Welcome Back Spotlight: Megan Manning
From Departure to Return: Why This Senior Director Came Back to Help Build A&M’s Future
After 10 years at Alvarez & Marsal, Megan Manning left to take on a new challenge leading corporate M&A transactions in- house. But when an opportunity arose to return and help build the next chapter of A&M's learning strategy, the decision felt like a natural one.
Today, Megan serves as a Senior Director in the Global People Organization (GPO), focused on Learning Optimization. In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey back to the firm, what has changed since she left, and why she is excited to help shape A&M's continued growth.
Same Firm, New Chapter
You spent 10 years at A&M before leaving. When former colleagues reached out to bring you back, what made you say yes?
I worked with some of my favorite people in my career during my first chapter at A&M, many of whom are now in GPO Learning. When they reached out, I had three questions: Is the work interesting and challenging? Who will I get to work with? And is the team helping push A&M forward strategically while improving the employee experience? Once I had those answers, it was an easy decision.
The GPO was not around during your first chapter at A&M. What was it like returning to see that evolution and the role it now plays across the firm?
Seeing the GPO in place was one of the main reasons I came back. It gives the firm one consistent and scalable way to support our people and business. It frees us from routine tasks and creates space to focus on strategic differentiators. I strongly believe it will continue to drive the organization's success in the years ahead.
A Different Kind of Value Creation
You spent much of your career advising clients through complex M&A situations. How has that experience shaped your approach to Learning and Development?
Change and its impact on employees is at the heart of every M&A transaction. Much of my previous work focused on how a deal would affect a group or individual and how to make that transition easier. In my Learning Optimization role, I apply that same lens, building the systems that prepare our practitioners for what's ahead in their careers.
How do you bring that team-oriented spirit into your work now?
My current role follows the same principle. I am working toward the firm-wide rollout of our Learning Management Technology, bringing global teams together into one infrastructure. We’re using technology to help build world-class consultants, and AI is making that more possible than ever.
Turning Complexity into Opportunity
Looking back, what impact have your mentors and professional connections at A&M had on your career?
My A&M mentors have been trusted advisors throughout my career. They give me space to grow, encourage me to do more, and are willing to have a straight conversation when I ask, "is this the right move?" They are role models for the type of leader I want to be.
Marathon runner, classical musician, mom of two. How does life outside work shape the leader you are?
Life is hectic, but I get more focused with age. Time is limited, so it is important to jump in, get things done, and carve out time for the things you love, both in and out of work.
