Unexpected Life Change Brand Story

Dennis Mellen is a Positive Leadership Trainer and Consultant who brings his experience as an officer in the US Airforce to guide executives towards solutions to the problems they face. To learn more about his programs and his book, It takes More than Heart, visit his website.

Where did you grow up?

I was an Air Force brat so we moved all over.

Where do you reside currently?

Chicago Suburbs

What is your top personal value?

Persistence - The word exemplifies the Japanese saying of "fall down 7 times, get up 8". After flying professionally for over 30+ years as an Air Force pilot and an airline pilot, I lost my medical and had a career/life "do-over". My book, Takes More Than Heart is the story of my life, Part 2.

What do you do when you aren't working?

I coach high school baseball which I've done for 10 years now. Our team has finished 3rd in State, with numerous Regional and Sectional wins. I also enjoy biking.

What makes you unique?

I attended 14 different schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. I've traveled and spent time in over 40 different countries including travel to Africa, the Mideast, Europe, Russia, South Pacific, Phillippines, Japan, Korea and many more.

Which industry do you work in?

General Business

What is your professional role?

My business is an author, speaker, executive coach, athletic mental performance, leadership training.

Listen to this episode of the BrandAPeel: Brand Storytelling in the Digital Age Podcast, where Dennis and I talk about starting over, keeping fear at bay, and how to be resistant in the face of unexpected change.

What do you love about what you do and how do you help others?

I love helping leaders connect culture to the vision creating an environment where employees feel they "get to go to work, instead of I have to go to work". I help leaders engage their employees so the team/company can benefit from employee innovation and elite performance.

What is the number one goal you are trying to achieve in your professional life?

Make a difference with every personal contact.

What is professionalism, Can you define what the word means to you?

Professionalism is exemplified by a thorough knowledge of one's field of expertise through their knowledge, skills, and abilities developed through schooling, experience, and mentoring.

What do you wish you knew about being a professional when you started your career?

Start being a professional from day one and realize professionalism is a process and not a destination.

Do you have a success story or an aha moment to share about when you became a professional and what changed?

The moment occurred when I became an Aircraft Commander (Captain) in the Air Force.

What helps people be promoted?

The single biggest influence is building relationships through your connections, which gains commitment and caring. This creates the trust necessary to be a professional.

Personal Branding - Yes or No - Should someone build a brand story to help advance their career and get noticed?

A personal brand creates trust. "What I believe, is what you will see in action."

Can someone be professional and emotional?

Servant leaders need a level of emotional intelligence to be successful.

Career Makers - Share stories of how you got to where you are in your career - how did you stand out?

I got here through an exhaustive process of persistence and grit.

Career Breakers - What things have you seen in the office that prevented people from moving up the corporate ladder?

Lack of integrity, dishonesty, and lack of transparency. Trust and relationships are the key to success.

Where do you think the future of work will take professionals?

The best approach is hybrid work, allowing WFH. However, companies should periodically meet face-to-face because that is the only way to build and maintain the relationships necessary for the best team performance.

Are you Interested in Leadership training? Click to find out more.

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I enjoyed talking to Dennis about how his life changed when he had a heart attack and how he was able to pull himself out of the mudpit of life to find new purpose for his life. To learn more about his story, how he transformed himself after losing his identity, and his book, listen to the BrandAPeel: Brand Storytelling in the digital age podcast episode – An Unexpected Lifestyle Change Brand Story.

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