About our Guest:

Melissa Wahnish is a professional comedic actress turned hacker/developer. Using her self-taught programming skills, she founded Ruby Thursdays, a free weekly online show that gives junior rail developers tutorials, tips, and tricks to help them grow. Melissa organizes the Dev Dialogue meet-up which is the longest running Ruby Meetup in New York City. Along with her husband, Todd Wahnish, Melissa is the Co-Founder of Gigtilt.com, a service that simplifies and automates online payments. When she’s not leading development through innovation, Melissa enjoys sci-fi and knitting.

Episode Summary

Melissa Wahnish went from comedian/actress to Founder/developer. This leap may seem unexpected, but Melissa is a rockstar! Finding time to run several companies with her husband, Todd, participate in Meetups, and raise a family, Melissa gives advice on all matter of issues that women may encounter at work. From overcoming the feeling of imposter syndrome to using her acting skills in her CEO role, her advice is crucial to anyone starting out in a new career and those looking to advance in the workforce.

Insight from this episode:

• Secrets to crafting your skills outside of your business.

Quotes from the show:

“It’s always about bringing people joy.” - Melissa Wahnish on entrepreneurial work, Episode 136

“You do the best you can at the things you can control.” - Melissa Wahnish, Episode 136

“It’s definitely about being that thought leader. So it’s about getting your name out there and being a part of the community.” - Melissa Wahnish on using Meetup as a resource, Episode 136

“Do the customer development, even when you’re building for yourself, so that you can serve others.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 136

“That’s been the biggest thing, is really to own what you can do and what you’ve done. Just to own it as opposed to thinking you can’t do it.” - Melissa Wahnish, Episode 136

Resources Mentioned:

• Startup Leadership Program

Favorite Book:

• The Lord of the Rings Series by J.R.R. Tolkien

Favorite Quote:

• “It’s never boring.”

3 keys to Create Your Best Life:

1. Own your accomplishments.

Stay Connected:

Create Your Life Series:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/

https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:

www.kevinybrown.com

www.instagram.com/kevinybrown

www.twitter.com/kevinybrown

www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Melissa Wahnish:

[email protected]

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