Shows
The Bold LoungeMelissa Dawn Simkins: Full-Court Bold- Playing All Out in Life and BusinessSend a textAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, leadership transformation architect and Velvet Suite founder Melissa Dawn Simkins reveals the powerful link between an athletic mindset (discipline, resilience, and teamwork) and leadership excellence, noting that 96% of women executives were former athletes. Melissa discusses her “NOW moment” philosophy, the belief-building power of taking bold action, and the importance of clarity and consistency in personal branding. Her compelling story offers inspiration and guidance for leaders ready to embrace purpose-driven performance and step into their next level with confidence. Abo...
2025-08-1441 min
MeaningFULL Work Podcast with Dr. Nicole Roberts JonesUnlock Your Power: Mastering Personal Branding for Career SuccessAre you ready to stand out in a crowded marketplace and propel your career to new heights? In this transformative episode of The Meaningful Work Podcast, Dr. Nicole sits down with Melissa Dawn Simkins, founder of Velvet Suite and a true personal branding powerhouse. This isn’t just about image—it’s about unleashing your authentic self and turning it into your most valuable professional asset. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: ✨ You Are Your Own Brand—Uncover why every successful woman must see herself as a brand and how this mi...
2025-08-1130 min
How We WorkEmpowering Women's Advancement with The She-SuiteLate in 2023, The She-Suite and Workhuman® collaborated to discover the trends and untapped insights around women’s experiences in the workplace through an intersectional lens. The research explored hidden barriers to career fulfillment along with the importance of recognition and purpose-centered work. Now, the team is ready to share some of the initial findings that leaders can act on today. Joining Dr. Meisha-ann Martin to discuss the research are Julian Wright, a behavioral science researcher and People Data Analyst at Workhuman, and Melissa Dawn Simkins, the CEO of Velvet Suite and the Founder of The She...
2024-05-1636 min
What Do You Do Exactly?MELISSA DAWN SIMKINS: CEO & PERSONAL BRANDINGVelvet Suite CEO, Melissa Dawn Simkins, talks with Jamie Maglietta about her career as a personal branding expert and offers advice on building a career, finding balance, and preparing for media appearances. She also talks to college students and professionals looking for a change - offering applicable tips.
More on Melissa: She "is affectionately known as "The First Lady of Personal Branding." As a pioneer in personal brand leadership with a proven track record of advising Fortune 100 organizations, CEOs, CHROs and influential executives on future-ready leadership, she is passionate about leadership from the inside...
2023-06-0136 min
Northwestern IntersectionsThe First Lady of Personal Branding, Melissa Dawn Simkins ’01 MSMelissa Dawn Simkins ’01 MS shares how her experiences in the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications’ IMC master’s program gave her an edge when the field of marketing was starting to shift. Her multidisciplinary approach led her to pioneer celebrity and influencer branding, which in turn helped transform the field of marketing and branding into what we know today. She also imparts the personal story that inspired her to launch Velvet Suite and the She-Suite to support women in the workplace and help them lead with purpose in work and well-being. Shownotes: Velvet Suite The She-Suite
2022-11-1730 min
Northwestern IntersectionsThe First Lady of Personal Branding, Melissa Dawn Simkins '01 MSMelissa Dawn Simkins '01 MS shares how her experiences in the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications' IMC master's program gave her an edge when the field of marketing was starting to shift. Her multidisciplinary approach led her to pioneer celebrity and influencer branding, which in turn helped transform the field of marketing and branding into what we know today. She also imparts the personal story that inspired her to launch Velvet Suite and the She-Suite to support women in the workplace and help them lead with purpose in work and well-being. Shownotes: Velvet...
2022-11-1730 min
What's Your Story?Leadership is a Lifestyle - Melissa Dawn SimkinsMelissa Dawn Simkins, CEO & Founder of Velvet Suite, has always known that she was meant to be in a position that was meaningful and would make an impact. Even though she wasn't sure what that would look like early in her career, she was willing to make sacrifices to ensure she met that end goal. The First Lady of Personal Branding is on the path to help other find their mission, purpose and value in order to quantify their unique value. Her story is one that inspires all of us to to authentically reflect externally who we are internally.
