“Thanks to working with Melissa, I had the confidence and courage to go after and achieve a higher-level leadership position.”
"Working with Melissa has been a game-changer!”
"Melissa is one of those 'hard to find' powerful coaches who brings emotional intelligence, positive energy and strategic resources to every session"
She carefully crafted a plan for me, suggesting the avenues to work on, and coaching me each step of the way. Through working with Melissa, I have grown as a leader, increased my confidence, and elevated my executive presence!
Her coaching helped me helped me not only with my resume and job search, but more importantly, realize that I can do my job - and do it well - while still setting and maintaining my own boundaries and expectations without sacrificing any of my integrity.
With her help, I understood my direction better, mastered networking that felt natural, authentic and highly effective. AND landed new international projects as a result!
-
Kiran Borra
Vice President, Banking industry
-
Rose Walker
Senior Account Executive, Mortgage industry
-
Martin F
International Sustainability Leader, Professor & Climate Action Professional
“Thanks to working with Melissa, I had the confidence and courage to go after and achieve a higher-level leadership position.”
She carefully crafted a plan for me, suggesting the avenues to work on, and coaching me each step of the way. Through working with Melissa, I have grown as a leader, increased my confidence, and elevated my executive presence!
-
Kiran Borra
Vice President, Banking industry
"Working with Melissa has been a game-changer!”
Her coaching helped me helped me not only with my resume and job search, but more importantly, realize that I can do my job - and do it well - while still setting and maintaining my own boundaries and expectations without sacrificing any of my integrity.
-
Rose Walker
Senior Account Executive, Mortgage industry
"Melissa is one of those 'hard to find' powerful coaches who brings emotional intelligence, positive energy and strategic resources to every session"
With her help, I understood my direction better, mastered networking that felt natural, authentic and highly effective. AND landed new international projects as a result!
-
Martin F
International Sustainability Leader, Professor & Climate Action Professional
“Exceptional Client Service and Strategic Guidance”
"Because of my work with Melissa, I feel more powerful and impactful in everything that I do."
"Clarity and Next Steps -- No problem!"
"I’ve worked extensively with Melissa Palmer over a few months, and many things impress me about her. Melissa stays focused on both the client’s immediate needs and the strategic picture. Her wealth of knowledge on career and job search topics is truly amazing. She consistently provides the right resources and shares them willingly. Melissa is a consummate professional, delivering exceptional client service. I wish I had worked with her sooner!"
"I learned to focus my energy on what matters most, increase my confidence so I'm consistently performing at a higher level. And, not surprisingly, I was promoted to lead the creation of a new department at my organization as a result."
"As a result of working with Melissa, I went from feeling confused to being clear on what I most want in my next leadership role. She helped me understand my core strengths, priorities, and values so that I can confidently go after what I want (instead of just pursuing anything that comes across my path and hoping it works). If you are thinking about coaching with Melissa, I highly recommend you just do it!"
-
Alexandra Schwall
Creative Strategy, Brand Development, and Digital Marketing
-
Jonathan Pu
Director, Director of Technical Project Management, Tech Industry
-
Alicia Mahase
Senior Tax Manager
"Because of my work with Melissa, I feel more powerful and impactful in everything that I do."
"I learned to focus my energy on what matters most, increase my confidence so I'm consistently performing at a higher level. And, not surprisingly, I was promoted to lead the creation of a new department at my organization as a result."
-
Jonathan Pu
Director, Director of Technical Project Management, Tech Industry
“Exceptional Client Service and Strategic Guidance”
"I’ve worked extensively with Melissa Palmer over a few months, and many things impress me about her. Melissa stays focused on both the client’s immediate needs and the strategic picture. Her wealth of knowledge on career and job search topics is truly amazing. She consistently provides the right resources and shares them willingly. Melissa is a consummate professional, delivering exceptional client service. I wish I had worked with her sooner!"
-
Alexandra Schwall
Creative Strategy, Brand Development, and Digital Marketing
"Clarity and Next Steps -- No problem!"
"As a result of working with Melissa, I went from feeling confused to being clear on what I most want in my next leadership role. She helped me understand my core strengths, priorities, and values so that I can confidently go after what I want (instead of just pursuing anything that comes across my path and hoping it works). If you are thinking about coaching with Melissa, I highly recommend you just do it!"
