Draft & Direction
  • DRAFT & DIRECTION
    • FOR INDIVIDUALS
    • FOR ORGANIZATIONS
    • CONNECT
  • ABOUT MELANIE
    • BOOKS
    • RESEARCH
    • INTERVIEWS

FOR INDIVIDUALS

"[Melanie] is the embodiment of professional excellence in career coaching and wise career planning advice. She has a strong understanding of industries, as well as different jobs within industries. She is also incredibly insightful about peoples' gifts and talents – and therefore able to help people figure out what would be good and joyful matches for who they are and what their strengths are."
[Shannon I., Coaching Client]

Thinking about coaching?

Hi, I'm Melanie -

I've been coaching for 15 years, and since I've been an academic and a practitioner, I bring a creative approach to working with clients who want to launch their careers, recover from "career shocks," start side-hustles, or bring more of their authentic selves into their work. I also coach executives - more about that here. I draw on assessments, theories, and models to identify what career moment you're in, and design a plan to move forward with intention. 

The "Tools" Approach to Career
It's been said that if you have a tough job to do, the right tools make all the difference. I've collected all the career and leadership tools I can find, and if I can't help you, I'll bet I can point you in the right direction.

Here are a few of the tools I use:

Career Tools include Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (certified), Holland Code (certified), CliftonStrengths (certified), Career Style Interview (masterclass), and multipotentiality. Leadership tools include observation, interpretation, intervention, developmental model of intercultural sensitivity, leadership for liberation, strengths-based leadership, and immunity to change.
I usually work with clients in 3 sessions, 5 sessions, or 8 sessions (descriptions below). I've found that when it comes to coaching for change, structure helps. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk more about your goals and explore if I'm the right coach for you.
We'll do a free 30-minute call to evaluate our fit together (no obligation of course), and if we decide to work together, we'll map out a plan from there.

GET COACHING
Starter package. Ideal for clients needing clarity on a specific challenge.

3 x 60-min Sessions

What we'll do:
1 Strengths and values assessment + roadmap
Resume/LinkedIn review
Email support and progress tracking
Growth package, designed for clients with a long-term focus

5 x 60-min Sessions

What we'll do:
2 Strengths and values assessments + roadmap
Resume/LinkedIn optimization
Interview prep
Email support and progress tracking


Transformation package, for clients ready for a significant change

8 x 60-min Sessions

What we'll do:
3 Strengths and values assessments
Customized action plan
Resume/LinkedIn overhaul
Interview prep (with mock interview)
Personal brand + networking strategy
Unlimited email support


© 2025 Melanie Buford. All Rights Reserved.



  • DRAFT & DIRECTION
    • FOR INDIVIDUALS
    • FOR ORGANIZATIONS
    • CONNECT
  • ABOUT MELANIE
    • BOOKS
    • RESEARCH
    • INTERVIEWS