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Managed her time and got 20 hours of her life back, each week

“Before I met Michelle, I was a married mother of one with another on the way. I was working to develop my small business, as all entrepreneurs do, by working overtime. I worked during the day while my child was at daycare, during the evening after everyone was asleep, and made appointments whenever it was best for my clients—even if that meant working on the weekends. And I volunteered my time away because I had more time than money.

Soon Baby #2 was welcomed into our family and everything began slowly falling apart. While my business was growing and I was gaining recognition in my industry, my family ended up getting whatever was left…and I was wearing out.

What I learned from Michelle was how to take 20 hours of my life back, each week. In hindsight, we never actually ‘defined’ it that way, but I see now how she helped me to slowly gather back my precious time. By examining how I was spending my time, I realized how I could be more efficient. We looked at a grid system that helped me to stop putting out fires all day, every day, and instead focused my time on the things that mattered most first.

This meant silencing my phone for periods of time and not answering email all day long as soon as a new message came in. It also meant offering appointment times to my clients that worked for me and my family schedule. When I finally had developed a daily plan for managing my time and a weekly plan for appointments, I no longer had to work weekends! It was a relief to not feel as though I had given myself away every day, every evening, and every weekend.”

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Tracy Doheny Erickson, Dancer & Massage Therapist
Sweet Feet Dance

Getting areas of life figuratively organized into plastic bins!

“I had never worked with a Life Coach before and when Michelle came into my life, I knew that the timing was absolutely perfect! I was going through so many changes at the time and even though I was hesitant at first, I’m so grateful that I followed my gut. Michelle is extremely gifted in her way of relating to and connecting with people. It didn’t take long to establish trust with her.

When I began my sessions with Michelle, everything felt out-of-sorts and scattered in my life. She had a way of helping me streamline not only my thoughts but also the areas of my life where I desired change. She also knew enough about me to know that certain ways and styles would not be effective with me. I struggled with perfectionism in all areas of my life and she knew that. She was extremely cautious to not use words that related to perfectionism in any way. Together we came up with words that helped me want to, and feel like I could, move forward.

Each time I’ve had an ‘aha moment,’ I realized that Michelle guided me to that place rather than carry me there. It always seemed like a team effort and that was important to me. She also has a way of keeping each coaching session balanced. Because when any change is desired, it’s easy for the client to focus on all that needs to be done. Michelle was always great at reminding me of my greatness in the moment and to remember the positives, even in the midst of frustration.

Being a visual person, the picture that comes to me when I think of working with a Life Coach is having all areas of my life in a plastic bin. Things are orderly, organized, and it all makes sense!”

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Faith McGown, Director of Fund Development
Minnesota AIDS Project

Making the time and energy for the things that really matter

“Coaching has been a major factor in my life’s evolution toward living the life I have always dreamed of. My initial goal for coaching was to achieve more balance in my life. I was overworked, overscheduled, and overwhelmed. I knew it was only a matter of time before I hit the wall.

Michelle helped me recall what is truly important to me and then structure my life around those things rather than trying to squeeze them in later. I realized that there were a lot of things in my life that weren’t serving me. And by eliminating those things, I was able to carve out the time and energy for the things that really matter. In addition to helping me achieve balance in my personal life, Michelle urged me to think about what I want to achieve through my career and then map out a plan to make it happen. As a result, I have made significant changes.

Michelle knows and understands my values and overall life goals, so she is incredibly helpful as I work through personal and professional choices and challenges. Without her guidance, I am quite sure that the progress and success I have experienced would have either taken much longer or not happened at all.”

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Dr. Jodi Fidler, Chiropractor & Level V Executive Consultant
Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

Outlined priorities, identified the ‘right’ goals, and got life back on-track

“I was at a point in my life where I felt overwhelmed, disorganized, and out-of-control. I realized I needed to take time-out to deal with how I was feeling…so that I could be an even better mother, wife, and doctor to my patients. I had so much going on that it was difficult to schedule time for myself to get things done, and I can’t stand disorganization. I felt like I was always reacting.

So I hired Michelle to help me get motivated, prioritize my time, and identify and define the ‘right’ goals for me. From there, I needed help staying focused and on-track throughout my busy days. Ultimately, I wanted to balance out being a mom and a business owner.

The most important thing I got from my work with Michelle was a plan to get started. Sometimes when things get so overwhelming, you can’t even confront beginning. So at first, Michelle helped me with a starting point; a direction for me to take my first steps. And after our first session, I felt rejuvenated and re-motivated toward my goals!

Together, we then outlined my priorities to make sure that I was spending quality time with my family and keeping things organized at home and at the office. The key was making sure that I took time out for ‘me,’ whether that involved scheduling workout time, time to work on photo projects, or time to de-clutter my office. Michelle helped me create a plan to get my life back on-track.”

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Liv Lane, Human Sparkler: Inspirational Artist, Speaker, & Self-Promotion Coach for Artists, Authors, & Advisors
LivLane.com

A more harmonious, purpose-driven life; living each day on her own terms

“One phone call changed my life for good. I had a stable and successful career, running a media company with dozens of corporate clients, but I was overworked, overstressed, and felt stuck. I scheduled a phone session with Michelle in hopes she could help me clarify my priorities and demands.

Michelle’s questions and gentle guidance helped me realize that the requirements of that job were stifling many of my hopes and dreams. Sure, a salary increase sounded good, but what price was I willing to pay to let go of those inner-most desires? Michelle encouraged me to spend the next few months paying close attention to what brought me down and what brought me joy.

In the days and weeks that followed, the concept of leaving corporate life behind started bouncing around in my brain and flirting with my heart. But it was hard to imagine how my work life could look any differently. That is, until months later, when I took a much-needed vacation day. That morning, I had a leisurely breakfast with my son and dropped him off at preschool later than usual. I then went to a coffee shop, sat by the window, and plugged in my laptop to work on a fun writing project I’d been putting off until I had time to focus. Then, I headed to a nearby spa to redeem a gift certificate for a massage.

