First, I could rattle off a bunch of fast facts about my credentials and accomplishments and if you get a kick out of that type of stuff, you can click here to view a copy of my professional biography.
However, if you want to truly connect with me through my story and learn about how the power of connection became my passion, you are in the right place.
The Beginnings of a Bridge Builder
I grew up a first generation American daughter of immigrant parents from Cameroon and my talent for relating to others really developed as a by-product of a troubled home life and tenuous relationships.
I originally resided with my single mother and younger brother in Lubbock, Texas until I was 12 years old. Then in summer of my eighth grade year, I visited my father in Atlanta anticipating I would be home in the fall—only to find out unexpectedly that my father’s house would now be my new home.
Reeling from this sudden change and not understanding all the reasons why, I believe what emerged within me was a subconscious need and gift of bringing solace and comfort to others. A feeling of home.
Kids in school often told me, “Michelle, I heard you give good advice” and soon became the trusted confidante of many from the school jock to the class saint.
It was then that my love for connecting with others on a practical and soul level was born.
Calling for Connection Strategist!
While attending the University of Houston, my knack for making friends landed me the opportunity to join a street team for a major record label, marketing artists’ albums and products during Super Bowl weekend in 2004.
It was an intoxicating scene, conversing with various musical artists and celebrities that, until that point, I only knew as a faithful fan. The endless elbow rubbing led to even more exciting breaks writing concert and album reviews for a number of notable publications and magazines.
I had been bit by the bug of marketing and liked it!
Motivated by my newfound passion, I decided to major in Marketing in school.
While attending college, I also entered the wonderful wide world of corporate life and began working in the finance industry. I learned two major things that pertain to the art of relationship building that I think all of my clients should remember:
1) Our relationships are our most vital resources. Yes, more than money!
2) Care about the culture of your organization. Inevitably, no matter how skilled or wise you are, how you gel with your team, leaders and clients matter more.
Even though a few curve balls made my college journey look more like a zig zag than a straight line, I graduated proudly with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 2011 and a Master of Science in Internet Marketing in 2013.
I then wielded my role as a connector and marketing maven to lead in professional organizations such as Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals and the National Black MBA Association Houston Chapter.
The culmination of my personal and business experiences compelled and propelled me to write my seminal book, Network, Navigate and Nurture and to create Line 25 Consulting which focuses on digital, relationship, and thought leadership marketing.
What Makes Me Tick about Helping You Click
So how has my story prepared me to help you live your dream?
This journey has led to many revelations about relationships that have also pushed me to produce effective strategies to help you build a bigger, better network!
One of the most important lessons I have learned in this life is that relationships are the ultimate passports to where you want to go.
And when you are able to spark a genuine connection with others, you are no longer a number among numbers—you are a force that cannot be ignored.
Once you stop being a contact and start becoming a powerful connection, it leads to more opportunities, more clients, more influence and more money!
