Uncopyable Women in Business
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Calling all women in business: It's your turn to WIN. Don't be like everyone else - that's boring! Separate yourself from the pack by creating an advantage that's not only unique, it's UNCOPYABLE. Whether your definition of success is making more money or changing the world, you're guaranteed a healthy dose of inspiration, plus specific strategies and action steps you can use to achieve your biggest goals. Join me as I interview amazing women who have risen to the top - including sales superstars, wildly successful business owners, and CEOs. Many have overcome daunting obstacles - and they're here to tell you that you can do it too. Join me as my guests and I share our own secrets to success, in 30-minute conversations that are casual, fun, funny...and short.
About me: I'm a speaker, consultant, trainer, and the co-author (with my husband Steve Miller) of the new book, "Uncopyable You - Create a personal brand that gets people to Know You, Like You, Trust You and Remember You." I'm also the author of "Uncopyable Sales Secrets – How to Create an Unfair Advantage and Outsell the Competition." During my outside sales career I was named Walker Exhaust's National Salesperson of the Year, earning the nickname "Muffler Mama." In the last 37 years, Steve and I have built a 7 figure family business, and developed the powerful "Uncopyable" framework.
(Podcast formerly Uncopyable Women in Sales)
Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/millerkay
Contact me: kay@uncopyablesales.com
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Uncopyable Women in Business
Episode 132 | From Intern to CEO: Success in the Manufacturing Industry - Megan Tanel
In this episode of Uncopyable Women in Business, I sit down with Megan Tanel, President and CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Megan has an incredible story—she started as an intern and worked her way up to the top, proving that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about relationships, strategy, and showing up as your authentic self.
We talk about what it’s really like to lead in a male-dominated industry, the moments that tested her resilience, and how she’s learned to balance work and family without losing sight of what matters most. Megan also shares why mentorship is a game-changer and how women can assert their value in any industry.
If you’ve ever questioned your leadership potential or struggled with self-doubt, Megan’s insights will hit home. She’s got a refreshingly practical take on career growth, building strong teams, and making an impact—not by trying to fit in, but by standing out in the right ways.
About Megan Tanel:
Megan Tanel is the President & CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), leading strategic growth and advocacy for the industry. Since joining AEM in 1995, she has driven major initiatives, including an 80% increase in trade show revenue during her tenure as SVP of Exhibitions.
A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Megan fosters a collaborative leadership style and promotes an environment where professionals can bring their authentic selves to work. She has traveled globally to strengthen industry relationships and was named Vice-Chair of a key industry initiative in 2022.
Her expertise in leadership, industry innovation, and inclusive workplaces makes her an ideal guest for Uncopyable Women in Business!
Reach Megan:
Check out Kay's Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series: https://www.beuncopyable.com/sales-course
Want to be more successful, make more sales and grow your business? If so, you'll love this podcast. In this show, I (Kay Miller, aka "Muffler Mama," interview superstar business women from all industries. Their experience and advice will give you specific tools you can use to crush your goals like those grapes in my favorite "I love Lucy" episode. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama" when sold more automotive mufflers than anyone in the world. Besides being a #1 Salesperson, I've been a successful entrepreneur for over 30 years. During that time, I (along with my husband, Steve) have generated 8 figures in revenue for our business. Besides hosting this podcast, I'm an author, speaker, coach, consultant and most importantly....Kelly's mom.
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Uncopyable Sales Secrets (Book by Kay Miller)
Uncopyable You (Book co-authored with Steve Miller)
Sign up for The Uncopyable Sales Secrets Video Series (Video Series by Kay Miller)
Contact:
kay@beuncopyable.com...
Kay Miller 00:00:00
Welcome to Uncopyable Women in Business. I'm your host, Kay Miller, also known as Muffler Mama. Stay tuned as I, along with my guests, give you marketing, sales, and personal branding strategies that will give you an unstoppable advantage. In this episode, I'm with Megan Tanel. Megan is the President and CEO of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Also called AEM since that's a mouthful. She started this role in 2022. She's been with AEM since 1995 and believe it or not, started as an intern then. She was recently Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Events. And in that capacity, she led initiatives that resulted in an 80% growth in trade show revenue over the last 12 years. Megan, welcome to the podcast.
