A reflection on achieving success through groundedness, consistency, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of determination, respect, and empowering others to reach their full potential.
Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Cobb is a seasoned administrative and operations professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting high-volume, fast-paced environments across government and private-sector organizations. She currently serves as a Senior Office Assistant with Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center, where she has worked for more than five years supporting administrative operations within a psychiatric hospital. In this role, she manages critical back-office processes involving patient admissions and discharges, eligibility determinations, insurance verification, property inventory, facility-to-facility diversions, staffing support, and electronic health record auditing. Before joining Sacramento County, Cobb spent 12 years in restaurant management with Jack in the Box, where she supervised teams of up to 20 employees and developed extensive experience in scheduling, recruitment, training, employee development, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and operational oversight. Her leadership was shaped in part by a mentor whose own advancement from management to district manager provided Ms Cobb with a valuable example of professional growth and effective leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is completing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence at the University of East London, through Ducere Global Business School, with approximately five months remaining. Ms Cobb attributes her success to remaining steady through challenges, treating others with respect, and using her position to help colleagues recognize and develop their potential. She is guided by values of teamwork, integrity, service, and a commitment to doing what is right while maintaining a clear conscience. Passionate about mental health and public service, she aspires to pursue higher-level government opportunities involving leadership, staff supervision, and the application of technology and artificial intelligence. Through continued education, mentorship, and hands-on leadership, Ms Cobb is focused on expanding her impact while contributing to organizations and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying grounded, consistent, and resilient through challenges. I understand that I do not have to have all the answers; what matters is remaining steady, treating people with respect, and making the most of every opportunity and platform I have to help others recognize their potential. I believe that when you use your success to empower others and help them shine, their growth ultimately makes your own impact shine even brighter.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has come from the mentors who have invested in my growth and leadership. A college professor inspired me to stay focused, believe in my potential, and remain committed to my goals, while a supervisor showed me through his own career progression what strong leadership looks like. Watching him advance through the ranks and learning from his example helped shape the leader I am today. I am grateful that these relationships have continued throughout my career, and we still support, mentor, and learn from one another.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to never be afraid to take up space in leadership. Trust your knowledge and experience, use your voice with confidence, and recognize the value you bring to the table. As you grow, make it a priority to support and uplift other women, because true success is not only about advancing yourself but also creating opportunities for others. Above all, prioritize your mental health and well-being, because sustaining a meaningful and successful career requires taking care of yourself along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field right now are in leadership, mentorship, and continued professional growth. I am especially interested in expanding my contributions to government roles within the behavioral health sector while broadening my expertise in business. I also see tremendous potential in developing a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and learning how to apply emerging technologies effectively to strengthen my leadership, expand my impact, and better serve the communities and organizations I support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are teamwork, integrity, and a willingness to serve others. I believe in being someone who steps in to help before being asked and supports others in carrying their responsibilities, recognizing that everyone carries different challenges and burdens. Integrity is especially important to me, because I believe in doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances and maintaining a clear conscience.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Michelle
Making sure we all shine!
Empowering Others Through Resilience, Consistency, and Shared Success
I attribute my success to staying grounded, consistent, and resilient through life and work challenges.
I understand that I do not have to have all the answers from the start, but I must always have the determination to seek them out. What matters is remaining steady, treating people with respect, and making the most of every opportunity and platform I have to help others recognize their potential.
I believe that when you use your success to empower others and help them shine, their growth ultimately makes your own impact shine even brighter.
Empowering advice for young women in leadership: embrace your authority, amplify other women's voices, and prioritize self-care for sustainable success and meaningful career growth.
My advice for other women
Empowering Women Leaders: Taking Up Space, Supporting Others, and Prioritizing Well-Being
My advice to young women entering my industry is to never be afraid to take up space in leadership. Trust your knowledge and experience, use your voice with confidence, and recognize the value you bring to the table.
As you grow, make it a priority to support and uplift other women because true success is not only about advancing yourself but also about creating opportunities for others.
Above all, prioritize your mental health and well-being because sustaining a meaningful and successful career requires taking care of yourself along the way.
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