How to maintain Energy as a Leader navigating change with the former CRO at Caxton

In this episode of Sales Transformation Lab, Matt is joined by Melanie Mills, an experienced revenue leader with 20+ years in B2B and B2C, former Chief Revenue Officer at UK fintech Caxton Payments and now Founder & CEO of Connection Career Collective (CCC).

Together they tackle a topic most leadership conversations skip over:
👉 How do you maintain your energy as a leader, especially in a market defined by constant change, AI disruption, tight budgets and talent uncertainty?

Mel shares her unconventional journey from fashion and cosmetics to fintech and tech leadership, and how curiosity, community and relentless learning helped her break multiple glass ceilings along the way.

In this conversation, they unpack:

• Why “sales” has always been about people, not products and how that mindset shaped Mel’s career

• How she built an impactful career by creating her own personal advisory board

• The hidden risk of today’s hiring trend: prioritising “safe” experienced hires over hungry junior talent

• Practical ways leaders can protect and replenish their energy (including why quarterly holidays beat annual burnout)

• Mel’s take on the “996” hustle culture and why it’s not sustainable for most leaders

• How connection, community and authenticity directly impact team motivation and performance

• Why building a trusted network and “paying it forward” has underpinned every major step in her career

• How CCC is helping career-driven women (and male allies) progress in underrepresented industries

If you’re a CRO, founder, VP or emerging leader trying to lead humans through change without burning out, this episode is your reset button

0:00

Welcome and introduction of Melanie Mills (Revenue Leader, Founder & CEO of CCC).

0:47

Setting the stage: Today's topic is energy and its effects on team performance.

1:17

Melanie’s career journey: From fashion retail to founding the Connection Career Collective (CCC).

7:06

The secrets to career transition: Why curiosity, continuous learning, and an "advisory board" are crucial for success.

9:48

Navigating the evolving market: Why organizations now need a more dynamic profile of leader.

14:04

The risk-aversion trap: Discussing why companies often default to experienced hires over hungry junior talent.

16:29

Practical ways leaders can maintain and improve their personal energy levels.

18:31

Thoughts on the "996" hustle culture and its realism in leadership.

21:09

Connection, community, and motivation: How a leader's authentic energy impacts team performance.

24:48

The value of building a trusted network and paying it forward.

26:38

Overcoming the inertia around building a personal brand and online profile.

31:26

The mission and objectives behind the Connection Career Collective (CCC).