Hello and welcome to Between Two Dots, hosted by Hafiz Mitha and Gilbert Bong. Maeghen Cotterill joins the guys in today’s episode to discuss her work as a martial arts competitor and instructor and entrepreneur. As a lifelong martial artist with Black Belts in multiple disciplines and 11 Gold Medals in Kickboxing and Sport Karate, Maeghan is no stranger to extremely hard work. She has dedicated her life to helping martial artists of all backgrounds to hone their skills and spirit and achieve their goals by owning and operating 5 Elements Martial Arts, the largest martial arts school in Canada, serving as the World Kickboxing and Karate Union Team Canada President, and coaching Team Canada athletes since 2005. In addition to her work in the gym, Maeghan serves as a Board Member for Pace Kids, Ambassador for Fast and Female, and Board Memeber for the fundraising gala committee for the Canadian Cancer Society. Her work and philanthropy efforts earned her the Agent of Change Award for Green Sparrow Care and a placing in Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2016.
“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”
Episode Highlights:
[0:57] Gilbert introduces Maeghen, and she tells us why the lyrics from Darius Rucker’s “If” are on the wall in her bedroom.
[4:55] Maeghen tells us how being a “gangly, uncoordinated kid” who was being bullied every morning at the bus stop led her to join a martial arts gym at eight years old.
[8:49] “Karate was the hardest thing I’d ever done. I wasn’t good at it.” Maeghen walks us through her journey through adolescence as a martial arts practitioner.
[16:02] Gilbert and Maeghen reflect on the benefits they have gained as adults from training in martial arts when they were kids.
[17:29] “It has been one of the most painful and rewarding things that I’ve done in my life.” Maeghen marvels at the challenges and triumphs that she faced when starting her own business (at nineteen years old!).
[20:55] We learn how in the world Maeghen manages to keep herself healthy in mind and body with such a challenging lifestyle. “One of my non-negotiables is remembering why I do what I do.”
[27:27] Maeghen shares what advice she would give to her younger self.
[30:18] We hear how pushing herself and helping others, especially female business owners, drives Maeghan every day.
[32:16] “I really want to pursue those things and find that balance so that I feel like a whole person.” Maeghen discusses how she balances being a mom and all of the professional and philanthopic projects that she is involved in.
[38:00] “Honestly, laughing with a friend for a night over a glass of Prosecco can cure a lot.” Maeghen shares how she deals with painful and challenging moments.
[42:31] Maeghen explores what she believes her purpose to be.
[50:00] We learn how Maeghen digging into her spirituality has developed a deeper perspective on herself and the world around her.
[55:00] “I look up to a lot of people!” Maeghen honors her role models.
[57:46] Maeghen lists the long list of wonderful projects that she is working on right now, and how you can support them
Connect with Meaghen and support her work:
WKU Canada and 5 Elements
www.5elementscalgary.com
www.wkucanada.com
IG: @wkucanada
IG: @5elementsMA
STAND
https://standasa.com/
IG: @stand.asa
PaceKIDS
https://pacekids.ca/
IG: @pacekids
Calgary Police Foundation
https://yycyouthfoundation.ca/
Fast & Female @fastandfemale
https://fastandfemale.com/
Trellis
www.growwithtrellis.ca
IG: @trellisyyc
Personal
IG: @ninjagirlmma