2022-07-0437 min
The She-Suite PodcastGetting To The Core: On Facing Life Challenges (Guest Anne Mahlum)We will always face challenges across life, big or small. If you're looking for some motivation, or another perspective to approach a tough spot in your life... this episode is for you. Anne Mahlum is an entrepreneur, innovator, and inspiring public speaker. Most recently, she founded [solidcore] - a boutique fitness company with over 70 locations. Listen in as Anne shares her story, what motivates her, and how she overcame several challenges that tested her belief system. You don't want to miss this final episode of Season 3.
2022-06-2847 minThe She-Suite PodcastDeclutter Your Communications: On Being Socially Present (Guest Jeanine Turner)Now more than ever, being socially present is a challenge for all of us. Which is why Jeanine W. Turner, Ph. D. joins us as a guest today, to discuss her knowledge and research on communications, presence, and why it’s more than simply just putting your phone away.
2022-06-1437 minThe She-Suite PodcastThe Power of Vulnerability: On Being Your Authentic Self (With Dr. Priya Agrawal)Episode 8 is live, and Dr. Priya Agrawal, Global Lead for HPV Vaccines at Merck, joins Melissa to talk through why she strives to be an authentic leader, the power and energy that she finds in vulnerability… and why we all need to stop worrying so much about what others think.
2022-05-3136 minThe She-Suite PodcastDigging Deep: On Discovering Your Identity (With Sidoney Samuels-Buckridge)Sidoney Samuels-Buckridge, Head of U.S. R&D Employee Engagement at AstraZeneca and newly minted author joins Melissa to share her story. Deeply passionate about people, Sidoney loves to mentor young professional women, especially women of color. Listen in as Sidoney and Melissa get deep on topics around truly discovering your identity, moving through life with purpose, and using your own story to impact others. Sidoney published her first novel, Pain to Purpose: My Journey to Redemption, in January 2021.
2022-05-1632 min
The Parenting 411The Parenting 411 Episode 46: Show Up As You Glow Up: Brand MomFor many, motherhood is a dream come true. They delightfully immerse themselves in the role as they care for their children and create precious family memories. In addition to being moms, they are also employees, manages, business owners...the list goes on. It can be easy to lose touch with your identity when you're trying to cover so many bases. Melissa Dawn Simkins talks with me about choices she's made to create the fulfilling life she wants for herself and her family even as she has built a successful career and business.Learn more at w...
2022-05-1039 min
The Parenting 411The Parenting 411 Episode 46: Show Up As You Glow Up: Brand MomFor many, motherhood is a dream come true. They delightfully immerse themselves in the role as they care for their children and create precious family memories. In addition to being moms, they are also employees, manages, business owners...the list goes on. It can be easy to lose touch with your identity when you're trying to cover so many bases. Melissa Dawn Simkins talks with me about choices she's made to create the fulfilling life she wants for herself and her family even as she has built a successful career and business.
Learn more...
2022-05-1039 minThe She-Suite PodcastMoving From Where You Are, To Where You Want To Be (With Tunde Oyeneyin)Episode 6 is live, and we are so thrilled to have Tunde Oyeneyin - Motivational speaker, Peloton instructor, Founder of S.P.E.A.K. and newly minted author, join us as a guest on The She-Suite Podcast! Tunde sits down with Melissa to share her life story, ways that she found strength, and how she moved from times of hardship... to triumph. Tunde's brand new book, Speak, is out now. You don't want to miss this epidsode; Tunde's authenticity and energy are sure to inspire!
2022-05-0332 min
Up on Game PresentsStay A While With Tommi Vincent Things Never Said: The Importance of Communication and Having Hard Conversations With Melissa Dawn Simkins***SUBSCRIBE TO THE UP ON GAME PRESENTS PODCAST CHANNEL*** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-on-game-presents/id1596136129 “That's the hard conversation because you got to be vulnerable enough and humble enough to say, there's something more there's something I can do better. Maybe I missed it.” - Melissa Dawn Simkins Welcome to Stay a While with Tommi Vincent! The hardest conversation to have is a truthful one with yourself. The truth helps and we must be willing to go there to get where we desire to go. Once you have mastered being honest with...
