10 Questions with ... Meredith Leatherwood

1. If you could summarize your career journey into one word what would that word be and why?

Surprising. I don’t know if you would have asked me in college if I ever knew that I would get to work in such a great industry, with such great artists and radio friends. It has been a fun journey from the start and looking back now 20 years in, I wouldn’t change any of it.

2. Share a challenging part of your career that you grew from.

When Radio & Records (R&R) shut their doors in 2009, I had been there for 5 years and really wanted to continue working in sales. However, Dan Michaels extended an invitation for me to come to the label (INO Records at the time) and do radio promotion. I was hesitant at first, only because it was unknown to me. However, I’m so grateful I took that step and learned something new. It opened up a whole new adventure and ended up being something that I absolutely love.

3. Some really good advice you recently received was…

Life is about juggling balls. Some balls are glass and others are plastic. Its ok to drop the plastic ones, but keep the glass ones in the air!

Explanation: In other words, life is incredibly busy and there are many things that will compete for your attention. Its ok (and I think women need to feel free in this) to not be perfect and have it all together on every front. Sometimes the plastic balls may mean your laundry isn’t all folded, or your home or birthday party for your child doesn’t look like Pinterest. It may mean having to say no to being all things to all people and being a part of everything you wish to. But hopefully that allows you to keep the glass balls that you juggle – your faith, your family, your career - up in the air. If you need to drop something, drop the plastic ball.

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

The biggest way I try to continue to grow and learn is by staying in the Word. When Scripture says it is living and active, I feel that truth in my core. When I’m in the Word, God is able to challenge/inspire me, stretch me, convict me, and lead me. When I don’t make time for that, I tend to become inward focused and purposeless.

5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about your job when you first started?

How much I would love it. I think there is an anxiety when you come out of college that you might not love what you do and you may feel stuck. I genuinely LOVE what I get to do each week. Most days it doesn’t even feel like work. I also wish someone would have told me that the Nashville real estate market was going to go crazy. I would have gathered all my pennies and bought as much property as I could 20 years ago! :)

6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

My mom. Honestly, she does the things that no one sees simply because her faith in Christ is tangible and real. She runs errands for older folks in the nursing home who have no one to care for them. She invites people over to play cards and have dessert who have no family. Our Christmas Eve table growing up was always full of anyone she knew that had no one to celebrate with. She takes the time for people who are missed, or looked over in life. Simply put, she is just a caretaker at heart and is so selfless in her day-to-day life. HENCE, WHY I LOVE WHEN SHE COMES TO MY HOUSE 😊 Its like inviting Mrs. Doubtfire to stay for a week. Dinner is ready, your closets are organized, homework is done, and my sock basket is all paired up. Im working on trying to get my parents to move to Nashville.

7. What would surprise most people to find out about you?

I am the BIGGEST book nerd. In my alternate universe, I would love to write historical fiction. I am passionate about reading about WWII and also the 1900s era in our country. The Underground Railroad was the start of my fascination with historical fiction when I was young. I was obsessed with reading about Harriet Tubman because I think I was just in total awe of how brave and fearless she was.

Also IM AN INTROVERT. I love people so much, but I actually get a lot of my energy from just being alone and recharging. I’d choose home any day of the week over ever going out. I love when plans cancel. My happiest place is on my couch with a book.

8. What's your favorite room at home and why?

MY BED!!!!! Its so soft and cozy. :)

9. What’s something that you’re looking forward to?

I turn 40 in April! I realize most people don’t talk about turning 40 – but I’m excited. I don’t want to take one ounce of my life for granted. I love my career. I love my husband (we are celebrating 10 years next month!), and having 3 kids who are healthy and growing feels like more than we ever deserved. Trying not to blink or miss any of it. Just truly thankful.

10. What do you do to chill out?

Let’s be honest – if I'm not reading, you will find me at TJ MAXX. The BEST retail therapy.