Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 269 

Melissa Aarskaug built a successful career in cybersecurity and leadership, but for years she played it safe—showing only the “W-2 version” of herself. In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with the Executive Connect podcast founder to talk about letting go of fear, showing up authentically, and learning to lead from a place of intention, not just ambition.

Melissa shares the moment she decided to stop playing small, the real-life impact of being vulnerable online, and why showing up fully—as a parent, a leader, and a human—is the most courageous thing you can do.

About Melissa Aarskaug:

Melissa started her career in civil and environmental engineering, building bridges and treatment facilities before pivoting into compliance and cybersecurity. Now a senior leader in the security sector and the founder of Executive Connect, she helps protect regulated industries from cyber threats while using her platform to help others cut through fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. Through speaking, writing, and podcasting, Melissa inspires leaders to be more courageous, more intentional, and more human.

In this episode, Thomas and Melissa discuss:

• What it means to stop playing small
  Melissa shares how she hid behind her job title for years—until she decided to show up fully and authentically in every space.
• The power of public vulnerability
  A single LinkedIn post inspired someone to apply for a job they didn’t think they could get—and they got it. That’s impact.
• Why leadership isn’t about the title
  Being a leader is about listening, showing up, and creating ripple effects—not about your org chart status.
• The trap of people-pleasing
  Melissa unpacks the dangers of overvaluing others’ opinions and how to stay focused on your own mission.
• What’s next for her journey
  From a long-paused book to more keynote stages, Melissa’s just getting started.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• You’re allowed to be more than one version of yourself.
  Don’t hide the messy or the meaningful parts of who you are.
• Imposter syndrome fades when you take action.
  You don’t need permission to lead—you just need to begin.
• Leadership is intentional, not positional.
  It’s how you show up, not what’s on your business card.
• Care less about being liked—care more about being impactful.
  Focus on authenticity over approval.
• Challenge yourself earlier, not later.
  Don’t wait for “the right time” to start what matters to you.

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug:

💼 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug

🎙️ Executive Connect Podcast
📧 Reach out via LinkedIn for podcast invites, speaking inquiries, or media kit requests

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
🚀 instantlyrelevant.com

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System