-
Alicia Mahase
Senior Tax Manager
"As a result of working with Melissa, I went from feeling confused to being clear on what I most want in my next leadership role. She helped me understand my core strengths, priorities, and values so that I can confidently go after what I want (instead of just pursuing anything that comes across my path and hoping it works). If you are thinking about coaching with Melissa, I highly recommend you just do it!"
-
Alicia Mahase
Senior Tax Manager
"Melissa is an incredible resource"
"Melissa is an incredible resource that offers advice, perspective, care and confidence for anyone considering or re-considering their career. I've worked with Melissa in an academic capacity, when building pitches/proposals and changing jobs, interviewing and negotiating offers. With each ask, she's been a thoughtful, critical and empowering partner to help me put my best foot forward. She offers very personalized recommendations and is deeply driven by clients' happiness and success. I feel very lucky to have Melissa as a partner on my career journey."
-
Meredith Spivey Lipnick
Director of Strategy
"Transformative for my perspective on work and my career"
"Working with Melissa has been transformative for my perspective on work and my career. She has a unique ability to identify relevant threads in my goals and help me spot where I have opportunities and where I still need development. This is outcome-focused coaching advice and it's why I'll continue working with her. Couldn't recommend more."
-
Jeremy Coffey
Head of Operations
"I cannot recommend Melissa more highly"
"Melissa is an exceptional career coach who has provided me with transformative guidance and strategic insights that have significantly advanced my professional development. Her personalized approach has helped me navigate complex career decisions with confidence and clarity. For anyone seeking a dedicated, insightful career coach who can offer meaningful support and actionable strategies, I cannot recommend Melissa more highly!"
-
JD Kristenson
VP of Transformation
"Melissa is an incredible resource"
"Transformative for my perspective on work and my career"
"I cannot recommend Melissa more highly"
"Melissa is an incredible resource that offers advice, perspective, care and confidence for anyone considering or re-considering their career. I've worked with Melissa in an academic capacity, when building pitches/proposals and changing jobs, interviewing and negotiating offers. With each ask, she's been a thoughtful, critical and empowering partner to help me put my best foot forward. She offers very personalized recommendations and is deeply driven by clients' happiness and success. I feel very lucky to have Melissa as a partner on my career journey."
"Working with Melissa has been transformative for my perspective on work and my career. She has a unique ability to identify relevant threads in my goals and help me spot where I have opportunities and where I still need development. This is outcome-focused coaching advice and it's why I'll continue working with her. Couldn't recommend more."
"Melissa is an exceptional career coach who has provided me with transformative guidance and strategic insights that have significantly advanced my professional development. Her personalized approach has helped me navigate complex career decisions with confidence and clarity. For anyone seeking a dedicated, insightful career coach who can offer meaningful support and actionable strategies, I cannot recommend Melissa more highly!"
-
Meredith Spivey Lipnick
Director of Strategy
-
Jeremy Coffey
Head of Operations
-
JD Kristenson
VP of Transformation
"HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"
I simply cannot say enough about Melissa and her ability to refocus, motivate, and prioritize at a time of unexpected career transition. She was able to propel me onward with exercises that assisted in extracting that which was important to me, fostering an excitement and understanding of myself introspectively, and then assist in translating that into finding meaningful work at this point in my career. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
-
Brett Freedman
Senior Director
"If you’re looking for a dedicated career strategist who will help you grow and succeed, I highly recommend the Career Planning Studio"
Working with Melissa at Career Planning Studio has been a truly exceptional experience. She guided me in reflecting on my career—helping me recognize the successes and valuable skills I’ve developed over the years. With her expertise, I identified my unique strengths, regained confidence, and became genuinely excited about new opportunities. Under her guidance, I refined my messaging, strengthened my LinkedIn profile and resume, and gained the skills to build a powerful network.
If you’re looking for a dedicated career strategist who will help you grow and succeed, I highly recommend Career Planning Studio!
-
Marc Allison
Managing Director
"No longer stuck!"
I feel privileged to have been able to work with Melissa during a challenging time in my career journey. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable about her craft and up-to-speed on the latest hiring and recruiting trends, but she is also empathetic, patient and encouraging. I appreciated the work we did to confirm my strengths, identify my top priorities, build my confidence, and validate my values – I’m constantly reminded of these when evaluating all aspects of my career and potential next steps. I’ll use many of the tools, tips, and resources I’ve learned from Melissa for years to come.
