Meet Melissa-Sue John

We recently connected with Melissa-Sue John and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa-Sue, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my faith. As Christians, we are told that we will always have trials and tribulations. Specifically in John 16:33, it says “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” I know that I am not alone in dealing with my trials so I persevere through all the different challenges life throws at me. I had my children fairly young and having them allowed me to fight for my dreams so that I could give them a better life and leave a legacy for them. It also helps to have a great partner. I know he supports my dreams for my career, our home and family life, and our adventures.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a professor of psychology. Part of being an academic is conducting research. While collaborating on a research project, I discovered a lack of diverse children’s books. I complained to my children, Olivia Lauren and Alyssa Simone about the disparity, and Olivia Lauren told me, “Do not complain about the problem. Be the solution.” As a family we created our own publishing house, authoring and creating diverse children’s books written and illustrated by diverse talent. Today we have 36 book titles written by children aged 10 and up and illustrated by children aged 10 and up. In addition to our fun stories which are filled with engaging activities, we host events at schools, museums, and libraries for children and their parents, and we have cool merchandise such as sweaters, hats, mugs, stickers, notebooks, totes, and backpacks. I enjoy meeting with aspiring authors and watching their growth from the time they submit their manuscripts to the unboxing of their books to their book launches. It is so fulfilling to help others walk in their purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think my top skills are organization, writing, and communicating. All of these came through continuous practice and exposure. I would like to advise the audience to never look down at any job or role you are assigned. I have worked as a cashier at a clothing store, an intern at a physical therapy office, in a research lab, as a secretary of an organization, an accountant at a law firm, a consultant at a DEI firm, a professor at community colleges and four-year institutions, and they have all given me the tools to do what I do today. Without any formal business training, I was able to open my own business, recruit talent, market my brand, and garner speaking engagements. I also see myself as a continual learner. Although I have a PhD I still participate in business accelerators, attend workshops, and meet with my mentor monthly. We could all benefit from coaching and learning. Finally, if you want to make it, you absolutely cannot be a procrastinator. Each day I start with a to do list and I mark off each thing as I go. It gives such a sense of accomplishment. In terms of organizing my day, I live by my calendar. Everything is on my calendar including lunch, because I will forget to eat when I am so engrossed in my work.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I surround myself with positive people. Jim Rohn says you are the average of the people you spend most of your time with. I would not be where I am today without my supportive husband, Matthew John, dissertation advisor, John Dovidio, my research collaborators: Jeanine Skorinko and Mia Dubosarsky, and my business mentors Christine Sullivan, Denise Whitford, and Stephen Mahoney. I recommend getting a mentor and meeting with them regularly, finding people to collaborate with for occupational goals, and sharing your life with people who make you joyful. I am grateful for my friends, Cheryl Gorham, Tanesha Bramwell, Rosamond White, and Raymone D. Williams. These friends call my name in rooms filled with opportunities, send me information relevant to my business, and refer clients to me.

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Image Credits
Leslie Gomez Rondasia Lamaria

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