Michelle Ray

Business and Leadership Keynote Speaker

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Michelle Ray

The quest for meaning and purpose in a post-pandemic world

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When the pandemic struck, I found myself thrust into a new reality of fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, with work on hold and no pressing agenda, I felt as though time stood still for what was seemingly an eternity.

My business had survived the economic meltdowns following 9/11 and the global financial crisis of 2008. But nothing could have prepared me for this unanticipated new change of circumstances.

Alone in my office, I thought about my purpose as well as a future that I hadn’t anticipated. I found myself in a dark place, watching my confirmed conference bookings evaporate in a slew of emails that flooded my inbox. Suddenly, I was staring at an empty calendar in a state of shock. [Read more…] about The quest for meaning and purpose in a post-pandemic world

7 deadly sins of change management…and how to avoid them

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Love it or hate it. Change is a part of life and business.

Reacting to it is human. Anticipating it is wise. But mismanaging your change management process is entirely avoidable.

If you ask Google: What percentage of change management initiatives fail? You will see 202 million results!

The number doesn’t matter.

Getting to the cause while adopting a proactive, purposeful plan matters more. [Read more…] about 7 deadly sins of change management…and how to avoid them

8 reasons why authentic leadership is essential at work

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If you have ever been part of a relationship dynamic at work that felt transactional or inauthentic, you are not alone. Even though years may have passed, and you have since moved on, it’s likely that you can still recall the impact of the experience and level of discomfort. We remember leaders who are real, as well as those who have little or no interest in getting to know us.

Authenticity has always been a highly desirable leadership trait, although the importance of honing this critical characteristic in today’s dynamic and interconnected work environment cannot be overstated. Relationships that are built on a foundation of authenticity contribute to high trust, increased engagement, higher retention, and greater productivity…ultimately benefiting your organization’s culture.

Authentic leadership is essential for the following reasons: [Read more…] about 8 reasons why authentic leadership is essential at work

The Great Reawakening: Why Employees are Reclaiming their Purpose and Power

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Power is a word that makes a lot of people uncomfortable… one that is frequently linked with those in positions of authority and control. But it need not have negative connotations and is especially relevant when you consider the power shift that has occurred in the world of work. 2022 is proving to be the Year of the Employee (Forbes), the Year of the Worker (The Economist) with a heightened emphasis on the employee experience to mitigate the Great Resignation.

Is it, however, the Great Resignation or the Great Reawakening that we are witnessing? More of the latter is what I suggest. [Read more…] about The Great Reawakening: Why Employees are Reclaiming their Purpose and Power

Three Reasons Why Your Business Needs Real-Time Leadership

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Six days before the world shockingly and unexpectedly shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was enjoying a lovely breakfast with a young woman named Chelsea. We had met the day prior at a conference where I had been engaged to speak to a group of leaders in the financial sector. As soon as I walked off the stage, Chelsea and I struck up a fascinating conversation about real-time leadership. It was clear that we could have talked all afternoon, but because Chelsea had to return to work, she suggested that we continue our chat the following morning over a meal before I left for the airport. [Read more…] about Three Reasons Why Your Business Needs Real-Time Leadership

Four Deadly Mistakes Leaders Make with Remote Teams

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Deadly. An ominous word to describe the mistakes leaders make with their remote workforce, albeit a deliberate choice. During a time of radical change and uncertainty that continues to redefine the work world, teams look even more closely to their leaders for optimism, support and hope for the future in ways that demand their time, attention, care and transparency. Should this be lacking, the consequences for morale, employee retention and organizational culture could be dire. In order for leaders to effectively connect and help their remote teams succeed, avoiding, more importantly, addressing the following mistakes is essential. [Read more…] about Four Deadly Mistakes Leaders Make with Remote Teams

Five Key Leadership Lessons from 2020

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If there is one gift 2020 offered to the world, then perspective would be a suitable choice. As we reflect on the year that just passed, hindsight can truly be viewed as 20/20.  That is, the year provided great insight for the world. Humanity as a collective discovered how to be better: More empathy, open-mindedness and appreciation  for  the many things that we used to take for granted. For example, the simple act of a hug, enjoying the company of family members at the dinner table and perhaps more significantly than any other state of being, the freedom to go about our daily lives without restrictions.

Organizations have also gained benefits from the unexpected, adverse circumstances. Although many leaders may not have initially viewed 2020 from a positive lens, the imperative of adapting to these challenging times provided numerous opportunities for introspection and improvement. Leaders can glean the following five key lessons that will continue to have relevance for years to come: [Read more…] about Five Key Leadership Lessons from 2020

Do You Still Have a Passion to Lead?

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Recent world events have magnified the sense of urgency for new thought leadership and methodologies. Leaders need to be exceptionally prepared to adjust on the fly, expect the unexpected, prioritize and be available for their teams like never before. As the workforce continues to transform, many leaders are discovering that their previous practices are no longer relevant. This begs the question for leaders: Do you still have a passion to lead? [Read more…] about Do You Still Have a Passion to Lead?

Three Skills Leaders Need To Succeed Right Now

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Three Skills Leaders Need to Succeed Right NowAs leaders, you no doubt understand the degree to which you profoundly influence every aspect of your organization. Finding the secret sauce to successfully lead a mix of personalities need not be elusive. And keeping current is possible when you decide to carve out time to yourself. The possibilities turn into probabilities the more you are able to access your self-awareness and capacity to remain a lifelong learner. In order to achieve immediate organizational objectives while preparing for the future, honing your leadership skills remains a priority. As Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo wisely said: Just because you are CEO, don’t think you have landed.  Focusing on the following competencies can help you succeed right now: [Read more…] about Three Skills Leaders Need To Succeed Right Now

Leadership in 2020 and Beyond: What will be different? What will be the same?

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What are the core issues facing leadership in 2020 and beyond? Walk into any meeting comprising of senior leaders and the hottest topic of conversation will likely revolve around change, technology, clients and talent. While it is no surprise that these top-of-mind challenges are keeping many leaders up at night, the unrelenting need to constantly recalibrate is the most interesting aspect of doing business today and into the future. What will be different? And what, if anything, will be the same? [Read more…] about Leadership in 2020 and Beyond: What will be different? What will be the same?