What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid? Melanie White on Leading Hellwig to 80 Years

What does it take to cold call your way into a career - and eventually into the CEO seat of an 80-year-old family business? In this episode of GSD with Jeni, I sit down with Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Suspension Products, for a conversation that is equal parts raw and inspiring. Melanie didn't inherit the top job - she earned it, one cold call, one hard lesson, and one courageous decision at a time. We talk about what it really looks like to lead a family business through transitions, how she navigated gender bias in a male-dominated industry without losing herself, and why the question "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" has become a north star for her leadership. You'll walk away with real, actionable insight on: Building resilience when the industry (and sometimes the room) isn't built for you The mindset shift required to step from VP into the CEO seat How mentorship and strategic planning fuel sustainable growth Why slowing down to "sleep on it" is actually a power move Melanie is proof that grit, clarity, and a willingness to stand out - even when it's uncomfortable - will always outlast any bias or barrier. This one's for every woman who's ever walked into a room and had to prove she belonged.