June 20, 2019
BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH: Diane Meehan, Director of Business Development at Pepperlane
What is your name and occupation?
Diane Meehan, Director of Business Development at Pepperlane
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your instagram handle?
@emlconsultingllc
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Yes! Other than living in upstate NY for college and a brief stint on Long Island, I've lived in Greater Boston all my life. My family, good friends, and the educational system brought me back.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
Currently, I'm the Director of Business Development for Pepperlane, a company that supports women-owned microbusinesses. I've had a broad & varied career...if you had told me at age 18 that I would be in the business & sales field, I would have laughed. I started out as a social worker for adults with disabilities, got my Master's of Education in Counseling Psychology, and spent the first 15 years of my career in the non-profit realm, escalating to director roles. After deciding that I would do basically anything to work from home, I stumbled upon Paint Nite in its infancy...to make a long story short, I launched one Paint Nite branch in Nashua NH, and found that I had a talent to manage & grow a business. In less than 5 years, I acquired a business partner, added 12 branches across 10 states, and had over 80 employees. After moving on from Paint Nite, I found Pepperlane, where I launched myself as a small business consultant. Pepperlane contracted with me to grow their Boost event program, and a year later, I've been hired as the Director of Business Development.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
We have a lot of great quotes about our Boost events, Pathways, and marketplace, but my favorite quote summarizes it all: ``I am forever grateful I found Pepperlane. It has given me so many wonderful opportunities in my business. Not only did Pepperlane introduce me to my first client, but it also gave me the confidence and validation I needed as a new business owner.``
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I have ever received is to value myself and my skills. It is easy for people (especially women) to get sidetracked by doubts, inner critics & outside circumstances. Stay centered, focus on your numerous abilities & talents, and remind yourself of your tremendous value. Call your best friend if you need to, she'll remind you when you forget.
What is your favorite book?
That's like asking which child is my favorite!! If I had to pick one (ugh) I would say Little Women shaped me as a child. It taught the importance of generosity, perseverance, humility, work ethic, morals, priorities, love, family, and a sense of humor!
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, a organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
GCal or it didn't happen.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It's not as bad as you think it is. And you will never regret being kind over being right.
How do you enjoy your free time?
Reading, shopping with my daughters, community theater, singing with a non-profit organization that raises funds for cancer research through performance.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I got my first tattoo (of a phoenix) at age 43.
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