Building Confidence, Connection, and Leadership Through Community with Melissa Gilbo and Women's Business League

In this episode of Leaders of Today: Teens to Titans, Lorraine sits down with Melissa, co-founder of Women’s Business League (WBL), to dive deep into the power of building genuine connections, overcoming challenges, and fostering confidence in leadership.

Melissa shares her personal journey, from facing rejection in high school cheerleading to finding her unique way to stand out and be part of a team. This story laid the foundation for her commitment to creating inclusive communities that inspire confidence and leadership in others.

Together, Lorraine and Melissa explore:

• The importance of creating a sense of belonging for teens and adults alike.
• Practical strategies to help young people—and ourselves—build stronger connections and communities.
• How vulnerability and authenticity are key to creating lasting relationships.
• The role of mentorship in helping individuals embrace their strengths and lead with confidence.
• Tips for navigating networking with intention and building leadership skills at every stage of life.

They also discuss Melissa's experiences building Women’s Business League and how the principles of collaboration and shared growth apply to both business and youth development.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a parent looking to guide your teen, or someone seeking to build stronger connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

Key Takeaways:

• True leadership starts with community and connection.
• Networking and confidence are skills that can be learned and practiced.
• Empowering young people to embrace their individuality can lead to transformational growth.

Connect with Melissa:

• Follow on Social Media. LinkedIn
• Learn more about Women’s Business League and their mission to support women entrepreneurs.
• Stay connected with Lorraine and Peers Not Fears for resources on leadership development for teens.

Listen now and join the conversation on building a stronger, more connected future for leaders of today and tomorrow!