Meet Khadia Michel

We were lucky to catch up with Khadia Michel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Khadia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my parents, especially my mom. At just 17, she left her family in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to pursue a better life in the United States through a university scholarship. She worked her way up from small jobs, starting in the mailroom of a company where she now serves as a Senior Cost Engineer. What has always inspired me most about her is that she never pretended to be a superhero—she is human, vulnerable, and authentic. She laughs, she cries, and she, too, seeks love and connection.

My dad has also been a powerful influence. Although he grew up about 30 minutes from where my mom lived in Sierra Leone, they didn’t meet until they both attended the University of Minnesota. He also left his home for a university scholarship. My dad has always approached life with boldness and optimism, unapologetically pursuing happiness and pushing himself and those around him to be the best versions of themselves. From working as a radio host, to running a small business assisting people with disabilities in travel, to working at the World Bank, he has demonstrated that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

The example set by both of my parents has instilled in me the strength to embrace my true self, to work hard, and to balance my career with my family without feeling the need to compromise who I am.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Certified Financial Planner dedicated to helping my clients craft the future they’ve dreamed of. I was born and raised in the Twin Cities and spent most of my adult life traveling, making places like Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Haiti my home for about 10 years. Working with global companies like the United Nations Office for Project Services in business development, I eventually returned to Minnesota to start my financial career 4 years ago. After being a jack-of-all-trades for many years, it was time to become a master in one field: finance. Finance, while not necessarily a source of happiness, undeniably opens numerous doors and provides a certain level of freedom. I am incredibly passionate about financial literacy for all and thoroughly enjoy educating on the topic, whether to one person or a group of 100+. I empower my clients to thrive in their financial journeys, creating legacies that transcend generations. When I’m not engrossed in financial matters, you can find me at church, volunteering, chasing my daughter around, or traveling the world with my family

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience: Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns. Resilience helps you adapt, bounce back, and keep moving forward, even when things get tough. It’s the key to persevering through failure and finding success in the long run.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions, as well as empathizing with others, is crucial for building strong relationships. Emotional intelligence helps in communication, conflict resolution, and leadership, making it easier to navigate both personal and professional situations.

3. Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and the ability to embrace change and learn new skills is essential for long-term success. Being flexible and open to new opportunities allows you to grow and thrive in evolving circumstances.

To develop or improve in these skills, here are a few thoughts:

1. Resilience
– Reframe challenges: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as opportunities to learn. This mindset shift will make it easier to recover and grow.
– Build a support network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can encourage you and provide perspective during tough times.
– Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health—through sleep, exercise, and mindfulness—helps you stay grounded and better equipped to handle stress.

2. Emotional Intelligence
– Practice self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your emotions, triggers, and reactions. Journaling or meditation can help you become more in tune with your feelings.
– Develop empathy: Make an effort to actively listen to others, ask questions, and put yourself in their shoes. This will help you better understand their perspective and improve your relationships.
– Improve emotional regulation: When emotions run high, practice pausing before reacting. Deep breathing or stepping away from the situation temporarily can give you time to respond thoughtfully.

3. Adaptability
– Embrace continuous learning: Stay curious and proactive about learning new skills or updating your knowledge. Whether through books, online courses, or mentors, consistently seek opportunities for growth.
– Get comfortable with uncertainty: Start by taking small risks or stepping out of your comfort zone. Over time, you’ll become more confident in navigating the unknown.
– Stay open to feedback: Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for growth. Be open to feedback, and use it as an opportunity to improve, rather than taking it personally.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

On my journey of self-discovery and faith before I understood God or was able to really grasp the bible the most impactful book for me was “The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho” Some of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from that book include:

1. Pursue Your Personal Legend: The book emphasizes the importance of following your dreams and fulfilling your personal purpose or “Personal Legend.” It teaches that when you pursue your true calling, the universe conspires to help you achieve it.

2. Overcome Fear: Fear is portrayed as one of the biggest obstacles to achieving your dreams. Santiago, the protagonist, learns that fear of failure often holds people back, but real growth happens when you face your fears and take risks.

3. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: The novel teaches that the wisdom and experiences gained along the way are just as important as achieving the goal itself. Santiago’s journey toward finding treasure turns out to be more about personal growth and self-discovery than the treasure itself.

4. The Power of the Present: *The Alchemist* highlights the importance of living in the present moment. While it’s good to plan and dream, true contentment and power lie in being fully present and appreciative of where you are in life.

5. Listen to Your Heart: The story emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition and inner voice. Santiago learns that his heart will guide him, even through difficult times, and this trust leads him toward achieving his Personal Legend.

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