Gartner Expert

Michelle is fueled by the mindset that courageous leaders - those with the audacity to think and be different - are crucial to reimagining the future. While her theory and research experience are important, her real-world foresight and execution in various technology and research leadership roles at Toyota, Oracle, Ultimate Software, and as a startup founder give her the superpower to see signals, connect the dots, and offer client empathy that is unparalleled.

Throughout her two-decade professional journey, she has led hundreds of dynamic teams - from nimble startups to midsize and Fortune 500 organizations - collaborating with individuals across diverse levels and industries in complex, matrixed global enterprises. Her journey, from escaping war and facing the adversities of being an immigrant to rising as a distinguished voice in business and technology in the market, embodies the essence of what is possible with grit and curiosity. She is also the best-selling author of "Unmask Your Brilliance – Thriving in Workplaces Designed to Hide You," a conscious leadership coach, TEDx, and keynote speaker, and is deeply committed to inspiring people to shed autopilot limitations, use their voices, and embrace their brilliance.

Michelle believes that although machines will play a greater role in our future, we are humans, not robots; we thrive when we are free to be ourselves. In her book, she unfolds a powerful journey, offering an insider’s perspective on workplace pressures for conformity and false narratives, while providing practical tools to become a conscious leader - no title required.

Previous experience

Professional background