This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a trusted advisor to executives and emerging businesses, helping organizations build compelling brands, accelerate market growth, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. With over 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Melissa brings deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and growth marketing to her consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.
As a sought-after consultant and advisor, Melissa partners with C-Suite leaders, startups, and established healthcare brands to refine messaging, strengthen market positioning, and drive customer engagement. She provides hands-on guidance to help businesses launch new offerings, enter new markets, and scale sustainably.
Melissa is a recognized thought leader in marketing and brand strategy. She is a frequent industry speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to leading publications, covering topics such as purpose-driven marketing, inclusive communications, and branding. Her expertise has earned her prestigious honors, including Nonprofit Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association, 2019).
Melissa holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas and a BA from the University of Minnesota. She serves on multiple industry and corporate boards.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection by Melissa Fors Shackelford provides a transformative perspective on the marketing profession, shifting the focus from traditional metrics to the power of purpose-driven marketing. Shackelford begins by challenging marketers to examine the “why” behind their efforts, advocating for a marketing approach beyond sales to make genuine connections with customers. This involves a deeper understanding of one’s personal purpose and aligning it with the brand’s mission to create marketing campaigns that sell and build lasting relationships and community.
Melissa Fors Shackelford’s extensive background in leading marketing teams is evident as she explains how purpose-driven marketing can enhance engagement, increase satisfaction, and drive sustainable business growth. The book is structured to gradually guide marketers from an introspective look at their current practices to a more enlightened approach that aligns with their core values. Through chapters that explore various marketing dimensions, from team dynamics to resilience building, Shackelford offers practical advice and strategies for marketers at all levels to cultivate a more meaningful career path. The layout is exceptionally well done, making it easy to navigate. Harnessing Purpose is both inspirational and practical. It equips marketers with the tools to identify their unique purpose, integrate it into their daily tasks, and assess the impact of purpose-driven initiatives. Her emphasis on ethical marketing practices and her call for marketers to be catalysts for positive change are timely and impactful. This guide is a must-read for any marketer looking to transform their approach and impact through the power of purpose. It challenges conventional marketing wisdom by offering a fresh perspective that prioritizes long-term connections over short-term gains.
