Deep Coaching

Sometimes leveling up your career won't involve one big, complex decision you make at a single point in time. Instead, it may require expanding your skills as a leader via the microdecisions you make every day.

​In my Deep Coaching engagements for executives, I help clients apply systems thinking to shift the microdecisions that collectively add up to the way you perform in the workplace. This type of coaching is perfect for leaders who have tried a number of things without success, and are looking for professional development support that is more comprehensive and tailored than any book, course, or corporate training program can provide. 

​Deep coaching engagements last a minimum of 5 months, with a 4- to 5-figure investment depending on the length of the engagement.

"This program has already been one of the best investments I've made, and is something I undoubtedly will look back on a decade from now as one of the pivotal milestones in my career."
- Lucas Smolic, VP Engineering

"Michelle has a natural gift for asking smart, insightful questions that drill deeper and deeper until you reach the core issue that's holding you back.  Many times, I didn't realize that a belief was at the root of my reluctance or discomfort about something until the issue was dismantled, and the behavioral change just followed naturally.  Therein lies the value of Michelle's coaching. 
Most people try to help by giving you generic advice after a few broad questions without truly understanding the way that you think, the frameworks in your mind, what your inner dialogue sounds like.  So it's hard for their advice to solve anything.  Michelle, on the other hand, is one of the few people who listens patiently without judgment and asks questions that drive the conversation in a productive way.  But it's not just about listening -- if you wanted that, you could call your grandma or therapist.  Michelle has the professional work experience, stellar pedigree, and is herself a type-A overachiever, so she's not just about the rah-rah-let's-feel-good moments -- she's about change and action. 
She has given me specific exercises to work on that helped me become more authoritative in the workplace, to land a job that was challenging without sacrificing my work/life balance, and to successfully negotiate my salary with confidence.  Michelle helps me arrive at solutions that are unique to my own situation so that I can immediately take action instead of stalling, because there's no reason to stall anymore."
- W. Kao, Growth and Marketing Consultant, former Director of Seth Godin's altMBA

"The biggest challenge I faced was trying to pursue other important interests (e.g., spending time with my family and my civic commitments) while remaining competitive in my career. Michelle helped me 1) clarify my values and 2) build structures in my schedule to ensure that I fulfill all my important priorities simultaneously.
Working with Michelle has helped me understand the push and pull of my four top priorities and the acceptance that came with appreciating the commitments that they entail."
 - Hazel D, Director, San Francisco, CA

My work with Michelle came at a pivotal transition point. Having left my role as a management consultant with Mckinsey & Company, I was fairly clear on the work I desired to pursue as an autonomous professional, but not sure whether I had the conviction to face the uncertainty before me. Michelle helped me acknowledge and accept the fear of the unknown, but not fall victim to it. When my life circumstances changed dramatically during the middle of our work, she was incredibly supportive and understanding. Through her questions, sharing of experiences and brainstorming, she allowed me to reach the conclusion that I should continue on my entrepreneurial path and helped me come up with practical strategies to keep on track. More than anything, I appreciated Michelle's ability to fully listen and absorb my comments. She genuinely cares about my success, both professionally and personally. Thank you for your support and motivation Michelle!" Reza S, Founder of Social Solutions Consulting, Brazil