“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent, and that applies to every emotion we experience.” – Michelle Backes
In this inspiring episode of The POD, Dr. Kristen Woods speaks with Michelle Backes, award-winning consultant, speaker, and founder of The Savvy U. With over 25 years of experience developing leaders and building high-trust cultures across organizations and teams, Michelle brings contagious energy and timeless wisdom to the conversation.
Together, they explore what Michelle calls the inside game, which is the mindset, values, and self-leadership practices that shape every external result. From the power of reframing fear into excitement to the importance of leading yourself before leading others, this episode offers practical tools for developing confidence, clarity, and integrity in leadership and life.
As a long-time WNBA chaplain and senior consultant at the Trust Edge Leadership Institute, Michelle shares stories that remind us that true leadership begins with the thoughts we create, the values we live by, and the trust we build with ourselves and others.
This conversation is both grounding and empowering a reminder that the loudest, most life-changing wave begins inside.
Key Topics:
Understanding The Inside Game and how inner clarity drives outer impact
Turning fear into excitement through the power of reframing
Aligning values, words, and actions to lead with authenticity
Building trust and integrity in leadership and relationships
Shifting from competition to collaboration. especially among women in leadership.
