From Betty Ford to Purpose-Driven CEO: Melissa Fors Shackelford on Family, Addiction, and Finding Your Soul-Deep Why

Join us for a deeply human and candid conversation with someone who has mental health experiences from every angle. Melissa Fors Shackelford is a healthcare executive and the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, Harnessing Purpose. While Melissa is known for building compelling brands and advising Fortune 100 leaders, her path to purpose was forged through personal adversity. In this episode, we normalize the conversation on family mental health and substance abuse as Melissa shares:The Impact of Family Adversity: How growing up with family members affected by substance abuse profoundly shaped her life choices, empathy, and career path.The Power of Experience: Her invaluable perspective gained from working at institutions like Hazelden Betty Ford and how it taught her about the complexity of mental health and recovery.The Vital Tool: The role of journaling as a non-negotiable practice for processing difficult emotions and finding clarity in the face of chaos.Making the Leap: What inspired her to leave behind a high-level corporate career (at Optum, Cigna, etc.) to bet on herself and build her own purpose-driven consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.Breaking the Barrier: Why making yourself available to ask for help is the most crucial step in activating your support circle and fostering true mental resilience. Melissa brings a rare blend of corporate expertise and personal vulnerability, proving that leading with integrity requires you to first understand and embrace your own story. This episode offers essential encouragement for anyone seeking to blend their personal challenges into a foundation for meaningful impact. Support the show Be sure to subscribe to stay current. Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com. This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production. CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988