Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Thornley.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career started as a writer- technical and copy writer. I then went back to school for a second degree to study film at Columbia College…which lasted one glorious semester. After meeting a film editor, I jumped into the world of film post production where I spent the next 20 years working in Chicago, New York and London. Chaotic environments with creative people working against tight deadlines totally suited my energy and thirst for challenge.
I soon realized that my favorite part of running these companies was nurturing the talent, developing the teams and growing the business. Although I loved producing projects, my heart was in seeing intangible ideas become tangible films and seeing people develop their leadership.
While still working in the ad world, I went thru leadership and coaching training. The skills I learned became invaluable in working with my teams and clients. My creative world expanded as well performing in a sketch comedy show with The Annoyance Theatre and in storytelling events like Mortified and Pecha Kucha. As time went on, I realized the time had come to focus on leadership development and my own creative projects so I started my own consulting firm.
Now I bring all of my strengths and talents to the table. The common thread is always creative leadership.
Whether I’m delivering leadership and learning events for corporate clients or working with entrepreneurs on growing their businesses. I also honor my own creativity by producing/directing live or video content. I just directed a music video for Chicago indie label Pravda Records and have a documentary on R&B artist Andre Williams in current production.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Curiosity drives me and I thrive on a good challenge, so that creates struggles along the way. The struggle is never the work. It’s always about mindset and trust. Self-doubt and second guessing oneself is always at the root of it.
What I now fully get is that I need to bring all of me to my clients and projects. If I leave my wacky creative self at home, I’m missing out on the innovation and fun my clients crave. If I leave my business savvy at the office, the structure that allows me to be creative is missing.
Doing the right brain – left brain dance isn’t always fun, but it’s effective. Taking on more creative roles when I’m used to being the producer, gets me out of my comfort zone. It’s uncomfortable, but absolutely critical to the impact I want to have on my community and the world.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Melissa Thornley Consulting – what should we know?
My specialty is creative leadership. Whether its business leaders looking to bring more creativity to their teams or creatives looking to be more strategic about their business, I operate at the intersection of creativity and business.
What does that look like?
In collaboration with various partner companies, I develop, deliver and produce learning events that are results driven and fun for corporate clients.
I work with entrepreneurs and small businesses on developing their business by connecting their values to their business model, developing their team as leaders, and telling their brand stories.
When clients want to bring their strategy to life, I produce and direct content to support their brand.
What I’m most proud of are the amazing partnerships I’ve developed over the years. Delivering innovative women’s leadership programs and executive coaching with Tiara Leadership has meant powerful results for those women and their companies. I’ve also been partnering with Daily Planet Productions for over a year on a music documentary about unsung R&B legend Andre Williams.
What sets me apart is my unique combination of insight and energy. It means results coupled with fun and oftentimes an adventure.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Many qualities make up what I consider success. I’m a blue collar kid from the northwest side, which means a “what you see is what you get” kind of authenticity. It allows me to create environments with full permission for clients to do the work they came to do. I balance being flexible and supportive with decisiveness and directness. I’m also extremely comfortable with change and chaos. It’s part of my DNA. I work with it and allow others to move thru it more easily.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4245 N Knox Ave #7
Chicago, IL 60641 - Website: http://www.melissathornley.com/
- Email: melissa@melissathornley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissathornleyconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaThornleyConsulting/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlchemyCreate
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