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What does it take to cold call your way into a career - and eventually into the CEO seat of an 80-year-old family business?

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, I sit down with Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Suspension Products, for a conversation that is equal parts raw and inspiring. Melanie didn't inherit the top job - she earned it, one cold call, one hard lesson, and one courageous decision at a time.

We talk about what it really looks like to lead a family business through transitions, how she navigated gender bias in a male-dominated industry without losing herself, and why the question "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" has become a north star for her leadership.

You'll walk away with real, actionable insight on:

• Building resilience when the industry (and sometimes the room) isn't built for you
• The mindset shift required to step from VP into the CEO seat
• How mentorship and strategic planning fuel sustainable growth
• Why slowing down to "sleep on it" is actually a power move

Melanie is proof that grit, clarity, and a willingness to stand out - even when it's uncomfortable - will always outlast any bias or barrier.

This one's for every woman who's ever walked into a room and had to prove she belonged.