Story & Lesson Highlights with Marissa Hunter of Midtown

Marissa Hunter shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Marissa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, my greatest teachers are my boys. Watching them claim their independence and make sense of the world gives me a fresh lens, too. It brings me immense joy! It’s exciting to see the world from their point of view, while being open to learning from and understanding their perspective. They remind me daily that compassion and empathy aren’t abstract ideals—they’re lived in the smallest gestures. It’s humbling to be both the teacher and the student under my own roof. They inspire me to expand my views on life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marissa, and I’m currently working in the financial industry as an executive leader. In my role as Vice President, I have the pleasure of leading the firm’s most technically complex initiatives and guiding cross-functional teams through high-stakes transformations. Beyond the corporate world, I’ve also built an entrepreneurial path—launching a consulting practice, creating a natural haircare brand, and developing a portfolio of writings that have enabled me to lean into public speaking. What ties it all together is my love for strategy, people, and growth. Whether it’s mentoring future leaders, designing solutions, or inspiring audiences, I’m energized by helping others unlock new possibilities.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Doubt. I’ve learned to listen to myself and give space for my inner voice to guide me through difficult situations. I haven’t always trusted it, and every time I ignored it, I paid the price. While I value the wisdom of others, I’ve also accepted that the insight I’ve earned through experience is one of my greatest superpowers. Releasing doubt means standing firmly in that wisdom and moving forward without second-guessing the gifts I already carry.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I recently received a call from a cousin who shared the impact of some advice I had given her a year earlier. I spoke with her about the importance of mentorship, how to use AI to strategize in life, and how to rebrand her professional image. At the time, I thought it was just a casual conversation she might soon forget. A year later, she called to tell me she had applied those ideas and landed a promotion. It reminded me that even our offhand words can plant seeds—and that truly listening to someone can shape the trajectory of their life in ways we may never see coming.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I’m convinced audiobooks are a form of self-care, and I believe it counts as reading. Sure, some people meditate—I let Morgan Freeman narrate my inner peace. Try it! You’ll thank me later.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes, absolutely. When I stepped into my first executive role, it felt like both the culmination of years of hard work and the start of a brand-new challenge. I can still remember the energy of those early days—the thrill of being trusted to lead at that level, the rush of tackling complex problems, and the responsibility of shaping teams and strategy. It wasn’t just tap dancing to work; some days it felt like a full Broadway number. That season taught me how much joy there is in rising to the occasion and betting on yourself for the win.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissahunter/

Image Credits
John Nowak