From AFL locker rooms to the News Corp boardroom, Melissa Librandi shares how courage, empathy and a well timed “yes” can change your career and your company. Melissa embodies how fearless leadership is forged at the crossroads of empathy, pragmatism and bold bets.

From pioneering flexible work years before it was mainstream to backing disruptive destination marketing that won “World’s Best Tourism Film,” Melissa shows why the bravest decision is often the most human one.

She reframes imposter syndrome as a “positive nervousness” a stage ready gut check that keeps ego in place and standards high. We dig into her talent philosophy (great leaders listen more than they speak), why a true leader expects star performers to outgrow roles and the art of unlocking potential by asking people where they want to be in five years - and then helping them map the path.

Melissa opens the playbook on fearless innovation: use the data, but don’t outsource judgment, intuition is still a competitive edge. She shares the five global megatrends leaders must operationalize now (from AI to health and wellness) and translates each into practical, small-business moves.

We also go inside high-performance sport, where weekly scrutiny demands poise, empathy and relentless reset rituals (yes, sometimes it’s as simple as writing a list).

Her mantra “say yes and work it out later” comes with the counter skill of knowing when to say no, by listening to your gut. And her mic-drop truths - “If not you, then who?” and “Keep leaning in until you must lean out” are a rallying cry for women weighing career moves alongside life plans.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance heart with hard metrics and how to lead teams through euphoric wins and brutal losses, this episode is your blueprint.

Key takeaways:

• Imposter syndrome and how to flip it as your super power.

• Developing and growing your team - a manager hopes you’ll stay but a leader knows you’ll move on and they will help you get there.

• Use data to inform, intuition to decide. Sometimes you back the good idea and then prove it.

• Marketing technology and innovation.

We cover a lot of ground in this one! Unfiltered insights that resonate with both emerging and established leaders

Thank you to Westpac for supporting this episode of Fearless Females Podcast. Even the best ideas need backing. Westpac has committed $1B to support female entrepreneurs and offer the Startup Business Loan. Apply with your business plan and budget projections for up to $50k unsecured. To learn more, search 'Westpac supporting female founders'. Eligibility, credit criteria, fees & charges and T&C's apply. General advice only.