Hosted by Jennifer Vickery
Watch full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQzPN6ZvvEA&t=3s
Melissa More is the Regional Vice President for the ALS Association Southeast, where she leads partnerships, community engagement, and strategic initiatives across four states. But outside her impactful work in nonprofit leadership, Melissa is an avid traveler, Orangetheory regular, home chef, and mom of two. In this episode, Melissa shares how grief shaped her purpose, why adventure still fuels her spirit, and the creative ways she finds time to recharge amid a demanding career and full family life.
(11:30) You don’t have to finish every book—or every project—if it’s not serving you.
(17:20) Finding joy in the mundane is a superpower.
(43:10) Purpose-driven leadership often comes from personal experience with loss and healing.
(00:00) Meet Melissa More – ALS Association Southeast
(03:45) Day in the life: juggling leadership, family, and fitness
(06:15) Why Orangetheory is Melissa’s go-to for stress relief
(10:00) How audiobooks and reading became her daily escape
(13:50) Cooking for joy—not perfection
(17:20) Making the most of everyday moments (and messy family dinners)
(20:00) Favorite concert: Tom Petty and the power of nostalgia
(22:40) How grief shaped her career in hospice and ALS advocacy
(28:30) Backpacking through Europe with no GPS: pre-mom adventures
(32:10) Traveling with kids: Spain, Portugal, and U.S. National Parks
(35:45) The National Parks secret every parent should know
(39:15) What canyoning in Switzerland taught her about courage
(43:10) Why ALS awareness still needs your voice
(46:30) From ice bucket challenge to real progress in ALS research (50:00) Ways to support: walk, volunteer, donate, or get your company involved
(53:20) Final thoughts on living fully, leading with heart, and finding your joy