-
Morgan Aronson
Senior Director of Communications
"HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"
"If you’re looking for a dedicated career strategist who will help you grow and succeed, I highly recommend the Career Planning Studio"
"No longer stuck!"
I simply cannot say enough about Melissa and her ability to refocus, motivate, and prioritize at a time of unexpected career transition. She was able to propel me onward with exercises that assisted in extracting that which was important to me, fostering an excitement and understanding of myself introspectively, and then assist in translating that into finding meaningful work at this point in my career. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Working with Melissa at Career Planning Studio has been a truly exceptional experience. She guided me in reflecting on my career—helping me recognize the successes and valuable skills I’ve developed over the years. With her expertise, I identified my unique strengths, regained confidence, and became genuinely excited about new opportunities. Under her guidance, I refined my messaging, strengthened my LinkedIn profile and resume, and gained the skills to build a powerful network.
If you’re looking for a dedicated career strategist who will help you grow and succeed, I highly recommend Career Planning Studio!
I feel privileged to have been able to work with Melissa during a challenging time in my career journey. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable about her craft and up-to-speed on the latest hiring and recruiting trends, but she is also empathetic, patient and encouraging. I appreciated the work we did to confirm my strengths, identify my top priorities, build my confidence, and validate my values – I’m constantly reminded of these when evaluating all aspects of my career and potential next steps. I’ll use many of the tools, tips, and resources I’ve learned from Melissa for years to come.
-
Brett Freedman
Senior Director
-
Marc Allison
Managing Director
-
Morgan Aronson
Senior Director of Communications
"Transformative Experience"
Working with Melissa has been truly transformative. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight has created the perfect balance of empathy, practicality, vision, and motivating energy. She provides the right mix of encouragement and accountability, always questioning while supporting every step of the way.
Thanks to her, I’ve been able to acknowledge my desire for something bigger and more fulfilling than I was previously allowing myself to dream of.
-
Trish Solsaa
Creative Director
"Highly Recommend!"
Melissa's career coaching is exceptional. Her approach is a unique blend of the experience she brings from many years of coaching as well as up to date information from many other authors and thinkers in career and personal fulfillment. She has helped me reframe my thinking to look beyond the next job and think more holistically about a direction that maximizes my strengths and interests. I would highly recommend working with Melissa - the lessons and framing she has shared is a long term investment that I continue to use every week. My favorite Melissa quote: "Don't let your job get in the way of your career". Thanks Melissa!
-
Laura Euller
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Professional
"Extraordinary Experience"
I can't recommend the Career Accelerator Group Program (“Exceptional Careers” Mastermind) highly enough. Some of the highlights of the Mastermind for me were the rich discussions with a diverse group of women, the opportunity to receive honest and constructive feedback, and the new friendships that I developed as a result.
This experience has been priceless as I navigate my next steps. In addition to the learning and growth, I now have a fun, warm and inviting community of incredible women who I know I'll stay connected to.
-
Franziska Schwarzmann
CMO, Public Policy & Change Management Executive
"Transformative Experience"
"Highly Recommend!"
"Extraordinary Experience"
Working with Melissa has been truly transformative. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight has created the perfect balance of empathy, practicality, vision, and motivating energy. She provides the right mix of encouragement and accountability, always questioning while supporting every step of the way.
Thanks to her, I’ve been able to acknowledge my desire for something bigger and more fulfilling than I was previously allowing myself to dream of.
Melissa's career coaching is exceptional. Her approach is a unique blend of the experience she brings from many years of coaching as well as up to date information from many other authors and thinkers in career and personal fulfillment. She has helped me reframe my thinking to look beyond the next job and think more holistically about a direction that maximizes my strengths and interests. I would highly recommend working with Melissa - the lessons and framing she has shared is a long term investment that I continue to use every week. My favorite Melissa quote: "Don't let your job get in the way of your career". Thanks Melissa!
I can't recommend the Career Accelerator Group Program (“Exceptional Careers” Mastermind) highly enough. Some of the highlights of the Mastermind for me were the rich discussions with a diverse group of women, the opportunity to receive honest and constructive feedback, and the new friendships that I developed as a result.
