We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Lamson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’m truly committed to what will serve the client or organization best. I have no ego in my design or content. I have a gift of perception and observation. And now with over 20 years in the business of leadership training and coaching, I am able to draw on my extensive experience combined with fine-tuned skill.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my Diversity training and coaching business in Boston in 1995. In 1998, I moved to Germany and ran my consultancy in intercultural communication and leadership training. I had the privilege of working on projects in over 40 countries. I started a second training and coaching business in 2006 called Diversity Works, we served the European market and managed large scale roll outs. It was hard setting up businesses in another country. I had to build relationships from scratch, learn the law, hire and manage in another cultural context. We were highly successful and the only ones in the market at the time. Coming back to the US, no-one cared about my global experience and so I pivoted to management and leadership generally. When Kim Mylls and I met and started RECREATE six months ago, we knew that a mastermind, incubator, accelerator is exactly what’s needed for our target group – women 50+. Our market research confirmed it and we have started the first and only platform for this audience. We are currently in discussions with France, Denmark and Canada about running RECREATE Action Tanks there.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend is super adventurous! We would definitely do a pink jeep tour in Sedona, some challenging hikes in the red rock hills and local mountains, and maybe ride ATVs in the desert. If there was time, we’d go to Antelope Canyon for the tour, the Grand Canyon just to see it, Jerome for a fun meal, Cottonwood for a wine tour. In Phoenix we’d hit the art institutions, see some great theater at Phoenix Theater, try a restaurant or two.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This summer I started a new business with my business partner, Kimberly Mylls. She has been instrumental in making our dream come true. We are so excited to support Women 50+ to vision, plan, fund and launch their next big thing.
Website: www.recreatenow.org
Instagram: melissa_lamson
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalamson/
Twitter: @melissa_lamson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenreadytolaunch