SMPS Chicago New Member Lunch
As this month's official guest, Megen Briars, Past President of SMPS Chicago, answered a few questions on how SMPS has helped her career and professional growth. Join her at the lunch next week to learn more!
For questions regarding the lunch, contact: Lauren Mead, RTKL Associates, Inc., [email protected]
Q & A WITH SMPS CHICAGO PAST PRESIDENT, MEGEN BRIARS
Where do you work and what’s your role?
OKW Architects; Title: Director of Marketing and Business Development Manager; role: Queen of Everything Lovely…I kid! My role is to support OKW with marketing and business development strategies as we continue to serve our valued clients for the past 53 years with architectural, interior and planning design solutions.
Why did you join SMPS Chicago?
I had no choice! On my 3rd day at OKW, our Director of Design, Mike Breclaw took me to my first SMPS meeting and said, “okay, join a committee – these are your people.” And I luckily was introduced to Tim Padgett with The Pepper Group and he took me under his wing to learn the ropes on Communications. Through his fantastic mentorship and leadership, I stayed with Communications as a Committee Member then was Communications Director for a number of years and most recently, President.
How has SMPS been beneficial to you, your firm, and/or your career?
Invaluable connections, professionals that want to help you and your firm do better and be better, and education that is available to SMPS Chicago only-members; it’s a perfect trifecta!
How can a new member of SMPS get the most out of their membership?
“Lean in.” Do not just sit back and attend once in awhile, lean in and join a committee – there is a role on committees for someone that has 1 hour a month and up; show the value in SMPS by bringing in connections, leads, and work – the BEST way to do that is to be on the frontline with our committees.
What was the most fun event you attended for SMPS?
I might be bias, but Bub City at the Holiday Party last year. Yep, definitely bias!
What do you do to kick back and relax?
Documentaries on Netflix, my fake ice cream (frozen bananas and peanut butter) and trashy gossip mags.
What is your favorite musical group/performer?
It’s a tie: Bette Midler and Chicago
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Karlsrue, Germany – it was my first time out of the country and I learned so much about a culture that I had only read about or seen in films. It was interesting more to me because my Grandmother was born in a neighboring town and it was so special to take the paths she used to take, meet our relatives that still live there, and see such a beautiful country in-person after years of trying to picture her moments and experiences there.
Name the most famous person you’ve had a face to face encounter with (“brush with greatness”)?
Reba McEntyre
If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be and why?
Doris Day – I can’t explain it, just would love to meet her and hear about her life!
