Speaking & Trainings


High-energy, interactive, and empowering, Spread Your Sunshine’s Founder, Melanie S. Griffin, Esq., presents keynotes and trainings that educate, motivate, and encourage attendees to flourish in their personal and professional lives. In high demand, she has addressed local, statewide, national, and international places of work and professional, community, and civic organizations, examples of which are listed here.

Curated specifically for the audiences with whom she connects, including to qualify for industry-specific continuing education credit, topics Melanie has most recently addressed include:

Melanie is constantly expanding her portfolio to incorporate her real-time knowledge and address the present needs of her clients and community. To discuss a unique presentation that equips attendees with tangible tools to immediately effect positive change, contact Melanie at (813) 404-8566 or Melanie@SpreadYourSunshine.com. Or, connect with Melanie at an upcoming event highlighted in the schedule below.

Examples of 2021 Events

Release of Emerson Built That Podcast Episode on Tuesday, January 12, 2021; hosted by Allison De Meulder, this podcast is no fluff, no frills, just real talk about the raw emotions of entrepreneurship; to listen to this Episode, please visit: https://spreadyoursunshine.com/blogs/news/emerson-built-that-podcast-interview-with-allison-de-meulder.

Tampa Bay Federal Bar Association ("FBA") Mentoring Program Kick-Off Panel on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Mentoring Benefits & How to Maximize Mentorships in a Virtual World; for more information on this virtual event and the FBA Mentoring Program, please visit: https://federalbartampa.org/resources/mentoring-program/.

Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association (“SHRA”) Luncheon on Friday, February 19, 2021 beginning at 12:00 PM EST; Identifying and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace:

At some point in our lives, an estimated 70% of people, both men and women, experience Impostor Syndrome. Impostor Syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." This Syndrome has a direct impact on workplace productivity, employee morale, retention, and employee development. This session will provide attendees, specifically HR professionals and people managers, with tools and techniques to identify within themselves and/or the organization when this Syndrome arises and how to overcome it. The objectives of the session are to:

  • Develop and evaluate employee retention and development strategies and practices that combat the Impostor Syndrome and lead to greater employee achievement;
  • Design and evaluate strategies that will result in greater employee engagement;
  • Identify and build positive culture influencers within the workplace that foster psychological safety;
  • Learn how to utilize feedback for employee development; and
  • Identify strategies to build a culture of inclusion in the workplace.

For more information on this virtual continuing education program, please visit: https://www.myshra.org/events/event_list.asp.

Florida Association for Women Lawyers Thomas M. Cooley - Tampa Bay Chapter Women's History Month Event on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM EST; Why "Failures" Are Your Hidden Super Power:

Learn why you should not be afraid of "failing." Instead, embrace that it is going to happen, remember that it does not happen 100% of the time, change your definition of it, learn from and do not dwell on challenging experiences, and have a game plan for them.

For more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/FAWLTMC/. 

Martin County Bar Association ("MCBA") Solo & Small Firm Committee Luncheon on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Time Management Strategies & Life Hacks for the Productive, Professional Lawyer:

Time. It is something we all want more of. Yet, no matter how hard we wish, there are only 24 hours in each day. During this virtual webinar, these 24 hours will be stretched as far as possible. Together, we will develop a personal strategy that incorporates time management skills and other productive habits to become more effective, efficient, professional and happy lawyers who best serve ourselves, our clients and employers/employees, and the legal profession and justice system as a whole.

For more information on this virtual continuing education program and to register, please visit: https://martincountybar.org/index.php/membership/committees.

Growth Hacking Secrets LinkedIn Live Episode on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 2:00 to 2:30 PM EST; hosted by Muhammad Siddique, Growth Hacking Secrets features authentic conversations with thought leaders where they share mistakes to avoid and their success secrets; to listen to this Episode, please visit: https://youtu.be/Iz10BHoDxTU.

Launch of the Spread Your Sunshine Podcast & Social Media Show on Friday, March 12, 2021; hosted by Spread Your Sunshine Founder Melanie S. Griffin, Esq. and produced by Rocket Ship Consultants, this Podcast & Social Media Show is dedicated to empowering listeners to say "NO!" to the fear of failure and negative self-talk by providing fabulous YOU with strategies you can immediately implement to live out your goals and chase your most audacious dreams; to learn more about the Launch and listen to our Episodes, follow Spread Your Sunshine on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter and Rocket Ship Consultants on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

University of South Florida Lunchtime Leadership Series on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Showing Yourself & Others Grace While Living a Life of Gratitude:

A life filled with grace and gratitude is proven to reduce stress, lessen anxiety, and decrease depression while fostering joy, encouraging collaboration, deepening understanding of alternative viewpoints, and aiding in conflict resolution. During this interactive program, you will strengthen your grace and gratitude skillsets to enrich your life, further your mission and reach as a servant leader, and make a more audacious, meaningful impact on the world around you.

