Earning degrees in Journalism and American Studies, Maxie McCoy is a writer and speaker obsessed with giving women the tools they need to believe in themselves. Maxie’s continued commitment to the global rise of women shines through in her writing, including her weekly inspirational blog posts on her website and book “You’re Not Lost: An Inspired Action Plan for Finding Your Own Way” which was recently published by TarcherPerigee of Penguin Random House. Working with top brands, conferences, and companies, Maxie also specializes in creating meaningful experiences that provide practical action in workshop and group formats. Maxine’s work as an expert in women’s leadership has been featured on Good Morning America, Forbes, Business Insider, and several other media outlets.
What are you most passionate about in your work?
MM: The global rise of women. It’s why I’m on this earth. Every day is just a question of how I can better use the talents and skill that I’ve been given, and the creativity that energizes me, to continue to encourage women to use their own voices and leadership to do the same. Gender equality benefits everybody.
What about your Lehigh experience sparked your interest in what you do now?
MM: I had a trifecta of experiences at Lehigh that initiated the specific path that I’m currently on. First, Lehigh was where I fell in love with writing. I’ll never forget taking Charlie Butler’s magazine writing class and having this moment while we were editing one of our assignments that it all just clicked. I remember thinking “I f—ing love this.” Lehigh was also the place I first honed my voice and inspiration while writing my column The Real McCoy for the Brown & White, which was a highlight of my journalism degree. Married with my personal interest in women’s studies and participating in The Vagina Monologues, these interests were all early indicators of what was next. Lehigh absolutely laid the foundation for everything I’d go on to do after.
What advice do you have for current students who are interested in your field?
MM: Whether someone wants to write a book, launch a business, or work in media (all of which I’m doing!), the answer is simple: just keep creating based on what gives you energy. None of us have this path all figured out, and no one is able to predict where it all ends up. I couldn’t have seen this specific career path in a million years, but looking back, it all makes so much sense. I’ve always been energized by these things, and I’ve been doing them all along. What sets people apart from setting their dreams and realizing them is the capacity we have to keep creating in the face of uncertainty. The path opens up as we step, not before it.
Do you have a role model or idol that you try to emulate? What is the greatest lesson you learned from that person?
MM: I have a treasure chest of women that have deeply impacted me and made this career path possible. I simply wouldn’t be here without them – the mentors who’ve accomplished more than I could ever dream of, the peer mentors that are hand-in-hand with me in this hustle, and the girl gang of best friends (from Lehigh!) that inspire me regularly. There’s something in each of them that makes me want to be a better person and continue creating things that matter. But most of all, each of them is so wildly themselves which is the lesson I’m always trying to put into action — be the most of me. To be the highest possible expression of myself, always.
BONUS QUESTION
If you couldn’t work in your current profession, what area would you work in?
MM: I’d 100% open up a flower shop! Ha! There’s just nothing I love more than fresh flowers, (attempting) to make beautiful bouquets, and the joy that fresh flowers brings us all.