Today, we welcome Michelle Raymond, a versatile professional in HR, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. Michelle's experience spans 20+ years, working with Amazon, the Ministry of Justice, Comic Relief, Lloyd's Banking Group, and Deloitte.

She partners with change-driven organisations, lectures at UCL, runs a leadership program, and coaches executives. Michelle's singing talent shines at events, while her confidence stems from her upbringing and faith. Despite challenges, including a tough marriage, she remains committed to empowering others. Driven by purpose, Michelle is more than determined to make a meaningful impact.

Discussion Topics:

• 
  Michelle reflects on her impulsive past and cautious present, desiring to enter the business without marketing or planning. She examines how ambition and risk influence success, weighing their pros and cons.
• Michelle shares her journey of overcoming challenges, including her former husband's crimes, and finding purpose. She explores resilience, self-reflection, and finding meaning in difficult situations.
• Michelle's commitment to empowering others and giving a voice to the overlooked and silenced.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Balancing ambition and risk is vital; consider potential risks and plan strategically for business success.
• Purpose and mindset are powerful in overcoming challenges; a positive mindset, self-reflection, and finding meaning enable growth.
• Empowering marginalised individuals and amplifying their voices fosters diversity, equality, and innovation in inclusive environments.

In conclusion, Michelle highlighted balancing ambition and risk, the power of purpose, and empowering marginalised individuals. Her expertise provided valuable insights. Her journey inspired others to find their voice and power. Key takeaways stressed strategic planning, a purpose-driven mindset, and inclusivity for success.