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We Didn’t Know What We Were Doing, But We Did It Anyway
49 Plays2 days ago
In this unfiltered and unforgettable episode, host Taylor McAdams kicks her boots up with one of her closest friends, Megan Ray. A social media powerhouse with deep rodeo roots, Megan shares her journey from the ticket booth of the Ellensburg Rodeo to managing social strategy for major Western brands. The two reminisce about their chaotic (and hilarious) internship during the 2020 NFR and how it trauma-bonded them for life: yes, including the time they became impromptu customer service reps when an entire streaming app crashed.
Through laughter, lessons, and lots of "mhm's," Megan reminds us that the best career moments often come from simply saying yes and believing in your own potential. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered if they belong at the table and decided to pull up a chair anyway.
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Transcript
Overcoming Self-Doubt in Professional Settings
00:00:00
Speaker
there's always gonna be that little part of you that's like, do I belong in this room? Do I belong in this table? And you really just kind of have to push through it. And it really is just believing in yourself at the end of the day, believing in your skillset. um Something I always say to myself is like, I always deliver.
Introduction to 'Kick Your Boots Up' Podcast
00:00:15
Speaker
Hey everybody, and thanks for joining on Kick Your Boots Up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and this week's episode is going to be unhinged, low key. I have one of my closest friends in studio, Megan Ray, from Washington. She traveled all the way here from Ellensburg.
00:00:29
Speaker
I'm so excited for you guys to meet her. There's a lot in store to talk about, so we're going to jump right on in. Megan, thanks for being here, first of all. Well, thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here. um i think you kind of mentioned we're really good friends. We've met, my gosh, several years ago now. Five years ago?
00:00:45
Speaker
And you've been stuck with me ever since. you've stuck with me. But it's been great. um you know I'm just really thankful to be here and be able to chat with you. um and it's gonna be a good time.
00:00:56
Speaker
There's only been one other time in our professional lives that our work or lives have brought us together. So yeah I'm like super, super excited that we're gonna get to have some girl time, but also work. We're working right now. We are.
00:01:07
Speaker
I mean, this is probably the best way you can work. For real.
Megan Ray's Rodeo Beginnings
00:01:10
Speaker
Okay, so I know you so well, but everyone out there, tell us a little bit about yourself, how you got your start in the industry, yeah how you found it. And then of course, tell us about your horse too.
00:01:19
Speaker
Yes, so I guess let's start off with that. um You know, I grew up in Allensburg, Washington. It's a very rural rodeo town. We have the Allensburg rodeo. So I grew up riding horses and going to the rodeo and everything like that. And that's kind of how I got my start in the industry. I started at the Ellensburg Rodeo office, just working in the ticket office, helping with sales. How old were you?
00:01:42
Speaker
nineteen twenty like I 19, 20. I had went to school on the West side for a year in Seattle and decided I hated it. And it was just like the city life wasn't for me. I was missing my horses. i was missing my family.
00:01:55
Speaker
So I moved back home. And in Ellensburg, we have Central Washington University. And I decided to just go there. And I got a job at the rodeo office. And i was just working in there. And one of the directors was like, hey, do you know work Facebook?
00:02:10
Speaker
I was like, yeah, like I know my way around. I have one. So i was starting to help him with that. And he was like, do you want to like do the rodeo socials? was like, sure. Like I can try it at least. Like, let's just see how it goes.
00:02:24
Speaker
So I did it for just like fun the first year, just working in the office and stuff like that. And then he was like, OK, so we're going to hire you to do this. So like whatever you want to do with it, just kind of like run with it. And that was like my first like, oh, I like social media. I like the rodeo industry, like working at it in a capacity like this.
00:02:43
Speaker
um And I just kind of ran with the channels and i was going through college at the time and I was working at a radio station too. So I got some social media work there, which is a little bit different. And yeah ah you know that's when I landed the Cowboy Channel internship where we met ah for NFR that year when I was here in Texas.
Career Growth: From Internship to PBR
00:03:02
Speaker
And that kind of jump started my career. um After that, when I graduated, I got a job with the PBR and it was a dream job of a social media coordinator for such a big brand. I mean, bull riding is probably my favorite event out of everything. So being able to work for them was huge. um But yeah, it kind of all snowballed from there. And it was something that was like, hey, do you want to do something like this? And I was like, sure, I'll try. like I wasn't really sure at the time what I wanted to do anymore and then it just kind of all worked out in a weird way I do think things just kind of work out in that capacity oh my gosh yeah do they ever I mean we would not be sitting here today and talking as like truly as we are if they wouldn't have worked out and I kind of want to go back there was a lot to uncover there yes sorry I ran No, I'm actually really glad because there's so many different layers to a person and that shows like who you are too.
00:03:53
Speaker
But I, um, you mentioned our internship and I have to just talk about that because there, it was kind of a crazy time. COVID, um, COVID shut the world down. It was 2020 and it was already, it was like December 2020. So like everyone knows the world was actually really already shut down and rodeo, the show must go on. So NFR came to Fort Worth. It was iconic. I guess it was not really Fort Worth. It was like ah arling Arlington. Yeah.
00:04:15
Speaker
But anyways, it was in the area and the Cowboy Channel's offices were in Fort Worth. So we figured it out. There was like maybe eight of us, I think. Not very many, honestly, if you think about the things that needed to happen.
00:04:26
Speaker
um But very quickly, someone... I've got to give Jenna Cargile, it was daily at the time, shout out because... she saw something in us from the very beginning that kind of helped and hurt us.
