Refreshing perspective and personality
that leaves audiences with INSIGHT, AHAs, and laughter

 

TEDxESMTBerlin 2026, How to Make Emotional Intelligence a Business Standard (not just a buzzword)

 

Michelle is a TEDx speaker and has spoken at events from New York City to Dubai since 2009. She’s facilitated workshops of all sizes for brands like Patagonia and Gatorade, moderated numerous panels and been on panels. Her goal as a speaker is to light up rooms.

She focuses on themes like the future of work, adventurous careers, and human creativity through the lens of emotional intelligence and creativity. She believes we must rethink how we view emotional intelligence and how to use it as a tool for creative breakthroughs and leadership.

Michelle’s signature style blends actionable insights and contagious energy and humor. She doesn’t think of speaking as a platform to share words. She approaches it from an experience design lens because people remember how you make them feel.

 

Favorite TALKS & PANEL TOPICS

  • How to make Emotional Intelligence a Business Standard (not just a buzzword), TEDxESTMBerlin Talk
    A case for emotions as added value for your company’s bottom line and your career (can be adapted to your business)

  • Creative Leadership: Strategic Thinking + Gut Feeling

    An inspirational talk about today and the future, about what will be required of creative leaders in the age of AI

  • Managing Inner Critics Under Pressure
    A personal talk to de-stigmatize inner critics and learn the tools to acknowledge and manage them so you’re your best (can be accompanied with an interactive workshop with tools)

  • The Art of a Pivot: W+K, Freelance, Polaroid, Entrepreneur
    A story-driven talk with lessons from my adventurous career path and diverse portfolio of work

Audiences & COLLABORATORS

  • Marketers, Creatives, Designers: AdNight, Dutch Design Week, Spotlight Conference, Served Up Live

  • Companies, Leadership & HR: Patagonia, Gatorade, Danone, ACE Media

  • Tech, Entrepreneurs: Step Conference, ‘TrepCamp, NY.SG

  • Students: Columbia University, University of Florida, State University of New York, St. John’s University

Kind words

“You continue to inspire!”
— Meredith, Freelance Writer, Editor
“Thanks for bringing the infectious energy + systemic perspective. The work you’re doing and have done is IMPORTANT.”
— Women in Design, Leadership Panel Attendee
“I found Michelle’s Emotions are Not Soft keynote inspiring, profound, and so necessary. I love the way she positioned emotions as valuable and tangible data. And her energy when talking about this - there’s genuine passion and excitement mixed with confidence and knowledge.”
— Raquel Castro, Account Director, Wieden+Kennedy
“I found it very refreshing to hear that there is room for emotions in business. The talk made me think about having the confidence to bring up whenever you feel the energy change in a meeting. This paves the way for real conversations.”
— PR Executive, ACE Media
“Her energy, dedication, and attentive listening helped us create an event that truly resonated with our audience.”
— Emma Baines, Head of Creative, Tony’s Chocolonely
“She’s an exceptional facilitator with an effortless ability to read the room, guide conversations and bring playful energy into the mix.”
— Jessica Stahl, Creative Director & Cartoonist
 

SpeakING CIRCA 2009

Featured Clips

Moderator clip, Served Up Live, NYC 2020

Panel clip, Step Conference, Dubai, 2022