Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Mesina, SPHR, is a distinguished Human Resources executive with 30 years of experience as an HR practitioner, including the past decade serving in senior Head of HR and Chief People Officer roles across a variety of industries, including aviation, telecommunications, architecture and design, and financial services. In her current role as Chief People Officer, Michelle leads enterprise talent strategy, organizational design, culture transformation, and workforce initiatives that enable businesses to scale and thrive. She has built and transformed HR functions across global, high-growth, and private equity-backed organizations, partnering with executive teams and Boards to align people strategies with business performance.
Michelle’s career journey began with a degree in German studies and an initial goal of becoming a teacher before discovering her passion for Human Resources through hands-on experience and the mentorship of supportive leaders. Over the years, she has developed deep expertise in talent management, leadership development, M&A integration, workforce planning, and building strong organizational cultures. She holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute and stays actively engaged with professional organizations, including Society for Human Resource Management and local HR associations. Michelle also serves as an HR Executive Advisor with ChangeEngine, providing strategic insights on employee engagement, talent development, and AI-enabled HR workflows.
Beyond her executive leadership responsibilities, Michelle is deeply committed to community service, mentorship, and developing the next generation of leaders. She serves on the board of CommunityHealth, the largest free clinic in Chicago, mentors young women through Chicago Techstars, and advises teams participating in the University of Chicago innovation competition. Michelle attributes her success to the strong work ethic and values instilled by her parents, her commitment to treating people with respect, and remaining authentic to who she is. She believes one of her greatest responsibilities as a leader is empowering others to grow and succeed, and she views artificial intelligence as a significant opportunity to enhance productivity, reskill employees, and create a future where technology and people work together to drive meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents, especially my Mom and Dad, instilled in me. Their guidance taught me the importance of kindness, integrity, and treating others with the same respect and compassion I would want for myself. I believe staying true to my values, maintaining authenticity, and consistently striving to be a good person have been key drivers in both my personal and professional journey. By remaining genuine and leading with empathy, I have been able to build meaningful relationships and create a positive impact throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, “You are the prize.” This reminder has encouraged me to recognize my own value, believe in my abilities, and approach opportunities with confidence. It has taught me the importance of knowing my worth, advocating for myself, and never settling for environments that do not recognize my contributions. By embracing this mindset, I have been empowered to pursue growth opportunities, stay confident in my skills, and continue building a career aligned with my values and aspirations.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to stay true to who you are and embrace your authentic self. Be confident in your abilities, trust your journey, and remember that you do not have to change who you are to succeed. There will be moments when the path ahead may not be clear, but trust that each experience is shaping you and guiding you toward where you are meant to be. Believe in your value, recognize your worth, and always remember that you are the prize.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the ability to leverage artificial intelligence to drive greater productivity, innovation, and efficiency. While AI is transforming the way we work, I believe it does not necessarily mean eliminating roles; rather, it creates an opportunity to reskill and upskill the workforce. By embracing new technologies and investing in people’s growth, we can help individuals adapt, expand their capabilities, and continue to bring valuable human skills to an evolving workplace.
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 honesty, integrity, and having fun along the way. I believe being honest and maintaining strong integrity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a foundation for success. At the same time, I value bringing positivity and enjoyment into everything I do, because creating a meaningful and fulfilling environment allows people to connect, collaborate, and achieve their best. These values guide how I approach challenges, interact with others, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
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