The Power of "Pay Yourself First": Meg Carlson's Guide to Building a Million-Dollar Balance Sheet

What would you do if your financial advisor told you that you were "set for life" at age 43? In this episode of Women's Million Dollar Conversations, Alice Tang sits down with Meg Carlson, founder of Uproar Capital and a former global Vice President for Heinz. Meg shares the incredible story of discovering that 17 years of hard work and yearly stock grants had accumulated into a $7 million windfall. Meg discusses the freedom that comes with financial security, allowing her to take a two-year sabbatical to connect with her children before launching her second act in M&A and startup leadership. Whether you are navigating the corporate ladder or building your own brand, Meg's insights on "owning your power" and building your balance sheet are masterclasses in strategic wealth. In this episode, you'll learn: -The mechanics of long-term compensation: How stock options can build hidden wealth. -How to overcome "Imposter Syndrome" by taking back your power and owning your true self. -Meg's #1 financial rule: Why you must build your balance sheet, not just your income statement. -The importance of aligning your talent with an organization that truly values what you bring. Key Moments: 01:05 – Meg's 40-year journey: From corporate executive to Uproar Capital founder. 02:22 – The $7M Revelation: Realizing the value of 17 years of stock options. 04:55 – Permission to pause: Taking a two-year sabbatical to be with family. 06:15 – Being the "only skirt in the room": Facing biases as a global VP. 07:45 – Taking power back: Overcoming internal imposter syndrome with therapy. 09:10 – Be Yourself: Advice on surrounding yourself with supporters, not naysayers. 13:15 – The Startup Struggle: Why Meg put her own money into Melt Organic. 16:05 – The "Millionaire Next Door" Advice: Pay yourself first and avoid depreciating debt.