Ascend Coaching & Consulting

09/26/2024

To all the amazing moms and daughters I know, keep moving forward and support change. I’m so proud of my daughter and my niece for creating change in their generation! I’m forever grateful for the women who paved the way for all of us.

09/21/2024

The year of yes. Yes, to doing things that make me uncomfortable.

Back in August, a friend and colleague, Aaron Tabacco, PhD reached out to me through LinkedIn to ask if I would be willing to present a webinar for the UCSF Department of Medicine. I had to pick my jaw up from the floor. What an amazing opportunity. The topic was referencing Dr. Julia DiGangi's book, Energy Rising. The presentation title was Managing Emotions in Challenging Work Situations. Wow, that sure hit home.

In the past, webinars have made me so nervous since I can’t connect with my audience. This leaves me anxious, and when I present, it definitely shows. In all honesty, I wanted to say no, but I followed Julia's advice and “picked the more powerful pain.”

It went wonderfully. I was able to manage my own emotions and provide great content to the group. At the end of the presentation, the group joined in a great discussion and asked heartfelt questions. I was able to share some stories to provide some context on how I am working to say yes to these harder things.

I continue to be humbly committed to putting myself out there for others to learn. I am just a human doing human things in a way that lets others know they can do these things, too! I am forever grateful for these opportunities.

09/17/2024

Sometimes we need to have a vulnerable approach to leadership and let others in on what works for each of us. Mine is a different approach to share.

In times of trial, deep trial, I like to sit in the graveyard by our house. I humbly ask for guidance and know that this is eventually my destiny. I see the expensive grave stones sitting kiddywampus, squirrels gathering, birds chirping, wind blowing through my hair, the rustling of the trees, and me wondering what my life will tell about me. It grounds me to the inevitable.

As cars rush by I ask myself what stories are told about these humans laid to rest here and what they not only did but changed for humanity.

As I sit in this place I’m reminded that my life has a beginning and end. It’s what you do in the middle that makes all the difference. It’s the greatest blessing to give our gifts fully and wholeheartedly.

09/11/2024

Although I wasn’t in EMS on 9-11, I can understand how those who work in this field would go running toward danger on that day. I will never forget the sacrifices those people made on that day. I would still run toward the danger to help others. Thank you to all who serve and continue to serve.

09/06/2024

I need to shatter the glass ceiling of perfectionism in myself to become the next-level leader.

I recently started writing about my failures in my personal and professional life. I have found it cathartic to write again. I never thought writing would be something that brought me joy, especially after being in my BA and MBA programs for the past five years. It has been a wonderful way to pull back from my perfectionism and lean into vulnerability. I have always thought of myself as easygoing and vulnerable until I started writing about my failures. I encourage you to share and talk about your failures as a leader. It opens up the most connected conversations with your team.

08/28/2024

"For me, it's changed my perspective on mental health — while I appreciated that things like anxiety and depression are very much real, I had no idea about the complete lack of control you can sometimes have over your brain, nor the ways in which it can take over."

I recently experienced something similar. The support I received from those around me was amazing. I will forever be grateful for their understanding and kindness.

As I stood there under the studio lights, my heart was racing, I was gasping for breath and sweat was pouring out of every pore as my brain screamed "RUN!", writes Nate Byrne.

08/22/2024

It's always great to hear feedback from clients.

"Michelle is a fantastic executive coach! She is helping folks within our organization chart a path to the professional future they want, and then helps them work to get there. We wholeheartedly recommend her." - Todd Stout, Founder and President, FirstWatch

07/25/2024

One of the most powerful things I have learned as a coach is that people just need to be heard. Start listening from a place of true understanding, and you will become a more powerful leader.

07/19/2024

Live and lead with intention.

07/16/2024

07/12/2024

Triggers are indicators of something deeper. Coaching can help!

07/10/2024

Be generous and intentional with your time and attention.