00:04:38
Speaker
Thank you, Jenna. No, I'm just kidding. Um, no, it was so much and we were able to trauma bond because of the things that she put us up up to. Um, but one of the things was, um, it was the first night opening night of the NFR. I think we had only been there like maybe two nights before or something. So like, we're still trying to paint all the pieces together.
00:04:57
Speaker
We're interns. We had no idea what
Lessons from Challenging Internships
00:04:59
Speaker
we were doing. I don't even think it was paid, but like it was one of those things that we were just happy to be breathing the air. We were like, wow, we need to be I think it was. And it was like, wow, we get to be at the NFR. Like they're paying us to do this. And like, none of us knew each other either. Like, I think like we knew of each other from social, but like I've never met Taylor before. And then I met her, i was like,
00:05:19
Speaker
Oh my gosh, I love you. And that was like the whole crew. Like I'm still really close with lot of them too. For sure. And that was actually really cool too. Cause when you get a group together, it's always hard with like stress and emotions and we're all interns. We're all getting pushed down to the worst jobs, but we still have managed to stay friends and stay connected. And that speaks highly of of us as women, but also like the industry.
00:05:39
Speaker
But what okay, one moment that when I say we're trauma bonded, it was the first night of the NFR and the Cowboy Channel Plus app had crashed and it was like no fault of its own.
00:05:49
Speaker
Honestly, I think truly the internet crashed. it Like I think it just, there were so many people. it was the first time they were doing it. It was their like first time with their app and the NFR and so many people stream in since it's such a big deal that it just, you know, went haywire.
00:06:02
Speaker
And honestly, that's actually a good point. We were there in the history making, like the first performance ever that the app was streamed. And I want to say their first year as officially taking over the the streaming rights for the NFR. believe so too. Yeah. It was like learning curve all the way around.
00:06:15
Speaker
Okay. So the app crashes, people paid lots of money separate from their Cowboy Channel Plus subscription. So because it was so new, it was really hard to communicate everything. So people had to get a monthly subscription just to see the Cowboy Channel Plus, but then they also had to pay for the NFR. So we had every Karen that you can imagine calling because they paid for the monthly subscription. They paid $125 something watch the NFR. Just NFR. Just the NFR.
00:06:43
Speaker
And tell them, Megan, what was our job to do? Oh, we got the lovely task of becoming customer service for the Cowboy Channel app. And ah we had no idea. Like they gave us a script and they're like, hey, here's your phone calls.
00:06:57
Speaker
Make these calls. And I just remember, I think we did it like all day long the next day, but we went home that night. And we were sitting there calling people, apologizing, offering them the free subscription, working through their problems, trying to help them reboot their app.
00:07:11
Speaker
And I just remember I was literally laying in bed, like at the place I was staying and just like calling these people and I was eating some popcorn. Like that's serious. Like it was so like...
00:07:22
Speaker
out of a movie, like how does that happen kind of deal. ah But you know, it was a really good experience at the end of the day. Like, yes, it was a lot for interns to kind of jump in and become customer service.
00:07:35
Speaker
But you know, like I think it, I mean, it bonded us and it really, you know, it's a good learning experience. I think everybody should do customer service like once in their lives. um And so for us, that was ours. And we got thrown into the deep end ah But I think, you know, we tackled it.
00:07:51
Speaker
We got everybody called. I think some people were happy, but you know. Yeah. They were just good to have, like, they they were just enlightened that somebody cared enough to call. Yes. Even when, okay, I'm not gonna lie, I died one time. Because your so your customers, everyone has their customer service phone voice.
00:08:07
Speaker
So yes, tell the story because there's like old men that you had to talk to for hours and you're just like, mm-hmm. Yeah. so well, so I worked at a ticket office before, so I had a lot of phone calls coming in and you kind of get a routine of how do you speak? So that way, you know, you get your information out that you need. How do you move them along? How do you, when they're going on and on,
00:08:28
Speaker
and on about stuff. Like how do you keep them going? How do you make sure they feel like they're being heard? So I would always, you know, put on this nice little customer service voice. hi Hi, my name is Megan Ray. What can I help you with?
00:08:40
Speaker
Oh, yep, that, yep. Understand. Oh, that's so frustrating over and over. I am so sorry that you're struggling with this here. i can offer you this subscription.
00:08:53
Speaker
Let's try some things here on how to like reroute you. but yes, it's that high pitch voice. like I really felt bad for you because there was one point in time ah when, yeah, during the day when when like, okay, now it's like round two day and they like shoved you in an office. Cause they're like oh we really need, you know, cause there was other people. you weren't the, we weren't the only ones like taking care of it, but like you were the one that was like the best at it.
00:09:14
Speaker
And so they like showed you in an office. I remember one time coming in to sit down just for a second like breathe and you had the guy on mute. So like he would talk and he was talking so slow and telling you his whole life story. oh yeah And then occasionally you'd be like unmute.
00:09:27
Speaker
And then you mute back and I was dying. That was the first time I had seen that in person. It felt like a movie almost. I mean, yeah. it It was a lot. Luckily, I guess that's one of my special skills is being able to turn on the customer service. ah But yeah, that was a time And then who would have thought in that moment and also like the ticket the ticket box and ticket booth moment that you would then turn around and turn right around and then be like a glorified customer
Growth in Social Media and Career Development
00:09:52
Speaker
service? Because on one hand of social media, and I guess shame on me for not telling you guys who Megan is.
00:09:57
Speaker
Megan is a baddie. Can I say cuss word on the podcast? I don't know. But she's a baddie when it comes to social media. One of my favorite social media, I almost said social media influencers, but you're even cooler than an influencer manager as well.
00:10:10
Speaker
um But truly, she just studies it, loves it, has a passion for it. And who would have thought that at that day when you were... in an office as an intern getting paid way less to to be a customer service that you would now then get to A, be the cool part and do the content, and build the content, do the scheduling strategy, all that. But then also be glorified customer service. Like, oh yeah. I mean, it's a shock to kind of look back, but it does kind of play into all of it. Like I really think if I didn't step up in that role, like I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to come back for the American and serve in a different role.
00:10:41
Speaker
So they brought me back ah to do social media for the American. And that was kind of like, oh, in the big leagues kind of deal for me. yeah And that I remember they were like, you were so great um and you're so wonderful. Just kind of jumping in and, you know, doing the grunt work and doing it with a smile and like getting people to, you know, at least at the end of the day, say thank you that we called them and stuff like that.
00:11:03
Speaker
um So I think that kind of just tells people like, you have to do not like the dirty jobs, but like you have to do the jobs that people don't wanna do. have to really like put in the work at the end of the day and it gets you places. And like, I mean, it helps me now when I have to answer people on social, like that customer service voice is coming through. in the typing, just because you have to keep it so- Sorry for your inconvenience.
00:11:27
Speaker
professional with everything. So I think at the end of the day, it all comes together, but yeah, a wild, wild ride at the Cowboy Channel. Wow, yeah, and it was one fun memory. I actually am just remembering, we talked about it before, but I have to tell everyone out there listening.
00:11:40
Speaker
I remember Jenna felt so bad for us that we like actually had to do that as interns, but also was pretty proud of how we were doing. So she's like, hey, do you guys want a sweatshirt? you want like, and we were like, ah yeah, it's cool. It was cool thing. We were like, we get to go shopping in here.
00:11:53
Speaker
Okay. Like, yeah. That was fun, so fun. And I'm honestly so glad we could spend a whole podcast talking about how important getting the groundwork is before you run. um But like, I'm so glad that we got to do the internship opportunities because like, holy cow, we learned so much baptism by fire style. That like, I don't know what we would have done if we didn't have that experience, honestly. No, not at all. Like I look back on it and yes, it was a long experience of like grueling days. Like were running around. We had no clue what we were doing half the time.
00:12:24
Speaker
ah But we were just, you know, having fun, making a good time of it. And I think like the most important thing that came out of it was the people that we met. Yeah. um Like I cherish our friendship so much. And like,
00:12:35
Speaker
we've been able to lean on each other over the years of, you know, how do you navigate this? Hey, like we're celebrating each other and stuff like that. and And I'm really close with a lot of girls still, yeah Shelby and Rebel and ah Lexi and ah Gracie. And it's just, you know, it's really become such a like fun group to like celebrate each other when we see each other. Cause I traveled around for PBR and stuff like that. I would see people in the different cities. And um I kind of think that's what it's all about is making those connections. So you're able to, you know,
00:13:03
Speaker
celebrate and really help each other out there. And feel like you have a family and a friend group no matter how far away. And that's actually something that I really commend. All the friends in my life and probably yours would say that like your friendship is so much better if you're the type of person that can just pick up right where you left off. Yes. And and that's what I love about you because like you made you were so intentional
The Power of Friendships and Connections
00:13:23
Speaker
when you came to Fort Worth for all the PBR pbr events. um And we would always make a point that even if we didn't have time, we would at least get a drink. If we didn't have time for dinner, we'd at least get a drink, but we did, we were able to do dinner once or twice, I think. And moments like that are like, you came to me, you reached out to me in a moment when I was like, so discouraged in life and like going through a harder time. And I don't think we were married, Tyler and I were married yet. It was just like a weird growing situation, which like we all know our twenties are like the hardest, I swear. they are But kudos to you for being intentional and shouting out, you're like trying to reach out to all your friends while you
00:13:56
Speaker
Yeah, I think it's really important in the industry that we're in that, you know, especially women, we stick together, we relate each other on. And i think for me, like I'm an only child. So like I, you don't have siblings that kind of like celebrate you in that aspect or like people to lean there. so my friendships are really important to me. um And I don't think I would be where I am today without the people in my life. And wow you know I really do think it's about who you know in the industry at the end of the day and stuff like that. But hard work gets you there. And then the people that you're able to connect with help get that next step and everything. So I really think
00:14:34
Speaker
like friendships are really important to have and to cherish and to really take care of. Like, even if it's just sending a text or, you know, a short phone call, like we talked for like 30 minutes on your lunch break and just caught up got to debrief. And, you know, i felt way better after that. Like you really just kind of need to connect with people and really have people in your corner.
00:14:51
Speaker
I couldn't agree more. I'm so thankful that you were like, hey, can we make time to talk? And i was like, absolutely, because I would love to get out of the office, go for a drive. The only thing about that is like anyone that knows me knows I'm not good with directions. And so I'm talking to Megan, I'm driving down one of the highways in Texas, trying to go to a Sonic of all places. And I'm like, oh, Megan, I just missed my turn. That's okay.
00:15:10
Speaker
And we're like going. I'm like, oh, I just missed my exit. Megan, that's okay. That happened like five times. It did. And I like, you to hang up the phone? That happened an embarrassing amount of times actually. really was. But it was all good. Yeah, that's when I know like like, you're one of my people, you're like one of the coolest people that I can trust too. So, um okay, speaking of reaching out and traveling and all the things, what was your coolest place that you traveled to
Traveling with PBR: Highlights and Experiences
00:15:33
Speaker
while you're with PBR? Cause you were literally, honestly, and you you know it better than I but I feel like you were gone more than you were home. oh Yes.
00:15:41
Speaker
yeah um With PBR, I was traveling pretty much like every other weekend. wow um And then like our world finals was like three weeks long. So I'd spent a long time here in Fort Worth. um But I think the coolest place honestly was New York City.
