Jessica Nichols, California

“My expectations for investing in group coaching with Michelle was to be guided with the tools that would enable me to make a decision about what kind of work I wanted to, and even should, pursue. Our sessions were such a positive space, kind of like a quiet think-tank for me when I was listening to the others being coached. We were all in totally unrelated fields and yet, I would have lists of ideas coming to me for me while I listened. Michelle’s energy, voice, laugh and supportive attitude is a gift to people like me who need a little guidance, a little nudge and a little confidence boosting. In working together, I gained CONFIDENCE. I gained CLARITY. I also gained first-hand knowledge that baby steps and shifting focus to business really does yield results. These sessions really changed my life. Michelle, I’d like you to live closer so I can thank you in person!”

April May, Massachusetts

“I’m a pretty positive person, but I often have moments of self-doubt when it comes to my career choice. I signed up to work with Michelle and expected to come out feeling like I’ve taken control and really figured out some attainable goals for my graphic design business. I wanted to break down my big ideas into doable tasks and concrete plans. Also, knowing that I’d be working with a group, I was hoping to form connections with some of the other people. Now, I feel like I accomplished all of those things!

I really liked the group experience. It was motivational to know that other people were working on their goals and homework and waiting to hear how I’d done with mine, and looking back I’m surprised by how much I did in 12 weeks! Because of our sessions, I gained confidence in my ideas and gut feelings. I reached goals I didn’t even know I had. I started a Win Book. I’m bringing more of my personality to my business blog. I bought an expensive piece of equipment and introduced new products to my shop!! I’m getting more and more comfortable contacting retailers and following up. Michelle held me accountable by giving my homework, and I made sure to do it, and look what happened! I DID THINGS.

Michelle helped me focus on the right things and brush off the scary things, and I really accomplished a lot with her support, encouragement and clarity. I was already proud, but she helped me feel much more confident about that pride. Michelle should be so proud, because I know she helped me and it seems like she helped everybody in my group! So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Michelle!”

Stacey M., Florida

“I felt so utterly lost when I first started working with Michelle, and I needed help in pushing out of the fog and learning to set goals. I wanted to gain clarity and perspective on my career goals, and needed someone to hold me accountable when I was unable to do it myself. Since I started our group sessions, I have learned to set weekly goals, even if they are small. I learned to celebrate achievements. I learned to love lists. I learned what I feel is most important to me in a career path right now. Michelle brought her awesomeness into our sessions by bringing out what we were really trying to say when the words just wouldn’t form. She nurtured me and brought out a beautiful blossom with such strong deep roots to grow. She let me babble, cry a little, gush, be confused, be inspired, discover, be content, be me – and help find out who that is. I’ve gained power within myself. I feel so determined now. I feel motivated. I CAN NOT IMAGINE where I would be if I hadn’t of done this, but it might be still be on the floor, dazed and overwhelmed, lacking the motivation to try a field so outside my comfort zone. Michelle, could you move into the apartment next door so you’re there when I need a pick-me-up?”

Harriet B., London

“I invested in this Operation! because I wanted some direction. I wanted to get a better idea of what it was I should be doing with myself and how to go about it, even if I didn’t come up with a clear career path to follow. I wanted to find out how to integrate my creative skills with my career. What I found in the Operation! was a very positive, supportive environment, with Michelle being a great cheerleader who was always really enthusiastic! She’s very good at coming up with concrete tasks to do that will help people move forward when they’re stuck in lots of muddly thinking. I loved the structured nature of the weekly sessions, knowing that I had tasks to do that week and getting them done. In these 12 weeks I actually finished a short story; got a much better idea of what I enjoy doing and what makes me fulfilled; realized that I actually do achieve quite a lot even if it doesn’t feel like it; organized myself so that I feel able to grasp new opportunities; and got a much clearer idea about what I want to do with myself for the immediate future. ”

Deanna Mullican, Arizona

“I invested in group coaching because I knew what I want to do but I wasn’t sure how to go about accomplishing it, and needed to learn ways to go forth in spite of my usual procrastination. Since I started working with Michelle, I have learned much about myself, my work habits, how to take the baby steps, and understand what success means to me. I have made great strides in figuring out what I want and what is important to me, which is HUGE in my confidence building and in creating positive habits for the long-term. Michelle asks very good questions and, when there’s uncertainty, can lead the questions and answers to a realization or a solution. The obvious pleasure she gets from helping people realize their potential is truly infectious. I am on a path to success (which I can now define because of these sessions!). It’s clear to me now that I CAN build my own creative career, which I believe WILL happen much sooner than I believed before coaching. I feel like coaching with Michelle has been the best financial investment I’ve made in myself since college.”

Ann, Minnesota

“I decided to work with Michelle in her group sessions because I knew I needed to figure something out to be more satisfied with my life. I needed to find a job that doesn’t consume my entire life and make me feel like crap! I wanted to gain insight to determine a career path, and since I started working with her, I have learned a lot about what will work for me in a workplace/job. I’ve also learned that there are a lot of people in the same boat I am, which is nice to know. The group experience was definitely a positive one, and it was nice to hear from other people with similar questions and concerns. Michelle always seemed to know what questions to ask to get things moving in the right direction, and I feel like I’ve come a long way in these 12 sessions. I have a lot more direction and focus now.”

