Recover from setbacks by learning from your mistakes. It gives you the confidence to move forward knowing you won't repeat them.
Michelle Wilkes, Ph.D. · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Wilkes, Ph.D., is an accomplished strategic communications executive with more than two decades of experience spanning federal government, defense contracting, higher education, public affairs, and corporate communications. As Program Manager at PCI Productions, she leads communications support for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs, overseeing a multidisciplinary team and directing enterprise-level communications initiatives that support national security priorities. Her career also includes communications leadership roles within Fortune 500 national security and federal IT service companies, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, the U.S. Marine Corps, Department of the Air Force, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and lines reporting to the White House where she advised senior executives, managed high-profile communications programs, and translated complex technical and mission-critical information into compelling, accessible messaging. Before transitioning into federal contracting, Dr. Wilkes dedicated 22 years to higher education as a communications professor, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students while mentoring future communication professionals. She began her career as a writer and editor for the Governor of Pennsylvania before expanding into advertising, public relations, and communications consulting. She earned a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University, followed by both a Master of Science in Communication Studies and a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication and Public Relations from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, graduating summa cum laude. A published author with an active TS/SCI/CI Polygraph clearance, she is widely recognized for her expertise in executive communications, organizational change, crisis communications, brand strategy, and leadership. Dr. Wilkes attributes her success to an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and treating every individual with respect. She believes that effective communication begins with truly listening and understanding people and that there is always a thoughtful and respectful way to approach even the most complex situations. Known for her collaborative leadership style and passion for developing others, Dr. Wilkes continues to build high-performing teams while helping organizations strengthen their culture, reputation, and mission through strategic communication.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
Everything I have done in life, I have always given it everything I have; I put in 200%. I am completely dedicated and loyal to always serving as a good steward toward everything in which God has entrusted me. Also, I am a lifelong learner. I make an effort to learn something new each and every day, and if I don't, I feel like the day was wasted. This passion and drive to constantly want to keep learning something new sets one up for success. Also, I firmly believe that you are only as good as the people with which you surround yourself. Hire the right people and you will never have to micromanage a day in your life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most impactful advice came from my doctoral chair and mentor, Dr. Mary Lou Higgerson: There may not always be a "right answer," but there is always a "right approach." I took that with me throughout my entire career in this field of communications. When you're constantly dealing with a variety of different people, you must have the ability to truly listen, ask the correct questions, assess the entire situation and culture, determine the desired outcome, have open and effective communication, and then determine what is the best approach to guide the situation to the greatest outcome possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You want to start out from the very first week of your job making a great impression. You want to show through your actions that you're a "doer." When you are given a task, do it to the best of your ability, give it 100%, complete it quickly, effectively, and efficiently. You want to start out proving with your actions that you are going to be a dependable and integral part of the team. This will build your coworkers' trust and confidence in you, which will help you advance in your position and career. Also, eagerly take on every task that you can, no matter how big or small, every experience becomes a piece to your puzzle that will ultimately get you to your final destination.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of our greatest challenges and opportunities is navigating the rise of generative AI. While these tools offer incredible efficiency, the risk lies in relying on them blindly for strategic communications and writing. AI can generate text, but it lacks the emotional intelligence, nuance, and critical thinking that seasoned communications professionals bring. The real opportunity is learning how to best utilize these tools, so we enhance our work without sacrificing the authentic human connection that builds true trust.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The number one item that I value is to treat everyone with respect. I grew up in my parents' business that was there for over 150 years. I saw people in there from all walks of life. I was taught at a very young age that it doesn't matter what someone does, how they look, their age, their ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. What matters is you speak to each person you encounter with the same level of respect that you would want to be treated with as well.
Also, in my personal life, that which I value most is being a mother to my two exceptional daughters and I am an avid animal activist who values the preciousness of every living animal on the planet. I advocate to ban the cruelty of live animal transports, abolish the inhumane methods of factory farming, and end the dog meat trade and animal lab testing. I support numerous animal rescues and my top two for having the most profound impact on my life are @Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary and @Ziggy's Refuge Farm Sanctuary. My hope is that the day will come when there will be no more animal abuse.
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