I stopped chasing validation when I realized it was costing me more than giving. Choosing yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary.
What Women Found When They Stopped Chasing Other People’s Approval
Explore more
“
I can't follow blueprints that weren't designed with my vision in mind. So I became both architect and builder, shaping a life with intention instead of inheritance.
Michele Williams · In Her Own Words
From How She Did It
Explore All Topics
I stopped doubting my expertise when I was the only person who had ideas in a room full of 'leaders'.
How She Learned to Trust Her Experience
Explore moreIn Conversation
Michele Williams for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Michele Williams: Being an influential woman doesn't mean that you have followers or a fan club. Instead, it means when you speak, people listen. When you don't speak, people observe. When you walk into a room, people notice. And when you walk out of a room, people follow.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Michele Williams: One piece of advice that I would give to younger women who are chasing their dreams is that timidity protects the status quo. And not your future. Playing small might feel safe, but it keeps you invisible. Influence requires presence, voice, and conviction.
Full transcript available
Her Story
About Michele
Michele Williams is a visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience driving meaningful impact at the intersection of policy, people, and possibility. She has built a distinguished career across government, nonprofit, and workforce development sectors, partnering with organizations to design equity-centered strategies that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and deliver measurable results. Known for her ability to translate complex policy into practical action, Michele brings clarity, compassion, and purpose to every initiative she leads.
As President and CEO of Innovative Global Workforce Consulting LLC, Michele advises organizations on strategic planning, program innovation, and workforce systems transformation. Her background in public service established her as a trusted architect of compliance, research, and workforce initiatives, and she is widely respected for building inclusive, high-performing teams that focus on outcomes that truly matter. Her expertise spans equity-driven workforce development, grant strategy, philanthropic partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration.
Through consulting, national speaking engagements, and thought leadership, Michele continues to shape the future of workforce systems by empowering leaders and organizations to adapt with agility and lead with intention. She holds a Master of Science in Administration from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. At the core of her work is a deep belief that meaningful change begins with people—and that every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michele
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance—staying committed, resilient, and focused even when the path forward is challenging.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s okay to make mistakes—as long as we don’t give up and keep moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with clarity, not apology. Your confidence is your credibility- use it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are navigating the political climate and securing funding, while a key opportunity lies in identifying and leveraging alternative funding sources.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility is the value I hold most important, guiding my decisions and interactions both in my work and personal life.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.