Melanie is the Founder of Women Step Forward (Wāhine Mā Rere Ki Runga), dedicated to accelerating women’s leadership and building a robust pipeline for women in leadership roles. Passionate about gender balance and inclusive leadership, she empowers the next generation of women leaders and ensures their voices are heard. Starting her career as a young senior manager, Melanie gained valuable insights in various leadership roles. She is now committed to helping women recognise their inner leader, navigate systemic barriers, and step into their power.

With extensive experience helping women overcome imposter syndrome and limiting self-beliefs, Melanie empowers women to experience immense transformation and take on larger leadership roles. She runs women-only leadership programmes, including Know Your Value: Mastering Negotiation for Women and the ASPIRE Women and Leadership programme.

She is deeply passionate about leadership and strengths development. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, keynote speaker, and senior leadership practitioner, she brings over 25 years of experience working alongside Chief Executives, senior and emerging leaders. She coaches and develops high-performing leaders and leadership teams.Her experience spans New Zealand and the UK. Of Pākehā and Māori descent (Ngāi Tahu), she is also a mother of two young daughters.