The Full Story

Who I Am

Hi, I’m Melissa—a coach for people who aren’t afraid to dream big but sometimes get stuck in the ‘how.’ With over 25 years of experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and performance psychology, I help high achievers move from overthinking to execution, without burning out or losing joy. My clients are CEOs, founders, creatives, and ambitious individuals who want more clarity, courage, and momentum. Let’s build your base, expand your capacity, and create a high-performance life that actually feels good to live. Let’s talk.

I've always been wired for movement.

I grew up playing outside; climbing trees, hanging from monkey bars, racing bikes, and exploring the world around me. To this day, most of my problems can be solved with a few deep breaths and some quality movement. I believe movement isn’t just for maintaining fitness. It’s an essential ingredient for clarity, resilience, and self-mastery. Difficult physical challenges are like a laboratory for learning about myself.

I love learning.

I was the kid who got excited about the back-to-school season and started planning for college at eight years old. That love of learning led me to earn a B.A. from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an M.S. in Leadership and Change from St. Edwards University.

I value service.

That came from my parents who taught me that a purposeful life is rooted in service to others. I knew from an early age that I wanted to serve in the military, and it was in the Marine Corps that I learned what servant leadership really means; putting people first, leading by example, and showing up fully.

I do hard things.

I joined the Marines because I wanted to be a part of “the hard one”. I rowed a million meters on the C2 erg rowing machine just to see what it would take (about 10 months). And I celebrated turning 40 by running a double marathon trail race. Hard isn’t the goal, but hard keeps me grounded and shows the way.

I used to be a rigid thinker.

The concept of finding the “right” answer or doing things the “right” way is oh-so appealing. Unfortunately, life has taught me, painfully and repeatedly, that perfection is a trap. I’m still learning how to live in the gray, embrace uncertainty, and choose progress over perfection.

I adore simplicity.

Stoicism. Minimalism. Zen. And mostly black clothing. Simple things make space for important things.

I believe there's always a choice.

Even when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or backed into a corner, there’s always a way forward. Sometimes it’s a bold move. Sometimes it’s a quiet shift in mindset. There’s always something we can choose. That’s the heart of my work: helping high performers make more conscious choices so they can live on purpose, not by default.

My Professional Bio

Melissa Simmons | High Performance Coach & Founder of Luminology

Melissa Simmons is a seasoned coach, leadership expert, and founder of Luminology, where she helps high achievers break through personal and professional plateaus to reach their next level of success. With over 25 years of experience working with leaders, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and high-net-worth families, Melissa specializes in helping ambitious individuals align their actions with their core values, maximize their potential, and achieve goals beyond what they thought possible.

A former C-level executive, serial entrepreneur, and U.S. Marine Corps officer, Melissa understands firsthand the challenges high performers face—stagnation, burnout, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her proven process helps clients navigate these roadblocks, unlocking new levels of achievement in their careers and personal lives.

Melissa holds an M.S. in Leadership & Change and an MBA, equipping her with both the academic insight and real-world expertise to drive transformation. She is the co-author of The Other 1%: A Field Guide to Health and Happiness and shares her expertise regularly through her blog. Her work has been featured in BOLD Journey, Authority Magazine, and on top-rated podcasts such as Coach On Your Shoulder and The HR Lady.

An advocate for pushing boundaries, Melissa has completed extraordinary personal challenges, including a double marathon to celebrate turning 40, rowing 1 million meters in 10 months, and maintaining an unbroken streak of 365 days with over 5,000 steps per day. She was also an honor graduate of the Marine Corps Supply School, a testament to her discipline and commitment to excellence.

Melissa is on a mission to help high achievers break through limitations, redefine success, and step into their greatest potential—personally and professionally.

Let's Talk