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📝 SHOW NOTES:

In this heartfelt and wildly inspiring episode of Captivate the Mic, Elaine sits down with her brilliant, badass cousin Melissa Williams—a 10-time world champion equestrian, ranch owner, and lifelong horse whisperer.

Melissa shares jaw-dropping stories from the show ring (think Olympic-level Saddlebreds and flying horses on “Air Force One” 🐴✈️), growing up with horses in Canada, and what it really takes to compete—and win—at the highest levels.

But this conversation is more than trophies and ribbons.

It’s about:

• How the messiest moments shape the strongest leaders
• Why horses are powerful mirrors for how we show up in life and leadership
• The deeply healing and intuitive connection between women and horses
• And the incredible leadership retreat Elaine and Melissa are co-hosting in May!

Together, they’re bringing their wisdom, humor, and heart to a transformational 4-day retreat for women leaders ready to step into deeper authenticity, clarity, and power—guided by horses, nature, and their own embodied presence.

✨ This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered:

• What horses can teach us about leadership and emotional intelligence
• Why authenticity beats perfection every time
• What it feels like to lose… and come back stronger
• How to lead from your presence—not your performance

📅 Interested in the retreat?

It’s happening May 7-10, 2025 at Melissa’s breathtaking ranch in California.

🌄 Horses. Leadership. Nervous system resets. Real transformation.

👉 Link to Join Us

🎥 Watch for Q&As and sneak peeks on YouTube and social

🐎 Connect with Melissa:

Want to know more about Melissa, her ranch, or her powerhouse real estate and production work? Check the links in the show notes below.

🧲 P.S. If you’re an expert who knows you need to be more visible—especially on video—Elaine can help you create short, powerful content that captivates and converts. Let’s chat!

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Melissa’s hilarious “no pressure” welcome

06:45 – Growing up with horses (and surviving Alberta winters)

13:20 – Lessons in discipline, heartbreak, and winning

27:50 – Saddlebred history & battle moves on horseback

36:00 – The healing power of horses & emotional attunement

48:10 – Flying horses, million-dollar show rings & Louisville

1:08:15 – From failure to world champion: Melissa’s comeback story

1:16:00 – A sneak peek at the Leadership + Horse Whispering Retreat

1:24:00 – Why this experience will shift how you lead forever

Connect with your Host, Elaine Williams:
Check out Captivate the Mic Podcast on Elaine's YouTube Channel
Check out the Captivate the Crowd Website
Follow Elaine on Social- LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Want to schedule a free chat with Elaine? Click here to book a zoom date!