The Power of Intrapreneurship: Growth, Impact, and Staying Rooted

Written By Deanna Belleny
 
 

In this episode, Morgan McGhee shares her journey as a school nutrition leader and dietitian, offering a powerful perspective on intrapreneurship—growing within your organization to build skills, lead change, and create impact. She highlights the role of self-reflection, community, and equity in professional development, while also exploring how to leverage internal opportunities for financial growth. We dive into career advancement, storytelling, facilitation, and collective power, all while centering joy, culture, and authenticity. Tune in for a fresh take on leadership, innovation, and how to thrive in your 9-to-5.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • [00:00–02:00] Welcome + Introduction

    • Deanna welcomes Morgan McGhee, Director of School Nutrition Leadership at FoodCorps.

  • [02:00–04:30] Morgan’s Dietetics Journey

    • 12 years in the field.

    • Early inspiration from public health nutrition and working in schools.

    • Strong emphasis on combining values with innovation in school food programs.

  • [04:30–06:30] Why School Nutrition?

    • Highlights the multifaceted nature: policy, partnerships, public health.

    • Schools as powerful venues for community and health interventions.

  • [06:30–08:00] Obama Leaders USA Program

    • Morgan was the only dietitian in the cohort.

    • Experience contributed to leadership and cross-sector collaboration skills.

  • [08:00–10:00] What is Intrapreneurship?

    • Defined as growing within your role/org, using the job as a lab for innovation and testing.

    • Importance of understanding org culture for success.

  • [10:00–12:00] Pros & Cons of Intrapreneurship

    • Pros: Built-in resources, support, funding, audience.

    • Cons: Dependent on funding, politics, and institutional priorities.

  • [12:00–14:00] Morgan’s Personal Balance

    • Doesn’t side-hustle often – prioritizes dance as a creative outlet.

    • Advocates for honest self-reflection about goals and values.

  • [14:00–17:30] Real-World Examples of Intrapreneurship

    • Leading a Black staff ERG at FoodCorps.

    • Leveraging coaching and bringing in outside facilitators (e.g., Hood Herbalism).

    • Building leadership programs for school food professionals.

  • [17:30–20:00] Collective Ownership vs. Individual Glory

    • Emphasis on collective impact, not personal credit.

    • Intrapreneurship as a form of ancestral practice and community uplift.

  • [20:00–23:00] Financial Growth through Intrapreneurship

    • Skills like facilitation and training (e.g., Toastmasters, ICN certification) have brought side income.

    • Building transferable skills while staying employed full-time.

  • [23:00–26:00] Skill Highlights

    • Public speaking, program design with an equity lens, facilitation.

    • Cultural humility and participatory approaches in public health.

  • [26:00–30:00] How to Get Started with Intrapreneurship

    • Self-reflection: Where do you want to grow?

    • Gather data (job descriptions, org needs, etc.).

    • Get buy-in from decision-makers and pitch well-thought-out ideas.

  • [30:00–34:00] Strategic Relationship-Building

    • Know who holds power in your org and how to build allies.

    • Use mentorship and community to develop your vision.

  • [34:00–37:00] Envisioning Intrapreneurship in Dietetics

    • Employers must invest in growth opportunities.

    • Example: Morgan’s supervisor supports staff-led trauma-informed cafeteria initiatives.

Resources & Links:

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Deanna Belleny
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