2022-04-2041 minThe She-Suite PodcastBuilding Lasting Relationships & Intentional Community (With Janina Lundy)Janina Lundy, Head of Emerging Audience Development at Amazon Studios & Prime Video, joins Melissa in Episode 5 of Season 3, to share her story. Originally from the same alma mater at Northwestern University, Janina's passions and career direction shifted as she grew, always drifting back into the entertainment marketing industry. Now with Amazon Studios for slightly over a year, she shares how she navigated her strengths and weaknesses as a leader, all the while sustaining and building into her community that supports her through it all.
2022-04-0635 minThe She-Suite PodcastOn Going Big & Facing Challenges (With Antonia Hock)Antonia Hock, the Global Head of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, joins Melissa to share all about career, life journey, and challenges that she has faced. She also digs into her own personal leadership style, and how she sees herself as an innovator in the midst of our ever-changing world.
2022-03-2130 minThe She-Suite PodcastFinding Your Niche & Making An Impact (With Jana Rich)Supporting women and lifting each other up is what embodies The She-Suite Sisterhood, and is exactly why Melissa invited Jana Rich to join the podcast for Episode 3. CEO of Rich Talent Group, Jana founded her company almost 8 years ago. Rich Talent Group's mission is to recruit and find diverse talent within the digital industry, specifically supporting women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community, to get on both leadership teams, as well as boards. Tune in to hear Jana's story, struggles and lessons along the way, and her advice and thoughts on how to go about joining a...
2022-02-1437 minThe She-Suite PodcastGoing For It: On Expanding Your Comfort Zone As A Leader (With Guest Oguchi Onyewu)Guest Oguchi Onyewu joins Melissa in Episode 2, to share his story, struggles, and mindset as a leader. A Nigerian-American soccer player born and raised in the Washington DC area, 'Guch' attended Clemson University in 2000, before deciding to pursue a professional football career in France in 2002.He currently resides in Belgium and oversees all club activities at R.E. Virton, a professional soccer club that currently operated in the 2nd division. His career journey has led him to leverage various opportunities and create his own path as an athlete, carving out his own space and brand.
2022-01-3137 minThe She-Suite PodcastCreating Your Own Rx For Well-being With Dana RixterWe're back! Season 3 of The She-Suite Podcast has officially kicked off, and episode 1 is rich with advice and inspiration. Dana Rixter, Director of DEI Culture and Retention at BAE Systems, Inc., joins Melissa to talk about her own career journey, but more important, how she has gone about creating her own prescription for well-being - and how you can do the same.
2022-01-0746 minThe She-Suite PodcastThe Power of the Turnaround: On Stepping Back & Changing CourseLisa Gable’s career journey began when she was 19 years old, as a political appointee during the Reagan Administration. Fast forward to current-day, and she’s now an author and successful CEO of FARE, Food Allergy Research & Education. Tune in to this final episode of Season 2 to learn more about Lisa's brand new book, Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South, and hear more on her thoughts and insights on navigating her own career and life journey.
2021-10-1939 minThe She-Suite PodcastThe Great Reset: What It Means To Work, Lead & Live In 2021Johnny C. Taylor. Jr., The President and CEO of SHRM, joins Melissa to talk all about his new book, The Wall Street Journal Best Seller, RESET: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval. The two discuss how professionals and their teams can shift and reset their mindset to embrace the changes that 2020 and the pandemic has brought, and how we can focus on continued, forward progress through the practice of resetting. SHRM is the Society for Human Resource Management, and the largest HR professional association in the world, impacting the lives of over 115 mill...
2021-10-0441 minThe She-Suite PodcastHow To Advance Your Career Without Burning OutYou shouldn't have to work endless hours behind your desk in order to be recognized, and advance yourself as a leader. Which is exactly why Jamie Lee joins me in this final episode of Season 2 of The She-Suite Podcast, to share her wisdom and guidance on the topic. For over five years, she's worked as an executive coach for smart women who hate office politics.Ready to learn more? Let's jump into Episode 10.