00:15:56
Speaker
um Bringing Cowboys, Bulls and all the action to the Big Apple. oh my gosh, the people would go nuts for it. And like, they don't see it every day. And that's really refreshing to see of like them actually getting excited.
00:16:10
Speaker
And you know, they wear their hats that are a little bit funky and they wear their like short shorts in the winter, their jean shorts and their jeans and ah their boots. And they come on down and they're probably the loudest crowd out of everybody. um And they just, they're just cheering and they're having a good time. And for them to experience the lifestyle is something else like,
00:16:30
Speaker
It's just, it's a different world there and to bring cowboys in the Western lifestyle there is just, it's huge. So I think that one is a really big one. um It's, you know, there's a lot of different places that we get to travel and stuff like that. We went to Pittsburgh this last year um and that was the first time we were there too. And so that was like the crowd getting to see bull riding for the first time. um And they were a rowdy bunch. And so it was fun to kind of hear them cheer when they don't really know what's going on either. And they're just like really enthralled with it. so It's more like the bigger cities where you get to bring like the Western culture there that I really enjoyed. um Because like I grew up watching it all the time. And when you go to some of the smaller ones, um you kind of get the vibe of like, oh, they've been here before. So when you get to kind of open someone's eyes to bull riding and all the craziness that it comes with it, it's really cool to see.
00:17:19
Speaker
Did you ever take a moment to stop and realize, oh my gosh, I'm in madison's Madison Square Garden yes in New York and I get to be a part of this? Did you ever have that moment?
00:17:29
Speaker
um Yes. Actually, every time we would like start the show. So ah for my job, I was lucky enough that I was like in the action of it all. So I'd stand on the sidelines when we're doing intros and the guys are coming out and fireworks are going off and you know, they go we're ready to unleash the beast. And you hear boom. And it just all like, it takes off.
00:17:51
Speaker
And for me, every time that would happen, i would get goosebumps. And that's when I realized like, okay, I'm a part of something special. I really like the Western industry and Western sports in general. And like, this is where I'm supposed to be. Like I'm supposed to be telling these stories, doing all of this. And so it was pretty much every time, like it never got old. I mean, it's the same kind of like intro and fireworks and stuff like that, but it was magical every single time that it would happen.
00:18:20
Speaker
And I love hearing you talk about it too, because you can tell your passion is just like, I want everyone to experience that. want everyone to be there. And one thing that's important to talk about too, is like I mentioned how our twenties are hard and it's like a growing time and there's career changes and everyone knows I've talked about my career change on here too.
00:18:36
Speaker
Now you kind of got to go be a freelancer out on your own, things like that. Talk about the transition there and like how you've grown and you've learned a little bit about life and social media and
Transition to Freelance: Challenges and Growth
00:18:46
Speaker
and all that. Cause I know that our audience out there is in the same boat.
00:18:48
Speaker
Yeah. I think you know, everybody wants to just kind of like climb the ladder, ah have it all figured out. And the real thing is no one knows what they're doing. um Everybody out there is faking it till they make it and you should too. so And so that's kind of what I figured out during this transition period. um You really just have to believe in yourself, one. I think like imposter syndrome is such a big thing, especially in your 20s. Like for me, it's more of like I walk into a room and I go,
00:19:19
Speaker
who's going to know me? Like, are they going remember me? Are they going remember my name? Am I going to walk up and know them and they're not going to remember me back? And it's kind of like that, like, Oh, how am I going to do this? How am I going to navigate this? And you know, other people struggle with more of like, how,
00:19:34
Speaker
Am I good enough? Am I able to do the job and stuff like that? So everybody struggles with something and you just kind of have to figure out like, how do you basically fake it till you make it? um And for me, it was like really pushing myself to reach out to people, to talk to people more in rooms and stuff like that.
00:19:52
Speaker
um I think, you know, there's always going to be that little part of you that's like, do I belong in this room? Do I belong in this table? And you really just kind of have to push through it. And it's really is just believing in yourself at the end of the day, believing in your skillset. um Something I always say to myself is like, I always deliver.
00:20:09
Speaker
like no matter what, like at the end of the day, you know, some people might not know me. i might walk into a room and feel like the smallest fish in the pond, but like I, at the end of the day, I get my stuff done. I do well and that's what I can stand on. So you just kind of have to find that thing that you can stand on and really, you know, get behind.
00:20:26
Speaker
And honestly, it's so crazy to me that um you didn't exactly in the beginning start as a cowgirl because you truly have fully submerged into the cowgirl way because like you very much of all people, you're gonna be the CEO one day, I know it, and you're still gonna take out the trash. You're still gonna run the reports. You're not gonna make people do things that you wouldn't do.
00:20:46
Speaker
And I think the world needs more people
Embracing the Cowgirl Identity
00:20:48
Speaker
like that. I think like your way of of looking at things is exactly how I look at things too, which is probably why we align. But like um you very much operate in like a respect is earned, not given, but going to be kind to everyone, but like still cut your teeth.
00:21:02
Speaker
And I'm the same way too. I'm like, you didn't do an internship. What are you doing? You didn't, yeah you didn't get a coordinator position. What are you doing? You didn't, you know, really hard on yourself. Yeah. um And with that, it's, I totally agree. Like networking is is huge. And then like imposter syndrome, we could probably have a whole podcast oh about that. yeah I mean, you touched on cowgirls. So like for me, I grew up in,
00:21:24
Speaker
a rural town where like we grow hay, like that's our big thing in Allensburg, the Allensburg rodeos there. But I never called myself a cowgirl. I rode horses, I showed horses for 10 years. Like I yeah would be considered a cowgirl.