As I walked through the doors, I heard a voice in my head say loud and clear: ‘This is how I want to spend my days.’ It was my voice, clearer than ever before, and it stopped me in my tracks. I stood there in the lobby, reflecting on the day thus far: no morning rush, no insane deadlines or dreaded meetings, the chance to work on a project I enjoyed, a mid-day massage, and I’d be home in time for dinner with my family. This, I realized, was what Michelle had meant when she told me to focus on what brought me joy. Getting that glimpse of the good life was all I needed to finally take the leap.

And once I committed to pursuing a more harmonious, purpose-driven life, it was incredible how things fell into place naturally. Nine months later, I left the corporate gig to launch my own company. Michelle has been instrumental in my success, helping me to clarify my priorities and keeping me focused on my goals.

I now live each day on my own terms, focusing on work I love – and helping others do the same. It was up to me to make it happen, but Michelle helped me believe I could do it. Michelle’s an incredible cheerleader with wonderful insights and suggestions and a genuine desire to help others create their best lives – and the innate gifts necessary to light the way.”

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Kris Andersen, Certified Financial Planner
Kristi L. Andersen Financial Partners, LLC

Approaching business strategically and embracing the importance of re-charging

“Working in a corporate setting for over 20 years, my schedule and priorities were dictated by the organization. Then I started my own business as a Financial Planner, and I found all of the opportunities and tasks ‘to do’…paralyzing! So I hired Michelle as a Professional Coach. She helped me sort through my goals and passions and prioritize how I spend my time. Now I am able to approach my business strategically.

Michelle uses her extraordinary listening skills to help people understand and move towards their best life. She has helped me to focus on priorities, rather than being involved in everything. Before I started coaching, I viewed down-time as ‘wasteful.’ And it was hard for me to take time to rest when I felt like I had so much to do. Now I understand the importance of re-charging, and I have the tools to help me do so. Coaching has helped me achieve balance in my life.

Lastly, having a Coach has also been useful in having someone to be accountable to. I always keep promises to others, but I haven’t always kept them to myself!”

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Growing her business, loving it, and being her best

“Coaching with Michelle has been nothing short of extraordinary! It was a pivotal moment in time for me when she said, ‘Wendy, everyone needs a Strengths Coach like you.’ Those words quite literally stopped me in my tracks, and I thought, ‘Yes—maybe I can do that!’  It was Michelle’s sense of joy and conviction that hit me square and motivated me to start my own business. Her absolute resolve around coaching for the positive experiences in life—the joy-filled moments—helped me to see beyond the confusion in the moment.

My journey continued with Michelle always willing to step-in and coach when my new career as a small-business owner wandered upon bumps in the road. There were particular times when I thought I just couldn’t do it; the responsibility was too big for me to carry. Michelle helped me to focus on my accomplishments, my talents, and my contribution to the world. She coached me to be the very best of me.

My business continues to grow, and Michelle continues to cheer me on in the background! I found a true connection to Michelle’s joy-filled words recently when I was presenting to a group of church leaders. I found myself living a peak-moment-in-time because I was doing what I absolutely loved to do. Those words that Michelle spoke to me several months ago fueled a part of me that just burst out and said: ‘Look out world, here I come!’”

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Jen Antila, Teaching People How to Eat and Live Well
Catalyst Cooks

Freedom and a high level of personal satisfaction, every day

“I knew I was on the cusp of a transition when I reached out to Michelle and we began our coaching relationship. I knew I wanted to head in a direction, but didn’t know which direction to head. I wanted to identify a destination. I wanted to have a positive attitude and feel more confident in my worklife, just as I felt at home. I knew it was possible but I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate, how to get there.

Michelle listened intently, took a role as a facilitator, helped and encouraged me to peel away the layers to get at the core of what I desire. We trust each other implicitly and immediately connected in a symbiotic way. This allowed us to dive in and begin to explore. We started with what I wanted that day, that week. Michelle taught me the tools to observe, listen to, honor…myself. I used to spend a great deal of time thinking about things and people and reactions that I couldn’t control. What a gift to completely shift that focus to me!

I share with my friends my favorite, most meaningful lessons and tools that Michelle has used in our coaching practice. I find myself using the model she showed me to demonstrate how others can shift their energy and thoughts from things they can’t control to things they can. I have talked about the ‘tapes’ that played and replayed in my head and how I changed those messages from unhelpful to positive. I love the vision board that Michelle encouraged me to create, it keeps my dreams in focus and I look at it as I start each new day. ‘Re-teaching’ reinforces those lessons for me. Being intentional with my attention and thoughts has changed how I interact with others and the result is a high level of personal satisfaction, every day.

Today, I am free. I was ready to be free, and Michelle was the guide that helped me get there! Thank you Michelle for the gift of freedom!”

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Jennifer Bernel, Owner & Designer
J*Flops

Thinking positively and staying focused on goals and dreams

“My experience with Michelle has been one of the most uplifting and helpful things I have ever done for myself. It has helped me to gain confidence and a special spirit inside myself that always reminds me—I CAN DO IT!

Before I started working with Michelle, I was literally a mess. I was trying to balance running and growing my business, adjusting to being a new mom, and attempting to be a good wife, daughter, friend, etc. I felt like I was being pulled in so many directions. And in all areas where I tried to excel in my life, I was only able to give maybe 50%, and that, in turn, felt like I was constantly letting myself down. It was a bad cycle because I would always feel bad about myself, as my efforts to ‘do it all’ somehow turned into failure in my mind.

