MELANIE FROME CONSULTING

Crafting Success with Fractional Solutions + Business Strategy

Hi there, I'm Melanie

Navigating This Journey We Call Life, One Step At A Time

With over two decades of rich and diverse experiences, I’ve walked the walk in corporate corridors. Not to mention, exploring entrepreneurial ventures with all the start-up stresses + successes that come along with it. Also, finding the freedom of freelance fractional + consulting. So, that means my story has quite a few turns, twists and some turbulence. And if you’ve landed here, it means you are just a wee bit curious to know how I transformed the way I work (+ live).

Full disclosure: All in all, I’ve lived an unconventional life, and how I share is motivated by transparency + authenticity.

A bold (some might call it bat-sh*t crazy), and life-changing decision: a one-way ticket from Toronto to Scotland in 2020.

This leap of faith marked the beginning of an unconventional adventure, which I still find myself on today. From learning to live minimally + nomadically, to navigating a new country and a new landscape of working. All amidst the pandemic that brought the whole world to a halt. Along the way, I’ve learned to be comfortable with the discomfort of uncertainty. It was, and continues to be,  a journey of self-discovery + resilience. While learning to trust the process of life, and  myself in the process.

Melanie sharing a glimpse into her personal life, on cobblestone streets in Edinburgh

What does this mean For You?

So, I now choose meaningful-for-me kind of work because I know it means that all my skills + experience + knowledge + insight come together under the banner of passion. Not to mention, I thrive on bringing clarity to startups, SMEs (small-medium enterprises, for those who get just as confused by acronyms as I do), nonprofits and heart-centered visionaries + creative changemakers.

Since late 2021, my role with Heart-Based Medicine Foundation has evolved into Fractional Director of Operations. Here I’ve championed heart-centered leadership and driven initiatives that align with my values of community well-being + mental health support for all. Some of my skills that have taken the spotlight:

Let's check out the last decade Highlight Reel

Full disclosure: I was juggling a corporate career alongside entrepreneurial efforts. So what you are about to read might look busy on this page, but honestly, that is how it was in real-life.

Choosing Corporate Consciously @ Walmart Canada

Led successful transitions from legacy systems to advanced systems, ensuring smooth and efficient changeovers. Specifically, as SME (Subject Matter Expert) for Replenishment.

Developed and implemented new collaboration programs with vendor partners to enhance partnership performance and operational outcomes.

Leveraged relationships and optimized network flow by working with store operations, logistics, and vendors to enhance procedural fluidity. 

Presented at Vendor Summits to enhance information flow and collaboration among vendors, including domestic brands and Private Label partners.

Delivered Wellness Workshops to foster a healthy work environment and boost productivity within internal teams.

Freelance Movement Coach & Ignite Evolution Fitness in 2016

Founded, managed and oversaw all aspects of business operations. While planning all things startup to daily management for a community-focused wellness studio. Navigated partnership transition to sole proprietor, while directing a team of over 10 staff members. Finally, ensuring high-quality service delivery and maintaining a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Fostered strong connections within the local community. While serving over 600 members, delivering wellness programs and organizing events to help them live better lives.

Designed diverse fitness programs and workshops, tailoring offerings to meet client needs and promote engagement and retention.

Confession: Demonstrated resourcefulness, problem-solving, and a strong commitment to business sustainability. In other words, I ensured financial stability and operational success by residing on-site to manage expenses. 

And now, a brief intermission

They say our life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. If that is a measure, then my life is a beautiful + bizarre blend of breathless and breath-full. Here I share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way. So, they in turn will give you a bit of insight into me, the person, not just the service provider.

  • I’ve learned that every break-down holds the potential for a break-through, if you keep your heart open.
  • While a period of Self-Reflection will often  lead to a leveling-up of Awareness, which often kickstarts an Awakening.
  • Depression can live inside the same body as Joy.
  • Gratitude can share the same body as Anxiety.
  • Burnout will force you to make the decisions you’ve been procrastinating on.
  • Surprisingly, being a work-a-holic is not a badge of honor.
  • There is good stress, and bad stress. How you navigate them is up to you.
  • I get a bizarre jolt of joy solving problems, guiding others towards the answers and realizing their dreams.

Welcome to the First decade Highlight Reel

Full disclosure: During that same decade, I earned academic qualifications in Procurement & Management from Colleges and professional associations. While these have been invaluable, what I learned while on the job has been more enriching than the pieces of paper I earned.

Managed inventory and purchasing for large-scale operations, executed replenishment strategies, optimizing stock levels and driving efficiency across multiple locations while supporting high sales turnover.

Oversaw global sourcing, managing large budgets and ensuring quality and cost objectives were met. Streamlined international logistics, optimizing import/export processes and distribution to minimize costs.

Built strong global supplier relationships, enhancing negotiations and ensuring smooth procurement. Managed vendor performance and contracts, ensuring high standards and timely deliveries. 

Implemented initiatives to reduce costs across procurement, inventory, and logistics while maintaining service quality. Introduced and optimized processes to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve operational performance.

Led technology implementations like EDI, improving automation, accuracy, and supply chain communication.Analyzed data to track KPIs, forecast demand, and optimize inventory, driving informed decisions and performance.

Directed and mentored teams, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering continuous improvement. Worked with diverse teams to drive operational success and align initiatives with company objectives.

Led projects from market analysis to product launches, consistently exceeding sales targets and improving workflows. Coordinated high-impact events, including consumer shows, significantly boosting sales and brand visibility.

Coordinated promotional activities, enhancing product visibility and driving customer engagement. Public speaking, live demonstrations of products and audience interaction to drive visibility.

Melanie working at her laptop, while writing in a notebook, smiling.

If you've made it this far, I would love to connect

For the first time in over three years, I’ve opened my books to new clients. This isn’t just about taking on more work—it’s about expanding the impact we can make together. If you’re driven by a clear purpose and ready to take your vision to the next level, I would love to hear from you. Let’s explore how we can create something meaningful, together.

Let's Connect