Steffanie Feuer, Virginia

“When I started group coaching with Michelle, I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. 12 weeks later, I’ve gained confidence, more clarity, more goals to work towards (and I need goals), a feeling that it is OK to not know what the end place 50 years from now is going to be, that it is OK to want the type of job I want and that my values are fine to have. I looked forward to our calls, as it was nice having 3 other people who are basically experiencing the same things I am, which let me know I am not alone and not crazy for feeling the way I do. Michelle brought in an outside perspective, a different view on how to see things, and there was a point where I became more confident in what I was doing. I really enjoyed my time in the group!”

Julie D., Montreal

“I decided to sign-up for group coaching with Michelle because I didn’t know what to do with me. I wasn’t feeling happy with my job, I wanted change, but I didn’t know for what. Often, I was feeling stressed and oppressed by my behavior and I wanted to find my path. I was looking for help to organize all my ideas & thought in order to focus on something. Michelle really helped me feel more comfortable with myself. Everything seems more easier & simple with her. She’s funny & friendly & didn’t judge & almost every time she was targeting right. I now know myself more than before, so I can focus on what I’m good at, & make my work more interesting for me. I now have a good subject to start my blog (& express myself & get out there!) & I’ve decided to sign-up in a graphic design school, so I’m happier! I have gained not less than that.”

Krista Caron, Canada

“I invested in group coaching with Michelle because I have struggled so long with the question of what I want to be when I grow up, and I thought I could use a little help, encouragement, structure and direction with regards to my career/creative ideas. Michelle had such energy and enthusiasm, kindness and humour, patience and understanding, ideas for moving forward, many many useful resources, fun exercises and asked such insightful questions that I have learned a lot about myself and what I want – and what I am capable of. The fact that I likely won’t be satisfied with just one be-all-end-all career option has become clear to me, which has been incredibly liberating. It helps to make sense of my experiences with finding my dream job up until now, and I now have the confidence to embrace the Renaissance Soul that I am! Through our sessions together, I also gained a better understanding of myself, my skills and interests and how they go together; ideas for work (and confidence in those ideas); and an appreciation for words like awesometastic and fantabulous. And since everyone in my group were all going through the same process, albeit different stages and directions, there were nuggets of wisdom in their struggles and triumphs as well. I could gush and gush about working with Michelle, but I’ll just say that this experience was invaluable to me.”

Juliana Finch, Georgia

“I decided to sign up for group coaching with Michelle because I was hoping to get some focus and find a way to get more balance with work/life instead of flailing around with various ambitions. Having a weekly accountability session kept me on track with completing my goals for each week, and I looked forward to hearing how the others did and how Michelle would encourage us all to reward ourselves. She was also good at helping break those big dreams into workable steps, one week at a time. I never felt like I had to do all-or-nothing, or accomplish everything at once. Michelle also brought enthusiasm to our sessions, laughing and jumping in with an, “Oh my gosh! I love that!” when presented with an idea or accomplishment, which is so helpful when working with a baby idea. In these 12 sessions, I learned that I don’t always have to DO, sometimes I can just BE…and that doesn’t mean I am wasting time. That is such a huge thing for me, and something I absolutely have to do if I want to give of myself through my work. I heart you, Michelle! Ferreal.”

Lisa Worthington-Brown, Washington

“I expected to learn more about myself and get some direction on how to change my life for the better when I signed up for group sessions with Michelle. I needed change, and during our time together, I have learned how to listen to myself, started to take risks, dared to dream again, and recognized that I deserve (and need) to do what makes me happy. The group experience was really encouraging, as I loved hearing what the others were working on. I feel like I learned from everyone, and the knowledge, enthusiasm, and great communication skills that Michelle brought into our sessions gave me the personal insight and courage to make changes! It was great working with Michelle.”

Stephanie Gravalese-Wood, Massachusetts

“The group coaching environment was great! We fed off of each other’s energy, and it helped in feeling like you were not alone in the general struggle of self exploration and needing change in your career. The best thing about group coaching was when Michelle saw my hangups as opportunities to grow and helped me understand and celebrate my strengths. By asking a question or framing the issue I was having in a certain way, she allowed me to break free from what was holding me back. So many times I said something that was important, specifically something that was said with clarity, and I remembered it was recorded and I could go back to it later. It helped having someone else see the strengths and potential that I didn’t see in myself.”

Suset L., New York

“Gosh, Michelle was just born to be a coach and this was absolutely palpable in all our sessions. Her cheerfulness, non-judgmental, amazing personality electrifies and engages, as well as making the enviornment positive and comfortable. She also brought along accountability, helpful exercises and pointers, fairness, understanding, humor, silliness, seriousness and laughs. I would spend days describing everything wonderful Michelle brought to the sessions.