It was important for me to talk through my struggles and find new ways to deal with them. Some of the things Michelle and I discussed were ideas I would have never thought about on my own! The exercises were huge in helping me determine what steps to take next, and they helped me reformulate my way of thinking to a more positive and productive manner. I do so many more things now that help to keep me on track: I write a list out before bed of what I need to get done the next day, and I use my vision board to help keep me focused on my goals and dreams and to remind me that I can accomplish them. I’m also working at not letting what other people say or do affect me and my ways of thinking. It was an eye-opening experience that I will continue to embrace through the years and challenges ahead!

Coaching has helped me in so many ways! I am not done with it yet, as I know I will need Michelle’s guidance, her good listening ear, and her positive energy to help me through other obstacles in my life. I am SO thankful I have her support!”

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Rachel Loeslie, Professional Organizer/Certified Feng Shui Consultant/Norwex Consultant
Rachel Loeslie Organizing

Gave herself permission to connect with her destiny and impact lives

“When I met Michelle, I instantly made a connection with her AND with the voice inside me that said, ‘I like this woman, and I think she can help me.’ That was my intuition kicking in and my awareness of it that made the difference. I actually listened to it and many good things started to happen. I was in a major transition in my life and career. I had lost a loved one and after that experience, I knew I wanted a career change that would connect me to my purpose and give my life meaning and joy.

All I wanted to do was ‘something that really mattered’ and ‘something that made a difference.’ I still hear Michelle’s voice saying, let’s get really clear about what that is and how it looks. She helped me tune into my vision and let go of the doubt and fear that was swirling in my head. At the time, everything felt so enormous and overwhelming to me that I couldn’t see how to move forward. Together we worked through what I intuitively knew about myself and what I’d like to do for my next career move. She helped me believe I could do it, be it, and live it.

With our work together, I got clear and I gave myself permission to be what I wanted. She helped me connect to my true cheerful spirit inside and remember that I am excited about life, and that part of my destiny is to encourage others to be bright and bold by claiming their space and creating an environment that supports health and happiness. Today I feel that I make a difference and impact peoples’ lives in a positive way. I also feel blessed to know that Michelle is always cheering me on and sending me a smile or a big thumbs-up. Her encouragement and support is ongoing and ever growing. It’s nice to know that I have a caring friend and advisor in my circle of influence.”

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Nina Stillman, Estate Planning & Business Attorney
Stillman Law Offices, LLC

Changed career paths and loving what she does

“Before meeting Michelle I was very skeptical of coaching: Did I really need someone else keeping me on track and telling me what to do? I was at a crossroads in my life, career-wise, and personally as well. I met Michelle and we discussed my issues of career dissatisfaction and my unhappiness with my lack of a social life. Michelle did not tell me what to do or keep me on track as much as she helped me put myself back on track and have faith that I was taking the right track for me even if others didn’t think so.

Michelle asked me the right questions to get me to identify what I really wanted out of my career and my social life. She had me write these things down so I wouldn’t forget and could remind myself of what I had said I wanted. She also helped me to realize the ways in which I might be preventing myself from reaching for those ideals. The rest was up to me with a little bit of nudging from Michelle!

I am happy to report that although it was scary, I have changed career paths and love what I do now. I gave things a chance that I might not have before coaching and I am a much happier person. Thank you, Michelle!”

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Melanie Torgerson, Health Researcher & Activist/Holistic Moms Network Leader

Honoring strengths and seeing herself in a new light

“My coaching sessions with Michelle have literally changed my life and made me who I am today. I signed up for coaching with her at a time when I felt lost in life, overwhelmed by weaknesses, and desperate for direction. My main goal was to figure out how I could fix my weaknesses so I could turn my life around.

Michelle helped me to realize that by spending all my time trying to ‘fix’ my weaknesses, I was losing sight of my strengths. Through the right questions and amazing discussions, she helped me to realize who I was and what I had to offer the world. Michelle helped me to see that being a free-spirit and present in each moment was truly a gift. She helped me to realize the benefits of these strengths and guided me in ways I could honor them, while simply ‘managing’ my weaknesses.

As soon as I started honoring my true self, managing my weaknesses became so much easier, rather than trying to ‘fix’ them! Michelle helped transform how I see myself which gave me confidence and empowered me to make even more positive change in my life.

I am so grateful to have Michelle as my ‘go-to’ person when I am struggling in life. She always helps me to find and be my authentic self, which makes it easy to live a life full of passion and purpose.”

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Michelle Wuollet, Life Coach & Learning Solution Consultant
be coaching & consulting

Identified values, passions, strengths…and gained clarity on life purpose

“A few years ago I married the man I always hoped I would find. We had a beautiful wedding and a great start to our new life together. On that day, not only did I become a new wife and housemate to a wonderful man, but an ‘instant’ step-mom to his five year-old daughter! I was excited to call them ‘my family’ and looked forward to being able to provide a stable environment for his daughter to grow up in.

Little did I know at the time just how hard the struggles of being a new wife and step-mom would be. About that same time, the focus and responsibilities of my job changed dramatically. I began to question whether this job was still the right place for me and whether I was appreciated or even added value anymore. This situation, coupled with the struggles of trying to make a blended family work, initiated the call I made to Michelle. I was in a role-identity crisis and needed help figuring out who I was!

The minute I spoke with Michelle I knew I had reached out to the right place for help. Michelle is the best listener I know! She created a warm and trusting environment where I could honestly and confidentially explore the issues I was dealing with. With Michelle as my guide, I worked hard to identify my core values, passions, strengths, and get clear on the person I was meant to be.

A pivotal point in our coaching relationship was when Michelle helped me create a ‘Life Purpose Statement.’ I used this statement to help me get clear on my roles as a wife and step-mom, and regained my commitment to a company I respected and wanted to contribute to further. This Life Purpose statement has become the compass I use in which to make decisions and navigate my life. To this day, it is a great reminder of who I am and how I want to ‘show up’ in life!