This experience has been priceless as I navigate my next steps. In addition to the learning and growth, I now have a fun, warm and inviting community of incredible women who I know I'll stay connected to.
-
Trish Solsaa
Creative Director
-
Laura Euller
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Professional
-
Franziska Schwarzmann
CMO, Public Policy & Change Management Executive
"I finally found the support and guidance I’ve been needing!"
Melissa has a radiant personality, she is personable, positive, genuine, a great listener, and during our prelim one-hour plus session, it was clear she was an expert in her craft. In addition, there was no sales pitch, and no pressure. The clincher was her six-part framework for helping me find my next career move. I hired her two days later. Melissa instills confidence and hope for my future job prospects, she has a framework, she has experience, she can see the finish line when I cannot, she has expertise in all the practical things I need for a job search, and, wow, is she prepared. I like the fact that Melissa deals with the whole person as she coaches. It’s not just you as a job seeker. She has taken the time in our sessions to understand me, my background, current life situation, and even a recent difficult transition.
-
Gustavo Karakey
Digital Marketer, University Professor & Corporate Trainer
"Invaluable Partner and Exceptional Guidance"
Melissa has been an invaluable partner in my career growth over the past five years, and continues to provide me exceptional guidance today. Her support through various transitions has been instrumental, and I highly recommend her expertise to anyone seeking career coaching (and even more so for anyone that doesn't think they need a career coach!).
-
Mike Stahala
Regional Vice President
"I'm now filled with renewed energy and confidence!"
Working with Melissa has been a game changer for me. I had been feeling stuck (and trapped), given that I am looking to pivot away from a more technical career that I have been dedicated to for 25 years. Melissa's insightful guidance and personalized approach has helped me rediscover my strengths, while also uncovering new passions. During our sessions, she listens with genuine interest, asks the right questions, and provides a clear framework to explore the possibilities, both individually and in a group setting. With her support, I was to identify the direction for my next career adventure—a path that truly excites me and aligns with my values. I’m now filled with renewed energy and confidence, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the transformation she is facilitating. If you’re ready to take the leap into a new professional journey, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Melissa.
-
Jill David
Global Tax & Financial Executive
"I finally found the support and guidance I’ve been needing!"
"Invaluable Partner and Exceptional Guidance"
"I'm now filled with renewed energy and confidence!"
Melissa has a radiant personality, she is personable, positive, genuine, a great listener, and during our prelim one-hour plus session, it was clear she was an expert in her craft. In addition, there was no sales pitch, and no pressure. The clincher was her six-part framework for helping me find my next career move. I hired her two days later. Melissa instills confidence and hope for my future job prospects, she has a framework, she has experience, she can see the finish line when I cannot, she has expertise in all the practical things I need for a job search, and, wow, is she prepared. I like the fact that Melissa deals with the whole person as she coaches. It’s not just you as a job seeker. She has taken the time in our sessions to understand me, my background, current life situation, and even a recent difficult transition.
Melissa has been an invaluable partner in my career growth over the past five years, and continues to provide me exceptional guidance today. Her support through various transitions has been instrumental, and I highly recommend her expertise to anyone seeking career coaching (and even more so for anyone that doesn't think they need a career coach!).
Working with Melissa has been a game changer for me. I had been feeling stuck (and trapped), given that I am looking to pivot away from a more technical career that I have been dedicated to for 25 years. Melissa's insightful guidance and personalized approach has helped me rediscover my strengths, while also uncovering new passions. During our sessions, she listens with genuine interest, asks the right questions, and provides a clear framework to explore the possibilities, both individually and in a group setting. With her support, I was to identify the direction for my next career adventure—a path that truly excites me and aligns with my values. I’m now filled with renewed energy and confidence, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the transformation she is facilitating. If you’re ready to take the leap into a new professional journey, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Melissa.
-
Gustavo Karakey
Digital Marketer, University Professor & Corporate Trainer
-
Mike Stahala
Regional Vice President
-
Jill David
Global Tax & Financial Executive
"Extensive experience, Strategic insights, and Helpful Resources"
I highly recommend Melissa to anyone in need of career guidance and support. Her extensive experience, strategic insights, and helpful resources were exactly what I needed to figure out my next steps and design a plan to get there.