May Beltran, Oregon

“I invested in group coaching because I know I have the creative ideas, I just needed the structure, motivation and support as well as a little bit of advice to help me carry out my ideas. Since I started, I’ve had my first art booth showing, I developed my print line in my online store, figured out what projects I want to concentrate on, discovered an easier and more natural way to write blog posts, and learned which social networking methods I need to concentrate on. My creative productivity has also become clear to me and that has helped me hone in on some of my business goals. I looked forward to every Tuesday knowing that there would be a group of women on the phone who were seeking similar goals in life, as the environment was very positive and uplifting as well as being a safe and supportive place to share my creative dreams. Michelle’s genuine enthusiasm is motivating and really cheered me up. I am now more confident in what I am setting out to do and I felt that I’ve grown in the past couple months creatively. I gained a new found self-esteem and self-empowerment that I knew was inside me but needed to be encouraged out that helped me tackle my big goals little by little.”

Maggie Morgan, Washington

“I needed encouragement and motivation to get moving with all the plans I’d been thinking about for so long, after many months of frustration and discouragement. I loved the connections that I made with some of the girls in my group session, and I found that a lot of the advice for the other girls also worked for me. Michelle brought enthusiasm and intuitive questions into our sessions, as well as an uncanny ability to put into words the discomfort or issue I and others were unable to express properly. She was often able to pinpoint the source of whatever has been bothering me or getting in my way, as well as making the current challenge I’m facing seem smaller and more possible to overcome. No matter how crappy my Monday was, I ended it pumped up and ready to work toward my clearly defined goals. Since working with Michelle in our group sessions, I have gained new confidence in my ability to succeed, as well as an idea of a realistic time frame for making my dreams happen. I’ve opened my store, moved ahead with my ebook, raised my prices and thoughtfully expanded my services. Michelle has a real gift for working with people and motivating them, and I feel very lucky to have worked with her!”

Melina Papadopoulos, Maryland

“I invested in group coaching because I wanted to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up! I wanted to get clearer about a direction, my strengths, the value I bring to the table and some of my goals. The group environment was very positive and a great source of support, and the exercises that Michelle put together were all fun to do. Michelle was very organized, pro-active and engaged. She brought in an amazing energy and was a great nudger – she followed through with everything. She really did a great job transferring accountability without seeming like she was coming down on us, and did a really good job with really digging deep to see what’s behind a stuck point and steering things back on course. Michelle’s also a great listener and extremely resourceful, and I really feel like I got a lot out of my sessions with her. I really pushed through a ton of resistance and I really credit her with helping me through that point. I had a bunch of Aha! moments and gained some confidence, a clearer picture of my values, support and feeling like I wasn’t alone. Our time together also opened up my eyes to a lot of other possibilities, and allowed me to feel good about the journey I’m on instead of anxious. Michelle is fantabulous!”

Charlotte Dauphin, Virginia

“The highlight of my group sessions was when Michelle would listen to what I said when I was really confused & then cut through the mental fog & say something insightful – and then come up with an action plan to fix it! She’s a great listener and summarized our feelings succinctly & with clarity, and she has a super friendly personality that puts people at ease when they might be nervous about revealing their hopes/dreams to a group of people. My group session experience was SO POSITIVE & wonderful! I also got really concrete tips from other group members in my position, & we were able to comment on how we knew what the other people were saying, feeling, going through, etc. My group sessions really gave me the confidence to move forward.”

Christina, Michigan

“I invested in group coaching sessions with Michelle because I felt scattered and overwhelmed, and I wanted to figure out what to concentrate on. I thought it would be like having an expert at my disposal to ask for advice, and whatever she told me to do would be the right thing. But instead, Michelle made me realize things somehow, and it felt like I knew what the right thing was all along. I gained so much: a huge sense of accomplishment when I launched my shop, recognizing what I’ve already done and not focusing on what isn’t done yet, a system that helps me concentrate on one thing at a time and accomplish that thing. Michelle brought positivity, the word “amazeballs” and the ability to help me stop for a second and recognize/reward an accomplishment. Now, I know for sure that I CAN DO THIS. I really think I can.”"

Faith, California

“When the recession hit, for the first time in my life I struggled to find a job…and I realized I was struggling because I didn’t know what I wanted. Looking back, I had patiently dated a million jobs, expecting Prince Charming to fall into my lap. When the scheming little bastard refused to show, I decided to get out there and hunt it down. This new goal brought out my demons, but I pushed forward by telling myself that Group Coaching would still be worth it even if I only found a better “date,” and not my elusive Mr. Right. Every group coaching session was fun and energizing, even when all four of us showed up feeling like basketcases! No matter how rough the week, Thursday night had the magical power to lift us all up. Temporary feelings of loserhood shriveled, and with renewed confidence we hashed out concrete tasks to keep the momentum going for another seven days. Instead of just knowing my own story – the anxieties, roadblocks, and triumphs – I had the privilege of witnessing three more. Now that these group sessions are behind me, I am realizing how much I dip into those other stories, searching for and finding solutions, strategies, hope, and inspiration. Happily, Group Coaching resulted in much more than a “better date.” By the end of the sessions I had developed a new professional dream, a personal mission statement to guide it, and an action plan to make it a reality. Many thanks to my Fairy Godmother, Michelle!”

