Meagan Cross is the Executive Manager of The Hive Business Space and brings to SHINE Business Women a wealth of knowledge across business and people globally.  The Hive, located in the heart of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, features attractive serviced offices and state of the art coworking space.  The Hive combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, the latest technology and offers a range of fully equipped meeting spaces.  It makes sense that The Hive is SHINE Business Women’s HQ so make sure you keep an eye out for our “SHINE Business Women Live at The Hive” fun!  Like the SHINE Business Women’s community, The Hive’s community is alive with enterprises, entrepreneurs alike and we are all sharing the ultimate in shared office space.

Meagan’s passion drives The Hive and that passion is aligned to SHINE Business Women in so many ways.  Her career has embraced a passion for solutions across business with a smile.  At the heart of her career is customer service and people with all strategy focused on the experience, never the product nor profit.

Her passion with a can-do attitude has given Meagan experience in Advertising, Procurement, Sales, Marketing and Training with brands such as Allianz, Reebok, Mercedes, Aussie World, Coca Cola, and BMW to name a few.  Retail or Industry, Corporate or Tourism, Meagan brings a smile to all she has achieved.  This wealth of experience is now available at The Hive Business Space.

Meagan is an amazing lady who is incredibly supportive of others and lights up every room she walks into with that captivating smile! This week we got to know her a little better…

Tell us why business space is becoming such a popular option for companies and working individuals?
I believe the best advocate to answer this question is The Hive Community.  Our members often quote how fruitful the share of knowledge, collaboration and community is across our SME network.  The Hive offers space, professional business services and our passion is to ensure working out of The Hive means they can be busier, easier.

How important are developing relationships in a business environment?
Relationships formed are my success to date and I am humbled for my global network ensuring that I have never been for a “cold” job interview.  My career reflects excitement, travel and stability, and my reputation and relationships have opened doors both in business and socially.  Networking with purpose and a genuine approach is invaluable.  I am humbled by the greatness I have surrounding me and challenging me.

What career or personal achievement are you most proud of?
My passion for people was tested in a very raw way during the Christchurch earthquakes.  Having set up a company in the South Island of NZ to compliment our Oceanic strategy, I lived the shift of company strategy to individual’s survival.  I am so proud of my personal resilience during this time and the lasting friendships formed. In devastation when we are most vulnerable, to shine or to turn lights out … To adopt a fight or flight mindset is critical.  I am proudly a fighter and if others didn’t fight, I fought for them.  Sounds corny, but during a natural disaster, I had to as no one was going to lose their life on my watch!

In your career journey, what was the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“Don’t wait for the light to shine at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself”.  Sara Henderson.  I’m a doer and through a simple mantra, people know they can rely on me to get the light shining.

What are your aspirations for the future?
To take The Hive to a heightened level of business continuity, collaboration and to keep smiling!

Do you have a favourite movie?
Love Actually

What do you do in your spare time?
Anything in or on the water, as the water to me is my calm.  I also drop everything for my fabulous inner circle of friends and family and as they know me well, a glass of Champagne is always included.

Favourite travel destination? Why?
Anywhere that inspires life!  I was asked what my work/life balance is and responded with “I don’t have one”.  To me, work is a part of life and my life balance is driven by my passions.