A retired law enforcement leader shares her journey from 31 years in policing to founding Steel Alignment Consulting, offering mentorship and strategic guidance to develop strong leaders, high-performing teams, and thriving organizations.
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Influential Woman · Leadership Development
Michelle Moriarty
Chief Executive Officer, Steel Alignment Consulting, LLC
Arvada, CO 80005
31Years experience
1Article published
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My teacher said I'd "never amount to anything," but her words became my greatest gift. They made me more focused, confident, and drove me to create my own success story.
Michelle Moriarty · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Moriarty is a retired law enforcement executive with more than 31 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety. Throughout her distinguished career, she served as Chief of Police for the City of Black Hawk and held numerous leadership positions within the Arvada Police Department.
Michelle holds a Master of Science in Criminology with an emphasis in Human Behavior from Regis University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Her executive leadership training includes the Daniels College of Business Public Safety Leadership Program, Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO), the NTOA SWAT Command and Incident Command School, FEMA IS-908 Emergency Management for Senior Officials, and FEMA IS-241.B Decision Making and Problem Solving.
Drawing on her extensive experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and public safety management, Michelle founded Steel Alignment Consulting to help individuals and organizations strengthen leadership effectiveness, build organizational capacity, and achieve sustainable success across both the public and private sectors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a strong belief in myself and my goals. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Staying true to who you are while remaining committed to your vision is essential.
Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and perspective, and when the opportunity arises, pay it forward by mentoring others. Success is not only about personal achievement but also about helping others grow along the way. Above all, stay focused on your vision and mission, remain resilient through challenges, and trust the process of continuous growth and learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to commit to my goals and to trust in my ability to achieve them. Confidence is not about having every answer in advance, but about committing fully to a direction, doing the work consistently, and adapting as needed without losing focus. When I learned to lead with that mindset, I became more decisive, more resilient in the face of challenges, and more effective in turning long-term objectives into meaningful results.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this profession is to be confident in who you are and recognize the strengths you bring to the table. Never feel the need to change yourself to fit in or meet someone else’s expectations. Authenticity is one of your greatest assets, and confidence grows when you embrace it.
True confidence comes from preparation, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning. It is built by trusting your training, relying on your judgment, and understanding the value you bring to every situation. Take the time to identify your strengths, cultivate them intentionally, and continue developing new skills throughout your career.
This profession will challenge you in ways that will test your resilience, determination, and character. However, when you remain grounded in your values and confident in your abilities, you will navigate those challenges with purpose and strength. By staying true to yourself and pursuing excellence, you will not only succeed—you will inspire others, lead with impact, and create opportunities for those who follow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I have been fortunate to build a rewarding career while serving alongside exceptional agencies and dedicated professionals. Throughout that journey, there have been challenges associated with working in a profession that has traditionally been male-dominated. Women are often required to continually demonstrate their capabilities, resilience, and leadership in ways that may not always be expected of their peers. At times, this has meant overcoming unconscious bias, navigating heightened expectations, and ensuring that my voice is heard and valued in critical decision-making environments.
While these challenges can be demanding, they have also provided meaningful opportunities for growth, leadership, and positive change. They have allowed me to lead by example, help create pathways for other women, and contribute to a more inclusive and progressive culture within the profession.
I have learned that authenticity, confidence, and competence are powerful leadership tools. By remaining true to my values, investing in my development, and consistently delivering results, I have been able to make a lasting impact while helping redefine what effective leadership looks like. My hope is that future generations of women will continue to build on this progress, bringing their unique perspectives, talents, and strengths to leadership roles and shaping the future of the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are centered on helping others. I believe in using my experience, skills, and leadership to support people in reaching their potential, overcoming challenges, and achieving meaningful growth. Whether in a professional setting or personal interactions, I am guided by a commitment to service, integrity, and making a positive impact in the lives of those I work with and serve. On the personal side, I love spending time with my family and friends. I cherish that time.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Michelle
Building Steel-Strong Leadership: The Story Behind Steel Alignment Consulting, LLC
From Law Enforcement Leadership to Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Finding Your Path Through Experience, Mentorship, and Purpose
After 31 years in law enforcement and retiring from an incredible leadership career, I reached a point in my life where I wanted to focus on helping the next generation of leaders grow, develop, and carry the torch forward.