Natasha, Illinois

“Honestly, I didn’t have strong expectations coming in to my group sessions with Michelle. I wasn’t entirely sure what coaching was, I just knew I needed some help and I had a really good friend point me this direction. Looking back 12 weeks later, I liked it all too much to even list any one thing to highlight. Michelle brought enthusiasm, clarity and listening skills into our sessions, and it helped me make a decision I think it would have taken me much longer to figure out had I done it on my own.”

Meg Ryan Heery, New York

“I was transitioning from a career I was in by accident and really hated into a career that was alive and on purpose. Michelle gave my Operation 100% enthusiasm and support, and the things she asked me to think about helped me really home in on my true goals, narrow my focus, and set reachy yet achievable goals that made sense. She was able to break things – the week, the day, the goal – into chunks and make those chunks fun and fit together like puzzle pieces. From working with Michelle, I gained validation that my dream career is not some wacky pie-in-the-sky fantasy but something that people actually value! She also gave me tons of tools and resources for growing both my confidence and my business, along with possibly the two best exercises in self-reflection and goal setting that I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot). Michelle, you rock!”

Miranda Long, Nebraska

“I needed to clarify my creative goals and intentions, define more clearly where I wanted to take my business and pave a way to get there. After our 12 sessions, I have a much more clear picture of what I truly enjoy doing and where I do and don’t want to take my craft. Michelle’s truly a gifted woman and coach. Her street cred of being a creative herself allows her to be the amazing cheerleader and mentor that any creative could hope for. She gave us time, love, and patience, and I’ve gained a renewed sense of who I truly am and want to be as a creative. I LOVED working with the other women in my Operation!, too. The support those gals provide is priceless. For me, the highlight of our time together was being able to hear the other gals struggles and celebrations in relation to my own, with Michelle cheering us on and clearing out all the fog for us to understand where we wanted to go next and how to get there. And we discovered a bond that we hope to continue to nurture beyond our group time together. The private Facebook group made the group setting more intimate, a small pond so to speak, to feel comfortable to put yourself out there. With Michelle’s guidance, I feel that I was able to weed through some of the “should” ideas and dig right into the core of what I’m most passionate about.”

Tess R., Wisconsin

“I was feeling very lost as to what general direction I wanted my creative work to take and specifically how to get a career started for myself, and I thought doing some coaching sessions with Michelle would be a great thing to try. While I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, I hoped the process would give me clarity about what I wanted to focus on and develop creatively, or how I could combine my multiple creative interests. And once I figured that out, I hoped the coaching sessions could help me develop a road map for me to turn my creative pursuits into a viable career.

From working with Michelle, I’ve gained specific tools to organize my time and drive away my inner critic, which I continue to use.  I’ve gained an unprecedented ability to use my free time responsibly, which I believe is a direct result of being accountable for my actions at each coaching session.  I’ve gained my Sunday Powwow, which has become the most helpful tool in my repertoire.  And I’m able to steer my own course clearly now, which seemed hopelessly beyond my power just a few months ago. Being able to talk my thoughts out with Michelle really helped me sort through my foggy, underdeveloped ideas about what I wanted.  And the group homework exercises really surprised me in terms of effectiveness – more than once when I read the directions, I thought the homework would be simple because I already knew the answers, only to work on it and have it lead me in an entirely new and insightful direction. Every coaching session I found my goals becoming clearer as we talked.

Michelle’s enthusiasm and positive attitude were obviously big strengths, and her ability to take other people’s dreams seriously and help them to take their dreams seriously too.  I also think she has an impressive ability to guide people to find and develop their inner thoughts; I noticed this with both myself and the other women in our group – that we’d find ourselves vocalizing ideas we realized we’d had all along, but somehow hadn’t been able to access until we talked with her.  I’m on my feet again, and it’s definitely thanks to Michelle’s coaching.”

Rachel McDonald, U.K.

“I invested in this Operation because I wanted to find the truth of what I was doing in my work and unearth the passion in my heart. The first thing I learnt was just from the initial questionnaire, which brought up my desire to run a retreat centre. Everything else from then on has been a bonus and I’ve soooo enjoyed it. Michelle brought warmth, curiosity, and organization to our sessions, and the group environment was very positive and supportive. I now have more confidence, and know for sure that I have a unique voice. Thank you, Michelle!”

Jeni Rone, South Carolina

“Michelle is an inspiration! Time spent with her has been something I never thought would impact my life so greatly. She’s a fabulous listener with great, positive and constructive feedback. Certainly having a well rounded, creative background provided a great perspective for helping us little turtles find the shore from our nest. I learned so much from our time on the phone, doing my homework, facebook sharing, and listening to recordings. The group exercises were all fabulous, well thought out and certainly something I will refer to forever. My creative life and my heart have moved leaps and bounds ahead of where I ever thought I would be in such a short amount of time. I have a new mission in life and in my work, a new website and a physical actual shop, along with Strength, Courage, a Positive Outlook and a few more friends to support and be supported by!  AMAZEBALLS! (and that word actually means something to me now… thanks!)”

