Megan Barry

Megan Barry is a leader, advocate, and former mayor who has navigated profound personal and professional challenges with resilience and grace. As the first woman to serve as Mayor of Nashville (2015–2018), she led one of America’s fastest-growing cities through a period of rapid growth and transformation, championing policies focused on infrastructure and economic development.  

Barry’s leadership was tested in ways few can imagine. After experiencing both public scandal and personal tragedy, she was forced to rebuild her life and career from the ground up. Through it all, she has emerged as a powerful voice on resilience, redemption, and the courage to start over. With honesty and authenticity, she shares hard-earned lessons about overcoming adversity, leading with integrity, and finding purpose after loss.  

Today, Barry continues to inspire audiences by speaking candidly about navigating setbacks, the power of second chances, and how to rebuild—both as individuals and as communities. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and the unshakable belief that even after life’s hardest moments, we can rise again.
She has an MBA from Vanderbilt, experience as a corporate executive and public servant, and she is the author of the USA Today Bestseller, “It’s What You Do Next.”

Resilience & Reinvention – Transform setbacks into powerful new beginnings.
Women in Leadership – Break barriers, own your voice, and lead with confidence.

Megan’s ability to connect with audiences makes her a sought-after speaker. She is insightful, engaging, and deeply authentic, offering real-world lessons on leadership, resilience, and reinvention. Her story isn’t just one of success—it’s one of strength, self-awareness, and the power of owning your path forward.

Bring Megan’s powerful insights to your event. Book her today and give your audience the tools to lead with resilience and confidence.