Throughout my journey as a leader, I was fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors and receive invaluable guidance along the way. From starting at the line level to advancing to the role of chief of police, I took pride in every step of the process and every challenge that helped shape who I am today and define my leadership philosophy.
As I reflected on my career, I asked myself a simple question:
What did I wish I had more of while pursuing my own professional goals?
I attended leadership classes, conferences, and seminars that provided valuable knowledge and perspective. However, what I often needed most was dedicated time with someone who had already walked the path before me—someone outside my immediate circle who could offer honest feedback, practical advice, and real-world insight. Someone with whom I could openly discuss leadership challenges, career aspirations, team development, and personal growth.
At the same time, I reflected on the impact I had been able to make by mentoring fellow leaders, supporting teams, and helping organizations work toward ambitious goals. The turning point came when I was assisting a friend through a promotional process. After we had worked together, she looked at me and said, "This—this is what you need to do."
Those words provided the clarity I needed for the next chapter of my professional journey.
The Beginning of Steel Alignment Consulting
Driven by a passion for leadership development and organizational success, I founded Steel Alignment Consulting, LLC.
The mission is simple: to build steel-strong leadership that helps individuals, teams, and organizations thrive.
My goal is to provide the kind of support, mentorship, and strategic guidance that I once sought myself. Whether helping individuals navigate career growth, assisting teams in strengthening collaboration, or working with organizations to align around a shared vision, I am committed to helping others achieve meaningful and lasting success.
The Story Behind the Name and Logo
Many years ago, my family traveled to Ireland to reconnect with our Moriarty roots and honor our family history. At the time, my father's health was declining, and we wanted to ensure he could experience the journey before it was too late. What we didn't realize then was how deeply meaningful that trip would become for another reason entirely.
While we were there, my sister obtained a custom-made steel Celtic Knot—a symbol of strength, connection, and eternity.
We returned home grateful for the memories we had created together, never imagining that years later we would lose her to cancer.
After her passing, I helped clean out her office when I noticed the steel Celtic Knot hanging above her desk. As I took it down, I made a promise to myself: I would always keep it displayed in my own office as a reminder of who she was—strong as steel, unwavering in character, and a true leader.
Today, that Celtic Knot has become more than a symbol of remembrance.
The Steel Blue Eye at its center represents vision, resilience, and the inner strength required not only to lead others, but to lead yourself. My sister was my mentor, my example, and now, my guiding light.
As I begin this mentoring journey, I carry her lessons with me. Her strength inspires me to pass on my knowledge, encourage future leaders, and remind others that true leadership is built through courage, compassion, and a willingness to lift the next generation higher than ourselves.
Leadership Support at Every Level
Steel Alignment Consulting serves leaders at every stage of their journey.
Whether you are:
- Beginning your career and looking for guidance
- Advancing into a new leadership role
- Building a high-performing team
- Strengthening an existing team culture
- Seeking an objective perspective on organizational challenges
- Ensuring your organization remains aligned with its mission and vision
I can provide the insight, experience, and support needed to help you move forward with confidence. Together, we will tailor our work to your specific needs, goals, and aspirations.
Serving Public and Private Sector Organizations
Leadership challenges are universal, regardless of industry. Steel Alignment Consulting proudly serves both public- and private-sector organizations, helping leaders create stronger cultures, improve alignment, develop talent, and achieve strategic goals.
The future belongs to organizations that invest in their people. By building stronger leaders, we build stronger teams. By building stronger teams, we build stronger cultures. And by building stronger cultures, we build stronger organizations.
To learn more about Steel Alignment Consulting, visit SteelAlignmentConsulting.com and discover how steel-strong leadership can help you achieve your goals.
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