Discovering Your Superpower
Melissa Austin, senior manager of the technical art team for Pokémon GO, shares how mentorship, representation, and a deep passion for helping others has shaped her journey
What if the greatest power you have isn’t just your talent or expertise, but your ability to help others thrive?
For Melissa Austin, Senior Manager of Technical Art at Niantic, this realization has shaped every step of her career. From supporting artists behind the scenes to leading one of the most influential mobile game teams, her journey proves that leadership isn’t just about personal success—it’s about opening doors for others.
In our conversation, Melissa shares how she navigated a male-dominated industry, while discovering that pushing back and trusting her instincts are just as important as technical skills. Whether you're in gaming, tech, or any field where representation is still catching up, her insights will leave you thinking about how you, too, can be a force for change.
The Power of Helping Others
Melissa’s career has been shaped by one defining thread—helping others. As a technical artist, she found purpose in enabling animators and designers to bring their creative visions to life. But over time, she realized that this wasn’t just a skill—it was a superpower. By solving problems, streamlining processes, and mentoring others, she became not just an asset to her teams, but a leader people could rely on. This mindset propelled her forward, helping her transition from an individual contributor to a manager and, ultimately, a champion for representation and inclusion in the gaming industry.
“I’ve found that my superpower is helping other people figure out their superpowers.”
Finding Your Place in a Male-Dominated Industry
Breaking into gaming wasn’t always easy. When Melissa started, women made up less than 10% of the teams she worked on. The lack of representation was glaring, but rather than be discouraged, she sought out allies—mentors who, even if they didn’t share her lived experience, believed in her potential. For many women and underrepresented voices in tech, Melissa’s story is a reminder that change starts with presence. She became the mentor she wished she had, paying forward the guidance she received and ensuring that others had a seat at the table.
“It helps to feel like you belong, like your voice is being heard and respected, and especially, like you’re not alone.”
When Going Off-Script Changes Everything
Some of the most pivotal moments in Melissa’s career didn’t come from following the plan—they came from breaking the rules. One of her most memorable experiences was mentoring young girls through Girls Who Code. Sticking to the curriculum wasn’t sparking their excitement, so she improvised. It was a simple shift, but it unlocked something powerful. It’s a lesson she carries into leadership—sometimes, the best way to inspire others is to go off script, meet people where they are, and create space for them to shine.
“I will never forget—their faces just lit up. And in that moment, I knew: this is why representation matters.”
The Hardest—and Most Rewarding—Part of Leadership
For Melissa, the transition from individual contributor to leader required a complete mindset shift. It was no longer about her own execution—it was about empowering her team, advocating for their needs, and ensuring they had the support to succeed. One of her proudest moments? Fighting to keep a talented employee on her team when relocation threatened his ability to stay. Melissa knows that leadership isn’t about ego. It’s about making sure the right people have the opportunities they deserve, even if that means pushing against the status quo.
“I will pull out all the stops to get this exception done. And I was successful. That’s what leadership is about.”
What the Future Holds for Gaming and Tech Art
As gaming continues to evolve, so does the role of technical artists. Melissa is committed to ensuring that future generations of tech artists have clearer career paths, better mentorship, and the ability to grow as leaders in their own right. She helped establish a technical art career ladder at Niantic—something she wished existed earlier in her own career. Her hope is that more companies recognize the power of investing in people—not just for the sake of retention, but for the industry as a whole. After all, when more voices are included, better games (and workplaces) are built.
Melissa’s journey is an inspiring illustration of what’s possible when you lead with empathy, advocate for others, and challenge the limits placed on you. She Lights the Way isn’t just about celebrating women’s achievements—it’s about ensuring that every conversation sparks action. That’s the power of mentorship, representation, and leadership. And that’s why stories like Melissa’s matter.
Learn more about Melissa’s work and connect with her on LinkedIn.
