing woman from the Ukraine, Olga Shmaidenko, who loves art and photography, loves being creative, and is sporty and adventurous like me. She also is giving to others. I’m lucky that our lives have crossed paths.

I never thought I would be married to a talented man Ian. He has a good heart, does make me laugh, is full of adventure, and has opened up my world to so many crazy adventurous memories together.

I never thought I would have two gorgeous children, who have entered the creative field themselves. Max, 26, is the Founder/Director, Video Photographer/Content Creator, for his own successful company, ‘Content Lion’ in Brisbane. My delightful daughter, Marni, 24, a Special Event, Brand Activation Manager, for an exciting new company, called ‘Little and Large Events’, situated on the Gold Coast.

I must admit, I do love that they followed in mum’s footsteps, and found themselves in creative fields. I offer my assistance for ideas out of habit and interest in what they are working on. I’m also glad they both ended up with their father's soft, understated and kind manner.

I never thought my amazing mother (what a legend!) would get re-married at 81. My father passed away five years ago. Go mum! I love seeing her happy and exploring the world with her lovely new partner, Laurie Dicker (who by the way is a new Crime Novelist, with three books, at 87. Crazy and inspiring!)

I never thought I would be learning Golf with my gorgeous best friend from school days, Caroline Kelly. Many laughs are had. Caroline inspires me also in the creative field. She makes wonderful jewelry. She has always been there for me, listening, offering advice, laughing, and never judging. Love her to death.

Life can be amazing if you just let it flow.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Yes, I mentioned I was married to my first husband for 24 years. A kind, caring person, who is a wonderful father, whom I can still call a friend.

Failing that marriage, knowing it wasn’t my true path in my personal relationship and needing adventure, I had to find the strength and courage to make a very big decision, try a new pat in life, and face the possibility of ending up single for however long.

I had to learn to be self-sufficient, go back to work at 48, and keep my children as happy as I could, while letting life take me in a new direction. It was hard, lots of sad times privately but I am proud that I managed. People don’t realise how challenging and stressful that time can be unless you have been through it.

I’m fortunate that things worked out for me.

I’m in love, remarried, traveling, have made many new friends from all around the world and the best of all, I’m now seeing our combined five adult children, (my two and Ian’s three), happy and successful in their personal lives and careers.

8. Advice for other women?

Be your true self, listen to your heart and intuition.

Material things don’t bring happiness.

Be as natural, kind, thoughtful to others, and as adventurous as you can.

Love and be there for your family. Make more personal time with those people who are important to you.

Be challenged and know how to relax when your body tells you. Make time just for you.

Laugh and Smile. You are always more beautiful when you smile.

9. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love how these questions take you back and make you realise you have done ok in your 55 years!

Just to mention some rewarding moments:

I designed my own house and project managed it. Worked on-site every day until it was finished. It ended up a beautiful home, loved by my family and friends who visited and partied in it.

I have renovated five other houses over the years. Hands-on for all. I love the handyman side, thanks to my gorgeous dad, Ernie. I was the son he never had. Dad showed me how to be practical and passed on his creative genes.

I have competed in three full triathlons, and joined many team events in others.

I worked on sporting committees to help young children from our community learn triathlon, a primary school running program, and was involved in the local swimming club.

I have hiked to Annapurna Base camp in Nepal, and worked in a remote makeshift hospital for a week as a volunteer, outside of Pokhara. With my husband and a great medical team from Ausnep, a wonderful organization. A life-changing experience.

I hiked and sat with the gorillas in Uganda. A memorable time with Ian’s parents and friends. A special trip to experience that, all of us together.

I’ve paddled the Franklin River in Tasmania with a total bunch of strangers for seven days. A must-do, bucket list for you all. ‘Water by Nature’ Tasmania, is worth a Google search.

I’ve hiked the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand. No surprise, I nearly ran it, due to my active husband pushing me along.

I have sailed and surfed the waters around Sumba Island in Indonesia. Now that was worth it, as I met Olga.