Michelle has a gift for asking powerful and thought-provoking questions. And with her help, I have learned and grown so much as an individual, wife, mother, and professional business woman. Thanks to Michelle, I am clear on my life purpose and the various roles I play in life.”

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Cindy Storms, Massage Therapist & Life Coach 
Red Earth Sanctuary

Transformed her life and overjoyed with significant progress

“Wow, how my life has transformed itself from the wonderful healing qualities of coaching! Over the last several years—yes, years—I had been winding myself down into one solid rut. One thing after another was happening to continue the ever-heavy weight of stress and overwhelm. My life was going from bad to worse. My relationship was failing, a real estate venture was stressful, and my outlook on life was limited to just ‘making it through the day.’ I was tapped royally and had almost completely lost my energy for dreaming of a bright future.

Being the energetically savvy person I am, I’m always interested in personal transformation and being the best person I can be. I was mortified that I had created such a debilitating situation for myself. I guess sometimes you have to go through the muck to appreciate the beauty.

From the moment I met Michelle, I knew she had something magical to offer. Her positive energy was contagious and gave me hope that I could turn my life around. I committed to six-plus months of coaching, which seemed like I was signing my life away at the time, but little did I know that what I was really signing away was my old life of stress and overwhelm. Michelle helped me to tackle issues head-on, dig deeply into them, and unwind the dysfunction. By continuing to hold the focus on what I wanted to achieve and reaffirming my goals, I was able to make significant progress.

I am so happy to say that my life is happy now, and I am overjoyed at the progress I have made: I am in a fantastic new relationship, my real estate ventures are stable and secure, my heart is in-line with my values, and I am making decisions from a light-filled place. I am extremely grateful for all the support and talented coaching Michelle has given to me. Thank you, Michelle!”

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Kristi Hamilton, Marketing Communications Consultant 
En Root Marketing & Communications

Clearing the clutter, re-connecting to passions & goals, and being her best

“I was in a very transitional stage in my life—I was still acclimating to the Twin Cities after relocating, I had recently ended a long-term relationship, and a one-year consulting contract was about to come to a close. All at once, every aspect of my life was up in the air, which was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I was feeling stuck and unable to silence the constant noise and clutter in my head to focus on how I wanted to move my life forward.

Then I met Michelle and quite honestly, I had no idea of the positive change that was about to take place in my life! I signed up for her Jump-Start session, where Michelle reminded me of something I knew but had lost sight of: Change is good. This was my opportunity to determine what was working in my life, what wasn’t working, and develop a plan to move forward in a way that was meaningful to me.

From there, I committed to a three-month coaching relationship where Michelle provided tools and techniques to clear out the “clutter” in my head. This allowed me to reconnect with passions I had lost sight of and re-focus on personal and professional goals that had been derailed in recent years. Michelle provided me with tools I could easily incorporate into my schedule—simple things like making a daily commitment to spend a few minutes with myself in meditation or journaling. It sounds so simple, but making this a daily habit takes a little time and is a very powerful step in the process.

Working with Michelle is like having a database of groundbreaking techniques and inspirational quotes at your fingertips! During each session, Michelle shared a morsel of research or a useful exercise or a quote that stayed with me and gave me new perspective on the life ahead of me. For me, the results have been so affirming. I gained the resolve I needed to pursue the kind of work I enjoy and find fulfilling and refocus on the things I want in my personal life. I still have days where my head is filled with clutter, but thanks to Michelle I know how to quiet the noise. I have a daily plan of attack that gracefully balances being present in the moment while moving forward to be the best I can be!”

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Gina Swanson, Public Relations Consultant
GMS Communications

Maintaining balance while building her business

“Michelle helped me realize you can make your dreams come true; that when you believe in yourself, set goals, and visualize what you want, anything is possible.

She helped me realize my dream. Michelle was by my side when I started my own public relations business. She helped me focus when I would spread myself too thin. She guided me through questions to discover my ‘niche’ client. She calmed me when I would begin to feel overwhelmed. And all important, we worked on setting goals to help me maintain balance as a business owner. It’s so easy to have life become your work when you love what you do! Michelle’s insight and commitment to helping others find clarity made a lasting impact on my life—both personally and professionally.

Michelle has a special way of bringing out the best in people; in helping people find their truth. And she doesn’t go about it haphazardly; she is steadfast in creating process, steps, and goals. It’s not fluff—it’s concrete, tangible guidance that makes a real difference. I look forward to Michelle’s ongoing support, guidance, wisdom, and friendship.”

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Katie Weddle Langer, MBA in Sustainable Business

Assessed strengths and areas of interest, now on her way toward fulfilling career

“I started coaching with Michelle because I realized that I couldn’t define my ideal career path on my own. I had certainly tried, but I always felt I was missing something; there was something I couldn’t see and connections I couldn’t make about my interests and strengths and how to apply them toward a career path that felt right.

Michelle and her coaching services were exactly what I needed to get going toward my ideal career. She gave me excellent assignments to honestly assess my true self, including core values, strengths, and areas of interest. We also explored what types of thoughts held me back and then how to move them out of the way. Knowing Michelle was holding me accountable for completing each task was the motivation I needed to stay in motion. I became so much clearer on what was and wasn’t working in my life, and why.

Finally and most important, together we determined my first step of action, and now I’m on my way to creating a fulfilling career.”

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Julie Ann Segal, Interior Designer & Feng Shui Consultant
Metropolitan Interiors

The confidence to pursue and realize her career dreams

“Dreams do come true! I made the commitment to work with Michelle as my Life Coach, and we worked together on realizing my dreams: Discussing and visualizing the details of what I wanted in my life. I felt overwhelmed, lost, and out-of-control not knowing where I was going. I had been running a successful Interior Design business out of my home for 13 years, and I had recently become a certified Feng Shui consultant.

