Check Out Michelle Biggs’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Biggs.

Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

“My journey from Senior Strategic Human Resources (HR) Business Partner to Life Coach, and now CEO & Founder of My Best Every Day Coaching & Consulting, was born out of my passion for guiding individuals through self-discovery so they can become the best version of themselves no matter where they are in life.

Throughout my tenure as a Human Resources professional, I’ve had the opportunity to coach and consult with leaders on various topics, including Talent Management & Succession Planning, Culture Development, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, and Strategic Workforce Planning. I have partnered with leaders as they established themselves with new teams and created their people strategies. I also coached employees regarding career development and was part of an internal coaching cohort for development programs for women and people of color at my last employer.

Outside the workplace, I have always found joy in mentoring and coaching others. I volunteered and led a women’s support group at a shelter, led a mentoring program for high school girls, and currently participate in youth initiatives aligned with my local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (the Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae Chapter).

During a very emotional divorce process, I decided to obtain my coaching certification to support others going through difficult life transitions and to ensure I am genuinely modeling effective coaching principles. As part of the training, we were asked to disclose the name of our business in preparation for a discussion about marketing. That was the first time I seriously entertained starting my own business. My Best Every Day Coaching & Consulting, LLC was soft-launched in 2017, a month after I received my first coaching certification.”

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

“It definitely was not smooth.  Earlier in my HR career, I did not have mentors who looked like me.  There were many things I did not learn until later in my career (for example –  the power of networking, personal branding, and emotional intelligence), which I believe would have set me up to become even more competitive.  I was fortunate, however, to have a leader at my first place of employment who recognized my value and supported me as I stepped into opportunities that allowed me to learn and grow into the leader I am today.  

Mid-career, I relocated and landed a role at a company where people of color in senior-level HR positions served as my informal mentors. They provided a safe space for me to talk about challenges I faced professionally (and personally). They also served as role models and pushed me to own my career by networking and volunteering for projects that would allow me to showcase my capabilities. This is why having people of color in senior-level positions – in addition to advocates and sponsors who support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – is so important. 

The two biggest challenges I had to overcome as an entrepreneur were marketing and not comparing myself to others. 

I am an introvert at heart and have always hated being in the spotlight. Talking about myself felt like bragging.  I was taught to let my work speak for itself, and the recognition would come.  However, to secure clients early on as entrepreneurs, we must get comfortable promoting ourselves.  I created a Facebook business page to share inspirational messages and upcoming events.  I also started a video podcast (Real Conversations with Michelle), which has allowed people to see a glimpse of who I am.  Although the latter initially scared me, four years later, I still love live streaming and have been blessed to work with clients who have watched my recordings.   I’ve also learned to ask clients for testimonials about my service, which many have done without hesitation.  I share these on my website. 

The comparison trap haunts the best of us, especially when others appear perfect on social media. To help me stay true to who I am and to continue to grow as a coach, I’ve made sure to do the following:

• I surround myself with coaches, mentors, and an advisory team for my business who have my best interest in mind.
• I am adamant about continuing to invest in myself through training 
• I became a credentialed coach through the International Coaching Federation, known for setting the gold standard for coaching.  This organization also offers continuing education courses at a discounted rate for its members.  

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Today, my primary clients are those interested in career, executive, and leadership coaching – allowing me to leverage my extensive HR background and experience. What’s covered under each can be found on my website, noting that I customize my services based on the client’s needs. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at different events in 2023, which was not part of my offerings when I launched my company. However, I’ve really enjoyed it and look forward to more speaking engagements in 2024.

I have a heart for coaching those early in their career and am launching a pilot for a group coaching initiative for young professionals this month.  In addition, I mentor those interested in a Human Resource career.

Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, I am also a podcaster.  “Real Conversations with Michelle” allows me to support a broader audience while fulfilling my life coaching “itch.”  I cover various lifestyle topics with the goal that something shared will motivate viewers to explore taking positive actions for themselves or in support of others.  My podcast has also unintentionally provided a great networking opportunity for my guests (several have stayed in contact with each other) and allows me to promote others with expertise I do not have.  I’m not receiving paid sponsorships for my podcast. I do my live streams because of my love for supporting others and the positive feedback I’ve received. My philosophy is that if I can impact just one person, I know my work is not in vain.”

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

“I have two big life lessons.  Stay true to yourself (i.e., be authentic), and don’t be afraid to try something new.  Both can open doors to opportunities beyond your imagination.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mybesteveryday.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mybesteveryday
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebiggs-my-best-every-day/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@RealConversationsWithMichelle