After working eight years for the biggest event in the state of Iowa, Megan Grandgeorge is shifting into a new role as director of marketing and public relations at Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Grandgeorge spent the better part of the past decade working in a basement office in the marketing department at the Iowa State Fair. It was  good experience for someone who says she loves event-driven work.

Still, Grandgeorge said she was ready for something new and exciting and a little more “downtown.” The newly created position at Variety fit the bill for Grandgeorge, who said she’s new to nonprofits but passionate about the organization’s mission.

Grandgeorge is also a small-business owner. She and her husband, Tag, own Le Jardin restaurant in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines. 

In an interview with Grandgeorge for a recent Closer Look feature, which appeared in Friday’s Business Record news magazine, I asked her a few Lift IOWA-exclusive questions:

What decisions helped get your career to this point?

The answer is kind of twofold. I learned this term from a professor I had in college, who always referred to her “kitchen cabinet” — in other words, her personal board of directors. I surrounded myself with an amazing group of women at a young age. Starting out in Des Moines, they helped me make decisions and guided my choices. When I was making this move, it was helpful to have these friends, who come from a wide array of positions. I’m also a joiner. I enjoy learning, and getting out there and meeting people. That’s where you learn things you can’t learn sitting behind a desk.

Describe your leadership style.

Thinking back to our restaurant, I’m very team-oriented. I may be the one in charge, but I feel that makes me less of a boss than anything. My job is making sure everyone has the tools for success.

What’s your biggest challenge in being both a business owner and leading in another career?

Learning the word “no” has been important. I really have to balance what I do, so I ask myself — will it be fulfilling for me? Will it help either of my careers? I’ve had to think hard about what I do in my free time and what I become involved in. It’s about prioritizing.

Any advice to female leaders or business owners?

Surround yourself with that kitchen cabinet. Have a personal board. It will give you perspective.

 Grandgeorge’s full Members-only interview for the Business Record can be found online.