This IN HER VOICE: STORIES OF LEADERSHIP episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, hosted by Amy P Wilkins, features an insightful conversation with branding strategist and LinkedIn guru, Melissa Cohen. Melissa shares her journey from a high-powered fashion career to becoming a personal branding expert. Amy and Melissa discuss how Melissa's unexpected career pivot at Ralph Lauren during the pandemic led her to uncover a new calling in helping others build a personal brand on LinkedIn.

Throughout the episode, Melissa unveils the concept of personal branding, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and being one's true self, even in messy middle moments. They explore navigating career pivots, the power of authentic storytelling, and using LinkedIn to enhance visibility. Melissa emphasizes the importance of starting, building a network, and using AI carefully while maintaining a unique voice. Amy and Melissa discuss mindset shifts essential for thriving in chaos, enriching the listener with life-changing lessons from transitions and professional evolution.

Key Takeaways

• Non-linear Career Paths: Careers today are rarely linear, often involving lateral moves and pivots. Embrace change and be open to exploring new directions.
• Power of Personal Branding: Melissa emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, highlighting LinkedIn as a platform that can create unforeseen opportunities and broaden one's professional visibility.
• Begin with Comments: Getting started on LinkedIn doesn't require perfection. Engage through commenting and build visibility gradually, fostering connections and conversations.
• Utilize AI judiciously: While AI can support content creation, it shouldn't replace one's unique voice. Authenticity is key to branding.
• Network and Relationships: Cultivate a robust professional network. Relationships are crucial in career transitions and can provide unexpected opportunities.

Melissa Cohen Quotes

Everything good that has happened to me in the last five years has happened because I decided to be visible and keep showing up on a regular basis.Your voice is one of the most precious assets that you have. So be really careful who and what you trust it with.There's no perfect time, and the perfect time is now.We're all multifaceted individuals. We all have talents… and I think we fall so easily into that trap of only focusing on what we do for work.Content is king, but comments are the keys to the kingdom. (citing Dan Roth's insight on LinkedIn engagement. Daniel Roth, Editor in Chief, VP of Content Development at LinkedIn)Your voice is one of the most precious assets that you have.

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About Melissa Cohen

Melissa Cohen is a LinkedIn and personal branding strategist who helps leaders, founders, and executives elevate their visibility, credibility, and business impact. Earlier in her career, Melissa held leadership roles in the fashion industry, contributing to the global growth of iconic American brands, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nautica. That brand-building expertise continues to shape her strategic, high-touch approach today.

Melissa is the creator of The Caffeinated Chronicles, a widely read LinkedIn newsletter, and the co-author of the Amazon best-selling book Your Career Resilience Blueprint. In January 2024, she was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice by the platform's editorial team. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Her Move Next, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women through the power of chess, community, and competition. She was a founding member of Chief, the largest network of senior women executives.

Melissa's Website Melissa Cohen LinkedIn Profile @MelissaBethCohen Linktree DIY Influence Membership Community: Co-founders Melissa Cohen & Julie Morris Check out Melissa's #linkedinnuggets - Amy's Nugget is featured HERE