00:21:37
Speaker
But I had a fear of like claiming that word, I guess, as you would say, like, yeah especially when I entered into like the PBR of like, These guys are cowboys, like cowboy cowboys. Like they're riding with broken feet, broken arms. ah You know, like it's insane. And I felt so intimidated to even put myself in a category like that. Like, wow it felt like I didn't have like the years of like, I wasn't a roper and I didn't do like, I but didn't grow up around cattle and stuff like that. So it felt- dad is in a five generation
00:22:08
Speaker
I didn't have a last name that was a part of the valley. Like that's a really big thing where I'm from of like these generations of ranchers and just people there. So it was really hard to kind of call myself that. And a cowgirl 30 under 30 was like actually the time that I was like,
00:22:24
Speaker
okay, I think I can call myself a cowgirl. So it's hard. Like you kind of, the industry is so small and you know, everybody and stuff like that, but it's still like very intimidating to kind of call yourself a part of it at the end of the day, just because it's so prestigious. And like, I really hold it to a high standard.
00:22:42
Speaker
Um, and so I think you kind of have to like work through it and stuff like that. But like cowgirl was really what helped me at the 30 under 30 program to be like, I am a cowgirl. I, am a part of this industry. I can do this. And I like to say, and this is probably a hot take. There's probably some cant rodeo Karens or barrel buddies out there that would disagree and no offense to you guys. But I always like to say cowgirl is subjective because like the cowgirl spirit and the cowgirl way can live in anyone. And if you dive head first, you're just as much of a cowgirl as the one that's ranching every day. Oh, 100%.
00:23:13
Speaker
we all have our different struggles. We all have our different ways of making our own self-worth happen in the industry. That's predominantly men, you know? um so that's so big. I'm so glad you mentioned that. Cowgirl magazine is what they do with the 30 under 30 program is, is so good. And I'm so glad that you have joined the sisterhood. I remember last year being so stoked for you. yeah if we're being honest, like,
00:23:32
Speaker
you were one of the reasons why I went because um i I am not, if you know me, I'm an extrovert on the podcast, but like really an introvert. yeah And like socializing and small talk has never been my thing, nor nor yours really. It's like, either want to really know you or like barely, not at all, you know? I'm working on it. Don't worry.
00:23:49
Speaker
and It happens. But, um, I remember like Tyler was like, okay, do you want to go? do you want to go? And i was like, no, we are waiting for Megan. We are waiting and I'm going to scream and I don't care if she hears me, but we're going to wait for Megan and then we'll leave, you know? Um, but yeah, I'm just so proud of you as a person and like your outlook and and everything is super. And thank you for coming in and supporting. I think that's kind of like what we talked about is like, you really need people in your corner and you need to be in people's corner to really, you know, make a difference. And I do think it's kind of like our generation of cowgirls are doing it kind of differently, I guess. And maybe social media has a little bit to play into it because people can tell their different stories of how they fit into the role of cowgirl. But I agree with you. I think it's subjective. And at the end of the day, it's what you want to call yourself. true
00:24:33
Speaker
um And like, no one can really take that away from you. ever um And it's just important to, you know, hold those values of the Western industry and being a cowgirl really near and dear to your heart. And that's at the end of the all you can do and call yourself a cowgirl.
00:24:47
Speaker
For sure.
Megan's Personal Fashion Style
00:24:48
Speaker
And okay, another pillar of being a cowgirl can be fashion. Oh yes. And you are big on fashion. Like I i don't know what I would call your style. Probably like effortlessly flawless is probably what I call your style. Oh thank that's so kind. Because like truly you're like, oh I just, I live in a suitcase. So like I just put on what I have. But I'm like, every time i see you, you're so put together. Everything just goes naturally. Like I have to like,
00:25:09
Speaker
stress and figure it out and maybe you do tell me about your fashion scenes um thank you for that very kind compliment um i would call my fashion very simple um like for me it's more of like i always one want to feel comfortable um i also think it's really important to dress for your body type like i have really long legs like i say i'm two-thirds legs one-third torso uh Yes, so like I always, you know, try to make sure that I feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. um I go to a lot of basic colors too, like black, I wear a lot of black. um
00:25:43
Speaker
You look good browns, blonde hair, blue eyes. And I think it's just important to, you know, kind of claim your style. Like I do my makeup the same, i do my hair the same. um You change out the outfits and stuff like that. But I really feel like myself every time I get dressed up, no matter what. So that way, when I walk into a room, I am confident. um And yeah, I do live out of his suitcase. So I've learned how to like pack very minimal.
00:26:06
Speaker
You know, the interchangeable wardrobe is a really big thing, making sure you have pieces that match. But yeah, I think it's just really important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing and feel good about it. Like whenever you put on a good outfit, you feel good to walk into a room and feel confident to speak and to meet people and stuff like that. So I think an outfit's really important in the industry.
00:26:23
Speaker
I couldn't agree more. And since you're into fashion and you're into studying, you do a lot of studying, studying for work, analytics and all that stuff. But um I've got to ask you, what are your current things that you like right now? Like what are your faves, skincare? It could be anything, makeup, skincare, books, movies, whatever. Okay. Coffee, whatever.
00:26:39
Speaker
um Well, I think right now still happening is like the bit for ah bit trends. So like you see like the horse bits on everything. I partake last year with a belt that I wore to the American and I had like an actual horse bit that I rode in. That's amazing.
00:26:53
Speaker
I took it out of my trailer and I hooked it up to my belt. And West Esperado actually started that trend, Shaylee Hamm, and it just took off. And like now you see necklaces and it's on like shoes and it's on purses.