The biggest question for me that year was how to focus my career and where to locate my business. Michelle would listen to me express my frustrations, and she had a special way of calming me down and encouraging me to focus on specific steps to reach my goals. Sometimes it was matter of getting clear about what I wanted. And she helped me to realize that I did not have to do everything all at once. Each session, my goal was to identify top priorities and accomplish them by our next phone call. Michelle helped me to take baby steps toward my goal and get in touch with my true needs and purpose.

Then, everything came together! I opened my Interior Design/Feng Shui Studio in a little Victorian home just as I had envisioned, but not until after the work I accomplished with Michelle. Her experienced coaching skills have helped me gain the confidence to pursue and realize my dreams and the insight to know which direction to go. Working with Michelle was a powerful process and a gift to myself!”

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Niki Rubinger, Aesthetician & Massage Therapist
Fusion LifeSpa

Changed careers and living more in alignment with her true self

“I’ve always known how important it is to listen to your inner voice, but after working with Michelle, I was able to let go of my six-year career as a Professional Organizer and went back to school for Massage Therapy. With a traveling husband, two kids and their busy lives, the scary tuition, and being a Girl Scout Troop Leader, I had to ask a lot of people for help—something I generally wasn’t great at. My ‘village’ came through big-time, and I graduated with a 4.0 and went on to become a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist.

Now I work at an organic, holistic wellness center that had never hired anyone directly out of massage school before. I am part of a community that honors wellness, healing, supporting each other, and allows me to be who I am. What a gift! I feel more like myself than I have in years, and I know that it’s a result of my work with Michelle.

Before coaching, I held myself to expectations that I would never hold a friend to (really, the laundry and dishes will wait). I’ve realized how important it is to carve out time for myself—without guilt—and by doing that, I’m being a friend to myself, setting more realistic goals, enjoying activities that bring me joy, and setting a better example for my daughters.

In many ways, I’ve gotten back to just being me. I’m better at letting other people own their ‘stuff’ and not trying to fix what I can’t fix. I have a deeper appreciation for how much energy it takes to be a mom and wife, and I have a better understating of my strengths and how to manage them so they don’t go into overdrive, resulting in frustration and unrealistic expectations.

Michelle’s coaching helped me change my course, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without her. THANK YOU, MICHELLE!”

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Janice Kern, Volunteer
Talk About Curing Autism

Making family life at home go from good to great

“I had a few logs in the fire, so to speak, and needed coaching to help me get them all to that roaring flame that I wanted. Everything was lit, but I wanted it to be red-hot. So I signed up for Michelle’s ‘Jump-Start’ coaching session, which was great! Together, we categorized the areas of my life that needed focus and discussed steps to help me move forward.

Overall, I was feeling fine with how things were going along in my life: My kids were basically healthy and my son’s autism was certainly improving. I have a great husband and family. But it seemed like it could be even better if I could get my thoughts in order to start to make things happen. One of the best things I learned from coaching was that living MY best life was so much more than simply ‘making time for myself.’ It was more than taking an afternoon for shopping or a pedicure. While that sounds great, it’s short-lived, and I needed inspiration and motivation for making each day rewarding, valued, and memorable. And doing that with four kids—one affected significantly with autism, while the other three were significantly affected by his autism—seemed…not reachable.

Realizing that I had all the tools for making everything come together in a better way was eye-opening for me. For example, every day I cook for my family; there’s got to be a way to not continually dread every meal. And getting kids out the door for school was not getting easier; it was becoming more and more difficult. Thinking and talking about exactly how I wanted these things to be was an important first step in my coaching with Michelle. We followed-up by discussing which specific steps I needed to take in order to make what I wanted become the reality.

Another great example of how coaching has helped me is in the gym. I now make my time there really ‘worth something,’ keeping the end result in mind and working toward it each time I’m there. That has made a huge difference in my physical health. Getting up at 5:30 is something I used to do for crying babies and for work. Now, I do it for myself. I can easily tell myself (and others) that ‘I don’t have time.’ But it’s not true, because I’ve clearly shown that 5:30 a.m. is okay if it’s work, or if it’s my children…so it needs to be okay for me! Thanks, Michelle!”

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Kelly Leiker, Consultant & Trainer
Leiker Development

Taking risks, paying attention to her inner voice, and being herself 100% of the time

“Michelle has helped me with key personal and professional life decisions through helping me ‘hear my voice.’ And she created space by asking the perfect questions that allowed a moment for the important listening to take place. She has encouraged me to take all of the risks I have needed to—those that have helped me create a solid marriage and start my own company where I am able to help others on a full-time basis. The best part is that I get to be myself 100% of the time. There is nothing more powerful! The audiences that I speak to say that I have an energy and passion that captures them, and I know that it is simply because I am doing what I wholeheartedly love doing.

It is immediately clear to me that Michelle is meant to help us to live our ‘real lives.’ The lives that we have dreamed of, longed for, and strived for. She helps her clients break their goals down into realistic and do-able steps, and then she builds us up so that we have the courage to take the next step to make that dream a reality.

Michelle has been a part of many of my life’s milestones of truth. She is the real deal and has a gift of bringing to light the most critical information needed by an individual…that of their soul.”

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Brenda Nelson, IT Manager & Certified Creative Life Coach 

Greater confidence & self-esteem and more enthusiasm for life

“I have gained so much more than I dared to dream from working with Michelle! I have greater confidence and self-esteem, and I am accomplishing the things I’ve wanted to for so long. While there are a lot of Coaches out there, I have found Michelle to be one of the best with her proven abilities to give her clients concrete steps to get out of overwhelm, tools and enthusiasm to support change, and a personal cheerleader to celebrate accomplishments.

