Melinda Hutchings

Author, Inspirational Speaker, Personal Development

Melinda Hutchings is a media commentator, author, speaker and mentor on the topic of body image and teen issues. She is the author of four books and is passionate about empowering young people to face and overcome challenging issues and to recognise their enormous potential to create a happy and fulfilling future.

Where were you born?

I was born and raised in Sydney. Growing up I was forbidden from watching American TV shows like Sesame Street because my parents didn’t want me to be influenced by the American culture – or walk around saying ‘Zee’ instead of ‘Zed’. It backfired. I became fascinated by all things American and have travelled to the USA numerous times. New York is my favourite city in the world.

What other jobs have you had?

I had a corporate career in marketing that spanned fifteen years, and for eleven of those years I was co-director of a successful media business. In 2007 I moved on from corporate to focus on writing and speaking because I am passionate about helping young people believe in themselves. In 2009 I was a Finalist in Cosmopolitan magazine’s ‘Fun Fearless Female’ Awards in the category ‘Inspirational Role Model’.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I have been quoted as an expert on body image and teen issues in several publications including Dolly, Who magazine, Your Body, Madison, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Grazia.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about inspiring positive body image and self-love in young people. My work is about educating young people as well as parents & carers, and teachers & school counselors, about the dangers of dieting and the early warning signs of eating issues, as well as helping young people overcome hardship, find their way through challenging issues and discover their true potential.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I have been profiled extensively in the media including Sunrise, A Current Affair, Channel 7’s Morning Show, 9am with David & Kim, Sky Health News, Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, Who Magazine, Time, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, Madison, Dolly, Girlfriend, Sun Herald, Sunday Telegraph (Body & Soul), North Shore Times, Mosman Daily, Daily Telegraph, The Australian, Adelaide Advertiser, West Australian, Tim Webster 2UE, Stuart Bocking 2UE and ABC Radio National Australia & New Zealand.