By In the wedding and events space, it’s easy to see the highlights — the big features, the full calendars, and the packed speaker lineups. But behind every polished moment are stories of balance, burnout, decisions, and growth. That’s exactly the conversation Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting, had on her recent guest appearance on the Wedding Industry Mama podcast.
Known for her behind-the-scenes work connecting wedding professionals with media visibility, Ely took a different path in this episode, stepping out of the industry lens to speak candidly about what it means to lead a thriving business while showing up for life outside of it.
Leading While Living
Meghan Ely has long been a trusted name in media strategy, working with event professionals across the globe to help them refine their public messaging and secure thoughtful, purposeful press. But leadership, for her, has always been about more than professional wins. It’s about staying grounded, leading by example, and knowing what success really looks like at each season of life.
During the podcast, Ely shared her perspective on balancing her work as a founder and strategist with her life as a mother and partner. She spoke honestly about how her definition of leadership has shifted over the years — especially after becoming a parent.
“The version of myself who launched OFD in 2009 looks different from the version who shows up today,” she shared. “And that’s not a loss, it’s growth.”
She discussed the importance of honoring both parts of her identity — the business leader and the mom — without feeling pressured to separate the two. For Ely, bringing her full self into her work isn’t just acceptable. It’s necessary.
Redefining Productivity and Purpose
One of the most compelling moments of the episode focused on how Meghan Ely re-evaluates productivity. In a field where long hours and relentless schedules can often be worn as a badge of honor, she spoke about the conscious choice to work differently, not less, but smarter.
That might mean more time spent building internal systems, streamlining client onboarding, or designing services that offer impact without burnout. It might also mean saying no to opportunities that don’t align with her values, even if they seem impressive on paper.
This reflection echoed what many professionals — especially parents — are beginning to explore: how to build sustainable success that reflects the whole person, not just the business owner.
Community, Boundaries, and Leadership in Real Time
Ely also addressed the importance of boundaries, not just for self-care, but for longevity. She talked about how the ability to say no — to events, to emails at 10 p.m., to anything that doesn’t serve her team or family — has helped her lead more clearly and intentionally.
It’s a message that resonates in a post-pandemic industry, where many vendors are rethinking their relationship with work. Her story offers a powerful reminder that boundary-setting isn’t a weakness. It’s a form of leadership.
She also spoke about community both the one she’s cultivated within OFD and the broader wedding professional network she engages with through platforms like the OFD Collective and WeddingIndustrySpeakers.com. For Ely, strong communities are built not on appearances, but on shared values, transparency, and mutual respect.
Reflecting and Evolving
The episode gave listeners a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes mindset of someone often seen in spotlight moments. It was clear that Meghan Ely’s leadership is rooted in reflection — the willingness to evolve, to reimagine, and to stay aligned with what matters most.
It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters, well and with heart.
As more professionals seek to build businesses that support the life they want, Ely’s experience stands out as both aspirational and accessible. She doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all formula. She offers perspective, one built on listening, learning, and leading with authenticity.
To listen to the full podcast episode with Meghan Ely, visit:
🎧 Wedding Industry Mama Podcast – Spotify
For more insights from Meghan, visit https://ofdconsulting.com and explore her writing at Special Events Magazine.
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