| What is your “Speaker Superpower”? | |
| My speaker superpower lies in helping women develop the type of confidence that only comes when you lead as your true self. After 26 years working up the ranks to an executive role at a Fortune 20 company, I’ve seen firsthand that you can’t fake confidence; it only comes when you’re fully aligned with who you are and what you stand for. My work centers on guiding women to excel in leadership without feeling they need to fit a mold or compromise their values. In a world where “authenticity” has become a buzzword, I focus on giving women the tools to genuinely embody it in a way that builds lasting confidence. I offer practical strategies that address the real issues women face in leadership, from navigating office politics and building executive networks to presenting themselves powerfully in any room. My Personal Asset Checklist, for example, helps women identify and embrace their unique strengths, empowering them to lead with confidence and clarity. | |
| How does your message empower others? | |
| My message empowers women to lead with genuine confidence—confidence that only comes when they’re fully aligned with who they are and what they bring to the table. I help women in District Manager roles or higher see that they don’t need to compromise their values or adopt a “one-size-fits-all” leadership style to succeed. By focusing on their strengths, developing executive presence, and addressing the real challenges they face, I equip them to lead in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. This transformation allows them to step into leadership roles with the confidence that they belong, no matter the room they’re in. | |
| What inspired you to start speaking or coaching? | |
| I was inspired to coach and speak because of the countless women I met in my career who had the talent and drive to lead but lacked guidance on how to do so while staying true to themselves. After 26 years of advancing from entry-level to an executive position, I knew my calling was to help other women navigate the leadership journey without compromising who they are. I wanted to be the guide I had needed—a mentor who could show them how to gain genuine confidence by embracing their values and unique qualities, rather than trying to conform to someone else’s version of leadership. | |
| What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career as a speaker? | |
| The best advice I received was about the power of having a sponsor. A mentor once told me, “It’s not just about working hard; it’s about having someone in the room who will advocate for you when you’re not there.” This reshaped my career approach and taught me that advancement often depends on strategic relationships. Now, I coach my clients to understand the importance of sponsorship—it’s about being visible and building trust with key people who can help you move forward. Sponsorship is essential for women aiming to reach executive levels, and I guide my clients on how to position themselves authentically to attract and build these crucial relationships. | |
| What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements in this field? | |
| One of my most memorable moments was helping a client rediscover her confidence after facing challenges that had left her feeling unseen and undervalued. By working together to build her executive presence and recognize her unique strengths, she regained her sense of purpose and secured a promotion shortly afterward. Moments like these remind me why I do this work—it’s about more than just a title or position; it’s about helping women lead with confidence and clarity, knowing that they deserve to be there as their authentic selves. | |
| How do you stay motivated and inspired to continually grow your influence? | |
| What motivates me most is seeing women make breakthroughs and achieve their goals without compromising who they are. Every day, I focus on staying grounded and aligned with my purpose. I start my mornings with positive affirmations, which help me set a strong, focused mindset for the day. Even in challenging times, this practice reminds me of the impact I want to have and renews my commitment to empowering others. My philosophy is simple: when I see my clients succeed, that success fuels me to keep growing, evolving, and making a difference. | |
| How does your brand reflect your core values? | |
| My brand is a reflection of my commitment to helping women lead with confidence and integrity, without compromising their values. Every element, from the tools I use to the tone of my messaging, reinforces the idea that true leadership doesn’t require losing yourself in the process. My Personal Asset Checklist, for instance, is designed to help women identify and leverage their unique strengths, building confidence that is rooted in authenticity. My brand colors, visuals, and messaging all reflect a sense of empowerment, resilience, and the belief that every woman can lead powerfully by embracing her true self. | |
| What do you want audiences to remember after experiencing your presentation or session? | |
| I want audiences to leave with a sense of clarity and confidence, knowing that they don’t have to compromise their values to succeed. My presentations are filled with practical insights, actionable strategies, and lessons learned from my journey. It’s not just about inspiration—it’s about giving women the tools they need to step into leadership roles feeling aligned and empowered. I want them to walk away believing they can achieve their dream roles without losing their authenticity and with a clear plan for how to do it. | |
| What has been your biggest learning experience as a speaker or consultant? | |
| One of my biggest learning experiences has been the importance of a tailored approach. From the start, I’ve believed that each audience and client brings unique perspectives and challenges, so a one-size-fits-all message won’t truly resonate. By customizing my approach to meet each woman where she is, I’ve connected more deeply and made a greater impact. Tailoring my strategies to their specific situations and goals ensures that each woman leaves with a plan that feels personal, relevant, and empowering. This approach has not only enhanced my work but has also allowed me to continuously learn and adapt alongside my clients. | |
| What advice would you give to aspiring speakers, coaches, or consultants who want to make an impact? | |
| My advice is to stay true to your calling and avoid the temptation to fit into someone else’s version of success. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of genuine confidence and lasting impact. Be clear on your strengths, embrace what makes you unique, and don’t compromise your values to meet expectations. The more aligned you are with your purpose, the more your message will be powerful and memorable. Trust that your audience will connect with the real you, not a version that tries to fit into a mold. | |
| Finally, how can people get in touch with you? | |
| My website www.mccareersolutions.com, email: [email protected], LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelelance |
