Michelle Maloy Dillon tells us that, “I am passionate about supporting high-potential women leaders working in social and environmental change. As an executive leadership coach, I work one-on-one with ambitious leaders to harness their unique creative thinking, strategic planning and leadership skills in order to make conscious positive change in their work and in their world.”
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
I began my working life as a professional photographer, documenting events and crafting the images that people wanted to convey about themselves. In this process, I coached people to get in touch with who they wanted to be in the world. In my documentary work, I saw strong examples of leadership styles that worked well and others that didn’t at all. I always saw the potential in the people I photographed and this led me to become a certified professional coach with a focus on conscious leadership. After many years as a successful entrepreneurial business person and photographer, I stepped out from behind the camera to grow leaders who want to increase their impact and want to create a world where everyone can live their full potential and be fulfilled. I love my work as a certified professional coach and I now also teach coaching skills to leaders in organizations.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
As an executive leadership coach, I work with clients who are eager to learn the soft skills of leadership such as collaboration, flexibility, and communication skills. Leaders who exhibit compassion and have clear communication skills especially in times of crisis and uncertainty help teams collaborate more effectively and motivate and retain employees. These skills also lead to less burn-out among the leaders themselves.
Executive leadership coaching is a thought-provoking and creative process that happens over a period of time (6-months or more). During this process, my clients presents various leadership challenges and together, with me as their coach, we explore different ways to move forward. There is also homework between coaching sessions in order to make effective changes and move forward. Along the way, there will naturally be things that get in the way of progress. During these challenges, the client will have my support to practice in real time the skills that are being learned.
Executive leadership coaching helps people focus on what’s essential and important so they can flourish and thrive as a leader.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Leaders frequently describe me as someone who helps them recognize and celebrate their strengths, increasing their leadership effectiveness in a grounded and authentic way. My clients say that I am gifted at tactfully and directly pointing out areas that can be considered differently, and holding people accountable for putting the changes they choose into practice. I love being openly curious and playful in my coaching. This creates an environment of creativity when exploring big changes. My work with executives results in measurable improvements in developing talent, strategic management, and team effectiveness. People also have a more balanced life and have more confidence.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
My biggest supporter is my husband. My husband has taken on extra family duties throughout the years to enable me to change career paths and get trained in new skills. He has helped with the kids when they were little and now he manages the high energy of our enthusiastic dog so that I can be on calls with clients from all over the world.
As a young woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
I want the world to be a place where ideas are respected and collaboration is welcomed. None of us have all of the answers to the problems that are present. But we do have the ability to be curious and to collaborate using the unique talents and skills that each of us brings in order to create a better world for us all.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
There needs to be many more women leaders in the world! The perspectives that women bring are needed for organizations to be successful, inclusive and welcoming places.
There needs to be more support for women leaders to be successful. These support systems include family leave policies, family planning policies, and accessible childcare. When women succeed in the workplace, societies and organizations succeed.
