“Domestic violence isn’t always a black eye. Sometimes it’s financial abuse, manipulation, or control — and that’s just as damaging.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Melissa Franks—a seasoned business strategist, podcast host, and former Fortune 500 COO—to share her courageous journey of living a double life as a high-level executive and a survivor of domestic violence.

Melissa opens up about navigating the hidden abuse behind her successful professional image, the unraveling of her marriage in 2023, and the painful yet empowering process of starting over as a single mom in midlife. She reveals how she went from financial devastation and family court battles to building a seven-figure business that empowers women entrepreneurs.

This episode is a must-listen for midlife women facing reinvention, those impacted by domestic abuse, and every woman who’s ready to find her voice, reclaim her identity, and step into a brave new season. Melissa’s story proves that no matter how successful you look on the outside, it’s never too late to break free, rebuild, and thrive.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:11 - The BraveHeart Story of Melissa Franks on domestic violence

6:50 - How to face the public’s scrutiny

9:09 - How Melissa started her advocacy on domestic violence

11:55 - How to start over in midlife

16:11 - How to fast-track success

18:13 - On Call COO

20:32 - Melissa’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Success doesn’t protect you from abuse. I know I’m not the only female executive living a double life.” - Melissa Franks

“The more successful women become, the harder it is for them to be vulnerable and ask for help.” - Melissa Franks

“I had to redefine success—not as a perfect marriage or community status, but as safety, freedom, and thriving in midlife.” - Melissa Franks

“So many midlife women are holding it all together on the outside, while silently surviving abuse on the inside.” - Dawn Damon

“If you have to crawl, crawl — but by all means, keep moving forward.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐Follow Melissa at melissafranks.com

💬Instagram @melissa_franks

▶️YouTube @oncallcoo

🎙️Opt-In Podcast

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💌 Email your braveheart story to me at [email protected]

 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: [email protected] 

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.