Ask The Business Muse

A Professional Leadership Muse

Why the Best Answers Don’t Start With Advice

Years ago, I watched the movie The Muse, starring Albert Brooks and Sharon Stone.

In the film, a struggling screenwriter hires a modern-day muse to help him rediscover his creativity.

The muse captivated my attention right from the start.

Because she wasn’t actually giving him solutions.

That felt… strange.

If someone hires you to help, shouldn’t you give advice? Shouldn’t you tell them exactly what to do?

But that’s not the role of a muse.

A muse doesn’t solve the problem. A muse changes the way you see it.

After more than 25 years in performance marketing—working with companies across travel, energy, wellness, and property management—I’ve seen something similar in business.

The best leaders…The best mentors…The most insightful people in the room…

Rarely rush to give answers.

Instead, they observe.

They ask questions.

They notice patterns others miss.

And then something interesting happens. The solution becomes obvious.

Not because someone told you what to do—but because your perspective shifted.

That’s the idea behind The Mindful Muse.

Not quick answers. Not business clichés.

Just thoughtful observations about work, leadership, and life—drawn from real experiences and the occasional awkward moment along the way.

Over time, these moments reveal something deeper:

Small shifts in perspective can reshape the way we think—and ultimately, the way we lead, decide, and grow.

This is what Ask the Business Muse is all about.

A place to bring real questions. Not for instant answers—but for better ways of seeing the problem.

Because sometimes the most powerful help isn’t advice.

It’s perspective.

And that’s the role of a muse.

So if you’re building something…Leading something…Or simply trying to become a little wiser than you were yesterday…

You’re in the right place.

Welcome to The Mindful Muse.

Let’s get inspired.

Melissa is a Mindfulness Coach, and author of a children's book, Zane and Calli's Adventure in ThrowAway Land.