And then came “the call.” In mid 2003 she called me and said “Frank I’m moving to D.C. and I am going to work two days a week for ABC and three days a week for Jones Day.” Wow.  It was all happening fast and someone had to issue a stop order, So I subpoenaed her to lunch at Kiki’s Bistro. Now Megyn’s a wee bit Irish, and a talker and once she’s on a roll you should alert the media. But now she is the media. 

            So three days before lunch I thought what do you get her to celebrate the event. Well champagne, of course.  But something special. No I am not going to Manolo or Then it hit me ❏ woman ❏ lawyer ❏ broadcasting ❏ movies.  I ordered every DVD I could find about women in broadcasting from Broadcast News to Network to many more. For you guys reading along pay careful attention: Creativity trumps everything but jewelry. 

            We had a riotous lunch and I learned everything I could about this career.  And dammit all if she didn’t grab the check (and yes, Megyn, this I checked  Quickbooks – either we absconded from Kiki’s or you grabbed it).

            I knew a star had been taken from the Jones Day galaxy and it would be given to a grateful nation (on screen).  After a short stint at the ABC in Washington DC she was snared by Fox Network to be their legal reporter backing up Greta Van Sustern.   Within a year she had taken the network by storm, was handling weekend shows and other special assignments.  In another year she became the co-anchor of their very successful morning news show.

            Megyn is an exceptional lawyer - it would be very hard for me to identify someone more marked for greatness in the profession.  She has all the qualities - brilliant, quick, hard working, optimistic, clients loved her - and she had friends all over the Jones Day nation.  I doubt if there was ever anyone more likely to become a partner. 

            But she’s taken all of this to Fox - where it’s been incredible to watch her immerse herself in the rather complex and demanding world of network news.   She’s done it quickly, with grace, and charm.  Keep your eye on MK - because this one is marked for greatness.

            I am truly honored to be her friend. But what’s inspiring to me? Well in 2003 we celebrated her move to broadcasting.  In 2008 we attended her wedding in New York.  But in 2007 she gave me some of the best professional advice I’ve ever received. 

            You see it was Megyn with whom I first discuss the concept of Excellence Is Everywhere.  She’s not one of those inveterate back slappers who says “great” to everything.  She gave me exceptional advice at a time when I need someone to drop kick my Wolverine ass and get this concept started.

MORE EXCELLENCE NEXT WEEK!