Michelle Burke – How teaching to the test was crushing her soul.

Categories: Inspiration
 
 
Michelle is sharing what the word “empower” means to her with The Corporate Escapists.
 
Thank you for joining us here at The Corporate Escapists. Please introduce yourself to our reader. They love to know about you, your passion, and how you came to find and follow your passion.
 
Hello! I’m excited to be a part of The Corporate Escapists. In 2014, I realized teaching to the test was crushing my soul, so I left the traditional classroom to venture into the classroom of the world. I am a rebel with a cause who lives by the mantra “Discover the magic in your mess”, as it’s during the messy parts of life in which we learn, grow and expand the most.
 
I have a passion for helping others grow, expand and making a difference in their life and world. I get great joy out of being part of someone’s transformational journey and watching them transcend.
 
From the age of 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and a make a difference in this world. Fifteen years later, I had a professor in college who profoundly affected me and who unexpectedly passed away. I made a promise to myself, I would make a difference in this world and lives others as he (my professor) did in mine.
 
Today I guide people to expand their consciousness.
 
Nelson Mandela once quoted – ‘I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.’  What has been one fear you have overcome?

Only one… Hmm… There are so many! And quite frankly, I feel I haven’t fully overcome any of the fears, I let them fuel me instead of hinder me. Fear = Fuck everything and rise! Rise above the fear and do it anyway. 

Tell us what the word “empower” means to you?

Empower to me means in power. Either by stepping into my own power or guiding someone to step into their own power.

What has been one of the biggest business ideas you have had and how did you have the courage to implement it?

Well my biggest business idea hasn’t been implemented and has only been shared with a few people who are helping me bring it to life. When it comes to implementing something bigger than yourself in your business or life, it’s about trust; trusting the process, the journey and yourself!

Running your own business can be scary.  Success requires moments of courage to push through to the next level, please tell us one of the moments you have had to push through to take your business to the next level?

I’m in the moment right now! I was in the process of taking my business to the next level and then my dad passed away on Feb. 4th and my Grammie (mom’s mom) passed away on Feb. 24th. I’m grieving my dad and my grandmother at the same time and while all I want to do on most days is curl up with a blanket, ice cream and a Hallmark movie, I’m finding the strength within myself to take small steps each day.

The first thing on my ‘To Do’ list says “Honor what your feeling” and this is an important reminder as we all have other things going on in our lives. We have to remember it’s okay to feel what we’re feeling and to express it! As sometimes, it takes more courage to express what we’re truly feeling than it does taking our business to the next level.

Tell us what attributes you feel make a good leader in business today?

A good leader today is someone who listens, admits their flaws, has compassion, understands how to delegate properly, knows when to ask for help and isn’t afraid to admit their mistakes and when they are wrong. They lead by example and are a team-player.

What is your favourite quote about empowerment?

Growing up my dad was a truck driver. I had this postcard from him on my bulletin board which said “No matter where I am or what I’m doing, you’re always there, always on my mind.” On the days when I felt alone, or like no one is in my corner, I would think of these words to remind myself we’re never alone no matter how alone we may feel. Someone is always thinking about us and our loved ones above are always with us.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?

Don’t think, just do! Don’t overthink it, don’t over analyze it, don’t listen to the nay-sayers as there are going to be a lot of them. Drop into your body, connect with your soul and take action.
 
 What would be one (1) question you would you ask the person who most inspires you?  Also, share with us about this person and why they inspire you?

How do you find the strength to keep getting up each time you’ve been knocked down?

This person is someone who has grit and preservers no matter what obstacles have been placed along their path.

You can connect with Michelle here on Instagram

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