In this episode, Melissa Bernstein shares her remarkable journey from a creative, "unsettled" child to the co-founder of Melissa & Doug. She opens up about channeling her internal chaos into creativity, the early struggles and scrappy beginnings of the company, and the mission-driven philosophy that guided their growth. Melissa discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the lessons learned from both setbacks and successes from building a business from her basement to selling the company for over a billion dollars. She also talks about balancing business and family, working with her husband, and her new venture, Lifelines, which focuses on well-being and helping others find meaning. Melissa's story is a testament to the power of creativity, grit, and staying true to one's mission.

Timestamps

• 03:45 – Channeling chaos into creativity: the start of Melissa & Doug
• 08:30 – Melissa's upbringing and search for meaning
• 13:00 – Quitting corporate jobs and the fateful weekend
• 16:30 – Early mission and building a company from scratch
• 22:00 – First product, "fuzzy puzzle," and manufacturing challenges
• 27:00 – Getting burned by a factory agent
• 32:00 – Serendipity, resilience, and finding the right factory
• 36:00 – Building the business from their home
• 41:00 – Balancing family, business, and self-funding
• 48:00 – Sales, rejection, and learning to overcome objections
• 55:00 – Expanding categories: puzzles, wooden toys, plush, costumes
• 1:05:00 – Entering mass market and the Amazon story
• 1:15:00 – Taking on investors and the eventual sale
• 1:25:00 – Leaving the company, starting Lifelines, and finding new meaning
• 1:33:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs, women, and parents
• 1:38:00 – Melissa's book and mentoring the next generation
• 1:45:00 – Final thoughts: creativity, meaning, and living authentically

Guest Description
Melissa Bernstein is the co-founder of Melissa & Doug, one of the world's leading toy companies, and a passionate entrepreneur, creator, and advocate for mental health and authentic living. Over 35 years, Melissa and her husband Doug built their company from scratch, focusing on sparking children's imaginations with high-quality, open-ended toys. After selling the company for over a billion dollars, Melissa launched Lifelines, a new venture dedicated to well-being tools for adults, and authored the book "The Heart of Entrepreneurship." Her journey is marked by creativity, resilience, and a mission-driven approach to business and life.

In this inspiring episode of "Inspire to Lead," host Talia Mashiach sits down with singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Shaindy Plotzker. Together, they explore Shaindy's journey of becoming a trailblazer in the Orthodox Jewish music scene. Shaindy shares candid insights about building her business, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of authenticity, leadership, and self-worth. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to pursue their passion, break barriers, and lead with purpose.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & opening thoughts
• 01:07 – Meet Shaindy Plotzker: background and early influences
• 04:20 – Breaking barriers: music, business, and Orthodox Jewish identity
• 07:00 – Building a team and running a production company
• 12:43 – Growing up, family, and the power of music
• 17:39 – Overcoming obstacles and finding your unique voice
• 24:04 – Leadership, authenticity, and advice for young women
• 35:58 – The pivotal moments that changed everything
• 42:04 – Quick-fire questions and closing thoughts

Guest Description: Shaindy Plotzker is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for her soulful voice and energetic performances. As a leading figure in the Orthodox Jewish music world, Shaindy has inspired thousands with her message of self-acceptance, faith, and empowerment. Beyond the stage, she runs her own production company, mentors young talent, and is passionate about using her platform to uplift others. Shaindy's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and following your calling.

In this episode of Inspire to Lead, host Talia Mashiach sits down with Dr. Aimee Baron, founder and executive director of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a nonprofit from personal experience. Aimee shares her journey from a lifelong dream of pediatrics, through the heartbreak of multiple second-trimester miscarriages, to finding new meaning by supporting others facing fertility challenges in the Jewish community.

The discussion explores the realities of career pivots, the emotional toll of loss, and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Aimee opens up about the challenges of leaving medicine, the process of founding a nonprofit, and the importance of community, support, and being open to life's unexpected turns.

03:15 – Aimee 's Early Passion for Pediatrics and Medicine
06:45 – The Reality of Medical Training and Family Life
10:00 – Facing Repeated Loss and Leaving Medicine
18:00 – Speaking Out: Breaking the Silence on Fertility Challenges
22:00 – Volunteering and the Birth of a Nonprofit
28:00 – Building "I Was Supposed to Have a Baby" from the Ground Up
35:00 – Fundraising, Hiring, and Growing a Team
41:00 – Redefining Success: Support Over Outcomes
46:00 – Advice on Difficult Decisions and Listening to Your Gut
52:00 – The Power of Community and Giving Back
58:00 – Aimee 's Superpower and Final Reflections

About Our Guest:
Dr. Aimee Baron is a pediatrician, nonprofit founder, and advocate for those facing fertility challenges. After a successful medical career, Aimee 's personal experiences with loss inspired her to create I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, a platform dedicated to providing emotional support and resources to the Jewish community. Known for her empathy, candor, and commitment to making a difference, Aimee 's work has touched thousands and continues to foster connection,community, and hope.