For more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://usf.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6630796.

The Floridaville: EXPRESS Facebook Live Episode on Monday, March 29, 2021 from 8:00 - 8:30 PM EST; hosted by Rocket Ship Consultants, this podcast shines a bright light on Floridians who have a positive influence on the Sunshine State; to learn more about The Floridaville: EXPRESS and listen to this Episode, visit: https://www.thefloridaville.com/the-floridaville-express and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plgTHcvjQz8.

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Marketing Retreat on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST; Overcoming Impostor Syndrome:

At some point in our lives, an estimated 70% of people, both men and women, experience Impostor Syndrome, the psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." This Syndrome has a direct impact on productivity, morale, development, advancement, and confidence. This high-energy, interactive presentation will provide attendees with tools and techniques to identify within themselves and/or others when this Syndrome arises and how to overcome it.

For more information on this topic, please visit: https://spreadyoursunshine.com/blogs/news/tagged/impostor-syndrome.

Stetson University College of Law Student Leadership Development Luncheon on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Strategies for Creating Successful Mentorships:

Explore strategies for creating successful mentor pairings, including learning about various mentorship types, the critical start to a mentoring relationship, the importance of honesty, mentoring meeting preparation, matching successful formal mentor pairs, contacting potential mentors using the "Three-Contact Rule," and additional best practices for communicating with mentors, including thanking them. 

For more information on this virtual keynote, please visit: https://www.stetson.edu/law/campus-life/leadership-development-committee.php and https://spreadyoursunshine.com/blogs/news/strategies-for-creating-successful-mentorships.

Release of Journey to Esquire Podcast Interview on Monday, April 12, 2021; through this podcast, attorneys share the stories of their "journeys to esquire" with law school students, lawyers, and beyond; to listen to this Episode, please visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melanie-griffin-esq-spread-your-sunshine-guest-host/id1491191226?i=1000516738539.

Attorney Wellness Exchange ("AWE~!") Monthly Luncheon on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: see the description above under Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Marketing Retreat; for more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.awe.law. 

The Florida Bar Solo & Small Firm Section CLE Webinar on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 beginning at 12:00 PM EST; Time Management Strategies & Life Hacks for the Productive, Professional Lawyer: see the description above under Martin County Bar Association Solo & Small Firm Committee; for more information on this virtual continuing education program, please visit: https://www.flsolosmallfirm.org/calendar/.

The Florida Bar Center for Professionalism CLE Webinar on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM EST; Mentoring Makes a Difference:

Learn about the importance of mentoring and mechanics of the relationship, including the types of mentoring relationships, the critical start to a mentoring relationship, effectively communicating during the mentorship, mentoring meeting preparation, and the power and benefits of mentoring.

For more information on this virtual continuing education presentation and to register, please visit: https://www.legalfuel.com/event/free-cle-webinar-mentoring-makes-a-difference/.

Tallahassee Women Lawyers Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EST; Saying Goodbye to Impostor Syndrome:

You? Yes, you! The amazing Trail Blazer reading this message. At some point in our lives, an estimated 70% of people, both men and women, experience Impostor Syndrome, the feeling of being discovered as a fraud for not actually deserving our job and/or accomplishments. But you, awesome TWL member, *you* were made for more. Attend this inspiring, interactive program to focus on why you are fantastically qualified and uniquely talented to be fabulous you, strategies for overcoming the fear of failure, and channeling your future successes to focus on being your best YOU!

For more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.mytwl.org. 

