In this interview, we delve into the inspiring story of Melinda Fouts, the Executive and Personal Coach at Success Starts With You. Melinda shares her unique journey of overcoming challenges, her personal connection to Women’s Day, and the values that continue to guide her in both her personal and professional life. Through this conversation, we explore her thoughts on gender biases, leadership, and the evolving role of women in society. Join us as Melinda offers insights into her work, the obstacles she has faced, and the powerful lessons she has learned along the way.
Women’s Day Meaning and Personal Journey
To Melinda, Women’s Day represents a call for a shift in societal mindset from viewing gender inequality as a women’s issue to recognizing it as a human rights issue. Over the years, she has witnessed the profound challenges faced by women, especially in the face of rising authoritarianism and legal and societal biases. Reflecting on her own experiences, Melinda has seen friends experience gender bias, from a rape case in court where her friend was blamed for being attractive, to her own struggles in the corporate world. Raised with the core belief that credentials should dictate hiring decisions, Melinda’s journey has been deeply rooted in the desire to promote fairness and equality, particularly for women.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in the Industry
Melinda’s story of facing challenges as a woman in the workforce begins at the age of 15. Her first summer job, working at a gas station, exposed her to a profound moment of gender bias. When a customer saw her, he expressed disbelief that she could be the one to pump his gas, even mocking her by suggesting she couldn’t check his oil. However, Melinda remained unphased. Standing her ground, she calmly told the man that she would not tolerate his behavior and that her father, who owned the station, would not allow such disrespect. This experience, though unpleasant, helped shape Melinda’s resilience and ability to navigate the gender bias that women often face in male-dominated environments.
Dealing with Gender Bias and Proving Capabilities
Melinda shares another experience that highlights the persistent biases she faced due to her gender. One day, driving her Ford Bronco with chains for the tires and a tow chain, she encountered a group of men whose car was stuck in the snow. When she offered to help pull them out, they initially dismissed her, assuming that a man would come along to assist. Melinda, determined to prove herself, showed them how she was equipped and capable of solving the problem. In the end, the men were grateful, but Melinda recognized that the encounter revealed the deep-rooted stereotypes about women’s abilities. These experiences reinforce the importance of challenging narrow mindsets and biases that prevent women from being seen for their full potential.
Significant Obstacles Overcome in Life and Career
The most significant obstacle Melinda overcame was during her pursuit of a career in music composition. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she went on to graduate school, with dreams of becoming a conductor. However, upon presenting one of her compositions to her professor, he dismissed her work and told her to leave, stating that women could not compose music. Though this rejection deeply affected Melinda, she decided to move away from that dream. While she acknowledged the limited career options that remained, such as a teaching position, she ultimately chose a different path. This experience taught her the harsh realities of gender discrimination, but also set the stage for her later success in empowering others.
Women’s Expectations as Leaders
As an Executive Coach, Melinda frequently encounters women in leadership positions who face the challenge of being labeled as angry or emotional when they assert themselves, whereas men who exhibit similar behavior are often viewed as powerful and assertive. She sees this as a significant issue rooted in unconscious bias—women are expected to remain quiet, and when they speak up, they are often criticized. Melinda helps her clients, particularly women in executive positions, navigate these challenges by teaching them how to stay empowered while being heard in a male-dominated world.
Female Mentors and Their Impact
Melinda recognizes the importance of mentorship, particularly from women, in her journey. While the interview did not delve into her personal mentors, she emphasizes that having strong female role models has made a significant impact on her career. They provided guidance and strength, helping her build the confidence she needed to succeed in a challenging and often biased environment.
Breaking Misconceptions about Successful Women
One of the misconceptions that Melinda seeks to break is the belief that women are more emotional than men due to hormones. She counters this by explaining that men also experience hormonal fluctuations and that both genders can demonstrate emotional intelligence in leadership. She stresses that when women assert themselves, they are often labeled as overly emotional or dramatic, while similar behavior from men is celebrated. Melinda believes that overcoming these deeply ingrained biases is essential for achieving equality in the workplace, where women can contribute their unique strengths and talents.
A Single Powerful Word to Describe Her Journey
When asked to describe her journey in one powerful word, Melinda chooses “perseverance.” She attributes her ability to succeed and continue pushing forward despite the challenges she has faced to her unwavering determination and resilience.
Refusing to Accept Leadership Stereotypes
In her role as a coach, Melinda works with both men and women to improve their emotional intelligence, understanding that empathy and understanding are critical to being an effective leader. She refuses to accept the stereotype that women in leadership roles are overly emotional or weak. She encourages women to embrace their emotions as a source of strength and teaches them how to use these qualities to become more effective leaders.
The Evolving Role of Women in the Next Five Years
Melinda acknowledges that the progress toward gender equality in recent years is concerning, with some setbacks threatening the hard-won advancements. She believes that women cannot back down and must continue pushing for equal treatment. Melinda encourages women to take up positions on boards, educate their sons about gender biases, and confront disrespectful behavior head-on. By remaining steadfast, women can continue to pave the way for future generations of empowered females.
Continuing to Uplift and Inspire Women
Looking toward the future, Melinda remains committed to uplifting and inspiring women by mentoring them to start their own businesses and believe in their potential. She has found that many women struggle with self-doubt and undervalue their skills and services. Melinda encourages women to recognize their worth, stay in their power, and believe in themselves. Through perseverance and self-belief, they can overcome any obstacle.
Message to Women Celebrating Women’s Day
Melinda’s message to women around the world celebrating Women’s Day is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself and your dreams. Empower yourself and those around you with the confidence that you can achieve your goals, no matter the obstacles you face. Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the strength and potential that all women possess, and Melinda encourages women everywhere to continue striving for their goals with confidence and determination.
Next Big Goal for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Melinda’s next big goal is focused on world peace and raising the collective consciousness of the individuals she meets. She continues to work toward creating a more peaceful and respectful world, with an emphasis on empowering others to make a positive impact. Through her work, she remains dedicated to uplifting women and promoting equality in all aspects of life.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Unyielding Courage
As we wrap up this powerful interview with Melinda, it is evident that her journey goes beyond personal triumphs; it is about fostering a culture of empowerment, resilience, and breaking through barriers for all women. Her unwavering determination to confront gender biases and create opportunities for women to thrive has established a foundation for future generations to build upon. Melinda’s work transcends individual success—it is about inspiring others to own their worth, trust their instincts, and lead with confidence.
On this Women’s Day, let Melinda’s story serve as a beacon of inspiration to all women striving to overcome adversity and create meaningful change. Her message is clear: Stand tall, stay true to yourself, and never back down from the challenges that life presents. With courage, perseverance, and a deep belief in your own potential, you have the power to reshape the future.
As we honor the women who have paved the way for progress, let us carry Melinda’s words in our hearts: Empower each other, stay grounded in your truth, and never underestimate the incredible strength within you. Together, we can continue to rise and create a world where every woman has the opportunity to shine.
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