Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a checked blazer and white blouse, against a light blue background.

I started Cordelia because I believe great things happen when people and businesses grow together.

The thing is, we're all just trying to figure it out. I've watched brilliant people stay stuck because they don't know what they want, and great businesses struggle because their people aren't thriving. What I've learned is that success happens when everyone gets clear on what they need. When people understand themselves and businesses understand their people, everything works better. Whether you're figuring out your path or building something great, it starts with honest conversations about what you actually need.

Did you know…

0
of employees would stay longer at companies that invest in their growth
0
of people feel they're using their strengths at work daily
0
hours of our lives we spend working

Work shapes our lives. Let’s shape it well.

Because 90,000 hours should mean something.

A woman with long brown hair smiling in front of a silver Apple MacBook, with a wooden louvered door in the background.

Hi, I’m Mel

Strategic where it counts. Human where it matters.

I’ve spent two decades inside corporate (Big Law, KPMG, and Deloitte) leading talent strategy across employee experience, leadership development, talent acquisition, and talent technology. I’m certified in all the things—SHRM-SCP, Predictive Index—but what really matters? I know how to cut through noise, spot the root issue, and help people and business grow together. That’s why I started Cordelia Consulting: to help organizations build better workplaces and help individuals lead with purpose.

Its also what led me to co-create *Your Work Friends *with Francesca Ranieri. We wanted to create a podcast where we make sense of what’s happening at work (and to work) in a way that’s honest, funny, and practical.

Clients have described me as lighthouse in the dark, shining light on what matters most. Personally? I just want work to feel a little more human. Outside of all that, you’ll find me at the beach or on ‘get lost drives’ with my husband, working in the studio on stained glass art for my loved ones, or binging true crime with a scoop of pistachio ice cream in hand.

Our Promise to you

We Get it & we care

We’ve been inside the pressure, the politics, the people problems. We know what it’s like to feel stuck or unsure. You won’t get judgment here. Just someone who understands what you’re trying to do and wants to help you get there.

Tailored to you

There’s no one right way to do this work. Every person and every organization is different. We listen, ask good questions, and shape the work around what you actually need.

The process only works if it works for you.

In it with you

We’re collaborative partners throughout. That means thoughtful check-ins, real conversations, and adjusting as we go. Our goal is to help you build something that lasts, whether that’s a new habit, a stronger team dynamic, or a clearer sense of direction. We’re with you until the work is working for you.

Woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a white top, in front of a wall with framed pictures and artwork.

Am I the collaborator you’d like to have in your corner?

  1. Coffee or Tea? Coffee over tea, especially when it comes with a side of brainstorming.

  2. Big Picture or Details? Big picture first, details next. I love connecting the dots to make sense of the chaos.

  3. Morning Person or Night Owl? Night owl (ideas seem to hit after 9PM), but I will get up early to share with the client. No late night emails from me.

  4. Team Player or Solo Strategist? Both! I thrive collaborating with smart people, but I’ll roll up my sleeves and get things done on my own, too.

  5. Business Books or Beach Reads? Both are on my nightstand right now. Strategy books fuel my work, but you’ll catch me with a thriller at the beach.

5 Things you should know about me (This or That style) to help you decide

A woman with short brown hair reading a book titled 'Open Talent' in a room decorated with framed artwork on the wall.
A smiling woman with dark hair, wearing earrings and a striped shirt, holding a yellow mug in a cozy room decorated with framed pictures and artwork on a blue wall.

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