Pursuit 365 Day 54: Melissa Mancini Burbridge

Melissa M. Burbridge is the CEO @aliseicreativesolutions, a digital media firm, a loving Momma of two, and her true passion is helping others avoid the mistakes she made going from nurse to CEO. She has become multi-passionate when it comes to her career, both in leading a team and coaching women in group programs.

Q. If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?

Trust your gut, it will never steer you wrong. Ignoring it often leads you down the wrong path. A lesson I learned the hard way. I would also say you are capable of big things, so stop doubting yourself and stop comparing yourself to others’ success. Because you are often only seeing one side of the story, you never truly know the road they have walked to get there, just focus on your success.

Q. What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?

To help hundreds of women inside our two signature group programs. These programs have been a labour of love and we really want to make an impact on the number of women who are looking to find fulfillment in their careers. That often means taking a huge leap and leaving the career that makes them unhappy. So far we have helped dozens.

Q. What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?

My favourite thing about my career is changing lives. Whether it’s helping a small business raise its digital presence and reduce the stress and overwhelm of social media at the firm. Or coaching women in my other business to leave a career they hate by helping them rediscover things they have forgotten about themselves. Then we offer support, community, and tools to go after a career that is fulfilling for them, whether it be in a traditional job or entrepreneur. There’s truly nothing that can describe the feeling when you watch your clients/students make a huge life-changing breakthrough, it’s truly amazing.

Q. When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?

My story doesn’t sound happy at first, but the decision to leave one career to start my own business was the scariest and greatest decision I ever made. I had been trying to find a career that made me happy, and had flexibility so I could see my children grow up. Working as a nurse, there was always mandated overtime, a lot of stress, and consistently missing my children’s big events, which wore on me. Then trauma happened on the job that led to PTSD; it took a bit of time to make the decision but when I did I went all in and haven’t looked back since. I truly feel for all our health care and frontline workers during this pandemic and think of them often, they are amazing heroes doing what feels like a thankless job. Please know it is not thankless and that you are truly amazing!

Q. What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?

My family keeps me motivated every day with their patience and grace. I am truly grateful to have them. My pup Ellie, a white German Shepherd, is also a great motivator to keep active. Lastly, all my amazing clients and students push me to do more so I can take away some of their stress. I am so blessed to be doing what I do and I absolutely cherish it.