Michelle Kooi finds nature to be her happy place and loves adventuring in the outdoors. She has a passion for learning, and some of her core values include adventure, health, freedom, authenticity, learning, and connection. Michelle enjoys supporting women leaders in starting and running their own businesses, helping them grow both their businesses and themselves. She is spiritual, outdoorsy, more of an introvert, and has a love for writing. Her first book, set to be released in Spring 2025, is written for women and focuses on personal transformation and resilience, drawing inspiration from the element of fire. The book is part memoir and part guide, offering inspiration. Michelle believes that presence is incredibly important and that we must first connect with ourselves, as this foundation allows us to show up fully in our lives and with others. Many of the women she coaches have ADHD, which she shares herself. While this presents its challenges, it also brings unique strengths. Michelle is highly intuitive, a big-picture thinker, a dot connector, and a visionary. She creates awareness and inspires authenticity.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in a small town, and my best friends were my horse and my dog. I was shy, obsessed with reading, good at school, and very athletic. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up and have had many different jobs—from editor of a magazine to collections agent with a public company, to operations support with an environmental company, to partner of a public accounting firm. One of my favorite jobs was working with an international tour operator in the reservations department, booking trips for people to the South Pacific. I have two college degrees (Journalism and Accounting), two coaching certifications (Certified Holistic Health Coach and Certified Professional Coach), and I am also a Certified Yoga Instructor.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!
My third burnout made me realize I wanted to have a bigger impact, focus on working with women exclusively, and help them work more sustainably and confidently. I wanted to work in a way that aligns more with my natural gifts and talents, while also honoring my values in everything I do.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would like to see women working in a way that aligns with their own values and is more sustainable. Let’s work smarter, not harder. Let’s speak up about what we believe in and have our brand and business make a bigger impact—supporting our communities, the health of our planet, and our own health. We deserve to do work that lights us up, helps others, allows for work-life balance, and provides a good income.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women are the future of leadership. We think more holistically and are natural collaborators. We are more apt to create connections and build bridges across divides. We are natural caretakers and are more likely to offer care and compassion to those we work with. We have big ideas and have fought hard to have our voices heard. Women leaders are claiming their space, speaking their truth, and making things happen more than ever before. It’s exciting to see and be a part of.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Health is wealth.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Don’t give up! Surround yourself with other women doing amazing things, and support each other. Hire a coach to keep you accountable and harness your most powerful self. Know your core values and honor them. They will guide you.
