About Strategic Talent Rx

About Michelle Arentz

Hi, I’m Michelle Arentz, a Workforce Development Consultant and owner of Strategic Talent Rx. I help leaders of scaling startups avoid costly common talent mistakes as they grow, and leaders of recent M&As successfully navigate the integration of the people brought together in that process so their newly combined teams perform better, faster.

My Mission

To diagnose and solve the root causes of workplace challenges, enabling businesses to build healthier teams, stronger leadership, and vibrant cultures where every employee can contribute their best. When people grow, businesses succeed.

My Background

I have 20+ years of experience in Learning & Development, with degrees in Communication Studies and Education. I’ve created and delivered countless workshops, workforce development programs, competency maps, managerial skills curricula, onboarding programs, and strategic talent initiatives. I’ve worked with groups as diverse as high school students to executive leadership teams (guess which one was more challenging).

As an entrepreneur, I have great empathy for leaders of new businesses who want to make the most of their big dreams.

Having been on both sides of the M&A coin, I know how it feels to go through that process and the impact that kind of change has on everyone involved.

I’m uniquely positioned to fill the gaps between HR and Executive coaching, as I fill in the areas where HR stops at processes and policies, and executive coaching focuses on individual potential—bringing a practical, results-driven approach to bridge strategy and execution through your people.

My Core Values

I approach my work with the following:

Growth: Companies grow and flourish when the people in them are also growing and flourishing. Helping you and your employees to be their best now and in the future is critical to your success.

Creativity: I love connecting the dots, figuring out solutions and absolutely have a continuous improvement mindset. Sticking with the status quo never got anyone ahead in life.

Learning: Acquiring new skills and knowledge takes effort. I advocate for everyone to treat learning as the integral part of our jobs that it actually is. Would you trust anyone doing what I do who didn’t have a love of learning?

Authenticity: I keep it real with genuine interactions - even when it means telling some hard truths. BS belongs in a barnyard, not in our business relationship!

My Clients

I work with leaders of scaling startups and recent M&As who recognize the value and importance of investing in their people to drive better business results.

I especially love working with leaders who are growth and change-minded, employee-centric, tired of the status quo, and open to improving their leadership and business outcomes.

I am industry agnostic (people are people no matter what the products or services are), excluding hospitality and retail. Most of my work can be done either virtually or in-person.

My Vision

To create a world of workplaces where people actually want to work because they're set up for success, not suffering.

Case Studies

Read my case studies to see how I provide actionable workforce development insights for my clients.

What are we waiting for?!

If you’re a leader of a scaling startup who wants “Preventive Medicine” to avoid common talent pitfalls, or you’re a leader navigating a recent M&A and would like to have “Transplant Success” in your integration, let’s talk!

I’d be happy to connect and discuss how I can help you reach your goals with greater speed and ease.

Book a free consultation with me now and let’s get you on the path to a healthier bottom line.

Public Speaking

Michelle is available for speaking engagements with audiences interested in leadership development, attraction & retention, culture, and talent strategy as well as guesting on podcasts and panels focused on similar topics.

Learn more about Michelle’s public speaking opportunities.

Submit an Interest Form to learn more about booking Michelle for your next event, or contact her via email: advance@lazaruslearning.com

  • Michelle understands the art and science of human performance improvement, relates well with organizational leadership and is a partner in problem solving and solution development.

    Mitch B. - Business Development Director

  • You bring such energy and passion to your workshops and webinars with us. You're truly an extension of our team.

    Simran K. - Business Partner, Talent Development

  • Thanks so much for being a trusted and valued partner. We couldn't do this without you!"

    Eric P. - Workforce & Professional Development Manager

  • I appreciate how much you "get us" and are a trusted partner on so many projects for our team. The positive impact your work has in our organization is evident, and a big part of why we keep asking you back to do more.

    Erin D. - Director of Talent Management

  • One of the standout projects Michelle led for us was the PI project. This was a truly innovative approach that I hadn't encountered before. The insights gained from this have provided me with greater self-awareness and helped identify our blind spots. It has inspired me to start thinking about how we can make our team more cohesive and successful.

    Lei M. - Project Team Manager

  • With a perfect blend of strategy, tools and experience, Michelle customized solutions to help us. Her workshops were inspirational, and our team came away with hands on knowledge of who they are and how to interact with their colleagues. I recommend working with Michelle for any business owner serious about making a positive change in their organization’s most valuable asset - the people.

    Nick S. - CEO

Ready to feel better about your business?

Certifications, Partnerships, Memberships and Affiliations

“Companies that prioritize employee development report median revenue of $169,100 per employee, while those that don't only achieve $82,800 per employee.

— SH!FT E-Learning