Greater Pensacola Society for Human Resource Management ("SHRM") 2021 Legal Conference on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST at the Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola, Florida; The Employment Audit: Ensuring Your Organization is 2021 Compliant from A to Z: 

Learn about major areas where employers are most frequently non-compliant, such as the Employment Application, Background Checks, Drug Testing, Offer Letters, Employment Contracts, Orientation, Handbooks, I-9 Immigration, Job Descriptions, Compensation Agreements, Wage & Hour/FLSA, Employee Benefits, Paid Time Off, FMLA, ADA/Reasonable Accommodations, Restrictive Covenants, Intellectual Property, Personnel Files/Recordkeeping, EEO-1, Employment Law Postings/Notices, OSHA/Safety/Workers’ Compensation, Performance Reviews/Discipline Forms, Terminations, Independent Contractors, Management Training, and Miscellaneous, including any COVID-relevant information applicable as of the program. In essence, together, attendees will self-audit their organizations as we move through the “Checklist” to identify any HR weaknesses that may need to be addressed. 

For more information on this in-person continuing education program and to register, please visit: http://www.gpshrm.org/page-1827837.

Delta Zeta Sorority National Convention on Thursday, July 15, 2021 during Truly Connected; Flexing Your Resilience Muscle: Building Skills to Thrive, Succeed & Shine:

Plot twist! At multiple points in our personal lives and professional careers, things do not go as planned. Aging parents. The end of relationships. Passed over promotions. Illness and disability. “Failed” entrepreneurial ventures. Grad school rejection letters. Heck, even saying the wrong thing or tripping over our own feet at *the worst* possible moment. We’ve all been there, right?! In fact, more times than we can count or wish to remember, especially as we recover from a tough 2020, including a worldwide pandemic. So, why is it that so few challenges are talked about? That TV shows, podcasts and the like mainly interview gold medalists over people who overcome the toughest challenges of their lives? That when we experience disappointing outcomes, we feel alone, ashamed, and unprepared? That is all about to change, sister.

Attend this high-energy, interactive, not-to-miss session during which you will laugh, cry, and build your resilience muscle like never before. No longer will you dwell on the past. Instead, you will develop skills and explore strategies that help you analyze and learn from experiences, pivot when necessary, and thrive and succeed moving forward. Importantly, by being our real and authentic selves, we will further build our Delta Zeta sisterhood, allowing you to shine your brightest with your #1 Fan Club cheering you on each step of the way.

For more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.deltazeta.org/about-us/national-convention/.

WEX Virtual 2021 on Saturday, July 31, 2021; Flexing Your Resilience Muscle: Building Skills to Thrive, Succeed & Shine: see the description above under Delta Zeta Sorority National Convention; for more information on this virtual keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.womenempowerx.com/.

Volusia-Flagler Society for Human Resource Management ("SHRM") 2021 Legal & Legislative Half-Day Conference on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 7:45 AM to 12:00 PM EST at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida; The Employment Audit: Ensuring Your Organization is 2021 Compliant from A to Z; see the description above under Greater Pensacola Society for Human Resource Management ("SHRM") 2021 Legal Conference; for more information on this in-person continuing education program and to register, please visit: https://volusiaflagler.shrm.org/events/2021/10/legal-and-legislative-half-day. 

Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association ("SHRA") Fall 2021 Conference on Thursday, October 21, 2021, beginning at 8:00 AM EST at the Westin Downtown Sarasota; The Employment Audit: Ensuring Your Organization is 2021 Compliant from A to Z; see the description above under Greater Pensacola Society for Human Resource Management ("SHRM") 2021 Legal Conference; for more information on this in-person continuing education program and to register, please visit: https://www.myshra.org/event/2021SHRAFALLCONFERENCE. 

2021 KNOW Women Summit beginning October 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM MST through October 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM MST at the CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona; Messaging for Your Brand; for more information on this in-person presentation and to register, please visit: https://www.knowtribesummit.com/.

National Court Reporters Association ("NCRA") 2021 Business Summit Executive Conference on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Georgia; 

Part I - Maximizing Your Personal & Professional Life: The Art of Focusing, Prioritizing, and Goal Crushing

Time. It is something we all want more of. Yet, no matter how hard we wish, there are only 24 hours in each day. During this presentation, these 24 hours will be stretched as far as possible. Together, we will develop a personal strategy that incorporates time management skills and other productive habits to help you set and crush big goals, rid yourself of procrastination, achieve work-life balance, and focus on meaningful activities that best align with your priorities and mission.

Part II - Rebrand 2021: Personal Branding & Networking Strategies to Shine Beyond Your Competition

Learn how authentically connecting with others, creating a lasting positive mindset, increasing your daily energy, and finding and explaining your “why” will elevate your business, maximize your professional relationships, and increase your profitability.

For more information on this in-person keynote and to register, please visit: https://www.ncra.org/home/events/ncra-business-summit.