Melissa Gilbo

Founder & CEO Women’s Business League 

Founder Melissa Gilbo Consulting

Entrepreneur | Community Builder | Opportunity Connector

Melissa Gilbo is a dynamic entrepreneur, heart-centered leader, and passionate advocate for women in business. She is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Business League (WBL), a national networking organization dedicated to fostering authentic connections and empowering female entrepreneurs. Additionally, she leads Melissa Gilbo Consulting, where she mentors business owners to build impactful brands and communities. 

With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Melissa recognized the need for genuine networking opportunities. What began as an effort to generate clients evolved into a mission to create a supportive community for women in business. Since its inception in 2018, WBL has expanded from five local chapters to over 45 nationwide, emphasizing kindness, collaboration, and meaningful relationships. 

Melissa’s dedication extends beyond entrepreneurship. She serves as a trustee with Awesome Georgetown, a global community philanthropy initiative, and is a board member of Walk by Moonlight, promoting local businesses and talents. As a PANDAS/PANS advocate, she brings awareness to pediatric autoimmune conditions affecting children. 

Her inspiring journey and insights have been featured on various panels, stages, publications, organizations and podcasts, where she discusses intentional networking, leadership, and the power of authentic connections. 

Through her work, Melissa continues to inspire and uplift women, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to create a life of purpose and impact.

She doesn’t just build businesses, she builds movements.

Show Notes

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In This Episode:Liz welcomes Melissa Gilbo, co-founder of the Women’s Business League (WBL) and the show’s flagship sponsor. They dive deep into Melissa’s journey from a 20-year insurance career to founding WBL—a women-centric networking organization designed for authentic relationship-building, not just transactional networking.

What You’ll Hear:

• Melissa’s backstory:
  • Life in the insurance world and the “box-checking” path many women feel pressured to follow
  • Feeling there was “something more” beyond her successful corporate career
• Birth of WBL:
  • How WBL began organically as Melissa sought community and real connections, especially when building a brand as an insurance producer
  • The struggles and courage it took to leave a long-standing career for an entirely new path
• Networking, redefined:
  • Why traditional networking often feels transactional and how WBL aims to flip that model
  • The vital importance of authentic relationships over mere visibility or marketing tricks
  • How WBL thrived during the pandemic by providing a much-needed sense of community
• WBL’s unique offerings:
  • Multiple touchpoints for connection—including events like their annual Summer Soiree, classes, onboarding courses about networking, and the supportive Monday Morning Meeting
  • An inclusive and heart-centered approach that welcomes introverts and extroverts alike
  • A culture that develops real friendships, not just business leads
• The power of authenticity:
  • Why genuine connection is more memorable—and more effective—than just being “seen”
  • The role of community, volunteerism, and living outside your comfort zone as essential tools for personal and business growth
• Upcoming event!
  • Summer Soiree in Portsmouth, NH on August 21st: WBL's biggest annual event promising networking, fun, and the chance to meet Liz, Melissa, and an incredible group of women from all over the country. Liz will be on the red carpet as the event’s official reporter!

Key Takeaways:

• Building real relationships is the heart of successful networking
• Community and support are critical for women in business—especially for those balancing multiple roles or launching something new alongside a full-time job
• Authenticity trumps visibility. The most memorable connections come from genuine interaction, not just being seen online
• You don’t need fancy strategies or to be someone you’re not—just show up, engage, and contribute to a community that aligns with your values

Links & Resources:

• Women’s Business League: womensbusinessleague.com
• Summer Soiree Tickets: liztheresa.com/soiree

Links for Melissa Gilbo:

• https://linktr.ee/Melissa_Gilbo
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gilbo/
• https://www.instagram.com/melissagilbo/

Links for Women’s Business League:

• Website: https://womensbusinessleague.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womensbusinessleague
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensbusinessleague
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womensbusinessleague

Episode Quotes:

• “Building the table we want to sit around… women are showing up because they want to, not because they have to.”
• “Relationship building is the point of networking, not merely visibility.”
• “A strong brand and a really incredible business is built on all different things… but relationship-building is the foundation.”

Don’t miss your chance to connect in person—grab your ticket for the Summer Soiree! And if you’re ready to rethink networking and build your business with heart, check out Women’s Business League.

Thank you for listening to Liz on Biz! If you loved this chat with Melissa, leave a review and share with your friends.

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