Lynn R., Florida

“When I started this Operation, I felt scattered in a dozen directions and nothing was getting done. I wanted to get out of my unfulfilling 9-5 design job and create a career I love. SO MUCH has happened in such a short time, it just blows my mind.  I didn’t think it was possible for me. I got to be part of this amazing group of ladies, who were all putting in the effort right alongside me to make their own dreams real.  Having a group to share all this energy with made the whole experience even that much more exciting. Not only did we get to inspire and motivate each other, but we got to learn from each other too. This journey wouldn’t have been the same without them!  I listened to the group calls every week, and between that and the Facebook group, there was this constant flow of inspiration, connection and resources.

Patty B., New Jersey

“When people ask me what it’s like working with a life/career coach, I say that working with Michelle is like getting your own personal Oprah in your corner to cheer and spur you on. Before, I was scattered, unmotivated, and frankly depressed. I tried traditional therapy but got nothing out of it because it didn’t change anything or motivate me to do anything with my life. This was so much better and much more me. It was action oriented and I feel like I got real results from the whole thing as a package – from my coach, from the worksheets, and from the group. Michelle has the ability to remain calm and not become frustrated as well as the talent to generate new ideas that we haven’t even thought of. I was able to realize that I have the smarts, the creativity and the know-how to get out of my current gig, and she made me believe that. Now, I have discovered so much about myself – maybe most important that it’s ok to be a “Renaissance Soul” and in fact you can thrive on it instead of squashing it down. I no longer feel guilt about not going the “tradition” route in life, and have defined my personal values, mission, and goals.”

Jennifer Ezell, Georgia

“I invested in the Operation! because I needed to know what the heck was going on with me. I was depressed at work and at home because of work, and I thought perhaps there was ‘something else’ out there that I was missing. I’d lost my sparkle, my pizzazz, my get-up-and-go, and my friends and family were concerned about me. Since being in this group, I have become waaaaaaaay better at setting a goal and taking concrete steps to achieve it (new blog, children’s writing, transferred to a new school, investigating speaking possibilities/honing speaking skills). I have seriously considered some alternative career paths while also discovering that I AM a teacher. It is what I was meant to do in one form or another. I’d just lost my mojo. I have some great side interests to develop now thanks to my Operation! and Michelle’s recommended reading. It was great having someone from outside my ‘realm’ to help me see just how effed up my situation was. Also, Michelle has a great knack for knowing when to steer a client away from an avenue that feel ‘stale’….and actually she doesn’t much steer as guide the client into realizing that what at first may have seemed THE answer perhaps was just a passing crush. I absolutely got my money’s worth! Without a doubt.”

Holly Jeane, Georgia

“I invested in this Operation because I was wanting to launch an etsy shop and build up my use of social media. That kind of went out the door during week two but that is a good thing! Throughout these past weeks I have solidified in my mind the things I am truly passionate about, and have stopped worrying so much about doing the online presence stuff “the right way.” I really looked at the things I can do now to bring me closer to my big dream. Michelle brought calmness into our sessions and helped with clarity, and I’ve gained some sanity, feeling more comfortable with myself and a cool new website ”

Liz Croft, California

“I invested in this Operation because I felt stuck. I had so many ideas that I needed/wanted to do/start/finish and I was so overwhelmed with money conversations, not getting paid, etc. Michelle had the ability to pin point exactly what was going on and if something didn’t work, had a back-up plan. I gained more time management skills, being clear and stating what I want and how to balance both my worlds, better understanding how to take care of myself, i.e. what’s important! I’ve become clear on my vision and it’s now more aligned than ever!”

G.V., Canada

“Michelle’s coaching talents were evident from day one. She immediately made the sessions light-hearted and inviting, and was welcoming, personable and knowledgeable. She raised the most thought-provoking questions and created/assigned the most beneficial homework assignments. I always looked forward to the calls and LOVED doing the homework! Not only did I get in touch with myself on a personal level, but on a professional one as well. Then, there was the added bonus of connecting with like-minded women! I knew the sessions would be beneficial to me, but I had no idea how much the connection with others would help me in terms of support. It happened more than once that I needed a shoulder to cry on, and sure enough, the group members were always there in our private Facebook group with encouraging words. Michelle was very active there as well, which really extended our calls beyond telephone time! Since I started my Operation!, I have completely turned my brain around. I thought that working-from home would be an impossible goal, but I’ve connected with others and found that there are many successful entrepreneurs who are leading happy lives. I gained confidence in my ability to pick up and leave a career, even if I dedicated 15 years of my life to it! I know that I can do it the day I decide to!”

Sarah Morgan, North Carolina

“I invested in this Operation! because I was tired of complaining about my job and being a Negative Nancy, so I wanted to make a positive change in my life. In our 12 sessions together, I have quit my job, moved to a new state, started a new job, and started charting a new path for myself. I really benefitted from finding a support system in both Michelle and my Operations group.  The group environment really helped me to have positive support from virtual strangers, maybe because it helped to hear that other people also didn’t like their jobs, maybe because it was easier to do what I wanted because I didn’t have people who were really close to me telling me not to make a rash decision. The highlight of our 12 sessions together was definitely learning that I wasn’t going to die or end up living in a box if I quit doing a job that I absolutely hated. I learned that I’m stronger than I think I am, and can definitely spin my skills into something that meets the needs of a work environment that suits me better. My friends and family have said they’ve noticed a marked difference in my mood and attitude since quitting my job. I don’t think I would have quit my job and moved for a new one if I didn’t have the confidence I gained from the group sessions.”

Amy McRae, Canada

I knew Michelle was good (that’s why I hired her!), but I didn’t realize just how good of a coach she is until we got going with our sessions.

Going in, my biggest worry was that I would be that one client whose wants and needs and dreams would just be too impossible to create a real, grown-up career out of. Or that I wouldn’t be able to properly articulate those wants and needs and dreams, and Michelle would give up on me. Those fears were about as far away from the truth as fears can get. The only thing that would have kept me from crafting a career that met all my requirements is if I had let myself really believe those thoughts and settled for less than what I yearned for.

I was also a bit nervous that being in a group environment would make me panic and feel insecure if others started figuring out their career before I did, but my experience with the Operations! was actually quite the opposite: the camaraderie, the “kudos, resources, and takeaways” from others after my one-on-one time with Michelle, and listening to the other groups’ recorded sessions have all been priceless. I never once felt isolated. (And I don’t anticipate feeling isolated now that our sessions are done either, because we have an expanded Facebook support group for all of Michelle’s “grads.”)

Michelle heard my “unrealistic,” idealistic dreams (the ones I hesitated even bringing up because I thought they were just that impossible), and didn’t judge or doubt them even for a nano-second. We’d just jump right in and start coming up with a game plan to make them happen… and that was that! The way she responded to what I was trying to articulate always made me feel understood, and she was able to reiterate (with surprising accuracy) whatever concerns or ideas I had, even when I felt like I was speaking Gibberish. At the same time, she never assumed anything (‘cause we know what happens when we assume, right?!) and always double-checked to make sure that we were both on the same page. Such a good listener!

I feel like the needs/wants/desires that I barely dared to acknowledge before being part of this Operation! are now totally rational, do-able, and “grown-up.” By the last couple sessions, I was off running with my big projects – I wouldn’t be off running with anything had I not hired Michelle as my coach because I’d still be wandering around aimlessly, waiting for my dream career to reveal itself before really “committing” to anything. Every so often, I’ll catch myself doing something that I could only vaguely imagine before, and it hits me how much I’ve grown in such a short amount of time. I now realize just how much more free and out-of-the-box I can be than I’d even let myself imagine! (And I considered myself a fairly out-of-the-box thinker to begin with.) Michelle is very careful about her clients not feeling boxed into any career(s), and although she’ll be your #1 cheerleader if you want to hit the ground running with an idea, there is plenty of time and space for exploration – plenty and then some, in fact, so that no stone is left unturned and you can walk away knowing that you’re on the right track for you. (That alone frees up sooo much headspace!) Michelle has a way of making even the scariest and most daunting stuff seem totally manageable. The (rhyming) group homework feels light and fun, and goes so deep at the same time. It really leaves nothing out. Michelle never left me feeling dependent (and also never left me hanging) – she’s all about giving you the tools and self-empowerment to set yourself up for success.

Can I be completely selfish and say that I’m glad Michelle got sick of the acting biz?”

Gina, Ohio

“I highly recommend Michelle! Working with her has helped me a lot, got the snowball a rolling and I know all that would not have happened without her. She brought confidence into our sessions, kept us moving forward, and gave us homework based on what we needed. By the last session, I could see the results and how much my mental thinking had changed. I was so glad to see that the Operation! was very structured, with specific homework and recommendations, and the connections to the group were amazing! The group setting was the highlight for me, and I liked that the private Facebook group kept us in touch between calls, helped us with resources and provided ongoing support and connection.

Over these 12 sessions, I gained my own clarity in what direction I’m wanting to go. I gained friendships. I gained business opportunities. I gained knowledge in resources that helped me work my business better. I gained motivation. I gained many thankful moments. I gained insight on what others are going through. I gained tools to get through rough, doubting times. I have made more progress in these short months that I couldn’t do in the last several years. I can’t wait to see where my next steps and adventures go.”

Nikki G., Ohio

“I’ve always been all over the map with what I wanted to be when I grew up, so finding Michelle’s blog on a desperate Google search for life answers was like finding the Holy Grail. I have met with countless career counselors who wanted to push me into horrible sounding jobs because I had the major for it. I’ve taken countless career tests in High School, University, and online. Coaching with Michelle is the best investment I’ve ever made and I feel like going back to those places and leaving signs for When I Grow Up.

If you had told me two years or even one year ago that I would have started my own online business I would told you that it was impossible. I’ve learned so many skills from the Operation! that have given me the confidence to do what I feel and know is perfect for me. It completely changed my perspective and I no longer believe in settling for a job that makes me miserable. I have a plan now, which is a lot more than I had when I started the Operations!. I have narrowed down what I want to be to TWO JOBS!!!!! from the thousands that ran through my head everyday. I don’t feel stressed anymore and I don’t feel worthless not being a doctor or a lawyer because I know that they aren’t for me and that I shouldn’t force fit a job on myself when I could be doing something that makes my heart soar.

I was so nervous and excited to start the group sessions, worrying over not fitting in with the other group members. If I could go back in time and knock myself over the head, I would. I wouldn’t have traded our group for anything. So many amazing links were shared and I felt we all leaned on each other through our wonderful journey with Michelle. It is SO comforting to know that there are other people out there who feel the same way as I do. We laughed, we cried, we made a wonderful investment in ourselves. The best thing is that I will always have these wonderful people as we all continue our journey. I look forward to sharing wins and continuing to cheer on every single member of my group. I loved the interaction it allowed me to have with my group members and I loved looking through all of the resources that others posted on the page. It makes you feel like a part of a team hearing people’s wins and conflicts. I just wish we could all meet up for drinks, cupcakes, and hugs!

Michelle has the ability to spin every single horrible situation to good. She finds the good in every situation and she highlights it. She also always seemed to know what I needed. Since the second call, I started to feel super positive and just plan ready to take on the world. That is one of my favorite things from the Operations!: the feeling of just plain rocking the world’s socks off. The group and Michelle was the loudest cheering session I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t have changed that for the world! I honestly couldn’t be the confident, excited, and happy person I’ve been for the last four months if not for these sessions, Michelle’s wisdom, and our lovely, creative, amazeballs group! My Operation! was completely worth every penny and I’ve been singing Michelle’s praises to anyone and everyone who will listen!”

Heather Astorga, Pennsylvania

“I think one of the best things about my Operation! was being part of a group of like-minded, vulnerable, passionate creatives. It was like I needed the batman signal, only instead of calling out for batman we needed to–GET MICHELLE! It’s amazing what soul-searching, creative thinking and a fresh perspective has done for me. Michelle’s positivity, frankness, and encouragement is contagious and inspiring. I can’t say THANK YOU!!! enough.”

Stacy Kathryn, Illinois

“I invested in group coaching because I wanted to move forward with making my dream of being a full-time illustrator and artist a reality. Since I started working with Michelle, I have quit my job, made a commitment to working on ways to to become a full-time artist and illustrator, set goals I can achieve and learned how to make this all work. I got some of the best advice and encouragement during those weeks, thanks to Michelle’s ability to ask the right questions! I enjoyed getting to know a group of amazing women, all with their own unique dreams, and hearing about everyone’s little steps each week. It was fun being able to cheer others on and also be cheered on as well. I gained the tools for realistic goal setting that are attainable and not so over-the-top as well as the realization that any dream is possible with the right focus, goals set, and baby steps. I know for sure that I can do this, and Michelle totally rocks for helping me realize this.”

Annching Wang, Vancouver

“I had just quit my day job and was starting to really get into the nitty-gritty of my freelance business. But I felt stuck and kind of lonely starting to work for myself from home for the first time. And I was ready (or so I thought) to take my business to the next level. I hired Michelle because I liked that she was able to combine a thriving business with her personality so well, and I wanted something that felt like me, that felt truly authentic. From being part of the Operations!, I gained clarity and acceptance of myself and how I want to run a business (not necessarily how I think it should be done). Getting to be in the presence of other creative business owners was amazing and really helped to make me feel not so alone. Michelle was a great listener, never forceful about one side or another, super encouraging, helpful with resources, asking the questions that needed to be asked, and authentic. Her tough questions led to an extremely liberating realization in the midst of our sessions for me. I learned that had I really actually wanted to make my income goal with my copywriting business, I could’ve, but I kept self-sabotaging it because I really wanted to be doing something else: my fashion line. My Operation! really helped me push myself in the true right direction in ways that I could not have thought possible at the beginning of our sessions. I also really enjoyed the weekly exercises that allowed me to, in the end, come up with a great system of productivity and rest that feels good, gets work done, and doesn’t lead to burn out. This is probably one of the best investments I have ever made for myself, business-wise and personally. Thank you, Michelle!”

Lauren Russo, New York City

“I had just quit my day job and was starting to really get into the nitty-gritty of my freelance business. But I felt stuck and kind of lonely starting to work for myself from home for the first time. And I was ready (or so I thought) to take my business to the next level. I hired Michelle because I liked that she was able to combine a thriving business with her personality so well, and I wanted something that felt like me, that felt truly authentic. From being part of the Operations!, I gained clarity and acceptance of myself and how I want to run a business (not necessarily how I think it should be done). Getting to be in the presence of other creative business owners was amazing and really helped to make me feel not so alone. Michelle was a great listener, never forceful about one side or another, super encouraging, helpful with resources, asking the questions that needed to be asked, and authentic. Her tough questions led to an extremely liberating realization in the midst of our sessions for me. I learned that had I really actually wanted to make my income goal with my copywriting business, I could’ve, but I kept self-sabotaging it because I really wanted to be doing something else: my fashion line. My Operation! really helped me push myself in the true right direction in ways that I could not have thought possible at the beginning of our sessions. I also really enjoyed the weekly exercises that allowed me to, in the end, come up with a great system of productivity and rest that feels good, gets work done, and doesn’t lead to burn out. This is probably one of the best investments I have ever made for myself, business-wise and personally. Thank you, Michelle!”

Natalie, Ohio

“I signed up to work with Michelle because I was just realizing how tired of and unhappy with I was with my job. I sort of knew what I liked to do but wasn’t even sure it was possible to do it as a job. I expected that my Operation! would help me get some clarity on my goals and give me the push I needed to make a change. I was also hoping that I would get support and objective advice. Well, this coaching process was amazing and I really feel so fortunate to have been one of Michelle’s clients. She made me feel not crazy, selfish, or ridiculous for wanting to leave a job that makes me miserable for a job that makes me happy. Her enthusiasm and positive energy were present on every call, and she was able to be honest and push but without being a jerkface about it. It was so great to hear that I wasn’t a failure or that there was something wrong with me because I didn’t like my job. The resources that were shared were also amazing! I think Michelle must have the interwebs memorized. From my Operation!, I gained…um, where do I start? An amazing supportive network, knowing Michelle, and knowing myself better. I honestly can’t think of how she could have coached me better. Michelle rocks!”

Elisha Neethling, London, UK

“I wanted more clarity over my goals, to be held accountable, to gain resources of websites that could help with business-building and to learn tools to deal with my mind blocks as they could arise. Oh, and to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! I didn’t quite know what to expect when I signed up for my Operation! and whether it would be a bit ‘waffly’ but it was so amazing, gave me such solid foundations to build on in 2012 and all the skills I learnt can be practically applied to my life to give me more ‘flow’! The whole coaching experience has so superseded my expectations. It’s utterly changed my view of coaching and I really don’t know what I’d be like now if I hadn’t taken a chance and signed up last year. My personalised ‘homework’ was never like worky work at all – it was far too much fun. Also, sharing the coaching experience with a group of other women means you get lots more inputs and resources than you can wave a sparkly stick at, AND there’s so much shared experience and kudos that you never feel threatened/intimidated/rushed by having other people on the line. When I reassessed where I’d come from in the last session from the first session I felt SO proud of what I’ve achieved. I gained confidence, a greater awareness of my capabilities, tools I can use in the future, knowledge of 3 other wonderful women’s dreams, resources of websites and blogs, and a sense of enthusiasm about the future. I never expected that I would gain so much clarity in such a short period of time of my goals and my skills and my predilections. After the coaching sessions, my confidence has increased, I’ve become more open with what I really want to do, and my husband and friends have commented that I’m now noticeably more energetic. I’ve stopped making excuses for not doing something to develop my business, and seized the bull by the horns to actually make my dreams happen. This chance is in such a large chunk due to Michelle’s ability to enthuse, provide great exercises and resources, and ask just the right question to make me feel unsteady but never pushed off a cliff. I’m just so excited to see it all develop!”

Simone Seol, New York

“I was super confused and having a quarter life crisis and was sorely in need of some answers and encouragement! I expected to come out of my Operation! knowing exactly what I want to do and having a blueprint for how exactly I can get there. I feel like I did come out of the process knowing what I want and having a blueprint, but now I see that as a side effect of something even more important: having deeper insight into myself and having the skills for dissolving fears and bouncing back from setbacks. Because those skills will last me for life.

Michelle just really, really, really believed in me without being at all insincere about it. I think that made a huge difference. And from her, I learned that obstacles and failures are just things that happen, things that you can zip past, not things that have Existential Meaning for the Worthiness of Your Life or Your Goals. I love that Michelle is so optimistic without ignoring reality, relentlessly courageous while being completely open and vulnerable. She models all of that in and out of our sessions and that was priceless. Life is real, y’all, but it’s also thrilling and magical and whimsical and filled with possibility. That’s what Michelle teaches ya.”

Jen P., Pennsylvania

“I was confused about what I wanted to do and what careers best suited me. Additionally, I was self-conscious about my abilities and talents and needed to regain some career confidence, so I signed up for an Operation! In working with Michelle, I was able to find my strengths and understand my weaknesses. I gained a more direct career path and felt more positive about my abilities and career prospects. Michelle is overwhelmingly positive and kind while being very focused and driven. She knows how to get the best out of people, and I finally discovered what I really want to do with my life!”

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