Megan Tanel 00:01:01
Thank you so much. Happy to be here.
Kay Miller 00:01:03
Now, I've known you for many years, mostly through Steve’s work. It’s been fun to watch your career really grow. I wanted to mention that when we talk about CONEXPO, it is North America's largest trade show.
Kay Miller 00:01:20
And again, you've grown that revenue 80% with help from your team, obviously. And that's just really fascinating because one thing that interests me, as someone from a male-dominated industry, is what that’s been like. So I’d love to start out, Megan, with just talking a little bit about your path from intern to CEO. That sounds like a great title. That'll be a title on my podcast.
Megan Tanel 00:01:48
Someday we’ll co-write a book together—From Intern to CEO. Yeah, I feel extremely lucky for the path I’ve been on. I think a lot of what I do and how I do it comes from my personality. I’m a people person. I really enjoy talking to people, listening to people, and building relationships.
I think early on, I received some significant mentoring. I was told, "Just pick up the phone and talk to someone." This was before cell phones were everywhere, and the value of real conversations was emphasized. Instead of relying solely on emails or texts, I focused on building connections, finding areas of mutual benefit, and negotiating in a way that led to collaborative success.
Kay Miller 00:04:12
I love what you said about finding solutions that benefit both parties. In sales, we often get so focused on what we have to offer that we forget to truly focus on the customer or partner. You talked about building a vision together, but also standing up for yourself. It’s about ensuring both sides win. I actually have a chapter in my book called Win-Win, because if you make the win clear to the other party while also advocating for yourself, you create stronger, lasting relationships.
Megan Tanel 00:05:24
Absolutely. For me, authenticity is key. Being open, honest, and strategic helps in building long-term success. When you have a strategy, you also need to plan for different scenarios. Visioning the end goal is important, but you also have to be adaptable—like those "choose your own adventure" books. You set your sights on growth, but along the way, you build relationships, gain trust, and create value.
Kay Miller 00:06:06
Oh, I love that—"Choose your own adventure." It’s such a great way to think about career growth and leadership.
Megan Tanel 00:06:09
Right? And in growing something like CONEXPO, it was about finding the right partners, casting a wide net, and not being afraid to ask. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. So you build relationships, get to know people, and build trust. Growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a long-term process.
Kay Miller 00:11:24
You talked about balance earlier, and I want to highlight that you have four daughters. I remember Steve saying, "Megan’s pregnant again!" How did you manage balancing work and family life, especially in a demanding role?
Megan Tanel 00:12:06
Everyone has their own way of making things work. For me, I see work as part of my life, not something separate that needs "balancing." I was fortunate that when my career took off, my husband was able to stay home with the kids. We made choices—kept the same minivan, stayed in the same house—so we could prioritize what mattered to us.
I also never felt like I had to hide that I was a mom. Some women before me felt they had to prove they could do everything without letting motherhood "interfere." But I believed in being open about my responsibilities without making them an excuse. I took calls on the way home, left meetings when needed, and made it work without feeling like I had to justify it.
Kay Miller 00:17:19
I love how authentic you are. Some women feel like they have to keep their personal life separate, but you don’t. Has that always been part of your personality?
Megan Tanel 00:17:32
I think it comes from how I was raised. My parents instilled in me that I belong, that I am enough, and that I shouldn’t sell myself short. That confidence has helped me walk into rooms full of executives without feeling intimidated. I believe that no matter who you are, you bring value to the table.
Kay Miller 00:23:34
As we wrap up, what advice do you have for women in business, especially those in male-dominated industries?
Megan Tanel 00:23:59
Raise your hand. Volunteer. Take on new challenges. Don’t wait for opportunities—ask for them. And if the answer is no, don’t let it discourage you. Ask what you can improve on and look for the next opportunity. Growth happens when you step forward and make yourself visible.
Kay Miller 00:24:39
I love that—being okay with hearing "no" because it means you’re pushing boundaries. Megan, I truly appreciate you being here and sharing your insights. You are such an inspiration, and I know our listeners will take so much from this conversation.
Megan Tanel 00:25:36
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure.
Kay Miller 00:25:39
Thanks for listening to this episode of Uncopyable Women in Business! See you next time, and always remember to be unstoppable.