Weddings for Real

Megan Gillikin
  • 4.9 (259)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Weddings for Real

Weddings for Real is the go-to podcast for high-achievers in the hospitality industry who’ve checked all the boxes of success but are craving something more—more ease, more alignment, more realness. Hosted by Megan Gillikin, a former wedding planner turned educator and recovering people-pleaser, this podcast dives deep into the unlearning required to build a business (and a life) that actually feels good. From navigating burnout and boundaries to redefining success and shedding old narratives, each episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and the occasional wedding industry war story. If you're ready to lead, live, and work on your own terms, you’re in the right place. Let’s keep it real.

  1. 315. Culture Isn’t a Vibe—It’s a Strategy (Here’s How to Build It Right)

    MAY 7

    315. Culture Isn’t a Vibe—It’s a Strategy (Here’s How to Build It Right)

    For years, the events and hospitality industry has glorified burnout—long hours, nonstop chaos, toxic management—and called it passion. But what if there's a better way? Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He’s created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s lived and breathed, every day. Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what’s possible when you lead with heart. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why fun and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive✅ How to identify the biggest culture killer in your business (hint: it might be your “top performer”)✅ A simple matrix to assess culture fit vs. job performance✅ What it really takes to live your values, not just list them ✅ How to spark team buy-in and momentum when shifting culture ✅ Anthony’s favorite interview tactic to determine who’s truly aligned ✅ What “balance” really means in hospitality—and how to model it ✅ The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger self Connect with Anthony Lambatos: Website and Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://themibe.comHeart Leadership Workshop: August 18–19, 2025: https://themibe.com/mibeworkshopMIBE Summit: January 2026 (dates TBA): https://themibe.com/summit00:00:00 – Burnout, chaos, and shifting toxic norms in hospitality00:03:38 – Why bad leadership models persist—and how to break the cycle00:05:24 – The culture boulder: how to build momentum (and know who’s pulling it back)00:08:07 – The culture vs. performance matrix—and how to handle toxic high performers00:13:25 – Values on the wall vs. values in practice00:17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and reinforcing behavior through story00:19:15 – Why they all eat lunch together—and what happens during it00:23:45 – How Anthony’s team handles feedback and vulnerability00:25:41 – The 7-step hiring process (and the “deck of values” trick)00:30:00 – 4 characteristics of top performers: perseverance, initiative, teamwork, positivity00:33:48 – Where Anthony learned to lead—and how he learned what not to do 00:36:00 – Pom poms, productivity, and making work fun again 00:38:36 – The three foundations of culture: strengths, purpose, and people ---- Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

    44 min
  2. 314. The 3 Small Habit Shifts That Changed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset

    APR 30

    314. The 3 Small Habit Shifts That Changed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset

    Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut — low on energy, scattered, or just... kinda over it all? You're not alone, and today's episode is for you. After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind. 🙃 And the best part? You can start them this week. They're free, they're simple, and they work. Today, I'm sharing: A 30-Day Mini Habit Challenge to kickstart momentum (and how to actually stick with it)How to make the boring, soul-sucking tasks way more enjoyableThe sneaky power of 10-minute "white space" breaks to reset your brain and boost creativityIf you’ve been running on fumes, stuck in hustle mode, or just craving a little more joy in your days, you're going to love these small but mighty shifts. Your challenge: Pick one shift to start this week. DM me or tag me (@weddingsforreal) to let me know which one you’re trying — and don't forget to plan a reward for yourself when you nail it. Episode Highlights: [1:15] – Why small shifts > big overhauls[4:09] – Habit Shift #1: The 30-Day Mini Habit Reset (and why it builds CEO confidence)[13:44] – Habit Shift #2: Making hard tasks feel lighter and more enjoyable[16:25] – Habit Shift #3: Why 10-minute white space breaks are your secret weapon[20:32] – Quick recap and your action step for this week --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

    22 min
  3. 313. Letting Go or Leaning In? The Leadership Gut Check You’ve Been Avoiding

    APR 23

    313. Letting Go or Leaning In? The Leadership Gut Check You’ve Been Avoiding

    If you’ve ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something’s off” whisper in your gut—you’re not alone. In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties. Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear. Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question: Is this a coaching opportunity…or is it time to let them go? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The 3 must-dos for onboarding a new team member✅ What’s actually coachable—and what probably isn’t ✅ The leadership mistake Megan made that cost her time and energy (so you can avoid it) ✅ Why you shouldn’t hire in a moment of panic (and what to do if you already did) ✅ How to avoid getting stuck in the dreaded “gray zone” of mediocre team performance ✅ The one thing people pleasers need to hear when it’s time to let someone go ✅ A free resource to improve your team’s communication and event debriefs Free Resource:Post-Event Team Feedback Questionnaire Get Megan & Gina’s go-to tool for checking in with your team after each event. It’s simple, practical, and a game-changer for team growth and accountability. Download it here - https://learn.theplannersvault.com/teameventdebrief Timestamps: 00:00 – The hiring gut check no one talks about 02:27 – Meet Gina: 14 years, one unicorn hire 04:11 – Why panic hiring is usually a mistake 08:01 – The 3 non-negotiables for onboarding 13:21 – How to give (and track) meaningful feedback 16:10 – What you can coach (and how) 18:55 – What you can’t coach—no matter how nice they are 20:41 – People pleasing vs. leadership 24:24 – Boundaries when you’re also friends 28:15 – Using vendors as a feedback loop 29:21 – Let your team fail (seriously) 30:07 – How to navigate the gray zone with clarity 31:27 – Final takeaways + how to lead with intention Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

