Melanie Lindquist on breaking barriers, leading with impact, and empowering women in OOH

Leadership in a male-dominated industry comes with its challenges, but for Melanie Lindquist, Chief Operations Officer, OOH industry, those challenges have been met with strategy, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With years of experience navigating boardrooms, leading teams, and driving industry growth, Melanie has built a reputation where performance speaks louder than gender. Her leadership philosophy is built on preparation, data-driven decision-making, and creating opportunities for others. She believes that success is not just about personal milestones but about impact, mentorship, and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. 

Navigating leadership as a woman 

Being the only woman in the room is a reality many female leaders face, and Melanie is no exception. Whether in meetings, on conference panels, or leading businesses, she has often found herself as the sole female voice. She acknowledges the challenges that come with it, including inherent biases that can influence perceptions and treatment. 

“Knowing this, my approach has always been to be as prepared as possible, set clear boundaries, ensure that I always conduct myself with facts, build strong working relationships, and communicate my achievements with verified data,” she shares. 

For Melanie, success is about letting performance speak louder than gender. By ensuring data-backed, verifiable results, she has built a strong business reputation where her work and impact take center stage. 

How success evolves over time 

Like many leaders, Melanie’s definition of success has shifted throughout her career. Initially, it was about mastering tasks, earning recognition, and climbing the professional ladder. But with experience, her focus changed. 

“Now, I define success in the impact of my work for the betterment of the industry and beyond,” she says. Helping others succeed has become just as fulfilling as personal achievements. 

Mentorship and career opportunities are central to how Melanie views success today. Seeing others grow, achieve, and thrive as a result of her guidance brings a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond individual milestones. 

Qualities that define leadership 

For Melanie, continuous learning has been the foundation of her leadership. She believes knowledge can come from many sources: mentors, industry leaders, staff, clients, and formal education. 

“You cannot grow as a person or a leader unless you have a thirst for knowledge. That is how you can make a significant difference personally and professionally,” she explains. 

Beyond learning, she values empathy and selflessness in leadership. 

“I put aside ego and politics and focus on building my team for the highest performance whilst ensuring they receive great benefit and reward for their hard work,” she says. 

Creating strong relationships, offering mentorship, and fostering a culture of support and collaboration are all part of her leadership philosophy. She believes that investing in people and offering guidance without hesitation leads to a powerful network of professionals who uplift each other. 

Advice for the next generation of women in OOH 

Melanie’s advice for young women entering the industry is simple but profound: “Seek out mentors and always listen and learn. Our industry will grow in prosperity through diversity and by standing on the shoulders of those who come before us—respect, listen, learn, and strive to do better than your mentors. Once you have risen in the industry, do that selflessly for the next generation.” 

Celebrating women in OOH 

As Women’s Month continues, Media4Growth remains committed to spotlighting the women who are shaping the OOH industry. Leaders like Melanie Lindquist are not only excelling in their fields but are also ensuring the success of future generations. 

Stay tuned for more powerful conversations with the women redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and inspiring change.