Ficomm Partners CEO and Co-Founder, Meg Carpenter teaches UVU students how to embrace agency, rewrite their story, and lead with purpose at the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series.
Meg Carpenter opened her lecture by remarking on the power of agency and the stories people choose to tell themselves. When a door closes, she said, individuals always have a choice: they can interpret the moment as rejection or inadequacy, or they can see it as the beginning of something meaningful. This mindset, she explained, keeps people curious, engaged and open to growth. It isn't about denying that overcoming adverse experiences is difficult, but rather about recognizing that while we cannot control every outcome, we can control our response.
Meg emphasized that nothing in life is inherently good or bad; it is the narrative attached to lived experiences that shapes how people move forward. Carpenter shared an example from her career when her company restructured its team. What initially felt like a loss ultimately became a catalyst for clarity, transformation, and long-term growth.
A recurring theme throughout her talk was readiness. Carpenter encouraged students not to wait until they feel fully prepared or perfect on paper before taking action. Opportunity, as Meg defined it, often presents itself before confidence does. When the story people tell themselves begins to minimize who they are, she encouraged students to rewrite that story.
During the question-and-answer session following the lecture, Carpenter reflected on experiences that shaped her career most deeply, including a personal health crisis that reframed her perspective and priorities. She advised students not to expect a perfectly defined long-term plan and instead encouraged to remain open and adaptable as new opportunities unfold.
Carpenter also spoke about leadership and vision, noting that strong leaders build visions that others can see themselves in and feel inspired by. She encouraged students to identify their values and pursue opportunities aligned with them. She reminded students it is possible to pursue multiple roles and ambitions while extending themselves grace along the way.
When asked for practical advice, Carpenter shared an exercise for identifying core values, instructing students to list what brings them energy and a sense of meaning in life before organizing those ideas into themes. She also addressed trust and social media in the financial planning industry, encouraging students to consider who people trust — and why.
Carpenter closed with a simple parting message:
"Choose the story you are telling yourself each day."
The Woodbury School of Business extends sincere thanks to Meg Carpenter for sharing her insight and perspective with UVU students. Her message reinforced that growth often begins with mindset, agency, and the courage to rewrite your story.
Want to catch every insight from this year’s Halladay Lecture Series?
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL SPRING 2026 HALLADAY LECTURE SERIES SPEAKERS HERE.
Watch Meg Carpenter's full lecture below.