Michelle helps me maintain my focus on the important things and keep my daily actions in-line with my values and vision. I have more enthusiasm for life and daily miracles that I was not able to see before because I was too overwhelmed and frustrated! Her unconditional support of whatever I do—or don’t do—has allowed me to move forward in directions I had only dared to dream of before. And Michelle’s enthusiasm and zest for life inspires others to want more and do more, and she continues to surprise me with new tools and new perspectives that make me see my own life in a powerful way.

Michelle takes cheerleading one step further by holding her clients accountable to themselves. This has been huge in our coaching relationship! I needed someone to hold me accountable for the goals I said I wanted to accomplish. Our coaching helped me go from being ‘accountable’…to being driven to succeed and celebrate my accomplishments.

Working with Michelle is the best investment I have made in myself and in my future! Comfort doesn’t imply happiness, and happiness can only be achieved if you’re willing to work for it. Why not work for it with a Coach and get happier that much sooner?”

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Michele Dettloff, Graphic Designer & Grief Counselor 
Hidden Message Cards

Learning to be happy in the present, living consciously, and enjoying life

“When I first met Michelle, I was an overwhelmed business owner ready for a change. Little did I know how much of a change! I’ve always been a planner with lots of goals. I was so busy trying to achieve the next goal, though, that I was never content where I was. When I began working with Michelle, my goal for coaching was to come up with a new plan. Michelle gently helped me see that I didn’t need a ‘plan’ at all, but to learn to be happy in the present.

Today I am a much happier person—happier than I ever knew I could be! Have I achieved all my goals? No, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the process. My happiness no longer depends on achieving my goals. That’s just the icing on the cake!

Michelle helped me to get clarity around my values and work through some big decisions, then helped keep me accountable. Since working with Michelle, I’ve made significant changes, including taking a job while I pursue a new career path, one that I believe to be my purpose in life. I’m working toward becoming a grief counselor and end-of-life consultant. I’m living my life more consciously and enjoying it immensely. I just started coaching with Michelle again—if she could help me get to the point I’m at today, I figure she can help me take it to the next level.”

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Amy Forsberg, Realtor^®
Keller Williams Integrity Realty

Reassessed career objectives and now living her best life

“From an outsider’s perspective, my daily routine was one to be envied. I had a great job at a great company making a great income. I drove a great car, parked in a heated garage, and grabbed my non-fat, vanilla latte each morning. Most importantly, I had a great husband who loved me and two great kids who wanted to spend every minute with me. It all sounds enviable, right? So why did I walk through my work day with a pit in my stomach? I didn’t know why. I didn’t know how to fix it. That’s when a friend told me about LifeShine.

Through conversations with Michelle, I was able to reveal a few key areas of opportunity. Each week, we broke these areas down and discussed my needs and what I could do that day or that week to make change. Michelle identified activities for me to complete like: ‘Identify three networking groups to leverage’ or ‘Write down what success looks like for you.’ Each week, she held me accountable for my own commitments and success. Small steps, every week, soon created noticeable change.

Michelle was objective, trained, and focused on helping me at a time when I needed it most. She asked the tough questions like: ‘What is the cost of not making a change in your life?’ and she helped me slowly build the habits I needed to help me achieve my best life.

Ultimately, I reassessed my career objectives and recently became a Realtor! I aligned my desires to build my own business, grow my connectedness with my community, and create flexibility in my schedule to increase my time with my kids. So I traded the pit in my stomach for less money, a less glamorous office (my living room), and I skip the gourmet coffee altogether. However, I kept the great car…after all, I am a Realtor! Thank you, Michelle, for helping me live my best life!”

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Pam Doty, Presentation Manager
Fortune 50 Company

Gained clarity on who she is…and forgave her dad as he was dying

“Life can seem like a long string of roadblocks and issues; things we have to deal with or overcome. Through my coaching with Michelle, clarifying what was worrying me resulted in manageable boundaries and the realization that nothing is insurmountable. And I knew that if something did seem overwhelming, Michelle would help me see with clarity, compassion, and hope for the future. Before coaching with Michelle, I spent much of my energy coming from a negative place. But Michelle gave me resources that have changed my whole internal world!

I get so mired in the minutia of my life that I forget to really look for what is out there waiting for me. So with Michelle, focusing on what ‘could be’ was so thrilling! Our work together gave me a new focus for my life, and Michelle cleared a path for me to get to know myself. And the homework in-between sessions cemented my commitment to work on ‘me.’ Michelle led me through exercises to help me get clear on my life purpose and core strengths. Deciding who you are and what you stand for is powerful! And with Michelle’s help, I got focused quickly and clearly. I suddenly got my core, what I want to be known for, and how to show that every day. I’m also learning to let go of the ‘should’s’ and ‘have to’s’ in my life, and the more I do this, the more I know I’m choosing my life’s direction based on my priorities.

Through coaching, I got the courage to ask for a promotion, pursue a new career, and believe in myself. I felt stuck. Was I valued or well placed in my job? Could I be better at something else? Michelle helped me see that I would never know unless I tried to find out. In asking for an in-position promotion, I realized I wanted something different. I felt validated (they said yes!) and released (I turned it down) to do what would lead me toward passion in my work. I’m not there yet but I’m so much closer! I’m excited about where I’m going and where I might end up.

Most importantly, I received the strength to forgive, heal, and move forward. My father passed away recently and I had not seen him for over 10 years and didn’t want to. Shortly before his death, I learned that he had terminal cancer and would only make it a few months. Without the work I’d done with Michelle, I’m quite sure I wouldn’t have been able to find the selfless part of me that needed to show up so we could reconnect and he could meet my children. Because of that visit, I was able to tell him that I loved and forgave him and be at his side when he died. I will be forever grateful.

Life coaching truly is about your life…your whole life; who you are now, who you want to be, and how to find the path to get there. We all have the ability to do it, but I needed someone to hold my hand and take the journey with me. I’m grateful for my coaching with Michelle and for the time I spent on myself.”

