Meet the Team
Grab a cup of cocoa and come say hi! We look forward to meeting you!
Mel Guanci, BSBM
Founder + Consultant
Hi, I’m Mel, the founder of Hot Cocoa Moment.
At HCM, we help nonprofits and businesses align their purpose with strategy, from marketing and organizational design to employee development and long-term planning. We know it takes grit to grow something meaningful, and we’re here to fuel that journey with encouragement, clarity, and actionable strategies that help your team thrive and your organization run with confidence.
My background in marketing, organizational design, employee development, and strategic planning fuels my passion for helping others build meaningful, purpose-driven work. I believe every organization has a story worth telling and with the right structure and support, that story can truly make an impact.
I genuinely believe we all have a purpose, and for some of us, that purpose shines brightest when we create with intention. I look forward to sharing the Hot Cocoa Moment story with you and helping you empower your purpose, elevate your team, and make a difference in the world.
When I’m not collaborating with leaders and teams, you’ll likely find me traveling, cooking, gardening, painting, or spending time with family and friends.
How many marshmallows in my hot chocolate? Fill it to the brim and toast it — we’re celebrating, after all.
My Why: I get excited watching others achieve success — especially when they once couldn’t imagine it for themselves. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing individuals and teams reach their full potential.
My Favorite Title: Encourager
Mel Guanci has twenty years experience in the retail industry working for brands like William Sonoma, Talbots, and JCrew. After starting a family she transitioned from retail to working in the nonprofit sector as the CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Iowa Chapter. Then as the Marketing & Volunteer Director at Joppa. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce located in Norwalk Iowa and is the Founder of In2It Digital, a boutique marketing agency based in Des Moines, Iowa.
how hot cocoa moment got its start
In 2004, I held the position of General Manager at Pottery Barn Kids, situated in University Village, Seattle, Washington. During my tenure, I had the privilege of working alongside an outstanding associate named Liz, who consistently exhibited remarkable potential for professional growth. The question that arose was how Liz and I could effectively communicate this potential to upper management.
To initiate this process, I undertook the task of reviewing the job description for the first level of management, commonly known as the 'key holder.' In doing so, I meticulously highlighted all the responsibilities that Liz was already demonstrating effectively while also identifying areas where she had room for growth. Subsequently, I engaged in collaborative discussions with Liz, wherein we charted out a comprehensive three-month development plan aimed at aligning her skill set with her career goals.
Integral to our strategy was the implementation of weekly one-on-one meetings, providing a structured platform to monitor her progress and assess her mastery of the various initiatives she was diligently learning during this period. These deliberate efforts played a pivotal role in nurturing Liz's potential and setting her on a trajectory toward further success within the organization.
about
Did Liz end up getting promoted?
Absolutely! It filled me with immense excitement when I extended the offer to Liz, and I could sense her equal enthusiasm when she wholeheartedly accepted it. Subsequently, she went on to assume the role of Store Manager, embarking on an exceptional career within the retail industry, a field she held great affection for.
Tragically, we lost this extraordinary individual a few years ago. It is, therefore, our deepest privilege to dedicate Hot Cocoa Moment to Liz, as she was an individual who believed wholeheartedly in herself, worked diligently to realize her potential, and led a life imbued with celebration and purpose as an exemplary leader.
Our heartfelt belief is that everyone should have the opportunity to live a purpose-driven life. If that journey aligns with leadership aspirations, we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting it every step of the way.