Resiliency with Melyssa Barrett • ZH Balance Podcast

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Melyssa Barrett

CEO & Success Coach
at Jali Enterprises, Inc.
Podcast Host of The Jali Podcast Social Impact
HQ: Northern, California
melyssabarrett.com

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Where is your favorite place to visit in the world?

At the beach, looking at the water. Being at the base of The Palm in Dubai, or the beach in Southern California or Hawaii, looking at the water from the beach on a sunny day absolutely reminds me of the vast beauty and peace that is granted to us on a daily basis.

Who do you want to meet? 

Michelle Obama

Who did you want to meet?

Maya Angelou and my own powerful family ancestors

How does your work fulfill you, your purpose in life?

The ability for us to align ourselves with our purpose and help others align with theirs is transformational and brings me a sense of hope, love, and peace.

What are you reading right now?

Weak Start Unapologetic Present by Lester Patrick

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What are you watching?

I don’t watch a lot of TV but I enjoy reruns like 9-1-1 and Equalizer

What do you do to relax and de-stress?

Meditation (guided meditation or with/without music) and walking

Do you have any sleep tips?

Reduce television watching especially in your bedroom. Get rid of electronics and learn to set “Do Not Disturb” to eliminate notifications. Sometimes I have to put on headphones and meditate for good sleep.

When are you most in flow, productive and energized?

Definitely mornings between 5-10 am. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. Spend time with God and your own spirit and don’t just talk, but listen.

Do you meditate or practice mindfulness? If so, how?

Yes! Often I use guided meditations by Kelly Howell but I often will use music and do my own meditation, just spending time appreciating my blessings, giving gratitude, and being present to listen, create, and empower (myself and others). 

Who taught you how to hustle?

No doubt about it… my father. He was the epitome of productivity in my mind. He never stopped and had the best of intentions to create a good work ethic but “life” was secondary.

What keeps you up at night?
The divisiveness of people and the manipulation. The lack of unity, faith, purpose, community, and love.

Do you exercise? If so, how?
Not enough! Walking is what I do most but I enjoy yoga.


What communities inspire you?
I get much of my inspiration from my church family, my sorority sisters at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, my NAACP family, and the people I celebrate through my own podcast everyday that are doing the work to make a difference in the world so that it is better tomorrow than it has been to us today.

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Are you more Hustle or more Zen, lately?
I am more Zen than Hustle in my season now although everyone continues to tell me how busy I am. Up until the pandemic I was all Hustle! Now I find myself focusing on what I want to do instead of what I have to do. The more time I take to be Zen, the less time I focus on the hustle. 

What would you do if you did not do your existing work/business?
I think I would have retired to Panama by now. 😀 My Mom was born there and I have always wanted to go and spend a lot of time there.

How do you define a good work / life balance, and how important do you think it is?
I think it comes with maturity when you realize how short life can be and what your earthly experience is meant to deliver to the universe. When I was younger, the work I did financed components of the “life” but as I matured, I realized that the work I do and the life I want can be combined to complete my purpose. 

Are you in partnership, have kids? How have relationships impacted your balance?

I was blessed to be married to one of the most intelligent people for nearly 25 years, Peter Barrett. We have 3 children (and now 8 grandchildren). Although he is deceased, I am so extremely proud of the partnership we created, the love we learned, and the legacy he leaves behind. He is the one who energizes me to continue to focus on the important things in life (it’s so short) and less on the activity. He was the master communicator, spiritual advisor, oral tradition storyteller, performer and keeper of the culture that continues to allow me to tap into my purpose and strive to help others see their own purpose. I pray that all we do and have done will allow our children and grandchildren to live a better life (less hustle and more zen) earlier in life.

What’s some advice you would give to new or struggling entrepreneurs/hustlers that seem out of balance?
Understand the goal you are striving to achieve and really lean in to understand what having that will do for you. Eliminate negative energy quickly and lead with positive and authentic energy. Any calm brought to the storm has the ability to transform the climate. Make time for yourself and make it the most important meeting of your day. Don’t miss it. 

What advice would you tell your younger self?
Identify and listen to mentors to accelerate your path. Be the lead in your own story, empower yourself early. Don’t focus so much on the destination but learn to love, live, and enjoy yourself every day and every step along your journey. 

What is one issue you are out to change in the world (personally or professionally)?
Equity and Equality in everything I do. Whether it is business, personal development, access, education, economics, the arts, etc., it only takes one person to make a difference. 

What is your favorite quote, mantra, motto?

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ”

— -African Proverb

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Your last 2¢ (ideas, insights, quote)?

Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they're stones that don't matter. As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to do some good. -Maya Angelou

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