Watch the full episode Building a Billion Dollar Business While Dealing with Depression with Melissa Bernstein.

Turning darkness into light

Melissa Bernstein, a successful entrepreneur, creator, and author, has dedicated herself to helping children explore their identities and interests through open-ended play. However, her path to success was far from smooth. For the first two decades of her career, Melissa faced many challenges. Battling existential depression and anxiety, she encountered repeated setbacks in the quest to bring her visions to life.

Yet, amidst these difficulties, Melissa gradually came to realize the importance of transforming her struggles into positivity. She discovered the inherent control and power within herself to reshape her life through committed and purposeful action. It was at this pivotal moment that everything began to change for her:

“Instead of becoming submerged in the [existential angst] in my head, I realized that I can tangibly mold it into a ball of energy, channel it through my body, and out of my hands into creative expression.”

The toy company, Melissa and Doug Toys, that Melissa founded with her husband Doug is now one of the most successful in the United States, with $750 million+ in annual sales. They have also launched Lifelines, a range of ‘Sensory Immersion’ tools for adults to relieve stress. 

Small acts of kindness

A few years ago, a story she heard started further changing the way Melissa approached her everyday life.

In September of 2000, Kevin Hines — a teenager who had been grappling with mental health challenges for many years — decided to end his life. But he made a unique pact with himself: on his last day, if just one person showed him genuine care, he would turn away from his decision.

Kevin did not receive the kindness he was looking for. 

But as he leaped from the Golden Gate Bridge, the desire to live suddenly surged within him. He began praying fervently through the four-second fall. 

Against all odds, Kevin was saved. A sea lion had kept him afloat and the Coast Guard arrived soon after to rescue him.

Kevin’s story resonated deeply with Melissa. It showed her the profound impact that seemingly ordinary gestures can have on someone’s life — how a single act of kindness, like a ripple, could turn into a ‘tsunami of healing’:

“Now, wherever I go, whenever I see someone, I look them in the eye and say, “Hello! How are you?” because that person might be a Kevin Hines and might be thinking of doing something dire to themselves or others. Maybe I alone can change the trajectory of that person’s life.”

Those who are greeted by Melissa’s cheer often respond by looking at her quizzically. They then start smiling, visibly touched by her act. We must, Melissa says, become the light we wish to see around us.

“If each one of us can show every person we come across — even if it’s just five people in a day — that we ‘see’ them, they will go through their day very differently. And suddenly, it’s going to become millions of people.”

Melissa Bernstein channeled her struggles into positivity and realized her dream of making meaningful toys that inspire open-ended play.

Compassion in teams

Melissa highlights the significance of small, seemingly ordinary acts we can all perform at work that leave a lasting impression. Adopting this philosophy at work can help leaders build a culture of compassion, keep others engaged and help people reach their full potential.

When workplace belonging is prioritized and improved, individuals feel a meaningful connection to the organization, its purpose, and its values. Mentora’s Master Class and training programs on Belonging and Connection echo this sentiment. And our Master Class on Purpose emphasizes that purpose is not solely found in epic moments but also in the intention we bring to our everyday experiences – like the intention to infuse kindness in our workplace.

What ripple effects might you witness, both in the workplace and beyond, if you infuse small gestures of kindness in your office?