We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Mras a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission in life is not nearly to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. – Maya Angelou

I have survived an auto accident where I obtained a traumatic brain injury. I lost function in four areas of my brain, The damage caused me to be unable to talk or walk without assistance for just over 2 years. Those years were spent in my head arguing with all my inner-critics. When I began to utter words again and coordinate my body to move without assistance, I was diagnosed with Breast cancer. My first few surgeries after that diagnosis almost killed me.

I do not take my days for granted. Each of us are uniquely gifted. My mission is to guide others to boldly seek their purpose and live fully because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an award-winning, internationally recognized inspirational speaker, best selling author, intuitive leader, wife and mother who has been stirring audiences and individuals to action through compelling messages of self-leadership, resilience and living a life of intention. I provide infectious presentations and coaching to inspire my clients to rise above negative self-talk and reclaim their inner grit.

I encourage each of you to be your best version every day and live unapologetically. My spirit and passion compel me to candidly share the key moments that transformed me into the leader I am today.

My path to being a professional keynote speaker, streaming television host, executive speaking coach, author, singer and actress has not been simple nor has it been linear. My journey into guiding others to live their best lives, speak more effectively and see that there is a beauty in our scars began by accident, literally. I was working in the political world. That ended in May 2014, when I was involved in an automobile accident which left me with a traumatic brain injury which caused me to be unable to speak or walk without assistance for over two years.

This time of of my life was consumed with thoughts of all my failures and how small I played in life. I vowed that if I was allowed out of the prison of my mind, I would live fully and encourage others to do the same. I used my lucid times to seek help rebuilding my brain function and dexterity. I participated in a lot of therapy. Sometimes it worked and sometimes the therapy would knock me unconscious for days. I persisted.

Despite my low brain function and only having a 16 second short-term memory, I applied for a TEDx and was asked to speak. This led me to write my first book based upon that speech, “Eat, Drink and Be Mary – A Glimpse into a Life Well Lived”. This experience ignited my official speaking career of which I gladly stepped into. I felt compelled to share in my writing and speeches that regardless of your circumstances, there is a way to find the lesson from the tragedy. Within the year of speaking professionally, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It took me a few months to recover from the shock and the bilateral mastectomy. Then, every six months there after, I had another surgery as a consequence of the cancer and other health issues that arose. The bottom line is, I continued to get up and show up. With every knock down, I found a way to direct the energy being stored up during my recovery down time. I would apply that energy to whatever plan I created for my next steps. Some of the fruits of my down time, my Facebook Lives, evolved into a radio show, then a podcast and now, a livestream television show with a global reach. I have written three more books and submitted magazine articles and contributed chapters into other collaborative books. There is always something that can be put into action in order to move yourself one tiny step toward your dreams – regardless of your circumstances.

As an executive speaking coach, the problem I solve for my clients is the gift of owning their story regardless of how tragic or not so tragic. What sets me apart is my gift of being a master storyteller. Together we explore the story behind the story and create a format to share their story in the manner only they can. I guide the development of their signature story along with the subsequent stories that can address other issues for different events. We also work on the presentation of the main talk, how to move on stage and the inflection and pausing of the language used in the art of speaking.

As a keynote speaker, I build the energy to a high and receptive level at the beginning of your event. I integrate the conference theme into my talks in order to edify the mission of the group. The gift of storytelling with a purpose is my forte, which makes me informative, inspirational and entertaining. I raise the energy level of any room leaving my audience energized, joyful inspired to take on any challenge unapologetically.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I chose to unlearn: Everyone is judging me and I should care what they think.

We all experience various forms of peer pressure from early childhood into our adult lives. I was 46 years old and still worried about what other people thought about me. You’ve probably heard the quote,

“What other people think of you really isn’t your business”. – Unknown

The rest of the quote that many of us have not heard is,

“It’s best to not let other people’s opinions prevent you from being the authentic version of yourself.”

I have discovered, the second part of the quote is far more important than the first part. In 2014, I was working in the political campaign world, was active in my children’s school activities, volunteered for my local outreach ministry church and was an overachieving military spouse. To say I was busy, is an understatement.

In May 2014, I was involved in an automobile accident which ended my participation in everything. Within two-weeks, I became trapped within my mind unable to speak or walk without assistance for over two-years. My inner-critics made it quite evident to me that I did care what others thought; so much so that I played small out of trepidation and the fear of offending others with my unfulfilled lofty ambitions. My focus on the opinions of others in my life prevented me from stepping into who I truly authentically am. I assumed that those in my social circles would scoff at who I truly wanted to be. Those two plus years of being trapped in my mind proved to be beneficial by allowing me time to evaluate how precious life and living is to me.

The healing process and therapy sessions were long and unpleasant. I endured through it all in order to earn my second chance at life. It hasn’t been a linear recovery. Yet, here I am. This Traumatic Brain Injured woman is speaking professionally, coaching others to craft their speaking messages, writing books and traveling the world. I promised God, the Universe and myself that I would play fully in this game called life… so, I play big!
What others think of us isn’t any of our business. Even more so, their opinions should never be allowed to hold us back from being our true selves. Working within the limited belief systems of others will keep each of us in a small and unfulfilling life. Step out of the comfort zone of others and yourself. Be the best version of you unapologetically.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within the markets of professional speaking, executive coaching and interviewing is simple, I’m quite gifted at both speaking and uncovering the innate gifts in others.

Having a strong and positive reputation does not accidentally occur. You must be intentional in everything you pursue. Coaches have coaches. I have many coaches and mentors for my various lanes of business from whom I gain knowledge and constantly challenge myself to be better. Every day we wake is a chance to be a better. I chose to improve something about myself every day regardless of how small the shift.

My motto is “Underpromise and Over Deliver”. Those who work with me know I will provide more than 100% of whatever we arranged. To have the reputation of excellence in your market, you must intentionally seek excellence. Please note, I did not say, “perfection”. I strive to be the best version of me every day and in every interaction. I am unapologetic of my actions because I am quite intentional with what I do and how I serve others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MichelleMras.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemras/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1342939359
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemras
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michellemras
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/denimandpearlslive

Image Credits
1. Simone Vision Photography 2. The Umbrella Syndicate