Success, as you know, is a journey with lots of twists and turns. It's also something that is uniquely subjective;  everyone has a different definition of what success means to them as well as a different path they take to achieve it. And that's what this series is all about.

We continue our Profiles in Success series with Lynn Melling, co-founder/owner at 515 Productions, an award-winning, soup-to-nuts film company.

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How would you define success in relation to your career journey, and has it changed over time?

I used to think success was defined by a big title, awards, prestige, and the dollars in the bank account. Today, I define success as the freedom to chase my dreams, the ability to do work that brings me joy with people who appreciate my talents, and the capacity to show up as the mom I want to be for my kids. I've worked really hard to get to this point in my career, and I don't take any of it for granted. That, for me, is what success looks like.

Do you remember your first professional success, and if so, what was it?

My first live TV news interview, three months after graduating from college. I was a reporter in a small market that covered southern Delaware. I got to interview then-Senator Joe Biden outside of a town hall meeting, right after 9/11, live during the 6pm newscast. I was absolutely terrified, but he was very gracious and helped me pull it off.

Do you attribute your successes to following a strategy or plan, or are they a result of timing and circumstance?

Both. I like the saying, "You create your own luck." It is 100% true.

How do you know when you've succeeded?

When I feel at peace, because I know I left everything out on the field, regardless of the outcome.

Has a past mentor shared valuable insight on success, or do you have a key learning on success that you'd like to share?

"Careers aren't ladders. They're jungle gyms." I can't remember where I first heard it, but I believe that quote is attributed to Sheryl Sandberg. I probably repeat that quote to at least three people every week.

My career has been and continues to be a jungle gym. On every slide, swing or rope climb, I learn something new that I take with me to the next one. It's given me the ability to connect dots and identify blind spots that others can't see. That kind of diversified knowledge and expertise is not only invaluable in any industry, it helps you pinpoint what brings you joy, so you can go chase it.

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Learn more about 515 Productions on their website or Instagram page. You can also connect with Lynn on LinkedIn.