Melissa Dawn Simkins

Melissa Dawn Simkins is more than her title and position, she is a purveyor of purpose-powered leadership. As CEO of Velvet Suite ®, a leadership innovation firm, she advises global enterprises on how to build future ready talent as the catalyst to growth and transformation. The company is on a mission to reach more than 1 million leaders by 2032 to reinvent the way we live and lead and to help organizations benefit from this new model.

As author of the book, Brand Me. Melissa has been coined “the first lady of personal branding.” Melissa is a sought-after and trusted advisor to C-Suite executives, governmental leaders, celebrities and professional athletes on how to become a better leader.Velvet Suite’s work is proven, tested and trusted by organizations such Procter & Gamble, Boston Scientific Corporation, UBS, The National Football League, Ingredion, Colgate-Palmolive, BAE Systems Inc. AstraZeneca and more.

The She-Suite is the female focused platform of Velvet Suite started as a vision in Melissa’s head as she struggled with how to be an effective leader in every area of her life. The Brand Leadership Institute ® is the company’s signature offering that was born nearly a decade ago and currently serves women leaders and their managers in 26 countries around the world.

A southern girl from North Carolina, Melissa learned service is “the rent you pay for living” which shapes her brand of leadership today. Most importantly she is a proud wife, momma, sister, daughter, friend and believer who aspires to lead a “time wealthy” life. She is committed to making each moment count and purpose-powers her to do just that.