I not only gained clarity on my superpowers and personality (and how these translate into my value proposition), I also better understand my weaknesses and I feel far more empowered as a result. As a result of working with Melissa, I’ve learned how to job search more effectively, communicate in more compelling ways, and strengthen my confidence to go after what I want.
-
John Binda
Senior Business Solutions Manager
"Skillful & Empathetic"
Melissa gets her clients grounded in what differentiates them and empowers them to build from there. She is skillful and empathetic. I’ve loved working with her on my career and leadership skills.
-
Magdalene Mbaga
Director, Innovation and Impact
"Considering a career pivot? Do yourself a favor and work with Melissa!"
Working with Melissa has been nothing short of transformative during my career transition. The support and insights I’ve gained have been invaluable as I’ve pivoted in my professional life. Thanks to career coaching, I feel more equipped to handle this transition. It’s been an incredible combination of practical career strategies and mindful, holistic growth that has allowed me to approach my career with confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of gratitude.
I wholeheartedly recommend engaging with Melissa to anyone looking to navigate a career pivot or transition. It’s not just about finding your next job—it’s about finding peace and purpose in your professional journey.
-
Lilliana Cisneros
Social Impact & Sustainability Advocate
"Melissa helped me to think more holistically about my life and career to design a future I’m excited about. "
She encouraged me to think bigger, helped me better understand my core competencies, and go after roles I hadn’t considered before. She helped me build my network and accomplish more than I thought possible.
-
Brent Westergren
Regional Manager, Northeast Africa, International Development Org
"Transformative Impact on My Career”
"Melissa's impact on my career trajectory was transformative. Her guidance was instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of transitioning careers while completing my Master of Global Business Administration. Melissa's patience and genuine care made the process feel manageable. Her insights helped redefine my career goals and chart a new course. Melissa guided me through the interview process, which played a crucial role in landing a job that was an ideal match for me. I recommend Melissa to anyone seeking guidance, whether it's a career change or a promotion. Her expertise and empathetic approach make growth and success inevitable."
-
Cindy
Strategy Consultant
"Extensive experience, Strategic insights, and Helpful Resources"
"Skillful & Empathetic"
"Considering a career pivot? Do yourself a favor and work with Melissa!"
I highly recommend Melissa to anyone in need of career guidance and support. Her extensive experience, strategic insights, and helpful resources were exactly what I needed to figure out my next steps and design a plan to get there.
I not only gained clarity on my superpowers and personality (and how these translate into my value proposition), I also better understand my weaknesses and I feel far more empowered as a result.
As a result of working with Melissa, I’ve learned how to job search more effectively, communicate in more compelling ways, and strengthen my confidence to go after what I want.
Melissa gets her clients grounded in what differentiates them and empowers them to build from there.
She is skillful and empathetic. I’ve loved working with her on my career and leadership skills.
Working with Melissa has been nothing short of transformative during my career transition. The support and insights I’ve gained have been invaluable as I’ve pivoted in my professional life. Thanks to career coaching, I feel more equipped to handle this transition. It’s been an incredible combination of practical career strategies and mindful, holistic growth that has allowed me to approach my career with confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of gratitude.
I wholeheartedly recommend engaging with Melissa to anyone looking to navigate a career pivot or transition. It’s not just about finding your next job—it’s about finding peace and purpose in your professional journey.
-
John Binda
Senior Business Solutions Manager
-
Magdalene Mbaga
Director, Innovation and Impact
-
Lilliana Cisneros
Social Impact & Sustainability Advocate
"Melissa helped me to think more holistically about my life and career to design a future I’m excited about. "
"Transformative Impact on My Career”
She encouraged me to think bigger, helped me better understand my core competencies, and go after roles I hadn’t considered before. She helped me build my network and accomplish more than I thought possible.
"Melissa's impact on my career trajectory was transformative. Her guidance was instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of transitioning careers while completing my Master of Global Business Administration. Melissa's patience and genuine care made the process feel manageable. Her insights helped redefine my career goals and chart a new course. Melissa guided me through the interview process, which played a crucial role in landing a job that was an ideal match for me. I recommend Melissa to anyone seeking guidance, whether it's a career change or a promotion. Her expertise and empathetic approach make growth and success inevitable."
-
Brent Westergren
Regional Manager, Northeast Africa, International Development Org
-
Cindy
Strategy Consultant
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