Ep. 44 – Up and Down I-85: A Young Leader’s Journey Through Local Government (with Megan Keul)

In this Jentry Future Leaders episode, host Jonathan Mason sits down with Megan Keul, a rising leader whose local government career has taken her up and down the I-85 corridor — from North Carolina to South Carolina and back again.

Megan shares how she stumbled into public service through an internship, discovering a field she never expected to love. Along the way, she found mentors, colleagues, and an entire professional family that shaped her leadership journey. She breaks down the realities of community engagement, the power of showing up authentically, and why young people belong in local government just as much as anyone else.
With humor, clarity, and a refreshing honesty about what it takes to grow in the field, Megan offers the kind of insight that every emerging leader wishes they had earlier in their career.

Takeaways
Your Path Doesn’t Have to Be Straight: Megan didn’t plan on working in government — but saying yes to an internship opened doors she didn’t know existed. Don’t underestimate unexpected opportunities.

Find Your People: She stresses the importance of building a “professional family,” the mentors and colleagues who support your growth, challenge you, and guide you through tough seasons.

Government Isn’t Slow — It’s Thorough: Megan reframes a common misconception: local government moves carefully, not aimlessly. Decisions impact thousands of people, and that requires intention.

Young Leaders Belong Here: She emphasizes that your age says nothing about your value. If you show up ready to learn, collaborate, and serve, you deserve a seat at the table.

Meet People Where They Are: Whether in communications or community engagement, Megan believes government works best when it listens first and speaks in ways people can actually understand.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and introduction
01:12 Megan’s journey along the I-85 corridor
03:44 Internships, unexpected opportunities, and starting in government
06:58 Building a professional family and finding mentors
10:25 Why government feels “slow” — and what’s actually happening
13:57 Community engagement and meeting people where they are
17:22 The confidence to speak, lead, and take up space
20:41 Young people in government: belonging, barriers, and breakthroughs
23:58 Advice for early-career public servants
26:35 Final reflections and looking ahead

Keywords
Megan Keul, Jentry Future Leaders, local government, I-85 corridor, community engagement, public service, early-career leaders, mentorship, civic leadership, communications, North Carolina, South Carolina, professional growth, young leaders