If there’s one thing that gets overlooked in entrepreneurship, it’s resilience. And I don’t mean the fluffy kind where people tell you to just “keep going.” I’m talking about the real grit—the kind that comes from facing tough situations head-on and finding ways to keep standing. That’s exactly what my guest, Dr. Melissa Steach, embodies. She’s someone who grew up fighting her way out of tough circumstances and eventually found herself succeeding in spaces that would make most of us turn around.
In our conversation, Melissa shared how her journey—from growing up in the housing projects of Alabama to becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist and coach—has been a constant balance of surviving, thriving, and staying true to herself. But more than just her personal victories, Melissa opened up about the lessons she’s learned along the way that any entrepreneur, or really anyone, can relate to.
Resilience: It’s Not Just for Show
One of the things that really stuck with me from Melissa’s story is how she turned her rough beginnings into a fuel source for her life. Growing up in a neighborhood where she had to physically fight every day, Melissa quickly learned that she had two options—keep fighting or find a new way to survive. She eventually chose the latter, discovering that words could be just as powerful as fists. That’s where her journey with communication and resilience began.
And just like in life, business will throw punches. Melissa faced her own when she was laid off from a corporate job she never quite fit into. For most people, that could have been the end of the road. But for Melissa, it was just the start.
“Thanks for the startup money,” she joked about her severance package, which she used to launch her coaching and consulting business. That’s the resilience we’re talking about—the ability to take what life hands you and use it to build something better.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Adversity builds resilience: Whether it’s growing up in tough conditions or losing a job, the challenges you face shape your ability to keep pushing forward.
- Use setbacks as stepping stones: Melissa didn’t let her layoff define her; she used it as a springboard for starting her business.
- Stay grounded in your journey: Success doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path as everyone else. Melissa stayed true to her unique path, which has made her more successful in the long run.
Scaling Doesn’t Mean Losing Yourself
One of the real struggles Melissa opened up about was how to grow her business while staying authentic. You see it all the time—entrepreneurs feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. But Melissa didn’t want to be another coach offering generic mastermind groups with empty promises of “seven-figure success.” She wanted to create something real, something meaningful.
“I’m not going to do the ‘me too’ thing,” she said, referring to the temptation to follow trends. Instead, she’s focused on building small, intimate mastermind groups that reflect who she is and what she values. For her, it’s not about selling the dream; it’s about delivering genuine value and helping people grow in a way that resonates with them.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Grow at your own pace: It’s easy to get caught up in the race to scale, but Melissa’s approach reminds us to take a step back and grow in a way that feels right.
- Build something real: Don’t fall into the trap of following trends if they don’t align with who you are. Create value in a way that’s authentic to you.
- Authenticity resonates: People connect with what’s real. When you stay true to yourself, it shows, and that’s what draws people in.
Reflections from the Interview
If there’s one thing that stuck with me after our conversation, it’s how important it is to stay connected to your purpose. Melissa’s journey is all about staying grounded in who she is, no matter what life throws her way. She could have taken the easy road, followed the trends, or even stayed in a corporate job that wasn’t a fit for her. But she chose to carve her own path instead, and that’s what makes her story so compelling.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Fear is a constant companion, but it doesn’t control the outcome. Melissa faced her fears head-on and turned them into opportunities.
- Success is personal. For Melissa, success isn’t about the money or the accolades—it’s about staying true to herself and delivering value to her clients.
- Mindset is key. How you approach your challenges will define your journey. Resilience and mindset go hand in hand.
- It’s okay to pivot. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to make a change. Whether it’s your business model or your approach, staying flexible is essential.
- Balance matters. Scaling a business doesn’t have to come at the cost of your personal life. Melissa is proof that you can build something meaningful and still have time for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Melissa’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not always glamorous, and it’s certainly not always easy. But if you stay resilient, grounded in your values, and willing to pivot when necessary, you can build something that’s not only successful but meaningful.
So, wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey, take a page from Melissa’s book: embrace the tough times, stay authentic, and keep moving forward.
If you want to dive deeper into Melissa Steach’s story and learn from her journey firsthand, check out her full episode on the Never Been Promoted podcast: In-Person Mastermind vs. Online Mastermind: Which Works Better? | Melissa Steach
CONNECT WITH DR. MELISSA STEACH:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasteach/
Website:https://www.drsteach.com/