S2 Ep29. Lighting Candles & Opening Gifts: Melissa Majors on Self-Care and Purpose

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Join host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson for an uplifting and heartwarming conversation with Melissa Majors, a dynamic leader, educator and storyteller whose journey is as inspiring as it is authentic. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her life as the youngest of nine children, her deep love for nature and her proud role as a boy mom. Her story is rich with moments of resilience, humor and profound insight, including a touching reflection on teaching her father to read, and a surprising revelation about her secret life as a romance writer.

As the conversation unfolds, Melissa shares how her personal experiences have shaped her professional mission. From leading high-performing teams to writing books that empower leaders to create inclusive, people-centered environments.  She brings a wealth of wisdom and warmth to every aspect of her work. Her dedication to integrity, self-care and financial independence shines through, offering listeners tangible takeaways for navigating life and leadership with purpose.

Melissa’s background is anything but ordinary. Growing up in a large, close-knit family that valued the outdoors, she learned early on the importance of resilience and inclusion, lessons deeply influenced by her parents’ interracial marriage. These early life experiences planted the seeds of empathy and determination that now guide her in every area of her life.

Throughout the episode, Melissa reflects on some of her most vulnerable and transformative moments. She recounts the powerful experience of teaching her father to read as a child, a milestone that sparked her lifelong commitment to education and empowerment. She also shares the difficult but courageous decision to walk away from a beloved leadership role in order to stay true to her values, an act that speaks volumes about her character and clarity.

Professionally, Melissa’s achievements are both impressive and impactful. She is the author of Help Them Thrive, a guide to human-centered leadership, and The Seven Simple Habits of Inclusive Leaders, a practical roadmap for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued. Her leadership has fueled double-digit growth by prioritizing inclusion and empowerment, and her mentoring work has helped emerging leaders like Joanna Smith embrace their purpose with confidence.

Beyond her corporate work, Melissa is committed to helping everyday people find their voice. She launched the Community Keynotes podcast to give non-professional speakers a platform to share their stories, further demonstrating her belief in the power of connection and storytelling.

Self-care is another cornerstone of Melissa’s life. She talks about how practices like yoga, meditation and even lighting a candle while in the shower help her stay grounded and energized. Her concept of a choice fund, a financial cushion that allows for values-aligned decisions is a game-changer for those seeking freedom in both career and life.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful message about connection and belonging. Melissa shares practical strategies for building bridges in a divided world, emphasizing the role of empathy, shared experiences and intentional relationships. Whether she’s modeling fairness for her sons, finding joy in golf and cooking or reflecting on heartfelt feedback from those she’s inspired, her story is one of courage, care and meaningful impact.

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