00:27:05
Speaker
And I'm all about it. Cause like at the end the day, I am a horse girl. I will always claim to be a horse girl. I have five horses still. So like that trend being out there and so cool is something that I'm like, oh, I can really get behind.
00:27:17
Speaker
I also think leather is still like a huge big thing as I wear a leather jacket. yeah Usually one piece of my clothing is leather pants, jacket, shirt, ah just because i think it's a cool texture to add to things. And, you know, it adds just kind of like a little pop where it makes it feel a little bit more elevated. So I love that.
00:27:35
Speaker
And um I can't help, since we're friends, I'll ask you this. And please tell me to be like, Taylor, why'd you ask that? Whatever. Yeah, but we can maybe cut it out too. If you don't hear it, you'll know why. um Okay, so are you dating anyone right now? At the time of recording, are you dating single? No, actually.
00:27:51
Speaker
so for me, I am very career focused. And I think it's an okay question to ask people, but it also like... I think, you know, everybody has their own path in life. And for me, like I really focus on like my career at the end of the day. And I think it's funny that you're like, I could see you being a CEO one day. Like that's like, I very much am like, I got to climb the ladder. I got to put in the work and stuff like that. So for me, dating and that isn't something that's really, I think it's going to happen when it happens. And it's not a big thing for me right now. Like it's very much like career focus. Whatever.
00:28:24
Speaker
I love that. Are you on the apps though? Like, do you do any of the apps? I don't, only because like I'm out there in like the industry and i feel like if someone saw me on, nothing wrong with the apps. Like they're cool and stuff like that.
00:28:37
Speaker
But like also I'm so busy. Like don't know when I would have free time. Like what even is your location? Because you're in Washington. where you like live and have things and horses, but like,
00:28:48
Speaker
you could literally put your location anywhere. Oh yes. And like when you're from a small town too, I think it's hard to kind of get out there and date. Cause you've grown up with the people and you've gone to high school with them and they date your friend and they know all about them. Oh yes. And then they have a kid with someone.
00:29:02
Speaker
You're just like, it's ah it's a lot, especially in your twenties, like trying to navigate all of that. So I was like, don't know. really think I want to date local. Smart. it's hard with like going around and having all the different locations too because like I'm in a city for like the weekend and then probably don't come back for a year. So wow it's definitely different. So career focused and you know I think that's okay. I think for sure people put a lot of pressure on themselves to like I have to date. I have to check this thing off and For me, it's like, I wanna check off all these things of like travel and career and you know, my love life will come together when it comes together and that's fine with me.
00:29:37
Speaker
And honestly, like the guy that is made for you to keep up with you is also trying to figure out life right now too. yeah I firmly believe. yeah Things happen for a reason. weve That's kind of in the common theme. Oh, 100%. But like Tyler and I talk about all the time, like if we would have dated earlier or, cause like we've known each other for a while. I think we we have memories from like 2013, like meeting each other at his rodeo and stuff, but If we would have dated younger, I feel like it would have never worked out. Oh, yeah.
00:30:01
Speaker
We were just too young and immature. And anyway, so to you. Thank you. Taking your time, like letting it all happen. I think you're a different person as you go through the years. is Like i look back at my 18 year old self and I'm like,
00:30:12
Speaker
Whoa. what Like I was very like school focused then too. And like, I had a lot of stuff on my plate of just like different clubs I was in. And I was a rodeo princess at that time for Ellensburg and stuff like that. And um I look back and like that girl had no idea what she was doing at the end of the day. Like for sure. you know ah knew a little bit about the industry and stuff like that but like was a deer in headlights when I like came into PBR and was like having to figure it all out and like now like when I enter rooms and I'm taking on jobs and stuff like that like I feel a lot more confident so uh I think you just change over the years and you kind of have to find the person that fits I think you and Tyler are a testament to that of like you guys found each other at the right point and you're able to you know help each other grow now in this stage in your life for Sure. That's so big too. And like, I've always said this about you that you're so mature and like well beyond your ears, but like truly you are. yeah and And that has also helped you go far too.
00:31:06
Speaker
Um, and to kind of switch gears just a little bit, I'm going uh, we're to a little bit of fun, but one thing on the podcast I always do is ask for your best advice. And normally it's like, what is your best advice for like your, your position now? Like if somebody wanted to get to be a social media manager or something, but I'm going back it up a little bit. Okay. I'm What is your best advice for someone that um isn't graduated from college yet? We'll start there.
00:31:26
Speaker
To then make the leap. To make the leap. I think college is a different time in your life of like, you're trying to figure out what you want to do. And then you're supposed to like walk out of there and be like, Oh, this is my career.
00:31:38
Speaker
um You probably won't know what you actually want to do with your life when you walk out of college. I think my story, I kind of glazed over it, but I was going in for aerospace engineering um at the University of Washington. Yeah. I forgot about that. too, at the end of the day.
00:31:53
Speaker
What a moment. Yeah. So I really liked math and science and i was always told like, oh, you're really smart. You should be an engineer. And so I went, okay, I'll be an engineer. And I went to the big school.
00:32:04
Speaker
You're told to get out of your town and do all of that. I went there for a year. I drove home every single weekend. It was a two hour drive so I could ride my horse. And i was like, I can't do this anymore. Like I did not want to live there. I did not want to go for that degree. Like it was just not me.
