LAUNCHING: MELISSA FINO

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?

CEO of Love Your Life Coaching

WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?

I empower women to let go of whatever is holding them back from acquiring their goals. In addition to working one on one with my clients I am currently working on my first book Little Miss Perfect or LMP for short.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?

When I was a child I dreamed of being a writer but as I matured I lost touch with my passion and settled into a profession that was sensible at the time. The past five years have been years of tremendous growth for me personally and I have been lucky enough to be reconnected with my childhood dreams.

WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I currently have my Master of Social Work with a concentration in Community Organising, Policy and Administration from the University of Southern California.

WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

If you don’t build your dream someone else will hire you to help build theirs.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?

Hands down Brené Brown. Brené is able to combine her academic expertise on vulnerability with real life experience in such a way that mesmerises people and ultimately transforms their life.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?

The enthusiasm and love received from my clients when they discover that they are stronger than they ever could have imagined.

WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?

I would love for my home office to be larger so that I could create a more inviting space.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?

I see myself as being a published writer working on my second, or quite possibly, third book.

DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?

Sometimes. I work hard to create boundaries in my life to ensure that lines are not crossed. Also my personality is multi-faceted. I am outgoing and love people but I also have an introverted side that loves to stay home and create alone.

WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?

It’s just me, me and me.

DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?

Oh my! Yes. Being that I have spent decades of my life working with women of diverse backgrounds and various ages I can’t say enough how important it is to immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals. However like-minded, clearly means a shared vision or goal, but this is best met by not excluding others based on religion, sex, race or sexual preference.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?

Very good. Best it’s been in awhile.

WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?

You have to love people and be passionate about wanting to help them. Also be self-motivated and great with time management.

ANY FINAL COMMENTS?

Life is short. Do stuff that matters.