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Amy Holewa, Financial Advisor
Financial Dimensions Group, Inc.

Staying focused and living her life, instead of allowing life to happen to her

“Michelle helped me develop a process to my day so that I stay focused and on-task. And then I put these processes to work…and what was normally my slowest month as a Financial Advisor, became my busiest! And that has really helped my overall bottom-line.

In the past, I had allowed myself to become paralyzed by negative self-talk. Michelle helped me to slow down my thoughts and identify the self-talk that has routinely gotten in the way of my success. Now by listening to myself and what I know to be true, I can now acknowledge those thoughts and move past them.

Michelle also helped me identify my priorities so that I’m living my life, instead allowing life to happen to me. I look forward to my weekly sessions with Michelle because afterward I feel a revived energy that helps me re-focus and balance my goals and direction. And preparing for our sessions always reminds me of the important things we’ve worked on, and it consistently reminds me of how far I’ve come.”

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Michelle Newman, Talent Acquisition Manager
MOM Brands

Got the balance in her life she had been craving

“Through my coaching with Michelle, I: Got the courage to quit my corporate recruiting job with a Fortune 50 company; completed my coaching training; launched my coaching business; designed and delivered my first workshop series to women (for them to get in touch with their dreams and put plans in place to achieve them); started Weight Watchers and became a Zumba certified fitness instructor; got my financial plan in place that will allow my husband and me to buy our dream house on a lake; and worked through the grief of losing two grandparents within months of each other.

Most importantly, I got the balance in my life I’d been craving that would simultaneously allow me to do what I love and also have more time with my family.

It wasn’t easy, and there were times that I didn’t do the things I committed to doing, but what I loved about working with Michelle was that there was never any judgment, scolding, or nagging, just gentle reminders of what I said I wanted the most, an awareness of my fears and insecurities and how to deal with them, and enthusiastic encouragement that I could indeed achieve all that I had set out to do.

Working with Michelle as my Coach has been an absolute pleasure. Her enthusiasm and support of her clients is second to none. I would highly recommend her as a coach to professional women everywhere!”

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Ann Koerner, Independent Jewelry Rep.
Silpada Designs

“Making the decision to begin my own home-based business presented some challenging opportunities for me. So I hired Michelle’s as a Coach and her warm, gentle, caring spirit helped calm my fears and anxieties so that I could get my focus adjusted and reassess what I needed to do to move closer to the goals I had set for the day or for the week.

Michelle provided me with the tools to stay focused on the step-by-step process necessary to reach my goals, and realize and enjoy the dream I had set out to achieve. She also helped me to get more clear on what my actual goals were. And once the goals were clearly established, we were able to uncover obstacles I was experiencing, and then figure out what I could do to overcome them and clear them out of the path.

Our coaching also helped me to feel more accountable. Michelle helped me realize that staying focused and doing what is most important will lead to the achievement of the small goals…and then it is the accumulation of those small goals that with patience, persistence, and consistency—eventually leads us to fulfillment of our dreams!”

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Jennifer Ingvoldstad, Massage Therapist & Yoga Instructor
Maya Adventures and Healing Retreats

Living an adventurous life and in awe of it every day

“When I started working with Michelle, I was on the cusp of a great adventure in my life. I had already left a great corporate career as an Interior Designer and returned to school to study Massage Therapy. I started my own practice that was successful and fulfilling, however—the biggest change of my life had not occurred yet. My big adventure was that I had decided to move to Belize for six months to further my education and spend time in another culture. Needless to say, I was freaking out a bit!

Michelle helped me organize my thoughts and goals and pay attention to what it was in life that was important to me. She helped me clarify what experience I was looking for. We talked a lot about putting trust in the ‘how’ to achieve my goals. Interestingly, I began to notice that most of my goals had more to do with living my life rather than with the actual ‘work’ I do. Michelle gave me excellent tools to use when I needed to check in with myself, and to keep in touch with my vision.

I have divided my time between two countries for the last three years and have had many wonderful life changes as well as experienced my life’s greatest losses. Michelle has been there to hear me and hold up the mirror. She has also helped remind me of my light during times when I was too overwhelmed to notice it myself.

Now I am able to more fully live a happy, adventurous, intuitive life—doing what I love for a living. And I am in awe of it everyday.”

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Kate Henehan, Relationship Manager; Certified Personal Coach & Yoga Instructor

Making significant strides and claiming the life she has longed for

“Michelle and I have had a long coaching relationship which I have cherished and valued. During my journey of personal and professional growth, my one and only safe harbor…was my weekly coaching sessions with Michelle. This was the one place I got to exhale and let down my guard, to nurture my dreams and grieve my disappointments. I was lost and desperate, and Michelle was my unwavering champion.

In my opinion, I would not be here without the coaching support I received from Michelle over those difficult years. I’m not sure my dream could have flourished without the watering and sunlight we poured on it every week, nudging that seed to grow.

I am a Coach myself, and I believe coaching is one of the indispensable tools that will support you every single step of the way. The investment is small for the return…dreams realized. Michelle is a gifted, intuitive, and inspirational Coach. Working with her has led me to the deep, internal changes which must precede any true and lasting external changes. With her guidance and support, I have made significant personal and professional strides in my life and I know I am finally headed towards claiming the life I have longed for.”

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Helena-Summer Medena, Charisma Expert
Liv Delicious

Learned to gracefully say “no”….in order to say “Yes!” to what’s most important

“I grew up in Croatia feeling ugly, with a Body Dysmorphic Disorder and chronic fear of speaking ‘Angleesh’ with native English speakers. As I addressed my underlying beliefs and treated them with the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), I grew rapidly. From there, my own sense of style and personal charisma emerged, and I wanted to share it with the world and teach women how to feel their best, personally and professionally.

