Melissa was raised with her mother’s powerful words: “don’t be a lady, be a legend,” and in the face of life’s toughest setbacks, she emerged even more resilient and with a mission to inspire others to go beyond what they believe they are capable of. She uses her position and influence to speak openly about the challenges women still face in the workplace, as well as to take the actions that business executives, policymakers and future leaders of all genders must take to achieve gender parity.

Speaking recently to SheCanCode, an organisation fostering collaboration to tackle the gender gap, Melissa said, “Women too often shy away from individual recognition and are taught to downplay their successes. Let’s celebrate more of our hard-earned wins.”

According to Christina Barakett, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, “it can be daunting for many” women because the finance and accounting industries often lack female role models at the senior and C-suite levels of management.

“That’s why it is so inspiring to see an accomplished, confident and outspoken CEO like Melissa at the helm of Kyriba, a consequential fintech [company] serving the global treasury and finance community,” she said. “She demonstrates that you don’t have to dim your light or fit a certain prototype to be successful as a female leader. What’s more, I’ve seen first-hand the commitment and emphasis she places on fostering a diverse and inclusive team at all levels.”