People-Centered Consulting & Coaching
Seen. Heard.
Worth the Investment.
People-Centered Consulting, Coaching & Workshops | Baton Rouge & Nationwide
We have been on both sides of the shift: the heavy days when you feel unseen, and the moment hope, clarity, and real connection take hold. We help people and the organizations they belong to make that move, and it shows in stronger relationships, healthier culture, and leaders who finally have room to lead.
Trusted by organizations and individuals across Louisiana, the South, and beyond.
Four Ways to Grow With Us
Whether you need strategic guidance, a personal breakthrough, a team experience, or an unforgettable keynote - there's a path here for you.
Strategic Consulting
You know something needs to change. We help you figure out what and build the plan to get there. From culture transformation to workforce strategy, we partner with organizations ready to move.
Explore ConsultingCoaching
Whether you're rebuilding confidence, navigating a career shift, or learning to lead with more intention, coaching gives you a space that is fully yours. Individual and team engagements available.
Explore CoachingWorkshops
Interactive. Energetic. Built around real moments. Our workshops bring teams together, unlock potential, and leave people with tools they'll actually use - not just a notebook full of notes.
Explore WorkshopsKeynotes & Speaking
Melissa's stage presence is rooted in musical theatre and fueled by a love for human connection. Every keynote is interactive, grounded in empathy, and designed to move people to action.
Book Melissa
Meet Melissa
Meet Melissa.
For over 20 years, I've guided people and teams to a stronger footing in their careers, workplaces, and lives.
I bring an M.S. in Human Resource Management from LSU, a Professional in Human Resource Management Certificate from Villanova, and expertise in Emotional Intelligence through the Six Seconds model. I hold the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential, along with the Brain Profile Certification (BPC) and Emotional Intelligence Assessor Certification (EQAC).
I've partnered with executives and frontline staff, coached leaders and parents, and spoken coast to coast. One truth stands out: people crave connection, growth, and belonging. That's why I founded People by Design.
"Leadership isn't a title, it's how you show up for yourself and others every day."
- Melissa Montgomery, M.S., SHRM-CP, BPC, EQAC
Inspire People. Ignite Culture. Transform Lives.
Designed for Real People
Our approach is grounded in 20+ years of HR experience, emotional intelligence research, and real-world leadership work - built to meet you where you are.
Engage
Invite people into meaningful conversations and shared purpose.
Retain
Address root causes of burnout so people have every reason to stay.
Lead
Equip leaders at every level with tools that actually work.
Connect
Build trust through communication frameworks that reduce friction.
Credentials and Affiliations
Know Exactly Who You Are Hiring
HR leaders, business owners, and individuals all ask the same question before they commit. We answer it up front: here is the certification, the education, and the community work behind every engagement we take.
- SHRM-CP SHRM Certified Professional, certified July 2026
- Emotional Intelligence Certification Emotional Intelligence Assessor Certification (EQAC), Six Seconds model, and Brain Profile Certification (BPC)
- M.S., Human Resource Management Louisiana State University, with the Professional in Human Resource Management Certificate from Villanova University
- St. George Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
- Women's Leadership Academy Member, inaugural 2026-2027 cohort. A partnership of the Junior League of Baton Rouge and the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) at LSU
- Upcoming Greater Baton Rouge SHRM Fall Conference Concurrent session, Wednesday September 23, 2026. The conference runs September 22-23
Where You Fit
People by Design isn't just for executives or corporate teams. We partner with anyone ready to grow.
Individuals
Adults in career transition, people navigating grief or personal transformation, professionals seeking clarity, anyone struggling with purpose or well-being. You belong here.
Parents & Families
Parents weighing a return to the workforce, caregivers finding balance, families navigating big life changes. Your next chapter matters, too.
Students
Young adults discovering their path, student organizations exploring leadership, anyone standing at the edge of what's next. We'll meet you there.
Teams & Organizations
Small businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, civic organizations, and national agencies ready to build healthier, more connected cultures.
Leaders
Emerging leaders, managers building people-centered cultures, executives navigating change, community leaders who want to lead with more intention.
Faith Communities
Churches, faith-based organizations, and spiritual communities building belonging. Spiritual growth and organizational health go hand in hand.
Elders
Seniors seeking connection, meaning, and purpose in their next chapter. Every stage of life holds possibility. You are welcome here.
Those in Transition
Cancer survivors, military families, grief support groups, and anyone rebuilding after loss. Resilience isn't born - it's built. Together.
"We walk with you. Right where you are."
Find Your TrackClient Voices
What People Are Saying
Melissa leads with kindness, patience, and integrity. She has a way of bringing people together while making sure everyone is heard. Her ability to guide, encourage, and inspire those around her is exactly what makes her such a strong and genuine leader.
C. Greene
Patient Service Specialist, North Carolina
Melissa strikes a rare balance - courteous and empathetic in her approach, while also direct and focused when it comes to getting results. She has a natural gift for fostering collaboration and creating an environment where people feel supported and motivated.
J. Bettencourtt
Senior Manager, Louisiana
Melissa brings a rare combination of clarity, thoroughness, and genuine care to every engagement. Whether navigating complex HR challenges or helping boards align with mission-driven goals, Melissa is a steady, insightful presence who elevates every team she works with.
R. Chatelain
Principal, RMCreative Solutions, LLC
Melissa helped elevate our hiring process. We now have a strong outline for hiring the best staff.
D. Arevalo
Secretary-Treasurer, IATSE Local 478
As a former President and board member of Theatre Baton Rouge, I had the opportunity to work closely with Melissa. She leads with compassion while remaining strongly results-driven, bringing a thoughtful, people-centered approach to every challenge. Melissa collaborates effectively to develop solutions that support employees while empowering them to meet...
L. Parker
Former President and Board Member, Theatre Baton Rouge
Melissa took thoughtful, careful time to unpack the assessment and go through areas of strength and areas of growth. The time spent in doing this evaluation and going through it with her was invaluable.
A. Bennett
EQ Assessment/Coaching Client
On Stage
Featured Speaking
Melissa delivers story-driven keynotes on resilience, culture, emotional intelligence, and the courage to redesign your life and work.
Hear Melissa Speak
Story-driven keynotes on resilience, culture, emotional intelligence, and the courage to redesign your life and work. Interactive, energetic, deeply human.
Free Downloads
Your Next Step Starts Here
Practical tools to ignite your growth - free, no strings attached.
See All Resources
5 Tips To Ignite Your Team's Culture
Actionable strategies to transform your team culture - starting today.
Download Free 5 Agile Growth Habits
A self-coaching guide for personal development at any stage of life.
Download Free Leadership Legacy Reflection Guide
Episode 1: The Leadership Legacy You're Building Right Now.
Download Free Psychological Safety Check-In
Assess and strengthen psychological safety on your team.
Download FreeNow Streaming
Reframe the Puzzle
A podcast about work, life, and the courage to redesign both. Each episode explores what it really means to grow - through transition, challenge, and the quiet moments in between.
New episodes on Spotify. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen Now on Spotify
Free 30-Minute Call
Request a Discovery Call
Ready to Start Your Next Chapter?
Not sure where to start? No problem. A 30-minute discovery call is a real conversation - no sales pitch, no pressure. Just 30 minutes to see if we're the right fit.
- Clarity on what's holding you back
- Which path fits best: consulting, coaching, or workshops
- Clear, honest next steps - whatever they turn out to be
Or email us at info@pplbydesign.com
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