Your audience craves truth. I prescribe clarity.
Forget fluffy inspiration. I bring the diagnosis leaders need, and the strategy they can actually use.
Every talk leaves your audience thinking sharper, leading smarter, and acting faster.
Straight talk. Real insights. Results they’ll remember.
Smart. Strategic. A little sassy. And exactly what your audience needs to hear.
When leadership misses the mark, hiring’s off, or culture’s out of sync, everyone feels it. But no one’s saying what’s really going wrong.
That’s where I come in.
I don’t do vague inspiration or empty motivation.
I deliver real stories, sharp insights, and actionable frameworks your audience can use the moment they leave the room.
Because when leaders finally see the people friction slowing them down, they’re ready to move fast… and that’s when real change happens.
"Michelle’s realistic take on workplace trends opened all our eyes to what employees need and what employers must do. Her relatable style and humor immediately won over our HR group, bringing insights we all needed to hear and practice. If you get the chance to book her, do it before someone else does!"
— Kimberly Wittenauer, Illinois Valley SHRM Chapter Chair
Why book me?
When your audience needs truth, clarity, and practical solutions… not just inspiration.
My talks connect the dots between leadership, hiring, team health, and culture so things finally start to make sense.
Attendees walk away with practical strategies they can apply immediately, because good ideas aren’t enough if they don’t drive action.
Available for: Keynotes, panels, leadership retreats, and podcasts
Formats: Virtual and in-person engagements
Location: Based in Chicago, available nationwide
Talks are customized to your audience; let’s make sure it’s a perfect fit.
Need a speaker who delivers real insight, fast action, and zero fluff?
Let’s talk about how I can make your next event your most actionable
(and maybe even your most entertaining) one yet.
You already know what you want, so let’s make it official.
Not sure what fits best? Let’s figure it out together.
Signature Speaking Topics
Each talk blends strategy, storytelling, and a healthy dose of truth serum. I don’t just inspire. I equip leaders with frameworks that spark clarity, action, and measurable results.
Decision-Making Rx: Avoid the 3 Traps That Derail Leaders Under Pressure
When the stakes are high, hesitation kills momentum. I equip leaders with frameworks to make confident choices fast.
Balance data, risk, and instinct with clarity and confidence
Lead decisively through uncertainty and change
Avoid hesitation traps that quietly stall growth
Ideal for: leadership conferences, executive teams, and strategy offsites
Culture Rx: Build a Culture That Scales, Sustains, and Sticks
Culture doesn’t collapse overnight; it drifts when leaders stop tending to it. I help leaders spot warning signs early and intentionally rebuild alignment.
Catch the early signs of culture drift before they spread
Weed out toxic patterns while fueling high performance
Build a culture that scales with growth, change, and new leadership
Ideal for: leadership teams, HR summits, and all-company events
M&A Talent Rx: Avoid the People Problems That Sink Deals
On paper, the deal looks great, but hidden workforce issues destroy value. I show leaders how to spot the people risks that derail integration.
Uncover leadership, team, and culture misalignments buyers worry about
Assess people risks before they become deal breakers
Create faster, smoother post-merger integration strategies
Ideal for: M&A advisors, growth-stage companies, and executive roundtables
Startup Success Rx: Avoid the 4 People Problems That Kill Traction
Startups rarely fail because of their product. They fail because of their people. I reveal the silent killers that derail growth before they start.
Spot leadership and hiring missteps that tank traction
Align early teams for speed and trust
Build culture as an asset, not an afterthought
Ideal for: founders, accelerators, and fractional leader summits
Bonus Keynote: Game Changers – Leadership Lessons from Sports
Even if you’re not a sports fan, the best teams know what leaders often forget. This high-energy keynote brings game-day discipline to business.
Why top performers always have coaches
How focus and presence keep teams in sync
Building discipline and teamwork that wins
Ideal for: kickoffs, leadership retreats, and motivational sessions
Every keynote is customized to your audience.
Expect sharp insights, humor, and practical takeaways your leaders can use immediately with no fluff or filler, just the truth that drives results.