Michaela Franklin

I credit my success to a relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive while managing multiple priorities. These habits were formed early—through the example set by my mom and reinforced during my athletic career. Being introduced to structured training at a young age by my coaches and my dad helped instill discipline and long-term commitment that continue to guide how I work today.

When I first got into coaching, a colleague told me that if you work hard and do great work, people will notice—and they’ll call you when opportunities come up. I didn’t believe her at the time because I thought she was just exceptionally good at her job, but she was right. I focused on owning, developing, and mastering my craft. The other piece of advice that’s stayed with me is to never burn a bridge.

I’ve worked in both coaching and the nonprofit sector, and while they’re different fields, the lifestyle is very similar—no two days are the same, and the work is deeply rewarding. My biggest piece of advice is to be intentional about creating both professional and personal boundaries. I have a strong work ethic and genuinely love to work, so I’ve learned that boundaries are essential to showing up as my best self in every area of my life. Learning to be unapologetic about those boundaries takes time, but it helps to know you’re doing your job—and doing it well.

Specifically in the nonprofit sector, I’d encourage young women to thoroughly research the organization and its board. Understanding the leadership, culture, and values is critical to determining whether it’s truly a good fit for you.

The biggest challenge in the nonprofit sector is moving beyond a survival mindset. Many organizations are navigating short-term, restricted funding while being asked to deliver long-term impact, which can limit the ability to invest in people, systems, and innovation.

The opportunity, however, is significant. This moment is pushing nonprofits to think more strategically about sustainability—diversifying funding, strengthening leadership, and clearly communicating impact. As a result, organizations are becoming more resilient, more transparent, and more effective. At the same time, the sector continues to attract talented, mission-driven professionals who want their work to align with their values. Nonprofits that embrace this shift are not just surviving—they’re building stronger, more sustainable futures.

Spending meaningful time with my husband and being fully present—both at work and at home—are priorities for me. I’m intentional about creating boundaries so I can turn work off when I’m not working and show up as my best self in every area of my life. I value honesty, loyalty, and an intense work ethic, and I try to treat others the way I want to be treated. Developing and empowering people is especially important to me, and it’s something I strive to do both professionally and personally.