Meet Meghan Duffy, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalist

Meghan Duffy has dedicated the past fifteen years to mastering creative production, weaving compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Storytelling is intrinsic to her identity, and she revels in transforming ideas into visual experiences.

Her extensive career includes both on-camera roles and behind-the-scenes production across a diverse range of shows. After studying at the University of Winnipeg, Meghan was admitted to the prestigious Creative Communications program, which specializes in broadcast production and journalism. Her journey has taken her through vibrant production hubs in Vancouver, Toronto, and Los Angeles before bringing her back to her roots in Manitoba.

Post-graduation, Meghan immersed herself in both on-air and production roles, contributing to some of Canada’s most renowned programs, including Entertainment Tonight Canada, Dragon’s Den, CTV Morning Live, Winnipeg Direct, and Breakfast Television.

As a journalist, Meghan is passionate about creating true crime concepts and innovatively bringing unscripted stories to life. She is also committed to expanding her scripted slate, working alongside her talented team to introduce bold ideas to the market, leveraging what Manitoba has to offer.

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when… I realized my desire to create a thriving career while raising my children in the place I love. Recognizing that the level of production I aspired to was not yet available locally, I saw entrepreneurship as the key to bringing that high-calibre work to Manitoba. 

Entrepreneurship is made for me because… there’s nothing else I can imagine doing that aligns so perfectly with my passions and skills. This journey has allowed me to channel my creativity, leadership, and vision into building something that not only fulfills me, but also makes a tangible impact on my community. Being an entrepreneur gives me the freedom to innovate, experiment with bold ideas, and see them come to life on screen.

The impact I hope to make through my work is… to contribute to the growth and evolution of the creative and arts sector in Manitoba. I aim to create sustainable jobs and opportunities, ensuring that local talent can thrive without needing to leave Manitoba to pursue their dreams. By developing and producing high-quality films and shows, I want to showcase the unique stories, landscapes, and talents that our region has to offer.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey is… that I am not always right, and that true success comes from surrounding myself with people who have different skill sets and perspectives than I do. I’ve come to understand the importance of diversity — not just in terms of skills and experience, but also in education and cultural background. This is crucial in bringing new ideas, creative solutions, and unique viewpoints to the table, and achieving results that I could never accomplish alone.

My proudest accomplishment is… the incredible team and culture I’ve built. I’ve had the privilege of training, inspiring, and helping many individuals break into the industry here in Manitoba. This determination to build something from the ground up — not just for myself, but for others in my community — is something I am incredibly proud of. However, above all, I am most proud of my family — my three children and the life I’ve been able to build with my husband, Callum. Balancing the demands of a growing business with the responsibilities of raising a family has been challenging, but it has also been deeply rewarding.

The biggest risk I took that paid off was… deciding to stay in Manitoba and build a film and television production company in a place where, almost 15 years ago, it seemed nearly impossible. Through persistence, innovation, and the unwavering belief that Manitoba had untapped potential, I’ve managed to create a successful and thriving business. I am proud to be a successful female business owner from the small town of Fort Whyte, Manitoba.

My biggest setback has been… the loss of my mom to cancer at the age of 65. She was a tremendous support in every aspect of my life — whether it was as a business owner, a mother, or a wife. Her presence was a constant source of comfort and strength, and her absence has left an immeasurable void. Losing her has been devastating, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. However, I understand that loss is a part of life, and navigating through it is a journey that everyone must face, especially as a person, a mom, a wife, and an entrepreneur. Though this experience has set me back emotionally, it has also reminded me of the resilience and strength that my mom instilled in me. 

I overcame it by… I don’t think I’ll ever fully overcome the loss of my mom; it’s a profound change that has reshaped my life in ways I never expected. Rather than trying to move past the sadness, I’ve chosen to channel it into a source of strength and determination. In the wake of her passing, I’ve made it my mission to make each day count, push myself harder, and strive for even greater heights in my personal and professional life. Each day, I try to live up to the values she instilled in me, turning my grief into a powerful motivation to do better, not just for myself, but for my family, my business, and the community she so deeply believed in.

The best advice I’ve received as an entrepreneur was… from Jim Treliving, who said, “Meg, you’re always working so hard; just make sure you take care of yourself first so you can continue to work as hard as you do.” No matter how much I dedicate myself to my work, I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I make it a priority to have the energy not just for my business, but for my family and myself. This balance has been crucial in sustaining the energy and passion I bring to my business every day.

I surprise people when I tell them… I’m from a small farming town in rural Manitoba. People don’t expect someone from such a humble background to be so deeply involved in the entertainment industry. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, with hard work and determination, you can make your mark in any industry.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… that I didn’t grow up with much. My family lived in a small house, and my parents both worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Despite not having a lot, our home was filled with love and creativity, which has shaped who I am today. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and their belief in me has fuelled my drive to succeed.

The future excites me because… I still have much more to accomplish, both in Manitoba and on the world stage in television and film. There are many more shows I want to produce and countless stories I’m eager to share with the world. I’m thrilled by the potential for growth and the new heights I know I can reach. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and I am determined to seize every one of them to continue making an impact in the industry I love.

Keep up with Meghan’s work on Instagram.