But I had a gazillion ideas that were overcrowding my head! I felt burned out and restless and didn’t know how to prioritize my time and what was important to me. Then Michelle came along. With her sweet, approachable smile and warm open heart, she shared magical tips and it all started to ‘click.’ What a relief! We worked together on setting up the most important thing in my life—a foundation! Michelle is indeed a Time Management Queen!

There were many opportunities to show my level of commitment to my business. Especially in dealing with friends and family. I needed to say ‘no’ to less important tasks and do it gracefully. Michelle is an expert in bringing out graceful ‘no’s’ and she showed me how to do that myself. She taught me how to say ‘Yes!’ to what was most important by saying ‘no’ to other, less important things and vice versa. It is a crucial skill for women in business! Just this one thing created big clarity and moved me to the next step.

Michelle’s friendly attitude kept us connected even in-between our coaching sessions and she was willing to share her little business secrets and personal experiences that helped her achieve success. Now I am grateful that I have created a unique and very specific niche with my EFT skills. As a successful Charisma Expert, I help people build their self-esteem, confidence, and passion. And I know how to work not just in my business…but also at my business. Together, Michelle and I are creating a wonderful, Delicious World where every life shines! Thanks, Michelle!”

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Robin Smothers, APR, Principal
RMS Public Relations LLC

Learned the tools to plan effectively and make conscious decisions

“Working with Michelle helped me find the kind of balance I’d been looking for for years. I’ve always been a people-pleaser, which meant that if anyone asked me to help out or volunteer, my answer was always yes. And I had a hard time turning down new business. Soon, I was working 12-hour days, dealing with unhappy clients, and under great stress.

With Michelle’s guidance and the tools she provided, I was able stop my standard ‘yes’ response and the take the time I needed to think through how the commitment would affect me. Perhaps most importantly, Michelle helped me understand my limits, and I was certainly reaching for more than I could ever handle. My newfound ‘free time’ was quickly re-energized and re-focused.

Our sessions helped me to stay positive, focused, organized, and balanced. I now have the tools I need to help me plan my days most effectively and I am making decisions from a more conscious perspective, rather than allowing distractions to take me off-course.”

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Barb Legan, Joyfully-Ever-After Mentor

Seeing new perspectives and possibilities after the death of her husband

“A huge thank you to Michelle for encouraging and supporting my personal and professional growth in so many wonderful ways! She has been absolutely magnificent at pointing me in some different directions that have gifted me with new perspectives…what a unique talent. I call her my ‘new perspectives guru.’

After working with Michelle: My personal default mind-set has changed from negative to positive, the universal laws of attraction have become the foundation for my life, and I finally opened myself to receiving all the great things life has to offer. I have become less reactive and ‘not attached to outcomes,’ which has opened my mind and heart to limitless possibilities. Best of all, I have changed from being stressed, angry, and fearful…to being calm, peaceful, and joyous! Truly a remarkable shift for me, and one which I can attribute to Michelle’s patience, wisdom, and understanding.

Michelle gave me the gift of shining a new light on my life both personally and professionally at the time I needed it most.”

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Lisa Schmidtke, Website Designer & Search Engine Marketing Specialist
Able Deluxe

Better time management habits and a new motivation for life and business

“I was at a point where my business and home life were going in a million different directions. Pieces of my life were on track—but not as a whole—so I wasn’t sure what was working and what wasn’t. Through coaching, Michelle really helped me put everything into perspective. I was then ready to face the year with a new motivation for my life and business.

Since then, I’ve developed much better time management habits. I’ve been able to manage ‘emergencies’ better which has helped me find more peace at home. Michelle continues to coach me on finding time for what’s important and not just what’s in front of me. I’ve been able to stay focused on not just WHAT I want to do but WHO I want to work with, and some fabulous people have come into my life!

Opportunities that Michelle and I identify during our coaching session quite often manifest shortly after. With Michelle as my Coach, there are no coincidences!

She has that perfect balance as an Executive Life Coach where she will put you at ease with her positive personality, yet get to the root of your goals and life plan. Just filling out the pre-work that she created gave me incredible insight into the areas of my life that are ‘on track’ and which are lacking. Thank you Michelle for your continuous honesty and encouragement!”

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Krisell Rivera, Loan Consultant

Finding her place in a new country

“I came to the United States after living my entire life in Mexico. Even though this move was necessary for me, this was a huge change for me, and it definitely took a lot of courage, commitment, and discipline to make it work. That’s where Michelle came along as an oasis in the desert. She made that huge step a lot easier and more doable.

Michelle has been a person in which I can trust with everything. She will listen and understand almost as if she could read my mind! Every time I talked to her, I felt a big relief, because she takes you step-by-step to make sure the path you’re taking is not only the correct one, but more importantly, the one you really want. She shows you how things are not as difficult as you may think, and that you can create your own beautiful world by doing the things you really enjoy and like to do. Michelle inspires you to take care of yourself, believe in yourself, and always stay positive.

For me, coming to Minnesota was finding my place, and I was lucky to meet Michelle who was and is always with me, sharing her knowledge and sensitive and thoughtful words that always come at just the right moment.”

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Ruth Rounds, Consultant/Coach/Facilitator
Life Dimensions, Inc.

Taking the risk with a new business

“A coaching relationship with Michelle offered me the support to take the risk and find my way to price and market a new product line, and Michelle was instrumental in helping me break through my grid-lock. Having Michelle coach me through this was invaluable!

Michelle is one of the most nurturing and loving persons I have met! She gives her clients the gift of unconditional love, which is the essence of what helps people find themselves, enjoy life, and express themselves in creative and meaningful ways into the world.

None of us become successful on our own. We benefit from the resources, learnings, and the people that make a difference in our lives. Michelle is a Coach that can make that difference!”