Breaking Barriers and Embracing Growth: Lessons from an Inspiring Journey
On 11th November 2025, Melanie was invited to be a guest speaker at a women in leadership training session hosted by The Evolve Academy.
Melanie’s story was a powerful reminder that growth begins when we challenge our own limitations. She encouraged participants to think beyond the box, embrace continuous learning, and recognise that we are capable of so much more than we often believe.
One of the most impactful messages was about breaking generational cycles. Even if our environment doesn’t reflect the future we envision, we still have choices. We can remain stuck in negativity or take bold steps towards a life that is engaging, productive, and empowering.
Melanie’s career journey, with its variety and adaptability, beautifully illustrated the power of a growth mindset. Each change became a stepping stone, reinforcing that progress often comes through embracing new experiences.
The session left a lasting impression with our future female leaders, her story continued to spark conversations long after it ended. She reminded them that growth is a choice we make every day.
Theme of talk: Embrace the change, it is inevitable. The key takeaways included:
- It’s the journey, not the destination. Where you start doesn’t dictate where you end up.
- Some change can occur with a conscience decision.
- Lean into all your superpowers. They can develop over time.
- Knowing yourself can trump imposter syndrome.
- Be your own advocate.
- Remember… you are allowed to outgrow old versions of yourself.
…it was a great opportunity for them to think outside the box and see that they are capable of so much more. How we can constantly learn new skills, and expand out insights towards growth.
Deb Elliott, Founder & CEO of The Evolve Academy
