About Me
I'm Rachel Michaud, and I'm a facilitator, coach, thinking partner, and fellow traveler on this extraordinary planet. My anthem is transformative curiosity, and I center my work in three core principles:
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inquisitive mind
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empathetic spirit
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humble attitude
I believe that with transformative curiosity, we can turn problems into possibilities. We can learn about ourselves, each other, and the world around us. We can do work that truly matters — while taking care of ourselves and our teams.
Through curiosity and compassion, I help individuals and organizations explore their vision and tap into their potential. Because when we leverage transformative curiosity, we change the world for the better.
I love to work with bright people who want to change the world. If you're looking for someone to support you in your work, please get in touch!
My Background
I've been a solopreneur since 2015, helping individuals and organizations get clarity, align to values, and try out experiments in order to grow. The perspective I bring has been shaped by my background in higher education and nonprofit leadership, where mission matters and people care deeply about the work they do. I've helped think tanks, university programs, local nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, and fellow solopreneurs.
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Throughout my career, I've developed and relied on a constellation of interrelated skills:
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facilitation and experience design
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coaching and mentoring
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leadership and consulting
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written and visual communication
I'm a Certified Virtual Facilitator through the International Institute for Facilitation and I have a graduate certificate from the University of Texas - Dallas in Executive and Professional Coaching.
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Before striking out on my own, I spent seven years at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, coordinating advanced training programs and providing consulting services to animal welfare organizations. UF is also where I developed my skills as a facilitator, designing and running processes to help teams get from point A to point B, together. Prior to that, I led an animal welfare nonprofit in Georgia, building programs and supporting the dedicated team that worked every day to make a difference.
My Approach
I know from my own experience how difficult it can be to hold important work while taking care of yourself and your people. That's why I'm dedicated to showing up with deep compassion and curiosity, honoring what my clients bring and supporting them where they are.
I also know that when the work matters, you want to do it well. You want do better tomorrow than you did today. The deep caring is connected to a drive for improvement, excellence, and impact. That's why I'm committed to challenging my clients to grow in the ways that matter to them. I challenge myself to grow, too.
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Finally, I understand the power of holding space, whether in a 60-person listening session, a five-person project retrospective, or a one-on-one coaching conversation. I've seen what's possible when we ask a good question and make the space to explore it. It's an honor and a privilege to be a thinking partner and holder of space.
On a personal note...
We are each so much more than our professional biographies! I'm also an amateur naturalist and leader of slow hikes for curious humans. I consider myself a friend to moss and mushrooms, and they're friends to me, too: spending time in nature is one of the most important ways I rejuvenate and recenter myself. I love learning new things, exploring ideas, and looking with wonder.