Why Your Comfort Zone Is Holding You Back (and How to Leave It) with Melissa Cohen

What happens when burnout pushes someone to their breaking point? 

Melissa Cohen knows that moment all too well, and the bold moves she made afterward transformed her life. In this powerful conversation with Courtney, she shares the messy, honest truth about stepping outside your comfort zone and rebuilding confidence after setbacks. By saying “yes” to change, Melissa opened doors she never imagined possible.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, drained, or unsure of your next move, this episode is an invitation to take your first bold step toward renewal and possibility.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• How burnout can become the catalyst for bold transformation
• The power of stepping outside your comfort zone, even when it feels terrifying
• Why resilience is built in the messy middle, not the easy moments
• Melissa’s story of redefining success after exhaustion
• How confidence is a practice, not a destination
• The role of vulnerability in creating authentic connections
• Why saying “yes” to small opportunities leads to big shifts
• Practical advice for anyone ready to start over with courage

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “We need the twists and turns and drops in life to actually come back to the top.”  - Courtney Turich
• “The boldest moves usually start with the smallest choices.”  - Courtney Turich
• “We thought we had to have this linear path, like we had to climb the corporate ladder. But in reality, when we take a step back, it's far from the truth of what many of us have experienced today. ”  - Courtney Turich
• “Your story is your greatest strength, don’t hide it, own it.”  - Courtney Turich
• “We don't always have to stay doing the same thing that we've always done.” - Melissa Cohen
• “You don't have to know today what you're gonna be doing 10 years from now or even five years from now. Figure out what you wanna do for the next 18 months. ” - Melissa Cohen 
• “We take it for granted sometimes how interesting people really are on the platform.” - Melissa Cohen
• “Three things people can do: One, just start, even without confidence. Two, make it about others, not just yourself. And three, never underestimate the power of a thoughtful comment." - Melissa Cohen
• “If you never fail at something, you never learn from anything. So don't be afraid to take chances.” - Melissa Cohen

About Melissa

Melissa Cohen, known as the Good Witch of LinkedIn, is a bestselling author, branding strategist, and former fashion executive who transformed personal loss into powerful reinvention. After a decade-long career with iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Melissa lost her dream job during the height of the pandemic, but found her voice on LinkedIn. From a few hundred connections to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, she built a thriving business helping others grow their influence, craft authentic personal brands, and show up with confidence. Today, she’s a leading force in redefining how we connect, communicate, and build careers online.

Follow Melissa Cohen

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Stay Connected with Courtney Turich:

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin
• Facebook

A Team Dklutr Production