Remember to always excel and never settle. Excellence truly is your only option!
For a time in my life, I chased after perfection like it was the only trophy that mattered. I found
myself in a constant state of frustration. Why? Because I could not control what perfection really
was. I quickly learned that perfection was an ever-changing destination but that excellence was
totally in my control. I figured out my definition of excellence and never let go of it. Now I’m on a
quest to share what I’ve learned, the good, bad, and the not-so-pretty, to empower others to kick
perfection to the curb and become the best version of themselves to achieve all their dreams.
Hi, I’m Michelle
I help audiences leverage their life experiences to wake up their
inner-excellence by keynote speeches, my personal stories, and executive level coaching so
they can own and activate their individual excellence.
I have always wanted to be the best me I could be. I knew education and entrepreneurship
were my jam! I decided in high school that I’d get a masters degree. Yes, I completely skipped
over any thought of a bachelor’s degree. I started my first business at seven years old. Back
then, I would try any business idea that entered my mind. As I got older, I began to hear other
people’s ideas and thoughts. Although I went on to earn a masters degree and become an
entrepreneur, I had these thoughts floating around my mind. For a while, I thought I had to
check every “perfection” box and wow, was I stuck.
You see, for that short period of time, I’d lost my identity. I couldn’t hear my own voice over the
noise of others. I found myself where I didn’t trust what I knew to be true about me.
But one day, I figured it out. What is it? The ‘it’ was, I figured out my inner-excellence and how
to wake it up. Armed with this new model for life, I’m on a mission to help others learn to own
and activate their inner-excellence so they can live the life and achieve the success they desire.
Stop chasing perfection. Start living a life of excellence whether you have it all figured out or
not.
My motto is and always will be
"When you activate your inner-excellence, you will see a change in your personal and professional life."
The professional stuff
- At age seven, I gave my first persuasive speech as a Brownie Scout. I lobbied for the Brownies to join the Girl Scouts on the coveted overnight trip to the Daisy Lowe House. I wasn’t convincing enough but that instance lit a fire for speaking in me that has carried me through a more than thirty year professional career and entrepreneurial journey.
- I have a passion for speaking that includes seeing people use speaking to further their careers, civic and community affiliations, and any other platform they choose. Nothing excites me more than seeing an audience experience an ah-ha moment and walk away with strategies to continue their transformation
The fun stuff
- I am Gigi to three of the most amazing little boys, Bryson, Nolan, and Nazir. I love their parents too!
- I’m married to the most amazing man who loves me and his family as Christ loves the church. We pastor at Fountain of Living Waters Church in Raleigh, NC.
- I believe my God-designed purpose is to preach God's word and speak to audiences about excellence.
Interested in Michelle’s keynote topic?
Michelle@michelleedelen.com
Michelle Edelen
Keynote Speaker
Michelle helps audiences wake up their inner-excellence by offering strategies and her personal stories so they can walk in confidence and pursue excellence.