On this episode of Powered by Authenticity, Melissa Bernstein joins me for a conversation that is raw, rich, and full of meaning. You probably know Melissa as the co-founder of the wildly successful Melissa & Doug toy company and Lifelines—but behind the brands is a deeply creative soul who spent years struggling to make sense of the world, and her place in it.
In this conversation, Melissa shares how she turned a lifelong sense of “otherness” into purpose. She opens up about what it really means to live authentically, how creativity saved her, and the work she is doing as a mentor to others.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong—and needed someone to say, “Me too.”
Within we chat about:
- How Melissa turned deep sensitivity and creative energy into a lifelong mission
The silent struggles she carried—even while building a wildly successful company
Why stepping into mentorship has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey
The difference between “fitting in” and truly belonging
What it takes to live with intention, even when it feels uncomfortable
Melissa brings deep honesty to this conversation, with just the right mix of Wisdom and warmth. If you’ve been craving real talk about purpose, identity, and helping others grow—this one’s for you.
Thank you, Melissa, for a wonderful conversation. I can’t wait to have you on our show again!
Where to find more information on Melissa:
Practice Makes Purpose™ | Well-Being Ecosystem | Lifelines
LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light: Bernstein, Melissa: 9781735439709: Books – Amazon.ca
Melissa’s Bio:
Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six. In 1988, Melissa and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug out of their parents’ garage, and in the years that followed, they built Melissa & Doug into a multi-billion dollar brand. Melissa has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose through open-ended play. In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa co-founded Lifelines. In this new venture, she is using her unparalleled creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products that help adults rediscover wonder and relieve Stress through their senses.
Emily Carlson is a trailblazing executive, mentor, and international #1 best-selling author in the Healthcare IT and technology consulting industry. With a 30-year career spanning Information Technology, Project Management, and Digital Transformation, Emily has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive innovation, optimize healthcare operations, and enhance patient outcomes. She is recognized for her expertise in leading complex IT initiatives, delivering best-in-class solutions, and helping organizations achieve strategic growth through technology-driven transformation.
Beyond her executive leadership, Emily is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in technology. She is the creator and host of Powered by Authenticity, a podcast on a mission to elevate equity and inclusion for women everywhere. Each episode delivers insightful, inspiring conversations with remarkable individuals who are redefining success on their own terms. The show dives into their stories, shares valuable resources for those ready to start or re-start their professional journeys, and explores the unique challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way. Join us for empowering stories and actionable insights that remind you that your path forward is as bold as you make it.
Emily’s thought leadership extends beyond the microphone—she is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at national and international technology and leadership conferences. Her keynote topics address not only emerging tech trends, digital transformation, and mentorship, but also the broader needs for leaders in every career vertical. She provides valuable insights into adaptive leadership, workplace innovation, and strategies for driving inclusion, engagement, and long-term success across industries. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire action makes her a transformative voice in leadership conversations.
Among her many accolades, Emily was honored as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence, and Innovation in 2021. In 2022, she was named Mentor of the Year, recognizing her unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting women in technology. She is also an international #1 best-selling author, further solidifying her role as a thought leader and advocate for meaningful change.
When she’s not leading in the tech space, Emily channels her creative innovation into crafting wildly inventive cocktails, extreme charcuterie boards, and outlandish pies. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, she cherishes every moment spent with her family.
