We were lucky to catch up with Minju Witte recently and have shared our conversation below.
Minju, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The journey from idea to execution for becoming an etiquette trainer and starting Empower Etiquette began in the quiet hours of the pandemic lockdown. Like many, I found myself reflecting on what really mattered—how we connect with each other and navigate the challenges of our time. I realized that there was a great need for people to connect through civility, respect, and benevolent honesty, especially in a time when negativity and divisiveness were taking a toll on our well-being. Being a university professor teaching piano and being a performing artist had been a significant part of my life for a long time. Aside from my love for sharing music as a professor and a performer, it was the “people” aspect of teaching and performing that I greatly enjoyed. I began to think seriously about how I could teach and speak about human relationships—how we connect with and treat one another. At the time, I was a full-time piano professor, but I kept returning to the idea of focusing on etiquette to improve communication and interactions.
My background as a teacher and a performing artist played a crucial role in shaping my approach to etiquette. As a pianist, I was trained to project a professional image, pay attention to detail, and communicate non-verbally through performance. Teaching piano, meanwhile, taught me how to be patient, structured, and clear in my instruction. These skills translated naturally to etiquette—both fields require awareness, practice, and a deep understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
The first step was to become certified. I researched and enrolled in the Emily Post Etiquette Business Etiquette Trainer program. While continuing to teach piano, I took the time to study and obtain my teaching license in etiquette. I used this time to reflect on how my diverse life experiences—having lived in Asia, North America, and Europe —could shape a unique, cross-cultural approach to teaching etiquette.
Once I completed the certification, I knew I had to take the leap and fully commit. Leaving my full-time piano professor position was a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just about leaving one profession; it was about embracing the unknown and the potential of what Empower Etiquette could become. The next few months involved setting up my business, creating a website, and refining my method. I wanted to make sure that my approach to etiquette felt accessible and practical, so I focused on what I could offer—consulting, group seminars, intercultural training, and speaking engagements.
There were countless details to figure out: building a client base, marketing myself, and building my credibility in the field. But with each step, I felt more clarity and confidence that I was on the right path. What started as an idea from my own life’s lessons has grown into something that helps others navigate theirs.
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’m Dr. Minju Witte, the founder of Empower Etiquette, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. My path to becoming an etiquette coach stems from my extensive background as a college piano professor and concert pianist. Throughout my 15 years in academia and 30 years of performance, I cultivated skills in communication, presence, and the importance of creating a positive atmosphere—insights that naturally translated into my interest in etiquette.
The pandemic was a pivotal moment for me. It highlighted the need for civility and kindness in our interactions, inspiring me to leave my full-time teaching position and focus solely on promoting these values through etiquette training. I became certified as an etiquette trainer through the Emily Post Institute, which allowed me to merge my educational experience with my passion for fostering respectful communication.
At Empower Etiquette, I offer a range of services, including business etiquette courses, private coaching, and intercultural training. My programs address the complexities of modern interactions, helping clients navigate social and professional environments with confidence. Topics like civility in the workplace and effective communication strategies are central to my training.
What distinguishes Empower Etiquette is my global perspective. Having lived in South Korea, New York City, the Midwest, the South, Paris, and Germany, I bring a rich understanding of diverse cultural norms and practices. This background allows me to tailor my approach to etiquette, ensuring it resonates with individuals from various backgrounds.
I take pride in the transformative impact my training has on clients. It’s rewarding to see individuals gain confidence and improve their interpersonal skills. My mission is to empower people to build meaningful connections and foster a culture of consideration in both personal and professional settings.
Ultimately, Empower Etiquette is about more than teaching rules; it’s about creating a community grounded in respect and kindness, enriching our interactions and experiences.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that being nice meant saying yes to everything and having no boundaries. Growing up, I often associated kindness with compliance—believing that to be nice, I had to put others’ needs ahead of my own. This mindset, while well-intentioned, led to feelings of overwhelm and frustration as I neglected my own needs.
As I grew into adulthood, I realized that being kind doesn’t mean sacrificing my own voice or well-being. I began to understand that setting boundaries is not only acceptable but essential for maintaining healthy relationships and preserving my mental health. It was a transformative moment for me when I recognized that I could express kindness and respect for others while also honoring my own limits.
This lesson deeply influences my approach to etiquette. I now emphasize that good etiquette includes the ability to articulate and uphold one’s boundaries. It’s about fostering mutual respect—both for oneself and for others. Learning to voice my boundaries has been a significant part of my journey, and I encourage my clients to embrace this aspect of etiquette in their own lives.
In essence, true kindness lies in balance. When we respect ourselves, we can genuinely extend that respect to others, creating a more considerate and harmonious environment for everyone.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Playing the piano has been the only job I’ve ever known since I was a toddler. I dedicated my life to music, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School and later completing a doctorate in piano performance. For many years, I was immersed in academia as a college professor, teaching and inspiring students in my field.
However, during the pandemic, I found myself reflecting deeply on my career and the impact I wanted to make. Leaving my tenure-track position was a significant pivot; it felt monumental to step away from the stability and identity I had built around being a pianist and educator. Yet, I realized that we only have one life—there’s no dress rehearsal. I wanted to pursue all my dreams while I still could, embracing the opportunity to teach something that truly resonated with me: etiquette and the art of human connection.
This transition wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about fulfilling a vision I had for my life. I wanted to use my experiences and insights to help others navigate their relationships with confidence and kindness. Making this leap has allowed me to integrate my love for teaching with my passion for fostering civility and respect, creating a fulfilling new chapter in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweretiquette.com
- Instagram: @empoweretiquette
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minju-witte-dma-6579b5232/