2021-09-2040 minThe She-Suite PodcastFinding Clarity: Connecting The Dots Between Your Personal & Professional LifeI’m so excited to share this newest episode with you. My guest for Episode 9, Yuri Brown-Cruzat, is not only an inspirational leader, but a dear, long-time friend of mine. Listen in as Yuri and I talk through how to go about designing an authentic life, connecting the dots between both the personal, and the professional - and juggling a family in the process. It’s a topic that is near and dear to both of us, and I have no doubt that you’ll enjoy our tidbits and advice. Finding clarity across all aspects of life can be c...
2021-08-3034 minThe She-Suite PodcastGrowing Your Side Hustle: How To Pursue Your Passion Outside Of The 9 To 5What's your side hustle? What's that one hobby, or passion that you wish you could give more time to, and grow? Tune in as guest Kate Dreyer talks through exactly how she went about building her own creative side hustle after her second child was born. Since starting her side gig, Kate Decorates, her decorating work has been featured in the press more than 30 times, with appearances in The Cottage Journal, on HGTV.com and on Washington, DC area news programs.
2021-08-1239 minThe She-Suite PodcastPerforming Under Pressure: The Power Of Being A Resilient LeaderThis week, Melissa sits down to break down the topic of performing under pressure, and how hard times can actually build you into a more resilient leader. Listen in as she shares three tips for performing through pain, and ways that you can become a more future-ready leader.
2021-07-2139 minThe She-Suite PodcastLeading Through Motherhood: Making Bold Moves While Creating BoundariesMy guest this week, Iliette Frontera, is the Vice President of Operations for the Boston Scientific (BSC) Dorado (Puerto Rico) manufacturing site, which oversees over 1,100 employees in the manufacturing of Rhythm Management and Neuromodulation devices.Listen in as Iliette shares her career journey and lessons learned, from realizing the importance of listening to those close to her, to stepping into new roles to help her become a stronger, more rounded leader. All the while, how she balances her role as a mother of two young daughters, and a wife.
2021-06-2935 minThe She-Suite PodcastThe Power Of Self Reflection: Creating Change Across Your LifeSelf reflection is a powerful tool that any of us can implement. And when done effectively, it can help you create that change that you wish to see across your own life. This topic (and more) is exactly what Christen Smith joins me to chat about in this episode. Christen is the Vice President of Federal Health and Civilian Market for LMI, a mission-oriented consultancy that provides management and advisory services, logistics strategy and support, and digital and analytic solutions to federal government agencies. Listen in to hear her story, and her own personal transformation through self r...
2021-06-1437 minThe She-Suite PodcastGreatness Through Adversity: Living and Leading with AuthenticityDealing with adversity is often what drives us to greatness. Nothing could be more true for Laurinda Rainey, United Airlines CoBrand General Manager at JPMorgan Chase. Tune in to hear how her strength in the face of serious health challenges provided her with the opportunity to live a more authentic, transparent life; on her own terms one hundred percent of the time.
2021-05-2447 minThe She-Suite PodcastFinding Your Fire: The Guts to Go All-In on Your PassionIt’s no surprise that leadership success follows when passion drives your purpose. In this episode, I’m joined by Sheri Shapio, SVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Listen in to hear about her passion for healthcare, her leadership “leap of faith” moments and how moving through change has shaped her leadership style. Sheri has managed her journey to the c-suite through commitment to continuous learning and staying true to her core values and beliefs.
2021-05-1031 minThe She-Suite PodcastTransformative Compassion: Leading with Authenticity to Drive Passion and PurposeThis episode has heart! I sit down with Elizabeth Adefioye, SVP and CHRO for Ingredion, a Fortune 500 company located in the suburbs of Chicago. Elizabeth is a forward thinking leader whose success is characterized by her ability to turn challenge into strengths and adversity into opportunities. Join us to hear about her amazing journey, how she embraced changed as a platform for her own growth. Her career has been a global adventure and her passion for helping others find their purpose is inspiring!
2021-04-2635 minThe She-Suite PodcastFemale Entrepreneurship: Leaving the Corporate Grind and Pursuing your PassionWelcome back to Season 2 of The She-Suite Podcast, I'm so excited to be back at it! For this first episode, my friend Laurin Mills joins me to talk about one of everyone's favorite things... food! Laurin is the CEO and Founder of The Dinner Daily, and most recently of Grocery Cart IQ. Listen in to hear all about her journey, how she wound up where she is now, and what has worked for her to successfully go about launching and marketing her self-funded, personalized meal planning service. Her story will leave you feeling inspired.
