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July 9, 2025 45 mins

In this episode of Lift Up Connections, Christine sits down with Melissa Appel, product leader, author of Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders, and a longtime supporter of women forging their own paths in tech and life. Christine and Melissa first connected as mothers navigating demanding careers, and their relationship has evolved through shared vulnerability, values, and vision. They explore what it means to reimagine your career from the inside out, and how to navigate transitions with clarity and courage. Melissa opens up about her decision to step away from traditional product leadership roles, why writing Aligned helped her process her own growth, and how her time in the Reimagine Your Career cohort shifted her perspective.

"Being in a safe space with like-minded women was key to me believing in myself."

Tune in to hear Melissa’s perspective on career growth, self-advocacy, and why letting go of conventional definitions of success is sometimes the boldest move a leader can make. Show Notes Learn more about Melissa and Bruce McCarthy's book, Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders Melissa's website Lift Up Connections website

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