Melissa Ninegar - Senior Director of People & Culture at Once Upon a Farm

Melissa Ninegar has built a career helping people navigate some of life's biggest moments, but her most valuable leadership lessons didn't come from a handbook or HR playbook. In this conversation with Ryan, the Senior Director of People & Culture at Once Upon a Farm shares the hard-earned truths that have shaped how she leads, from believing you belong in every room you enter to choosing how life's toughest moments define you. Ryan and Melissa explore imposter syndrome, resilience, grief, growth, and why some of the most important leadership skills are rarely taught. They also discuss the power of showing up authentically, finding magic in the messy moments, and why the real opportunity in leadership begins when we stop seeing people as resources and start seeing them as humans.