2021-04-1237 min
Stay A WhileThings Never Said: The Importance of Communication and Having Hard Conversations“That's the hard conversation because you got to be vulnerable enough and humble enough to say, there's something more there's something I can do better. Maybe I missed it.” - Melissa Dawn SimkinsWelcome to Stay a While with Tommi Vincent! The hardest conversation to have is a truthful one with yourself. The truth helps and we must be willing to go there to get where we desire to go. Once you have mastered being honest with yourself, external communications come easy. Guest Melissa Dawn-Simkins takes her seat at the table to help us get real with the...
2021-03-2440 minThe She-Suite PodcastWhat Matters Most: On Living Life Abundantly & IntentionallyFor our final episode of Season 1 of the She-Suite Community podcast, Anitra Marsh joins our host to talk about work life blend and balance, her career journey, and the many passionate and delicate pieces that surround it.Anitra is the Vice President of Global Sustainability, Citizenship and Brand Communications with Procter & Gamble Beauty. She and Melissa have been friends for over 20 years now, and have some heartwarming stories to share as they talk through topics such as finding common ground, building authentic relationships, and truly prioritizing your time and life.
2021-02-0747 minThe She-Suite PodcastLessons on Leadership: The Power of Design-Driven Thinking To Transform Companies & CareersTrue leadership is a skill that is rare to come by, but can be both learned and refined with time. This week, President & CEO of Logitech Bracken Darrell joins me to talk about his journey, how he has gone about leading many amazing businesses across his career, and why learning by doing is key. When Bracken first stepped into his role with Logitech, he had to approach it with a very strategic, design-drive mindset on how to turn the direction of the company around, and what the long-term visions and goals would look like. Tune in as he...
2021-01-1547 minThe She-Suite PodcastThe Power Of Choice: On Stepping Back & Recreating Your LifeThis week, Lucy Puttergill joins Melissa from London, England to share her story, and why she chose to step away from her successful job in finance last year. After stumbling upon an inspiring article that Lucy wrote and shared, Melissa invited Lucy to join the podcast, share her thoughts, and put words to what so many women struggle with. Her story is both fascinating and insightful, and has something for every women to walk away with.
2021-01-0440 minThe She-Suite PodcastDefining Your Social Legacy & Living With Authentic PurposeThis week, guest Emily Chang joins me from across the World in Shanghai, China. Emily is the CEO of McCann Worldgroup, China, and has quite the story to share in regards to how she got where she is, and how that time has shaped her own leadership and life identity. Prior to accepting her CEO role, she took a year off to write a book called The Spare Room, the topic of her first TEDx Talk. The newly published book The Spare Room provides inspiring yet practical guidance on how to live a richly purposeful life by...
2020-12-1843 minThe She-Suite PodcastHow To Align Your Passions Across Your LifeMy sorority sister, friend, and CEO of Sundial Brands - Cara Sabin joins me to tell her story and journey, how she moved into leading Sundial Brands, and has truly defined down her sense of purpose as a woman in business. With over 20 years of general management, business strategy, consumer marketing, digital and innovation experience, Cara is currently the CEO of Sundial Brands (owner of brands Shea Moisture, Nubian Heritage, Nyakio and Madame CJ Walker Beauty Culture). Prior to her current role, she held management positions in prestige beauty, leading Global Marketing for Clinique $1B Makeup and F...
2020-12-0739 minThe She-Suite PodcastTaking A Leap Of Faith: Create Your Brand, On Your Terms.The journey of getting in shape, and staying in shape, can feel intimidating and hard - especially this time of year! Today's guest specializes in this topic, fully understands it, and has build her own personal niche brand within the fitness industry. Kim Dolan Leto is a Best Selling Author, Brand Founder & Developer, Host of the Strong.Confident.His.Podcast, and so much more. She joins me to share her story and tips around developing your OWN brand on your terms, no matter what that might look like. Kim has followed her faith to create space in...
