MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management

What Does MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management Talk About?

In this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast, host Mads Singers is joined by Melinda Byerley, Founding Partner of Timesharing CMO, to discuss the importance of priorities and focus in leadership. Melinda shares her journey from the entertainment industry to founding her own consultancy, emphasizing that priorities should be based on principle rather than preference. She explains how a deep understanding of one's mission—both in business and with people—forms the foundation for effective focus and prioritization. The conversation also covers the advantages and disadvantages of remote versus office work, as well as practical strategies for overcoming management challenges.

In leadership, priorities should be a matter of principle, not preference.Mads Singers

Who Is Featured on MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management?

Melinda Byerley is the Founding Partner of Timesharing CMO, a consultancy that helps companies with marketing and strategy. She previously worked in the entertainment industry before founding her own firm, which she describes as both an exercise and an apology—a manifestation of her true self. Melinda's management philosophy is driven by a profound understanding of her mission, which she applies to both business and people. She believes that while skills can be taught, character and motivation are innate, and she focuses on investing in people who demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management?

• Priorities in leadership should be based on principle, not personal preference.
• Activity does not equal accomplishment; focus on what truly matters.
• Investing in people with strong character and motivation yields the highest returns.
• Remote and office setups each have unique advantages and disadvantages that leaders must navigate.
• A deep understanding of your mission is essential for sharpening focus and setting effective priorities.

Melinda believes that skills can be taught, but not in the case of character and motivation.Mads Singers

Is MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management Worth Listening To?

This episode is highly recommended for leaders and managers who struggle with prioritization and focus. Melinda Byerley offers practical, real-world insights from her experience running a consultancy, making the advice actionable. The discussion on remote versus office work is particularly relevant in today's hybrid work environment. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how to align their priorities with their core mission and invest in the right people and projects.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 29: Melinda Byerley on Priorities and Management?

• Startup founders
• Mid-level managers
• Remote team leaders
• Entrepreneurs

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

In leadership, priorities should be a matter of principle, not preference. 

Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment.

I am joined today by no less than Melinda Byerley, Founding Partner of Timesharing CMO, to share her practical and insightful thoughts on how focus and prioritization can do wonders. 

Melinda used to work in the entertainment industry before owning her consultancy. Owning her consultancy for Melinda was both a sort of exercise and apologizing. She was able to see her entire self reflected at her. It’s a manifestation of who Melinda is, although literally, it’s something she could not hold. With this, Melinda acknowledges that it also reflects the mistakes made seen on a larger scale “literally.” 

Melinda’s management philosophy is driven from the fact that she knows her mission profoundly in terms of business and people; from this profound understanding of her mission is the foundation of Melinda’s focus and priorities. Sharpened focus helped Melissa to expand her views, and so is her approach in management. She knows how to invest in products with the highest return. 

One of the investments she is focusing on is on people. Melinda believes that skills can be taught, but not in the case of character and motivation. It's not aggressive for Melinda; it’s about taking pride in work. For if a person takes pride in what he does, it depicts two things: 1) Reliability and 2) Trustworthiness.

Melinda subscribes to the view that the greatest success comes only when the focus is aimed at on what matters.

Key Learning: 

1. Melinda Byerley’s Management Philosophy - 2:00
2. How Working Remotely and Working in an Office Set-Up has Advantages and Disadvantages of its own - 3:42
3. Melinda Byerley’s Amazing Consultancy Journey - 10:44
4. Overcoming Management Predicaments - 25:19

Resources Mentioned:

1. Challenger Sale
Author: Brent Adamson and Matthew Dixon

2. This is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn To See

Author: Seth Godin

Connect with Melinda Byerley on the following online handles:

1. E-mail: melinda@timesharecmo.com
2. Timeshare CMO
3. Stayinaliveintech.com
4. Twitter