Michelle Locke
Michelle Locke is the Founder and Principal of Catalyst Presents, LLC and its space consulting division, Catalyst Day-One, where she delivers end-to-end, project-based consulting at the intersection of people, place, and performance. With more than 20 years of experience in construction and facilities leadership—always from the occupant or tenant perspective—Michelle guides organizations through complex space transitions, from early site selection and feasibility alongside brokers to design coordination, construction oversight, and day-one occupancy readiness. Her work ensures that spaces are not only built beautifully, but function effectively in real-world use.
Before launching Catalyst Presents in 2017, Michelle held senior facilities and operations roles with organizations including Marchex and Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, where she managed large-scale tenant improvements, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate relocations. She has led projects through every phase—partnering with architects, contractors, furniture vendors, and city departments—while coordinating complex moves, often in fully occupied environments. Known for her strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and meticulous attention to detail, Michelle serves as the central point of accountability from planning through execution.
In addition to her corporate and consulting work, Michelle is deeply committed to community engagement. Through Catalyst Presents, she also produces live events, conferences, and fundraising auctions, supporting nonprofits with the same operational rigor she brings to built environments. She holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University and volunteers as a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. Across every project, Michelle’s focus remains consistent: early alignment, clear coordination, and outcomes that stand the test of time.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate
• Notary Public
• Shoreline Community College - AA
• CREW Seattle (Commercial Real Estate Women)
• Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington
• Seattle Film Summit
• TEAM SURVIVOR NORTHWEST
• Kin On Community Health Care
• CHINESE AMERICAN CITIZENS ALLIANCE
• Evergreen City Ballet
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to not being scared to play in a field dominated by men. My father was an electrician, so I was used to helping him around the house, and when I had this opportunity at Nordstrom working with telephone system installs in new store construction, it was just so very interesting to me. I just kind of fell into it and stuck with it. Throughout my career, I've always been involved in construction in one way or another, always as the occupant or tenant representative. I think if I had to go back to school, I'd be an engineer. The business that I have has been successful and has grown about 20% year over year, all from word of mouth. We don't do any advertising. Lots of referrals come internally, or as people move organization to organization, they bring us with them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to go for it, even if you don't have what you think you need to know. If you're applying for a new job, or you want to learn a new skill, but you don't think you have all the quote-unquote qualifications, you should still go for it. Otherwise, how do you move forward?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a young woman entering this industry, I encourage you not to be intimidated by male-dominated spaces. Step forward with confidence and trust in your ability to learn and grow. You do not need to meet every single qualification before pursuing an opportunity—be willing to stretch yourself and develop into new roles.
Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Embrace challenges, remain open to learning, and believe in your capacity to rise to the occasion.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating public funding and regulatory requirements, particularly when working with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Seattle, and King County. Coordinating with public utilities and transportation agencies while managing occupied, publicly funded construction projects adds additional complexity.
At the same time, I see strong opportunities to expand my independent consulting work through Catalyst Day 1 and increase my visibility beyond employer-based roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, courage, and perseverance. I am deeply committed to giving back to underserved and minority communities, and I believe community service is both a responsibility and a privilege. In my professional life, I value the courage to take on complex challenges and the perseverance to see meaningful work through to completion.
Personally, I find balance and joy in cooking and in outrigger canoeing. Both activities ground me—they require focus, discipline, and connection, whether to culture, community, or the people I share them with. Together, these values shape how I lead, serve, and live each day.