46. Melissa Locklar | Lead • Love • Let Go: Motherhood in Every Season

Calling all working moms—you are stronger than you know, and this episode will remind you why. Join Angela and Melissa Locklar for an unfiltered conversation about thriving through every season of motherhood while building a career and chasing your dreams. From guiding an independent 25-year-old to leading in HR and writing a novel, Melissa proves that you can rise, even when life throws its biggest challenges. This episode is packed with raw truths, practical wisdom, and empowering lessons to help you lead with courage, set boundaries without guilt, and trust the process. You deserve this time for YOU—tune in and get inspired to own your journey.   "I want someone who's going to challenge me. That's what HR does. We really challenge people to think beyond their realm of what they're capable of, and it's uncomfortable." - Melissa    Key points that speak to the working moms: Motherhood evolves with every stage—raising a 25-year-old brings bigger, more complex challenges than toddler years. Balancing roles is real—juggling career leadership, parenting, and personal growth isn't easy, but it's possible. It's okay not to have it all figured out—parenting adult children is full of unknowns, and that's normal. Boundaries matter—saying "no" at work can protect your energy and prevent burnout. Mentorship starts at home and at work—guiding your kids and empowering your team both require honesty and authenticity. Leadership isn't about perfection—it's about trust, communication, and owning your voice as a woman in male-dominated spaces. Networking is everything—when reentering the workforce, relationships matter more than ever. Invest in yourself without guilt—upskilling, reading, and creating space for passion projects like writing can reignite purpose. You don't have to do it alone—finding a supportive community of moms and professionals makes all the difference. Trust the process and let go of control—life rarely goes as planned, and leaning into faith and timing can bring peace. About Melissa Locklar: Melissa Locklar is a self-made HR executive and senior leader at Honeywell Aerospace. Originally from the small town of South Paris, Maine (population 1,800), she moved to Arizona in 2012 with her now 25 year old daughter and has built a career rooted in resilience, vision, and people-first leadership. With over two decades of experience in aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and AI, Melissa is known for her strengths in employee relations, engagement, and recruiting. She has a proven track record of transforming culture, streamlining talent strategies, and driving measurable business results.   Connect with Angela:   Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/   Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB