Michelle Smith’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and fearless authenticity. From experiencing homelessness to rising into senior leadership roles and ultimately choosing entrepreneurship, Michelle has transformed personal adversity into a powerful mission: reshaping workplace culture so women can lead without losing themselves. Featured in Humans of Fuzia, her story resonates deeply with our global community of 5M+ changemakers who believe in equality, integrity, and the power of both She for She and He for She.
What inspired you to begin your journey as a coach and entrepreneur?
My journey has been shaped by many moments, both painful and empowering. I experienced homelessness for two years, and during that time, I had to confront deep-rooted beliefs about my worth and capability. What carried me forward was my faith and my belief that I had purpose and value beyond my circumstances.
As my career progressed, I found myself repeatedly stepping into senior roles—often surrounded by male-dominated leadership teams. Too often, instead of celebrating my success, I encountered intimidation and toxic cultures. That experience shifted something in me. I didn’t just want to lead—I wanted to change how leadership and culture worked, especially for women.
How did your experiences shape your focus on workplace culture and leadership?
I kept asking myself why organisations allow toxic behaviour to exist, especially when it drives talented people—often women—out of leadership roles. I’ve been bullied out of roles simply for succeeding, and that’s something no organisation should tolerate.
Culture isn’t a buzzword; it’s how people are treated when no one is watching. I believe businesses without women are only half a business. Women bring empathy, wisdom, and a different way of seeing the world. I decided I would never “fight like a man” to be heard. I choose to fight like a girl—leading with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and courage.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while building your own business?
The biggest challenge was internal—self-belief. Imposter syndrome is very real, and sometimes I had to borrow belief from others until I could fully own my own. Another challenge was clarity. When you start out, you’re tempted to say yes to everything, especially when financial pressure exists.
Over time, I realised that just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should. Once I became clear on my vision and values, it became easier to say no to opportunities that didn’t align with my purpose.
How do you approach business development without feeling like a salesperson?
I don’t see myself as a salesperson—I see myself as someone who brings value. When you divorce yourself from the outcome and focus purely on the problem you’re helping solve, selling becomes irrelevant. If I can help you, great. If not, that’s okay too.
Business should be about collaboration, trust, and fixing real gaps—not pushing services. When you focus on value, the right clients naturally stay with you for the long term.
Are you building this journey alone or with support?
I’m a solopreneur, but not isolated. I collaborate intentionally with people who complement my strengths. I strongly believe in staying in your lane—doing what you’re great at and supporting others who are experts in areas you’re not. That’s how integrity and sustainable businesses are built.
How have your client relationships evolved over time?
Earlier on, I focused on gaining clients. Now, I focus on building relationships. The clients I work with today trust me deeply. They invite me into decision-making spaces because they know I’m not there to sell—I’m there to support their growth. Longevity and trust matter far more to me than numbers.
“If I can leave a legacy of empowering women, encouraging men to stand up for equality, and helping people lead with integrity, then I’ll know I’ve done a good job.” — Michelle Smith
Connect with Michelle Smith:
- LinkedIn: Michelle Smith | LinkedIn
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