Biography

Michelle is an Associate Professor of Management at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. Her research passion is the process of leadership development across multiple domains of life. Her work also focuses on understanding the influence of leadership on employee well-being at work, including factors such as meaningful work, work-life balance, and creativity and innovation. She also taught and consulted for nearly a decade in Ireland before joining Oakland University. Michelle has developed and facilitated leadership development programs across multiple industries, and regularly teaches undergraduates, graduate students, and executives, however, her most rewarding efforts go to developing her three kids. Her days are better when she can get outside and enjoy nature.

Favourite Leader: No favorites here! But I admire elements across many leaders. I prefer to "sing the praises of the unsung heroes" and identify leadership in non-traditional places and forms

Favourite quote: “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” ― L.M. Montgomery

Paper/Book/Author that inspired your work: Robert Kegan, Sue Ashford, Stew Friedman

What research area are you most excited about for the future? Diving into the meaning of leader identity. How do leaders think about the meaning of their sense of self as a leader and how does that change over time?