The Power of Asking
Can you spare a few minutes?
Early in my career, a CEO I worked for gave me feedback that stopped me in my tracks: "You don't ask for help."
After my internal reactions settled and I could see the big picture, this feedback led to an entire perspective shift helping me see that I was so worried about "bothering" people that I was blocking my growth and losing the opportunity to make meaningful connections.
That deeper work of becoming more vulnerable and open transformed how I show up — and that same CEO is now a client of mine, doing his own identity evolution.
If you've read my last two messages (here and here), you'll know I've been thinking a lot about presence and those moments when you realize you're living your life fast and furious — going through the motions but not there for any of it.
You know the feeling. You're in a meeting but thinking about dinner. You're with family, but mentally writing your to-do list. You're at the pool trying to work and wondering why neither feels quite right. You’re on vacation, but checking email.
I'm shifting how I show up in the world, and I want to make sure that what I create actually serves the humans I care about (that's you, by the way).
Here's where I need your help:
I'm looking to have real, honest conversations about how you navigate what matters most. Not the Instagram-worthy version of your life, but the messy and complicated reality of trying to be present and purposeful in a world that rewards distraction.
Full transparency: I'm also trying to clarify some of my own "magic" and how I do what I do.
What I'm curious about:
What does "pursuing what matters" actually look like in your day-to-day life?
How do you handle the tension between what you want to do and what you feel you should do?
What do you think is your greatest superpower?
How do you live that superpower every day?
How have I helped you in your life or business?
What do you see as my greatest strength or superpower?
What's in it for you:
Sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is connection. These conversations often become turning points that can shift our energy, and momentum.
Plus, you'll be helping me understand how to better support people like you as I evolve my work.
I just believe that when we slow down enough to really listen to each other, magic happens.
Can you spare 20-25 minutes for a conversation? We can do it over Zoom, phone, or even while taking a walk if you're local.
I'm not selling anything. I'm not pitching anything. I just believe that when we slow down enough to really listen to each other, magic happens.
If you're willing to help me out, just reply to this email with "I'm in" and we can work out the details of our meeting.
If you know someone else who might be up for this kind of conversation — maybe someone who's also trying to figure out how to live more intentionally — feel free to forward this along.
Thanks for being part of my world. Your perspectives matter more than you know.
xox, Michelle
P.S. If you're reading this and thinking, "I don't have anything interesting to say," or “we’ve not really worked together,” these are the reasons why I want to talk to you. The most profound insights often come from just having a chat. Let’s talk!
Beautiful photo from the talented By Jacqui Photo. We had a great time on this shoot — 100% presence from both of us & it was awesome!
Use Your Voice.
If you’re ready to deeply understand who you are now, get clarity on what makes you different and unique, and become confident using your voice consistently and coherently with stories that align with your identity and strategy? Let’s chat.
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For more insights and interviews, follow me on Instagram here & here, TikTok, & YouTube. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.
Presence is a practice. We have finite time, be here for it.
