Melissa Aarskaug

Melissa Aarskaug is an accomplished Tech & Cyber Growth Strategist, Speaker, Host, and Community Builder with extensive experience in the IT and cybersecurity sectors. Currently, she serves as the Global Vice President at Bulletproof, a GLI company, a leading global IT and cybersecurity firm. Bulletproof is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) and holds the Microsoft Threat Protection Advanced Specialisation.
 

Before joining Bulletproof, Melissa worked with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a world-renowned leader in providing testing, certification, and professional services to the gaming industry. She played a key role at GLI, which operates laboratories across six continents and serves over 475 jurisdictions worldwide. Prior to her tenure at GLI, Melissa was involved in the construction of the world’s largest concrete bridge at the time as a Project Engineering Manager. Additionally, she managed investments at Las Vegas Investments, a commercial and industrial real estate firm with a portfolio valued at over $100 million.
 

Melissa has earned significant recognition for her contributions, including being named the Emerging Leader in Gaming by Global Gaming Business and The Innovation Group, supported by IAGA and Regulatory Management Counsellors. She also received the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award for her work in the industry.
 

In addition to her executive roles, Melissa is the founder and host of Executive Connect, a platform and podcast that focuses on alternative leadership strategies. She speaks at over 20 conferences annually, offering insights on business growth, leadership, and cybersecurity. She is also a dedicated coach, helping teams and individuals develop their leadership and business skills.
 

Melissa is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She founded the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) in Austin and holds various advisory positions, serving on multiple boards, including those for Global Gaming Women, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Austin Technology Council. She is also involved in volunteer work with organisations such as Ballet Austin and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Melissa has volunteered with the Junior League in Austin, Las Vegas, and Reno for over 15 years.
 

Melissa holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, with minors in Mathematics, Law, and Business. She has also completed professional training in negotiation and executive coaching, further enhancing her leadership capabilities.

Melissa Aarskaug holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with minors in Mathematics, Law, and Business, from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has built a remarkable career over the last 17 years, focusing on technology, cybersecurity, and business growth. She began her journey in engineering and transitioned into executive leadership roles, becoming a trusted leader known for driving innovation and fostering strong relationships.
 

Melissa’s professional path began as an engineering manager on a significant concrete bridge project, where she played a pivotal role in managing large-scale operations. This early experience set the foundation for her leadership capabilities, which she later applied to the tech and cybersecurity sectors. Her journey in the industry saw her taking on various roles where she helped organisations grow and scale, driving successful business strategies and delivering impressive results.
 

In 2011, she joined Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), where she played a key role in shaping and executing business development strategies for the gaming, casino, and lottery sectors. During her time at GLI, she helped position the company as a leader in providing testing, certification, and cybersecurity services globally. This success was underpinned by her ability to secure major accounts and build new markets, particularly in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
 

Her leadership was further demonstrated in Bulletproof, a company acquired by GLI in 2016. As the Global Vice President, Melissa was responsible for overseeing the worldwide gaming vertical and leading a significant portion of the company’s revenue. Her work here resulted in an impressive 99% closing ratio, and she drove double- and triple-digit growth, expanding into sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and retail. She also played a crucial role in stabilising the company’s revenue during the pandemic, navigating the organisation into untapped markets and securing profitable opportunities. She was instrumental in integrating global teams and processes after the acquisition of Bulletproof by GLI.
 

Before joining GLI, she worked as Vice President of Business Operations at Las Vegas Investments from June 2008 to February 2012. In this role, she directed business operations and managed investments in a commercial and industrial real estate portfolio valued at over $100 million. She devised strategic plans and executed projects to mitigate risk and grow investments, improving the bottom line through transparent, disciplined budgeting and financial management.

She was also a Project Engineer at Fisher Industries and Pacific Mechanical Corporation. At Fisher Industries, from March 2007 to June 2008, Melissa managed on-site engineering for the world’s largest concrete bridge project, spanning 8.5 miles and valued at over $550 million. She supervised 50 employees and 500 contractors, coordinating contracts, logistics, schedules, and solving on-the-spot issues. At Pacific Mechanical Corporation, from January 2006 to March 2007, she oversaw project engineering duties, focusing on negotiation, time management, and contract execution.
 

In addition to her leadership at GLI and Bulletproof, Melissa also established Executive Connect, a platform where she explores unconventional leadership strategies with other leaders and innovators. She hosts the Executive Connect Podcast, engaging with executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to share actionable insights into leadership and personal growth. The podcast delves into leadership strategies that go beyond traditional corporate models, offering listeners a chance to learn from those redefining success and navigating the evolving business landscape.
 

Melissa has been recognised for her achievements throughout her career, earning accolades such as being named one of the Emerging Leaders in Gaming: 40 Under 40 and receiving the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award. Her success in business growth is reflected in her ability to achieve annual revenue increases of up to 375% YOY and secure strategic partnerships that have had a global impact.

Beyond her professional career, Melissa is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She mentors and coaches individuals and teams within GLI/Bulletproof, helping organisations identify business pain points and accelerate growth. She is also an active member of several professional organisations and nonprofit groups. These include Global Gaming Women, Austin Women in Technology, and Toastmasters International. Melissa is passionate about empowering women in tech and leadership and has been actively involved with the Junior League in various cities for over 15 years.
 

Currently, Melissa continues to thrive in her role at Gaming Laboratories International while also expanding her reach as a thought leader through her podcast and public speaking engagements. She is focused on driving innovation in cybersecurity, leadership, and business development while maintaining a strong commitment to mentoring and community involvement.

Melissa Aarskaug’s vision is to empower organisations and individuals by fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth. She aims to lead businesses to achieve sustainable success by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and cybersecurity. Through her leadership, she encourages a holistic approach to business, focusing not only on financial growth but also on building strong, responsible, and resilient organisations. Melissa believes in creating opportunities for people to thrive, whether by mentoring emerging leaders or sharing knowledge through platforms like her podcast, Executive Connect, where she advocates for leadership that goes beyond the conventional.

Melissa has earned several prestigious awards for her achievements in business and leadership. She was named one of the Emerging Leaders in Gaming: 40 Under 40 and received the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award for her contributions to the industry. Her ability to drive revenue growth, secure strategic partnerships, and innovate in challenging sectors has earned her widespread recognition. Melissa has also been honoured for her commitment to mentoring and empowering others, particularly women in technology and leadership, further establishing her as a respected figure in the business community.