Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Fennick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business took shape when a friend reached out, asking if I could coach novice principals. At that point, I had spent most of my career coaching principals and preparing individuals for administrative positions. What struck me was how people would attend a session with me, and soon after, they would land the job. My phone was constantly ringing, and I realized that I had something special on my hands.
Over time, it became clear that my coaching wasn’t just helpful—it was life-changing for those I worked with. The success my clients experienced affirmed that this was a worthwhile endeavor. I wasn’t offering generic advice; I had refined a unique approach that was tailored specifically for individuals stepping into leadership roles.
What really energized me was the realization that I was solving a problem others weren’t. People were looking for a pathway to success in administrative roles but didn’t know where to start. I became that guide. And the satisfaction I gained from seeing my clients thrive pushed me to turn this into a full-fledged business.
As the business evolved, I also began receiving requests to give keynote addresses, where I could share my expertise in time management, communication systems, and professional development. These are pillars I emphasize, as I believe they are critical for leadership success. Additionally, as a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience mentoring and coaching, I’ve now trained thousands of individuals. Watching their transformations continues to inspire me to grow and expand my business even further.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not be familiar with my work, I am a certified life coach with over 25 years of experience mentoring and coaching, particularly in the education and leadership space. My journey into this field began naturally. Early in my career, I found myself coaching principals and preparing individuals for administrative roles. It wasn’t long before I noticed a pattern: people would come to me for guidance and soon after, they would land the jobs they were aiming for. As word spread, my phone kept ringing, and it became clear that there was a need for this type of focused, tailored coaching.
That’s when I decided to turn my passion for helping people into a business. Today, I offer a range of services centered around leadership coaching, professional development, and personal growth. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching for aspiring leaders, training workshops for professionals, or keynote addresses on time management, communication systems, and career development, my goal is always the same: to empower individuals to succeed.
I solve problems that many emerging leaders face: how to transition into new roles, how to manage their time effectively, and how to develop the communication skills necessary for success. What sets me apart is my ability to blend practical advice with a deep understanding of each client’s unique situation. My approach is highly individualized, and I draw from my extensive experience to create a pathway that works for them.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had. I’ve now trained thousands of individuals, many of whom have gone on to achieve their professional goals. I’ve had the honor of giving keynote addresses, where I speak on topics like time management and professional development, helping others tap into their potential.
The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know about my work is that it’s rooted in real-world experience and proven strategies. My focus is not just on giving advice, but on offering actionable insights that create lasting change. If you’re looking for someone to help you grow as a leader, reach your next career milestone, or simply unlock your potential, that’s where I come in. My brand is about empowerment, transformation, and success—making sure you not only achieve your goals but thrive in your leadership journey.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey has been anything but easy, but it’s also a testament to resilience. At the age of 20, I became a single mother and spent time on government assistance. It was a challenging period, but with the unwavering support of my mother, a praying grandmother, and incredible mentors, I was able to turn my situation around. Through their guidance and my determination, I earned an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Education, and eventually, a Doctorate of Philosophy.
What’s important to understand is that I was my very first client. I had to heal and work on myself before I could ever think about offering services to others. I faced obstacles, but those experiences shaped me into the person I am today and fueled my desire to help others. The journey is ongoing—I’m still growing and evolving, but that’s part of what makes my work so powerful.
The services I offer are directly related to areas where I’ve experienced significant success, like interviewing, public speaking, communication systems, time management, and refining elevator pitches. I know firsthand the effort and discipline it takes to excel in these areas, and I am passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. I’ve been able to turn my own story of resilience into a platform to help others achieve their potential, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to say yes to everything and everyone, which was deeply tied to my tendency to be a people pleaser. For a long time, I thought that by saying yes to every opportunity or request, I was being helpful and living up to the expectations others had of me. But in reality, I was stretching myself too thin and often putting my own needs on the backburner.
The turning point came when I realized that constantly saying yes wasn’t sustainable and wasn’t serving me or the people I was trying to help. I was exhausted and, ironically, less effective because I wasn’t able to give my full energy to the things that truly mattered to me. Learning to say no was a huge shift for me. It allowed me to set boundaries and focus on the areas where I could make the most impact.
Overcoming people-pleasing was a process, but it ultimately made me stronger and more intentional with my time and energy. Now, I understand that saying no doesn’t mean I’m letting anyone down—it means I’m making room for the right opportunities and prioritizing what’s important to me. This lesson has been invaluable, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ConsultDrMichelle.com
- Instagram: consultdrmichelle
- Linkedin: drmichellephd
- Twitter: drmichelle_phd
- Youtube: drmichelle_phd
