#42 - Jane Megown: How a House Fire Ignited Success

In this episode of The She Lift Project, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick welcomes Jane Megown, President and Owner of Elastizell, who shares her remarkable journey from a career in marketing to leading a construction company specializing in lightweight cellular concrete. Jane's company is behind critical infrastructure projects, often unseen but essential, such as filling spaces under stadiums and bridges with lightweight, custom-formulated concrete. Despite entering the male-dominated construction field with no prior experience, Jane credits her success to values she learned early on from her father: honesty, integrity, and putting people first.

 

Jane’s path was far from linear—she initially avoided construction, only to be drawn back in due to a series of life-altering events, including a devastating house fire. The fire not only tested her resilience but also prompted her to re-enter the workforce, leading to her eventual ownership of Elastizell. Jane’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, teamwork, and focusing on long-term relationships rather than short-term gains. Her ability to build trust through honesty, even when it meant admitting she didn’t know all the answers, has been key to her success. Through her story, Jane offers inspiration on how to navigate career pivots, embrace challenges, and turn hardships into opportunities for growth.