Insights from a Serendipitous Meeting with Katie Couric & Miranda McKeon

Beth Cale
Jun 17
2 min read

We are SO fortunate to live in close proximity to New York City; we LOVE being there, and embrace every opportunity to go when we can.

Why? Because Manhattan NEVER fails to surprise and delight us.

This past Monday was no exception. And that is the understatement of the century!

As Thomas Cale and I strolled through Washington Square Park, we ran into Katie Couric and Miranda McKeon, who requested to chat with us about #womenshealth!

Given my career as a writer and publicist - and the frequent dreams of what a path might've looked like had I pursued broadcast journalism - I was not only STARstruck in the presence of one of the luminaries I most admire, but totally AWEstruck as well!

Although we would've LOVED to hang out with Katie and Miranda all day, we enjoyed every moment of the brief conversation with them, and I've been thinking about some of the takeaways (just in case you don't have the privilege of meeting them in person one day yourself!😉)

1. Lead with authenticity.

*Katie and Miranda both embody warmth, joy, sincerity, and a fun-loving nature that made us feel right at home immediately - so much so that we could share from our hearts and laugh out loud within seconds of meeting them. It was a reminder not to hold back. When we are real with people, we give those in our presence freedom to do the same - and THAT'S when human-to-human connections are made!

2. Be CURIOUS!

*As we responded to her questions, Katie was clearly listening actively without making any assumptions; she then asked meaningful follow-ups to put our answers in context of our backgrounds/experiences. Not only did this inquisitiveness give her a deeper understanding of our perspectives, but by being so present and open, she made us feel seen, heard, and valued.... making us WANT to keep sharing!

3. Don't be afraid to offer expertise - and always do so humbly.

*I'll be the first to admit that answering some of Katie's trivia-type questions about women's healthcare was an epic fail for me (pretty embarrassing given my side gig as a certified health and wellness coach!) But she confidently, gently, and lovingly redirected me as needed, removing any risk of me feeling ashamed. Her kind approach to these course-corrections made me want to lean into learning more... and that's a gift that keeps on giving.

4. Own your story - and get out there to use it as a force for GOOD in the world.

*We talked with Katie and Miranda both about the inspiration for their respective efforts to promote women's health. Each of these wonderful women has turned her own adversity into transformative work that will touch the lives of people they may never meet; they left us feeling SO inspired. Just imagine what the world would be like if each of us had that kind of courage, passion, and sense of social responsibility.

Grateful to both of them for the many ways they are illuminating the way for others, and truly hope to bump into them again one day soon!