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Melissa Gonzalez

Top Retail Voice, Influencer, and Lead Retail Contributor

Industry-recognized influencer, leader, and storyteller in Retail. Lead Retail Industry Contributor at MarketScale. Principal at MG2 Design. Host of "Retail Refined" Podcast. As a global brand and retail experience disruptor, Melissa possess strong proficiency in consumer insights, experiential design, retail technology integration, and brand innovation. During her career, she have created powerful visual narratives through physical spaces, imprinting complex concepts and ideas to consumers in genuine, tactile, and persuasive manners. She have also served as a consumer engagement trendsetter, “pop-up” industry pioneer, and entrepreneur. Melissa founded and launched a consumer experiential design firm that achieved a successful exit, driving initial client wins, monetization, and exponential revenue growth.


"Melissa brings both her industry knowledge and an approachable and educational point of view to her interviewing skills. With an authentic style, she facilitates an engaging dialogue, one where listeners can walk away from with tangible insights and thought provokers!"

-Jeffrey Roseman, Vice Chairman of Retail at Newmark


"What sets Melissa apart is her ability to cut through the noise and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re a store owner looking to revamp your space or a tech enthusiast curious about the next big thing in retail, you’ll find tangible ideas to build on. From seasoned designers to pioneering tech gurus - ensuring that listeners are always engaged with diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. Retail Refined doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into topics that matter. If staying ahead of the retail curve is important to you, start here."

-Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of GNC

Shopware - Top 20 eCommerce Podcast 2023
NYBJ - Top 10 NYC Executive To Watch In 2023 2023
Path to Purchase - Woman of Excellence 2023
WWD - Top 25 Most Inspirational Woman Leader 2022
LinkedIn - Top 10 Must-Know Retail Writer 2018
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pod Podcast Hosting & Public Speaking

Recent Posts

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Business Services

Career Growth Is Nonlinear: Move Beyond the Ladder and Lead Your Career Journey with Authenticity and Well-Being

Melissa Gonzalez - September 9, 2025

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Calm First. Chaos Later: Sustaining Well-Being and Mission-Led Impact With Boundaries, Reflection, and Advocacy

Melissa Gonzalez - September 3, 2025

Conversations about well-being are evolving beyond individual health to include the culture, values, and impact of the brands we support. Todays connected world exposes young people to bullying across more channels than ever before.

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2025 Retail Refined

Consumer Brand Growth Formula: Value Proposition, Platform Strategy, and Wellness Integration

Melissa Gonzalez - September 3, 2025

Building consumer brands today requires more than clever marketing; it demands brand trust. Consumers want proof that products work, delivered at prices that feel accessible.

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How Awe Intervention Moments in Nature Reset the Brain and Reduce Anxiety

Melissa Gonzalez - August 27, 2025

In a world where hustle culture dominates, many entrepreneurs and professionals push their limits in the pursuit of successoften at the expense of their health and well-being. Yet research shows that spending time in awe-inspiring environments can reduce anxiety and enhance cognitive performance.

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2025 Retail Refined

Scaling A Heritage Brand: Bringing a Local Lens to Growth Strategy

Melissa Gonzalez - August 26, 2025

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The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Building Authentic Careers

Melissa Gonzalez - August 20, 2025

In todays work landscape, discussions about transformation, well-being, and personal autonomy are urgent and deeply felt. A 2025 study found that 66% of American employees are experiencing burnout, while another pollreported that 52% of job seekers are looking to shift roles and 56% are considering moving into entirely new industries.

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