00:32:17
Speaker
And I came home and I had no idea what I wanted to do. Honestly, like enrolled a week before. The new year started at Central. like I was like, i don't really know what I wanna do, so I guess I'll just enroll again and you know take the basic classes and all of that. And I ended up going into marketing, but I think that just kind of shows like it's okay at the end of the day not to know what you want and you can change your mind and it's no one's business why or you know what why you wanna do something. like You can make the decision for yourself and it's okay. and
00:32:51
Speaker
Like when you're coming out of your, like for your first career too, you're going to not know anything. You're gonna be a deer in headlights. It's really hard that like first career out of college of like finding your ground, finding how things work. It's way different. You're on a different schedule than you were in college. Like there's just a lot things that change and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. I think that's something I would tell someone is like, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay not to know what you're doing and you're gonna figure it out.
00:33:18
Speaker
Like that's at the end of the day, you're gonna figure it out and you're gonna be where you need to be. And you just need to be confident in that. you will take yourself the places you need to go.
Advice for Life After College
00:33:26
Speaker
And I remember you said earlier, I i don't remember at what part of the interview you did, but like you looked back at your 18 year old self and you're like, whoa. Yeah. It's so crazy. I was just talking to Rebel about it yesterday. Like we haven't Rebel and I hadn't seen each other truly in person. We've we've kept in touch and I felt like we've seen each other, but like since the American, when everyone came back in 2021.
00:33:44
Speaker
um And so, so much has changed since then. And I was like, Rebel, wow, I am a much nicer person. i And and i didn't I wasn't even that mean then. But you don't like, as a young person, you don't realize like, when you're under stress. Yeah, when you're under stress and when there's like so many things, I'm like, problem i and so much like I'm a freer person now, I'm a nicer person now, I know who I am, I'm on track.
00:34:06
Speaker
And that has been a journey too. And so um it definitely, your college experience, you don't even have to go to college, honestly. Nowadays, there's so many things that are available, especially in the creative world, like social media and Let's be real, my degree does not help me now. Like at all.
00:34:21
Speaker
Everything that I do in my career, I learned from just doing it, while YouTubing it, or asking people. yeah Like my degree is just a piece of paper that I got and it hangs really pretty in my office. Like that's at the end of the day, like, yeah, you probably need to hang it up somewhere. But like for me, it's not like,
00:34:37
Speaker
And it's okay to not have a degree at the end of the day, or if you get one and then you switch and you're like, my degree has nothing to do with my job now. Like, that's okay. That was just a different time in your life. Like you go through so many different cycles and seasons. a different person now at 27? 26, yeah. 26, okay.
00:34:52
Speaker
six yeah six okay Yeah. you're You're even different than you were when you graduated college. Oh, 100%. Then when you first started your social media career. Oh, yes. You just grow and learn. and Okay, so that's kind of my next thing. Since you're in the nitty gritty of social and you are super big on strategy and analytics and all of that, what's your best advice for someone out there that is a freelancer trying to balance their own schedule, trying to balance their own different brands? One could be a super fun brand and then one could be like a more serious brand, whatever.
00:35:18
Speaker
How do you what I don't know just tell us about that. I want to pick your brain a little bit there. yeah How do you manage it all. How do you keep it all straight and then trying to meet the expectations of these goals here and these goals here. Yeah I think at the end of the day social media is kind of the same across the board no matter what brand you're working for.
00:35:36
Speaker
There's still the standard things that you have to do of making sure each platform the content is curated for it. So Instagram, your reels are real size. You're using the proper photos. We just switched to four by fives. Everybody out there, if you have not done that yet, do that now.
00:35:51
Speaker
So no more squares on Instagram. um So just making sure you're doing the proper things for each channel yeah ah will really help you. And then, you know, playing into the trends. um A trend's not gonna fit every single brand, but it will fit most. And also i always say you can put your own spin on it and make the trend fit you.
00:36:11
Speaker
I think like right now we're seeing that like fun action figure trend. I'm almost over it. I've seen so many times. So many, so many, so many. But like, it was cool to see how people took different things and made it their own. Like we saw like the PRCA did each of the actual athletes and stuff like that, which was cool. um I worked for Ellensburg Rodeo. So I did like our announcer and our rodeo clown, because people love them, JJ and Justin. And people really took off with that. So I think it's finding those trends that really, you know, you could take and mold and really fit your brand that kind of helps you stay in the game on social. And it gives each brand to their own kind of fingerprint on it because you're catering to what, you know, really speaks to that audience on there. But you're still, you know, playing into the algorithm, the trends and all of that stuff.
00:36:56
Speaker
Absolutely. And I loved that, by the way. I love yours, too. And I love seeing um I don't know if this is yours or someone else's, but people even started making the different backgrounds. They like told Jachupi to like change the background or add personal items to themselves, which like, yeah, that's so fun. And that's like a perfect example of how a brand can have fun. Yeah, it is the PRCA super serious, super prestigious Ellensburg Rodeo. Same thing. You guys can get a little bit more fun with it.
00:37:21
Speaker
That was very strategic on your part, picking the two people that you did, by the way. Thank you. Yeah. You know, I know they're beloved um for one. Also, I was like, oh, the caption has to be dynamic duo. Like they're a pair when you hear them over the microphone in Ellensburg. And I think that really is the key is like you have to know your brand at the end of the day and the brands you're representing and be able to create stuff that really speaks to that audience.
00:37:43
Speaker
And that's kind of the key to social. Like you have to just kind of know the brand, know your audience and you know, you can test stuff out. But at the end of the day, like you're the holder of what the brand identifies for the world. And that's a really important thing with social is like everybody's on social. Everybody looks at everything on social. So your social media needs to represent what you represent at the end
Importance of Personal Branding in Social Media
00:38:04
Speaker
of the day. And that's for brands and for yourself. Yeah.
