Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith is a Sales Enablement and B2B AI Consulting Leader with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations translate complex technology into measurable business outcomes. With a belief that technology only creates value when it aligns with real business needs, Melissa specializes in guiding executives through AI adoption, revenue operations, and change management strategies that scale growth with both pragmatism and empathy.
Her career has spanned industries and business models, from copier sales to enterprise content management to leading AI consulting engagements for mid-market and PE-backed companies. Most recently, as Head of Sales and Client Success at Quantum Rise, she built the company’s go-to-market strategy from the ground up, driving growth from $0 to $2M in less than a year. Now, as an independent consultant, she partners with growth-stage startups, SMBs, and lower middle market organizations to design AI pilots, optimize sales pipelines, and uncover operational savings through vendor audits that can be reinvested in innovation.
Melissa thrives in environments where strategy and execution intersect, serving as a trusted advisor to C-suites navigating transformation. Fluent in AI enablement tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and NotebookLM, as well as low-code platforms like Make, she bridges the gap between technical potential and practical business application. Her approach is rooted in conscious capitalism—balancing logic with empathy—and in creating sustainable, trust-driven solutions that help companies not only adopt AI but thrive with it.
• Make Basics
• Make Foundation
• AI Applications in Marketing and Finance
• AI Applications in People Management
• AI For Business Specialization
• AI Fundamentals for Non-Data Scientists
• AI Strategy and Governance
• Social Media Marketing: Strategy and Optimization
• ZoomInfo Certification for Sales
• University of Wisconsin-Madison - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for technology and my curiosity about how everything works. Throughout my career, I’ve thrived on solving complex business challenges by leveraging innovative technology solutions. As an independent AI consultant, I enjoy helping businesses enhance their systems and processes, making technology a true asset for growth and efficiency. Every morning, I stay informed by dedicating time to industry news, ensuring I’m up to date with the latest advancements. I also meet with clients regularly to introduce and explain AI, empowering them to educate their teams on how to effectively integrate these tools into their daily operations.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a former boss who told me, “It’s not always smart to be right.” At the time, I didn’t particularly like hearing it, but it’s something that has stayed with me ever since. It taught me that success in business isn’t just about having the right answer—it’s about collaboration, timing, and knowing when to listen and adapt.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay confident in your abilities and never let being in a male-dominated field discourage you. I’ve been with my company for 13 years, and during that time I worked my way up to becoming the top sales representative. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned that perseverance, consistency, and believing in yourself make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to speak up, advocate for yourself, and let your results speak louder than any doubts others may have.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and also one of the greatest opportunities—in my field right now is teaching people about AI. Many businesses are curious about how it works but feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to start. I see this as an opportunity to bridge the gap by making AI approachable, practical, and relevant to their day-to-day operations. By helping leaders and employees understand its potential, we can transform hesitation into empowerment and open the door to innovation and growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance, connection, and curiosity. In my career, I believe in working hard, staying curious about new ideas, and building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Outside of work, I find balance and joy by spending time with the people I care about—whether it’s going out to dinner with friends, catching a live music show, or cheering at a tee-ball game. I also love winding down with a good book or even a Bravo series, because staying curious and connected to stories—real or imagined—keeps me inspired in every part of life.