Melissa Cash: Designing Pok Pok & the Digital Playroom Revolution // 65

Melissa Cash isn’t just reshaping children’s screen time—she’s redefining the future of learning and creativity. In this deeply insightful episode, Melissa, the co-founder and CEO of Pok Pok, shares how her own childhood learning struggles inspired a lifelong pursuit to create playful, purposeful, and non-addictive digital experiences for kids. From her early days at Disney designing for one of the world’s most beloved brands to raising a $3 million seed round while nine months pregnant, Melissa's story is one of vision, grit, and mission-driven leadership.

Pete and Melissa dive deep into topics like the psychology of screen time, the balance between play and learning, and how thoughtful design can nurture a child’s imagination instead of draining it. You’ll also hear how Pok Pok is turning heads in tech by intentionally avoiding addictive features, and why the company is betting on creativity over clicks. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone curious about building a business that puts human development at the center.

🔎 Find Out More About Melissa Cash
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacash/
https://www.playpokpok.com
https://www.instagram.com/playpokpok/

📚 Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Melissa Cash
01:28 - The Childhood Moment That Shaped Her Learning Philosophy
06:26 - From Arts High School to Designing Baby Products at Disney
09:05 - What Disney Taught Her About Brand, Play, and Creativity
14:00 - Why Pok Pok Rejects Addictive Design for Kids
21:46 - The Unlikely Origin Story of Pok Pok
25:58 - Defining the Digital Playroom
36:03 - Fundraising While Nine Months Pregnant
44:16 - Getting Women on the Cap Table: The Hard Road
46:18 - Reinventing Company Culture with Black Box Day
57:00 - The 10-Year Vision for Pok Pok

🔗 Other Links & Resources:
The Power of Play by David Elkind - https://a.co/d/hwrjIhh
The Courage to Be Disliked - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501197274
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1619630346

🔴 Support & Connect
Forward Obsessed Website: www.forwardobsessed.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardobsessed/
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/forwardobsessed/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/forward-obsessed/

#founderstory #femaleentrepreneur #pokpok