2020-11-2026 minThe She-Suite PodcastBeing An Extraordinary Female Leader: How To Walk Strong, & Own Your Personal BrandMy guest this week is Diane Dietz, previous colleague and now the CEO and President of Rodan + Fields. When it comes to leadership, and growing your personal brand... Diane is a wealth of deep, dynamic knowledge that you won't want to overlook. Since stepping into the CEO position with Rodan + Fields, the company has seen unprecedented growth, exceeding $1 billion in sales. Listen as we talk through Diane's leadership and personal brand journey, how she grew to develop her own authentic voice in the corporate environment, and learned to be comfortable, being uncomfortable.
2020-11-0935 minThe She-Suite PodcastProtecting Your Wealth and The Power of Purpose PartnersThere aren't many things more personal than a woman's bank account, and her love life. This week, we cover both, with guest William Alfred Simkins III, a wealth advisor and more importantly... my husband! Will has over 20 years of experience in financial services spanning retirement, business planning, life insurance, and more, helping many clients with their long-term financial strategy. He joins me to discuss the challenges and the joys of life partnership, and the struggles that we have endured as a couple. Not only that, but we dig deep into what it means to have a...
2020-10-2338 minThe She-Suite PodcastCreating an Uncluttered Life and Finding Joy in the JourneyDoes this year have you struggling with organization, or feeling overwhelmed with clutter across your workspace, home - or even your mind? Then listen on, this episode is for you! My friend and Organizing Expert, Rachel Rosenthal, is rooted in the belief that organization can be achieved by all, and she has the tips and systems to back it up. She's the founder of Rachel & Company, a wife, mother of identical twins, and is here today to help you uncover the power of organization, across your life.
2020-10-0928 minThe She-Suite PodcastHow To Negotiate So That Everyone Wins (Including You!)Almost everything in life is a negotiation; so how are your negotiating skills? Today’s guest, Ron Shapiro, is an Expert Negotiator, Attorney, Sports Agent, Educator, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Civic Leader. He joins me in Episode 3 to share his simple playbook on how to negotiate for exactly what you want. Listen as we break down some tips on how you can get your worth, and never sell yourself short. Ron’s four award winning books have received an array of accolades, including recognition on the New York Times, Business Week and the Wall...
2020-09-2829 minThe She-Suite PodcastWelcome to The She-Suite Community PodcastIn this first episode of the She-Suite Community podcast, the host, Melissa Dawn Simkins, introduces herself, and shares her history as an entrepreneur, wife, mom, and woman of faith. She also walks through her vision for the podcast, and why establishing your personal brand journey can be one of the most important things that you do for yourself, today.
2020-09-1133 minThe She-Suite PodcastWinning as a Woman of ColorIn episode 2 of the She-Suite Community podcast, Julie Spencer Washington of Trinity Health joins Melissa to talk about discovering her voice as a woman of color, creating her own story to define a path of success, and how her and her husband bet on her career as she took a risk to pursue her next level.
2020-09-1124 min
Strong. Confident. His. | Christian Fitness, Devotionals, Biblical Health & Encouragement for Women22. We Are All One in Christ with Melissa Dawn SimkinsI wanted to invite the peace of God, and my powerhouse friend Melissa to join me for an important and timely conversation. If you are watching all that's going on and wondering what can I possibly do? Today's guest Melissa Dawn Simkins and I are going to have a very real conversation to offer perspective and even small heartfelt steps we can all take. Melissa Dawn Simkins is a powerhouse woman of God. CEO of Velvet Suite, an innovative leadership firm accelerating the purpose, performance and profit for Fortune 500 companies. Velvet Suite specializes...
2020-06-0426 min
The Be Well Beautiful Woman PodcastEven In the Midst of COVID-19 We Can Move Mountains w/Melissa Dawn Simkins, Velvet SuiteIn this extended episode, Melissa Dawn Simkins, founder of Velvet Suite and national marketing coach to iconic brands, such as Mary J. Blige & Procter & Gamble, discusses how she was able to move the live She Suite Summit-an event with 300 registered people-online in less than 36 hours in the midst of COVID-19. She will discuss exactly what she did, what she learned, her wins, and so much more! Plus there are free resources she has created to help you manage crises in the future.
2020-04-0200 min