We recently connected with Melisa Meral and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melisa, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

From a young age, I was naturally drawn to performance- tap dancing, ballet, piano, and even the violin. I loved making people laugh with made-up skits and mini comedy shows. As a teenager, I sang in a nationally recognized choir and even performed the National Anthem for the San Diego Padres at age 13. So when my career path led me into corporate Human Resources — specifically Learning & Development — I realized I was still using that same skill set: connecting with people through storytelling, presence, and delivery.

Public speaking has always come naturally to me, but refining it into a professional craft required courage, confidence, and continual practice. Even now, I occasionally catch myself speaking too quickly or feeling that nervous quiver before stepping on stage! To sharpen my skills, I’ve invested in multiple programs and coaches over the years, learning to blend performance with purpose and create impact from the front of the room. The most essential skills in my journey have been impactful writing, emotional intelligence, and adaptability (knowing how to read a room and connect authentically).

Every keynote and workshop I deliver is another opportunity to grow. I’m always learning, improving, and evolving as a speaker- because mastery is a journey, not a destination!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a former Fortune 100 Human Resources leader with over a decade of experience in Learning & Development. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and am certified in both Somatic Coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming- which blends my love for behavioral science with a human-centered approach to personal & professional growth!

Over the past eight years, I’ve delivered hundreds of energizing, engaging, and entertaining keynotes and workshops that help professionals reimagine productivity- shifting from simply managing their time to mastering their attention.

My Signature Keynote explores how AI, constant connectivity, and digital clutter are reshaping the world of work in 2026 and beyond. And through my accompanying Interactive Workshops, I teach participants how to harness technology intentionally—with actionable strategies for working smarter, staying focused, and showing up more consciously in today’s distracted digital age!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve made plenty of pivots since establishing my LLC in 2018- but all five of my brands are centered around helping people simplify, organize, and live more intentionally.

It all started with my first venture, Let’s Get You Organized, where I helped over 250 families in San Diego get their homes (and lives!) in order—so well, in fact, that it became a six-figure business through 2019.

Then came the bestselling book I wrote in 2020. Pivoting with Purpose: The Hamster Wheel, the Rat Race, and Other Career Myths Holding You Back is a cheeky, real-life memoir about my journey from Fortune 100 HR leader to full-blown entrepreneur! That book launched a whole new brand, Pivoting with Purpose, where I coached job seekers on LinkedIn optimization, networking, and professional growth.

In 2021, I decided to help other women build organizing businesses of their own through my trademarked brand Pro Organizer Bootcamp®. What started as a few YouTube videos turned into a global community of thousands of women, 500+ digital course students, 100K+ combined video views & podcast downloads , and hundreds of aspiring professional organizers launching successful decluttering businesses.

After moving to Oklahoma City in 2023, I opened VIV Home & Lifestyle, a boutique focused on conscious consumption and curated thrift finds. I wanted to shine a light on the beauty of secondhand and the truth about overconsumption. In 2025, we evolved into a vendor mall model, which gives me more time to balance life as a mom of two under two—because that’s a whole other full-time job!

And through Melisa Meral Media Inc., I’m now bringing all of it full circle—speaking on stages, leading workshops, and helping professionals reimagine productivity in the age of AI. My talks are all about shifting from managing time to managing attention—because in today’s world of constant pings and digital distractions, FOCUS is truly a superpower.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m a big believer that personal growth and business growth go hand in hand, so I’m constantly reading and revisiting books that expand how I think as both a leader and entrepreneur! Here are my Top 5 favorites:

1. Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman taught me how to scale sustainably by building systems and structure without losing the soul of my business.

2. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber completely shifted how I think about working ON my businesses instead of only IN them.

3. The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks challenged me to identify my “upper limits” and stop self-sabotaging upward momentum while I step into my calling.

4. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker reframed my beliefs around money, abundance, and self-worth which are lessons that have majorly influenced my mindset in my speaking career.

5. The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau inspired me to take bold leaps in my career and build businesses that reflect my values, not just my resume or credentials.

Each of these books has reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits or processes—it’s about purpose, alignment, and the courage to do things differently!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melisameral.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisameral/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@proorganizerbootcamp
• Other: My Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dg4yN2c