Megan is a Research Fellow at King’s College London focussing on research in gastrointestinal health, including pre- and probiotics and the low FODMAP diet. She is an internationally renowned gut health specialist and has vast previous experience as a clinical dietitian, sports nutritionist and consultant dietitian for industry. In 2017, Megan set up ‘The Gut Health Doctor’ social media (Instagram account and website) with the aim of translating evidence-based science to the public and improve gut health. Last year, Megan also founded The Gut Health Clinic in Harley Street, published her first book and released a good- for-your-gut granola. In January 2020, Megan was awarded the ‘Young Australian Achiever of the Year in the UK’ award.

 

What is the favourite activity you remember from doing the ENLP?

I loved the outdoor team activity and the challenge of being in an unfamiliar environment, with the stress of time limitations and latter reflecting on peoples’ natural tendency to play different roles within the team. I found the instinct-based reactions so insightful.

What did you find most challenging from the ENLP?

The limited sleep we were getting. You are only getting about 4 hours of sleep per night, adrenaline is your fuel! Less sleep also means your patience threshold is lower. On a personal level- it was interesting to see how my decision making and leadership skills were negatively impacted.

What is the main leadership skill you learnt from attending the ENLP?

Being aware of different peoples’ roles within a team and how your leadership style can influence your team’s productivity. For example, some people might find certain leadership styles intimidating, so if you are leading they may be less inclined to engage and speak up. As a leader, if you are conscious of your style and its impact on others, you can adapt where appropriate so that individuals are more open to sharing their ideas with you and the rest of the team.

What have you done since you completed the ENLP? What are you doing now?

I have moved more into public engagement, outside of my role at King’s College. There have been many ups and downs, blood, sweat and tears, but overall I have really enjoyed finding my own path in translating the science into more digestible messages for the general public.

How did the ENLP contribute to where you are now?

ENLP played a pivotal role in my career making decisions. The programme made you consciously think about where you wanted your career to head and how to get there. Usually we don’t take that time out to think about “Well, if I continue doing what I’m doing, where am I going to end up?”. The ENLP Essentials Programme gave me the opportunity to critically review career options, outside the academia Post Doc route, including food industry and public engagement via social media.

How do you use the skills you gained during the ENLP on a day-to-day basis?

I apply these skills not only when I’m interacting with members of staff and PhD students in academia, but also when I’m working in food industry. I make a conscious effort to stop and think about the different communication styles of people I work with.

How does being a member of the ENLP network continue to help you?

It’s great for networking. For example, when I go to conferences I really enjoy meeting up with other colleagues and hearing about what they are doing. It’s also helpful to have contacts outside of my inner network in different areas of nutrition, from academia to industry.

What do you envisage your career path to be? How do you envisage taking part in the ENLP helping you with your career aspirations?

I hope to continue to strengthen my work across research, industry and public engagement. Taking part in the ENLP Essentials Programme has helped me to have the confidence and the know-how to make new connections and collaborators outside of the standard academic career progression pathway.

What advice would you give to those considering participating in ENLP programmes?

Definitely do it- it is one of the best things that you can do for your career! Be really open to all of the experiences- go with an open mind.

Who is your nutrition and/or leadership inspiration and why?

One person would be Dr. Maree Ferguson who is also a dietitian, and gave me my first job as a new graduate. Maree was previously the head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Australia, but decided to leave her senior position to start her own business called Dietitian Connection in 2012. Although she had an important, well-paid and ‘comfortable’ job, she chose to take the risk to do something different!

 

Interview conducted and edited by Fiona Malcomson