How The Girl on the Left Changed the Way I Lead and Do Business

Apr 25
3 min read

By Megan Dirks

I’m Megan Dirks, and I’ve spent most of my entrepreneurial journey flying solo. Not because I don’t love people (I do), but because it just felt easier to rely on myself. I could get things done faster, keep creative control, and not have to worry about anyone else dropping the ball.

Then I created The Girl on the Left, and everything changed.

I thought I was just creating a book. A powerful, raw, and unfiltered collection of stories from women who’ve faced the kind of moments that change you. What I didn’t expect? That leading this project would change me.

Turns out, leadership isn’t just about making decisions or steering the ship. It’s about how many people you can take with you.

The Bold Move: Betting on Something Bigger Than Myself

Here’s the truth: I was getting restless. I was a little lonely too.

I’d built my business, helped countless solopreneurs, and established myself in my industry. But I wanted something more, a project that felt bigger than just me.

So, I rallied 21 other women to create a book that wasn’t about polished success stories. It's about the messy, uncomfortable, real stuff, the kind of experiences we usually try to bury.

But here’s the thing: Those past versions? They built us. And they deserve to be seen.

This project forced me to step up in new ways. It wasn’t just about writing and publishing, it was about creating space for these women to be heard, amplified, and celebrated. It was about helping them use this book as a launchpad for their own growth.

That’s when I realized: This is what leadership actually looks like.

The Shift: Leadership Isn’t About You… It’s About Who You Lift Up

The more I poured into this project, the more my perspective changed. It wasn’t just about publishing The Girl on the Left, it was about what this project could do for the women involved.

Each of them had talents, stories, and missions that deserved to shine. And I found myself asking: How can I help them level up?

One of our authors is an event emcee who’s perfect for hosting women’s conferences. So, let’s get her booked.

Another wants to be a motivational speaker but has struggled with confidence. Who can I connect her with?

A woman who’s built a career on etiquette, events, and leadership? She’s exactly who I need to help scale this movement.

I went from being the person doing it all myself to the person making sure everyone had a seat at the table.

And honestly? It felt way better.

The Bigger Vision: Scaling Impact & Making Bolder Moves

Now, I’m thinking bigger.

The Girl on the Left isn’t just a book, it’s becoming a platform, a movement, a launching pad. The podcast is growing, the next book volume is in the works, and I’m already planning live events where these women can step into their power in even bigger ways.

And for me? I’ve stopped playing small.

This project reminded me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about connection. It’s about using whatever influence, knowledge, or resources you have to pull other people forward with you.

So that’s my challenge to you: Who can you lift up?

Seriously. Take a look around. There’s a woman in your orbit who needs a door opened, a connection made, a push toward something bigger. Be that person for her.

Because when we show up for each other? We all win.

Let’s go make some waves.

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