Melinda Neuman

Age: 33
Marketing Relationship Manager
Advisors Excel

Melinda Neuman is considered a trailblazer among her peers as the first female Marketing Relationship Manager at Advisors Excel. In her role, she leads a team of eight professionals as they connect with financial advisors throughout the country to serve their clients.

Outside of work Melinda leads through action. She organizes Matt’s Madness NCAA Charity Challenge, which has raised over $60,000 in just six years, mentors students through Washburn Young Life, and volunteers with Meals On Wheels. As a mayoral appointee on the Topeka Human Relations Commission, Melinda established the social media accounts that are still in use today.

“My first day at Advisors Excel,
I was told ‘if you don’t know the answer, simply
say you don’t know and that you’ll find the answer.’
Honesty is always the right answer.”

What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess?
Humility, as it allows for constant learning and the ability to be vulnerable. Humility means walking into each interaction open to feedback, dialogue, true conversation and discussion.

What was your first job?
My first job was a newspaper route in my neighborhood at the age of 10. I had wanted to join a music club with a monthly membership fee, and my parents said if I wanted to join, I needed to pay for it myself. Getting up at 5 a.m. every day for nine years to throw papers was not glamorous. However, I learned a strong work ethic and that through consistent daily action I can accomplish my goals. I am still a morning person to this day because of that paper route.