Thanks to my active husband’s encouragement and a little of my own desire, I have learned to surf stand-up paddle boards, kite surf, electric foil, and kayak, all after the age of 50. I’m happy at being average at these new fun activities. But I do them! Sunny days, floating in the ocean, with little 'Megsy' size waves to enjoy. I have many laughs with my friends while attempting to get better.

Recently sitting in Slovenia watching the paragliders fly overhead in Kobarid.

I hope I can add many more activities in the years to come.

10. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

Even though I am happy being 55, I want to grow up staying young at heart. I still feel 29. I want to continue to be the best wife, mother, and in the near future, the funny grandparent. Can’t wait for that role.

I know that might not sound challenging for many of the WOW Women out there. You are all so talented and smart, continuing to have amazing careers; I truly admire you all. It might have been easier for me at the time to decide to stay at home. I never finished the degree and thus did not invest many years studying nor did I have a substantial financial loan commitment. But I did many things, my way!

Thinking about it, I would have loved to be an Architect or even have a Builders license. So many women now are entering these fields. I should start exploring that subject more, and challenge myself. You never know.

11. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The Fear of Failure! It just holds me back and always has. I’m still working on that every day by giving things a go at my own pace.

Feeling truly comfortable in the waves and ocean. I have now started ocean swimming around the headlands at Noosa, a 1.5 kilometer swim, twice a week if I can make it.

I need to start painting again and tell myself I can create something worth looking at.

12. Anything you'd do differently if you had another go at life?

Even though it was necessary for my life’s journey, I would never want to hurt someone again by telling them I’m leaving. The pain inflicted was just so sad to see and experience. It hurts and upsets so many people. I lost many friends with my decision to move on. However, I realise it was never planned, just happened and it was what I needed to be truly happy in myself.

Also, I should have studied harder to be an architect! I had so much fun at school, great memories.

13. What/who inspires you?

People who work hard and don’t expect anything in return.

My sisters:

  • Kristen. She has worked so hard her whole life, providing for her family and others. She always thinks of everyone before herself. A great advice giver. She now deserves the very best at 57.

  • Melissa. A Doctor/Gastroenterologist, intelligent, sensitive, and funny. She deserves the loving relationship she is now in at 59. She should have been on the stage; she sings well and is very theatrical.

14. What do you hope for? (What are your hopes and dreams for yourself and for others)?

I hope my children, and their own families, can continue to live in a safe, happy and kind environment for their futures. Be able to travel without fear and see this beautiful planet in peace. I hope their careers help them be financially stable, with no stress.

I want to see them continue to smile and laugh in our home all together.

15. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I hope that people who are important to me, find me natural, kind, and funny sometimes. I love looking after them and creating happy memories, in a home that they love walking into.

I try to work hard at this and hope they would say, yes, Megsy does that well.

16. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Stay true to what you believe in, be strong, natural, kind, try-hard, always think of others first, be adventurous, and use your smile.

17. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I listen to audible and podcasts, as I drive a lot in the car and never sit still. I’m listening to “Love Stories” by Trent Dalton. He is a well know Brisbane author and a journalist. His first book “Boys Swallows Universe” was a best-seller, made into a play, and is another great read. Both books are about people living in and around Brisbane.

18. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit the WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

My good friend, Sharyn Louise Porter, is definitely a WOW woman. She lives in Hong Kong, and works for the Bank of America, as a Head of Human Resources - Employee Relations in Asia Pacific. Sharyn works very long hours and is terrific at her job. She is active, very funny, inspiring to her staff, always wants to keep learning, and challenging herself. She deserves everything she achieves.

My beautiful sister, Kristen Porter. (No relation to Sharyn), who is so giving to the community, to strangers, and to her busy family. She is a Social Worker/Counsellor in Aged Care at present, in the past was a Chaplin in a local primary school, PE/Sports Teacher, and began her career as a child Dental Therapist. In her spare time, which she doesn’t have, she offers marriage and youth counseling to help others. She runs a busy house with four adult children and now four grandchildren. She is a WOW Woman through and through.