Own Your Worth and Have Agency for What's Next - an Interview with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves. We discussed the power of owning our worth and taking agency over our careers. Melissa shared powerful insights on stepping into leadership with confidence, navigating career pivots, and embracing the discomfort that often comes with growth. 

Melissa’s journey has been anything but linear. From pursuing a PhD and rewriting entire chapters multiple times to making a bold shift from K-12 education to corporate learning and development, she has faced her share of setbacks. Yet, through persistence, courage, and an unwavering belief in her own value, she has continued to rise. 

She emphasized that owning our worth isn’t just about recognizing our value—it’s about taking action. Too often, women wait for permission, hesitate to take risks, or allow external doubts to shape their career decisions. Melissa challenges that mindset, advocating for what she calls the “do it afraid” approach. Whether it’s applying for a higher-level role, reaching out to a mentor, or making a bold career move, taking action despite fear is what separates those who step into their power from those who remain stuck. 

Key takeaways from the interview:

🔹 0:01:51 – The power of civic education and why Melissa transitioned from teaching to leadership in talent development. 
🔹 0:03:40 – Success isn’t a straight path—embracing detours, setbacks, and U-turns is key to long-term growth. 
🔹 0:05:51 – Happiness should be the guiding principle in career decisions—listening to your gut and intuition is essential. 
🔹 0:09:12 – Owning your worth means recognizing your value, claiming authority over your career, and taking bold action. 
🔹 0:10:24 – The importance of a strong support system—how to create your own “personal board of directors.” 
🔹 0:12:57 – “Do it afraid”—why taking risks is necessary for breaking through career plateaus. 
🔹 0:17:44 – Applying for roles above your current level is key—stop waiting for permission and start making bold moves. 
🔹 0:22:23 – Persistence is the secret ingredient to career success—how to navigate rejection and keep moving forward. 
🔹 0:25:49 – Reframing rejection: A “no” doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means there’s a better-aligned opportunity ahead. 
🔹 0:30:07 – The power of resilience: Honor your disappointments, then decide to move forward stronger than before. 

Watch this impactful interview with Melissa Lewis for more in-depth perspective.

Melissa’s wisdom is a testament to the power of courage, action, and resilience in leadership. If her insights resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s connect and explore how you can apply these principles to your leadership journey. Book a call with me today to take the first step toward fearless leadership.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, please email me at info@sherylkline.com.

If you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, build cohesive, high-performing teams or navigate challenges with greater confidence and/or influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Also, if your company would like to be a part of the 10 company book speaking roadshow for my new book, The Fearless Female Leader, I’d love to discuss it with you!

Cheering you on always!
- Sheryl