    35 min
  4. 312. Stuck or Scaling? How to Tell What Your Business Actually Needs

    APR 16

    312. Stuck or Scaling? How to Tell What Your Business Actually Needs

    Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya. This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different. Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.) Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your business✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions✅ Why fear doesn’t mean stop—it just means be brave✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones) Support Vanessa’s Clean Water Project Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales. DM https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy, with the words prints for waterVisit: safariwildlifeandlandscapes.comTimestamps: 00:00 – When growth feels like a wall 03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters 07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects 10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit 16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else 19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule 22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy 28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting 30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work 31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway” Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

    36 min
  5. 311. Breaking the Cycle of Fear, Perfectionism, and Procrastination

    APR 2

    311. Breaking the Cycle of Fear, Perfectionism, and Procrastination

    Let's talk about fear. I don't mean the kind of fear you might feel when you're being chased by a giant bear, or fear of all those dang bees that hang around your house.  I mean the kind that shows up when you're about to raise your prices. Or finally launch that thing that you've been talking about for years.  Or the fear that comes up when you say no to a client that's not the right fit. Or that fear that pops up when there's an opportunity in front of you that takes you off the path of what you had expected or planned to do, and it leaves you questioning whether you should say yes.  Fear is real. But the question is, how do you know if something isn't aligned? Or if you're just afraid to take that next step? --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    15 min
  6. 310. The Career Gut Check: Have You Outgrown Your Current Role, with Kristi Coulter

    MAR 12

    310. The Career Gut Check: Have You Outgrown Your Current Role, with Kristi Coulter

    For years, Kristi Coulter climbed the corporate ladder at Amazon, working long hours, hitting major career milestones, and earning great money—but at what cost?  Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms. Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement?  Yeah me too. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How hustle culture shows up in both corporate and entrepreneurial life✅ The hidden costs of always striving for the next big goal✅ Why so many people stay in jobs (or businesses) that drain them—and how to know when it’s time to walk away✅ The myth of “leap and the net will appear” and a more sustainable approach to career transitions✅ How to redefine success in a way that actually aligns with your values✅ The truth about imposter syndrome—and why it never fully goes away✅ Why women, in particular, face unique pressures in the workplace (and how to push back against them) -----Connect with Kristi Coulter: Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374600907/exitinterview/Website: https://www.kristicoulter.com/------00:00:00 - The reality of burnout and hitting a breaking point 00:03:45 - Why success doesn’t always feel as fulfilling as we expect 00:12:30 - The dangers of "all or nothing" thinking in careers and business 00:18:50 - Should you really just "take the leap"? A smarter approach to transitions 00:27:15 - Imposter syndrome: Why we all have it (even the most successful people) 00:36:40 - The unique challenges women face in business and leadership 00:45:20 - How to step away from the hustle without losing yourself 00:54:30 - Redefining what success actually looks like for you --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

    41 min
  7. 309. 3 Hard Truths Every Small Business Owner Needs to Hear

    MAR 5

    309. 3 Hard Truths Every Small Business Owner Needs to Hear

    Today, I'm sharing three of the biggest, toughest, most game changing lessons I've learned in my 15 years of business. These are the things I want to share with you to help you realize and recognize them sooner than I did. --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    22 min
  8. 308. Networking with EQ: How to Read the Room, Make an Impact, and Grow Your Business

    FEB 26

    308. Networking with EQ: How to Read the Room, Make an Impact, and Grow Your Business

    Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, is so much more than just being good with people. It's about truly understanding yourself, reading the room, and fostering real, meaningful connections -  whether that's with your clients, vendor partners, or even at networking events. EQ is a topic that can completely transform the way you navigate relationships in business and in life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The four pillars of emotional intelligence (EQ) and how to apply them in business✅ Why reading the room is your networking superpower✅ How to move past surface-level small talk and spark meaningful conversations✅ The role of self-awareness and social skills in making lasting connections✅ Tips for introverts and those with social anxiety to ease into networking✅ The do’s and don’ts of following up after an event (without being pushy!) -----Connect with Brian Green: Episode 208: https://www.theplannersvault.com/podcast/208-brian-green-unravelingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bybriangreenWebsite: https://www.bybriangreen.com------00:00:00 - Emotional Intelligence: More Than Just Being Good with People00:02:25 - Are We Forgetting the Human Side of Networking?00:04:20 - Reading the Room: Your Secret Networking Superpower00:14:38 - Stop the Small Talk! How to Go Deeper00:17:50 - How to Make People Feel Seen and Heard00:25:24 - Introverts, This One’s for You00:31:03 - The Right Way to Follow Up After Events00:37:55 - Networking That Actually Feels Authentic --- Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open. Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

    44 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
259 Ratings

About

Weddings for Real is the go-to podcast for high-achievers in the hospitality industry who’ve checked all the boxes of success but are craving something more—more ease, more alignment, more realness. Hosted by Megan Gillikin, a former wedding planner turned educator and recovering people-pleaser, this podcast dives deep into the unlearning required to build a business (and a life) that actually feels good. From navigating burnout and boundaries to redefining success and shedding old narratives, each episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and the occasional wedding industry war story. If you're ready to lead, live, and work on your own terms, you’re in the right place. Let’s keep it real.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Gillikin
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    307
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Megan Gillikin 2023
  • Show Website
    Weddings for Real

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