Today, we celebrate Boss’s Day, honoring the exceptional leadership that has shaped Chameleon Technologies into the thriving company it is today. Under the visionary guidance of our CEO and founder, Melissa Acton-Buzard, we have grown into a proud Woman Owned Business in the Pacific Northwest, where we blend the strength of a larger firm with the personal touch of a boutique consultancy.

Melissa’s dedication to building genuine relationships has fostered a culture that values community, diversity, and inclusivity. As we celebrate our 24th anniversary this October, we reflect on the core values that have carried us through over two decades of success—agility, innovation, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the clients and candidates we serve.

In honor of Boss’s Day, Melissa has shared some insights below about her journey and the philosophy behind Chameleon Technologies.

Happy Boss’s Day to our inspiring leader and to all leaders who empower their teams to reach new heights. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion!

 

What inspired you to start Chameleon Technologies?

I founded Chameleon Technologies in 2000 because I recognized a gap in the market for a boutique firm that could deliver highly specialized IT and engineering consulting services with a personal touch. I was driven by the vision of creating a company that could be agile, move quickly, and provide world-class business insights without the constraints often seen in larger firms. It was about blending my passion for technology with a hands-on, relationship-driven approach to business. As a woman entrepreneur, I also wanted to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in everything we do, ensuring that these values are at the heart of our company.

 

What has been your proudest moment as a leader?

One of my proudest moments as a leader has been watching our company grow and evolve while staying true to the core values we started with. Hearing from clients that they chose us because of our personal touch and commitment to delivering real, impactful results always reinforces why we do what we do. A recent standout moment was expanding our services into new verticals like finance and accounting, construction management, and legal staffing. It felt like the right strategy for growth, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to do it while remaining true to our values and the personalized approach that sets us apart.

 

How do you stay motivated and inspire your team?

I stay motivated by seeing the positive impact we have on our clients and employees. I strongly believe in the power of ‘giving a lot to get a lot,’ and that mindset drives me to provide the best support and resources to everyone around me. I strive to inspire my team by leading by example—being transparent, communicating openly, and showing them that I am fully invested in their success. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

The best advice I’ve ever received was to focus on building relationships, not just transactions. A former mentor once told me that long-lasting business is built on trust and genuine connection, not just the bottom line. That insight has deeply shaped how I approach every partnership and is a big reason why we are so dedicated to fostering strong, lasting relationships with both our clients and employees.

 

What do you think sets Chameleon Technologies apart from other companies?

What sets Chameleon Technologies apart is our unique ability to combine the expertise of a larger firm with the agility of a boutique consultancy. We’re nimble, highly specialized, and work with some of the most recognized companies across various industries. But what truly distinguishes us is the personal touch we bring to every engagement. We don’t just implement solutions—we become true partners, deeply invested in our clients’ success. Additionally, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into every aspect of our work, from recruiting to consulting, ensuring that our values align with those of our clients.