Melissa Ablett-Jordaan Email & Phone Number

I'm a former COO now exploring what's next through consulting, fractional leadership, events, and other engagements. My passion is tech and innovation that has a positive impact on society.My strengths lie in simplifying complex situations into clear, manageable actions, even during challenging times. As an experienced team builder, I value creating trust and maintaining open communication to inspire and lead effectively. Known for quick thinking, I have a track record of solving problems and navigating issues efficiently, keeping projects on track and scaling progress. I balance strategic planning with empathy, considering both company needs and individual impacts.I have a deep passion for storytelling, presenting, and pitching ideas to keep audiences engaged. I speak regularly on building entrepreneurial communities and facilitating economic development through innovation.My career began in innovation policy at the MassTech Collaborative's John Adams Innovation Institute, where I developed initiatives to stimulate the Massachusetts tech sector and support entrepreneurship. I then helped grow a seed-funded digital media startup from a small team to acquisition.During my 10 years at CIC, I contributed to building tech and life sciences startup communities around the world. Starting on the expansion team, I helped establish centers in Miami, Philadelphia, and Rotterdam. As General Manager in Rotterdam, I grew the center to house over 250 companies. Later, as Head of Centers for EU & Asia, I launched and oversaw locations in Warsaw and Tokyo. In my last two years as COO, I oversaw CIC’s global centers, including sales, marketing, operations, IT, and software development and helped the company increase impact and occupancy, while reducing costs.I live in Rotterdam with my husband, toddler daughter, and miniature dachshund.

Listed skills include Leadership, Writing, Social Media, Online Marketing, and 16 others.