00:38:07
Speaker
No, that's so good. Actually talk about the importance of having a good yeah um like LinkedIn profile and like all the prow profiles, wow, set up for yourself. Cause you do a really good job at branding yourself. But honestly, you're not one of those people that shoves your face in front of everyone. You're you're very subtle. It's like, you're one of those people that um lives it and then maybe sprinkles a story about it versus like not really doing much, but telling everyone what you're doing or something. yeah I think it's really important to have a personal brand. um And I think it's really hard to build one too. Cause you're like, Oh, should I post this? Do I look like I'm a poser? Do I look like I'm trying too hard? Like all those things.
00:38:42
Speaker
Yeah. They run through your head. And um I even struggle with that now. And I do it for a living, like for other people. And I can easily press posts but on my own. I still sit there and go, Oh, okay. What am I putting out there to the world? But for me, um something strange is i liked post after something happens. So like, I don't really do too much in the moment. Cause I do a lot of that for my job of like live event posting and stuff like that. But for me, it's very much like I want to take in what I'm experiencing for myself first and then share with the world. And then i feel like I can kind of curate and fix it to how I want it to kind of look and show like, oh, the funny parts, the really cool parts. Oh, the not so cool parts and stuff like that. Like I like to wrap it all together and really look at it after the fact.
00:39:27
Speaker
um And I think too, like, For me, I'm not an influencer or anything like that. Like I don't have to post the same amount of that they're doing. But like for me, it's more of like I'm proud of what I do. I'm proud of the industry. i have a lot of people outside of the industry that follow me too of just like meeting people over the years. And so to be able to share that part of my life too ah has been really cool. and You know, when you work remote too, it's kind of, that's the way to connect with people too, is to kind of share the things going on. And I think that all plays into networking too.
00:39:56
Speaker
You should have a really good LinkedIn profile. You should use your LinkedIn like it's a Facebook for most people of like, hey, look, here's what I did here. Or here I went to this cool conference or here's some cool photos from this shoot and stuff like that. Like you should really keep your LinkedIn very professional, but like share everything that's going on. That's where I shared the action figure ah with my monster, white monster addiction. Cause do have that. I wondered if that was real or if they just pulled that from. No, it's it's real. And funny enough, they like messaged me and were like, Hey, send us your address and we'll send you some products. So like, No way. Yeah. So like being real and transparent on social can get you free monsters.
00:40:35
Speaker
but That's awesome. Yeah. But I think it's more like showing yourself um to the world and you can make it the way you want to make it to, especially with your LinkedIn, like keeping it very professional.
00:40:46
Speaker
I feel like my Instagram is a little bit more like fun. Like I share a lot more to my stories of just like random things that are happening. I don't really use Facebook as much. I share kind of the same thing from Facebook to LinkedIn. And then TikTok is really fun to just kind of try out some of the trends and stuff like that. Yeah.
00:41:00
Speaker
Yeah, but I think it's important to just like have a presence out there. And I think nowadays everybody searches everybody on ah social media. So when you're going for a job, I always recommend, and you know, like keep your social media as professional as possible.
00:41:14
Speaker
yeah Yeah. And, you know, that's how you should always represent yourself out there in the world. But it's really important to have it at the end of the day. Oh, without a doubt. And I cannot thank you enough for dropping your wisdom here because I I know i learn so much from you every time we talk, but I know that our listeners did too.
00:41:30
Speaker
And there's probably a lot of people out there that are super curious to follow along with you and see how you do things. And I know you can't tell us all the brands you work with and work for, so we won't have you do that, but tell the world where they can find you specifically. gosh.
00:41:43
Speaker
And plug yourself. We never get a chance in like this industry to like plug ourselves. so Shine, baby, shine. Plug away. ah You can find me at Megan Ray underscore 17 on pretty much every single platform um on LinkedIn. It's just Megan Ray. um And yeah, I share a lot of just like behind the scenes of what I'm doing in the industry. Fun things. I like to, you know, connect and share things that my friends are doing, too. So, yeah, if you want to follow me on there and kind of see all the different activities I'm up to.
00:42:10
Speaker
You should. You should go follow her right now. Thank you. Megan, thank you so much for being on. I love you, adore you, and I'm so excited to see where your future goes. And you'll have to refer back to this interview one day when you're CEO.
00:42:22
Speaker
I'm going to clip that and that will be on my social. Taylor called it. Well, thank you so much for having me. It was really great to talk to you. And, you know, I hope some bit of wisdom came out of this for someone. Sometimes I feel like I rambled just a little bit, but And at the end of the day, I hope it's all like good for people to hear. So, but this was so fun. i adore you. You're such a powerhouse in this industry too. And thank you um what you're doing with this podcast is just fantastic. And I'm just so happy to see you shine. and Thank you. That is so nice. Oh my gosh. And I'm a hugger, so we'll definitely give a hug. Oh, yes, yes. after the cameras are off. But anyways, guys, if you loved what you hear, please give her a follow. And as always, make sure and like and subscribe and tell all your friends about this episode.
00:43:04
Speaker
If you have a nugget or something that you want to send, feel free to share that snippet via Spotify even. And the one thing that going ask you to do right now is head on over to Apple and give us a review. I'm on a mission. You've seen me ask this before.
00:43:17
Speaker
um i would really love it if you gave us a review on Apple and um tell all your friends about this wonderful content. And as always, I'm happy to give you 15% off on the Justin website. You can go to www.justinboots.com and enter the code KYBU15. That's KYBU15 at checkout to get 15% off. And I just am so thankful that you guys are continuing to watch and we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.
00:43:44
Speaker
Thanks for joining us on Kick Your Boots Up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West. Until then, feel free to like, subscribe, and leave us a review.
00:43:55
Speaker
Follow us on social media at Justin Boots to keep up with our next episode. And we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.