Thoughtful change for leaders at the top.
Dr. Melissa Fristrom coaches CEOs, senior executives, founders, partners, key talent and global teams to strengthen both personal effectiveness and organizational performance.
Melissa brings a rare blend of experience to senior leadership development: front-line CEO and executive roles, Harvard Business School training, and a doctorate in psychoanalysis. For over 25 years, in myriad industries, and in more than 1,000 boardrooms, she has helped leaders understand the patterns – conscious and unconscious – shaping their decisions, their relationships, and organizational impact. Her process integrates behavioral insight, organizational awareness, and candid partnership to support leaders as they navigate with greater intention. The result is meaningful and lasting change.
Harnessing the patterns that drive leadership.
Our process brings structure, behavioral insight, and thoughtful challenge to senior leadership development. By understanding both the individual and the systems around them, we help leaders shift long-standing behaviors, broaden leadership range, and elevate impact across the business.
> Approach
Supporting leaders navigating complexity and growth.
We help our clients address mission-critical leadership challenges and opportunities. Our work strengthens executive effectiveness, team performance, and organizational alignment to help leaders build clarity, influence, and long-term results in high-stakes environments.
Bringing depth and perspective.
A former senior executive and CEO with advanced psychoanalytic training, Melissa brings a distinctive combination of real-world leadership experience and deep behavioral expertise. She helps leaders see the underlying forces shaping their decisions and relationships so they can make thoughtful, sustainable shifts in how they lead.
> About
Leveraging global expertise.
With work spanning 87 countries and diverse industries, Melissa supports leaders navigating cross-cultural complexity, global team dynamics, and large-scale organizational change.
Dr. Melissa Fristrom
What People are saying:
“Melissa has a unique ability to cut to the chase in a supportive and kind way; she pushes her clients to investigate their own beliefs and biases about themselves in a way that unlocks and reveals undiscovered potential. I’ve referred multiple leaders, across a variety of organizations, to Melissa and have been impressed that she connects so well with each and every one.”
Chief People Officer
“Melissa sees patterns in minutes that might take others months to articulate. Her empathy has a way of making the most challenging dynamics feel understandable and human. In a people-focused business, this compassion is not just valuable; it’s essential. Working with Melissa is a deeply compassionate experience.”
President
“I sought out Melissa during a period of intense professional and personal upheaval. I was stepping into a massive new leadership role within a toxic organization, navigating major life changes, and feeling completely overwhelmed. I needed a path forward, and Melissa provided exactly that.
Because of our work, I’ve moved past the 'survival mode' that I was stuck in and into a place where I can lead without apology. If you are truly ready to do the work and change your life, Melissa will meet your enthusiasm and make you feel like a rock star.”
C-Suite Executive
Let’s Talk.
If you’re exploring executive coaching or senior leadership development, schedule a meet-and-greet with Melissa to discuss your goals.
Subscribe.
Leadership insights delivered to your inbox twice monthly.