Melina Bellows
Melina Bellows is an author and former National Geographic Kids and Books Chief who inspires audiences to lead with creativity and curiosity.
Turnaround Queen
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Publishing Icon
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Chief Fun Officer
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Turnaround Queen • Publishing Icon • Chief Fun Officer •
More about Melina
A trailblazing figure in the world of publishing, Melina Bellows has a boundless imagination and a passion for education that has elevated every project she has undertaken.
As the president of Fun Factory Press—a boutique publishing business that has helped the likes of Random House revolutionize its offerings—Melina leads the charge in delivering to young minds captivating and informative nonfiction content. As a sought-after consultant, she is known as the “turnaround queen,” helping businesses instill new energy and cutting edge business practices into flagging endeavors to change their trajectory back to growth.
With an illustrious career at National Geographic, first as Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of Books and Kids and Family programming, then as Chief Education Officer, Melina’s impact on the publishing industry is undeniable.
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She has revolutionized the landscape of children’s literature, creating countless products and franchises that have captivated the hearts and minds of millions. Among her notable achievements are the New York Times best-selling National Geographic Kids Almanac, a must-have resource book for young readers, and the Weird but True! series, which comprises 30 books and boasts an astonishing collective sales figure of over 2.1 million copies. She also oversaw the reimagination and reintroduction of National Geographic Kids, which now ranks as the number one kids’ magazine.
In a world where knowledge is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities, Melina stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity. The 10-point playbook she created on the fly at National Geographic can be used by any business looking to reboot for success.
Speaking Topics
Reinvention
Leadership
Managing Change
Team Dynamics
Overcoming Obstacles
Watch Melina in action
Presentations
JOY RIDE: Playbook for Business Success
Transformation begins with vision—and the courage to imagine what doesn’t yet exist. In this dynamic presentation, Melina Bellows shares how creativity powered three global business turnarounds, including transforming an unprofitable venture into a $65M National Geographic flagship. Drawing from her playbook, Melina shows how leaders can inspire teams, spark innovation, embrace challenge, and drive new growth while building lasting customer loyalty.
Manifest Your Best Life
Rooted in Melina Bellows’ AARP Manifestation Series and her own midlife reinvention, Manifest Your Best Life reframes manifestation as alignment, not force. With practical tools, real-world wisdom, and insights from leading thinkers, Melina guides women to trust intuition, build simple rituals, and confidently shape purposeful, authentic next chapters—at any age.
“Three simple words got me enhanced productivity, increased customer satisfaction, and a successful turaround of three global businesses: Have. More. Fun.”
– melina bellows