Raise Her Voice: Portraits of Power
Today, we’re highlighting a branding photography session for someone empowering women leaders, and doing it with a smile, Melanie Stuber!
Melanie, a former executive turned founder and CEO of Cultivate and Thrive LLC, empowers women leaders to achieve their goals with clarity and confidence while driving meaningful impact in their organizations.
What we did:
For this Milwaukee leader’s brand photoshoot it was my goal to elevate her personal brand and show Melanie as professional, strategic, inviting and empowering. She needed a variety of shots for her website, Linked In profile, newsletter and workshops. Her brand color (and favorite jacket) is purple, and it was a lot of fun balancing out that color of power with strong neutrals, pops of patterns, and the best heels ever.
We brought in other women during the end of her shoot so we could photograph her as the professional speaker and connector that she is. And I’m so glad that Melanie added b-roll video to her shoot, so we could truly show her in action!
Check out her (beautiful) website with a ton of resources for you here.
More about Melanie
As a business strategy and culture guide, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator, she helps leaders navigate the complexities of leadership and culture with purpose and influence. Through a dynamic community, personalized guidance, and an accelerator program, Melanie provides the strategies and support women need to break barriers, elevate their leadership, and thrive at the highest levels.
How did you get started?
I’ve always believed that every challenge comes with an opportunity, even when it’s not immediately clear. When my role was eliminated during a corporate reorganization, I could have seen it as a setback—but instead, I recognized it as a gift. It was the push I needed to step into something greater.
After 25 years in the corporate world, I felt a growing pull toward entrepreneurship. While my corporate career provided stability, I couldn’t ignore the deeper calling to help leaders strengthen their culture and elevate their business. I knew that if I didn’t take this leap, I would always wonder, What if?
So, I chose to follow my purpose. Building my own business wasn’t just about stepping into a new chapter—it was about creating meaningful impact, helping leaders navigate challenges with intention, and ensuring I wouldn’t look back with regret for not pursuing the work I was truly meant to do.
What makes you stand out in your industry?
What sets me apart in my industry is the depth of my experience and my unwavering belief that strategy and culture must work hand in hand for an organization’s long-term success. As a former executive with leadership roles across three major organizations, I saw firsthand how a strong, people-centered culture drives both employee well-being and business performance. This insight became the foundation of Cultivate and Thrive, where our core values—prioritize people first, relentlessly improve, embrace strength in our differences, and partner for mutual success—shape every aspect of my work.
Having spent much of my corporate career in the financial services industry, I also understand what it’s like to be the “only” in a male-dominated space. That lived experience fuels my commitment to helping women leaders navigate challenges, advocate for themselves, lead with confidence, and foster inclusive, high-performing teams. By combining strategic expertise with real-world leadership experience, I equip leaders with the tools to break barriers and create lasting impact in their organizations.
What fills you up most about the work that you do?
There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a woman step into her full potential—leading with confidence, making bold decisions, and creating lasting impact in her organization. This is what fills my cup.
My passion and purpose have always been rooted in empowering women leaders and helping them navigate the challenges of leadership with clarity and conviction. I know firsthand the power of aligning strategy with culture to drive success, and I thrive on guiding leaders to do the same in their own organizations. Whether it’s helping them build high-performing teams, foster inclusive workplaces, or navigate complex business dynamics, every conversation, breakthrough, and “aha” moment fuels my drive.
What truly energizes me is witnessing the transformation—not just in business outcomes, but in the way these leaders see themselves. When a woman stops second-guessing her decisions, steps into a room knowing her value, or inspires her team with a clear vision, that’s when I know my work is making a difference.
At the heart of it all, my greatest joy comes from creating spaces where women leaders feel supported, challenged, and equipped to thrive. Because when women lead with purpose and strength, entire organizations and communities benefit. And that, to me, is the most rewarding work there is.
How can we connect with you?
Website: https://www.cultivatethrive.com/contact-us
Is it your turn?
Branding photos are the perfect first step to get your message out into the world. Ready to increase your impact and grow your business? I’d be honored to learn more about you. Reach out to me here!
