We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Cantor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Hi Michelle , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted your effectiveness?
Self-care is something that has been engrained in me since I was a child. I was born in the late 60’s when eating healthy food and exercising were not common concepts with lots of research to support the benefits. However, my father was a physician and an avid reader of medical journals. From his research, he became very aware of the negative impacts of junk food and the positive benefits of exercise. So, at the age of 7 our pantry was cleaned out… no pop (midwestern term for soda) or junk food. Sure, we went to McDonalds and KFC, but meals and snacks at home were not candy bars, potato chips, and other sugar filled foods. (I did, however, consume a disgusting amount of bologna which cannot be good for you). And both my parents became joggers. As a result of this upbringing, healthy eating & exercise have been critical to both my physical and mental well-being throughout my entire life. As I have gotten older, I have added additional aspects to my self-care that enrich my life and enable me to be more effective in all the roles I play.
I am many things in this life….a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a citizen of the world, an entrepreneur. All these roles are extremely important to me. While I have hardly perfected all these roles, I am able to be effective in all of them because I take care of myself. Because of my parents modeling, I have never felt guilty or de-prioritized my mental and physical health. Being able to wear these many hats is a choice and a privilege that feeds my soul. Since becoming a mother 24 years ago, the biggest aspect of self-care that I practice is Balance. A balance defined BY ME, FOR ME so I can be my best self (most of the time—I am human). I have defined that balance my incorporating the rituals and practices that work for me. So, my every day has some kind of variety but always includes a form of exercise, meditation, being outdoors, AND WORK. Work is a critical component of my self-care and identity. Work not only includes clients who pay for my services, but I spend a lot of time giving back to my communities. This includes being a Board Chair for Living Arts. An organization that is dedicated to igniting creativity in the lives of Detroit youth through the performing, visual, and media arts. As a child I had the opportunity to experience and be surrounded by the arts. I know firsthand how they can feed the soul.
Lastly, I always end my night by falling asleep to a romantic comedy. On a less consistent but regular basis vacations and therapy are a vital part of my self-care routine
Having a strong sense of self-care has not only enabled me to be more effective at all the things I want to be, but it is has enabled me to help the woman that I coach. So many women think that to be all the things they are that they must put their self-care last. I empower them to realize that taking care of themselves is taking care of everyone also. They must be first in line to receive their own nurturing, love, and care. Otherwise, they will burn themselves out, resent those around them, and eventually their physical and/or mental health will suffer. It’s cliché, but you HAVE to put the oxygen mask on yourself first. Self-care is oxygen.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a certified coach and consultant with over 30 years of professional experience. I named my company VOLAR because that means “to fly” in Spanish. My mission is empowering organizations and individuals to soar. I do that by providing services in women’s leadership and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
In terms of DEI Consulting, Volar provides organizations and DEI leaders with a clear path for achieving DEI excellence. This includes both strategic work and providing a menu of educational workshops on topics such as unconscious bias, managing multi-generations in the workplace, and race literacy.
In regards to Women’s Leadership Coaching, I empower women to identify and achieve professional aspirations that feed their souls.
As a young adult, while living in Madrid and immersing myself in Spain’s customs and language, I developed a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. The Spanish language and lifestyle have played a pivotal role in shaping the person that I am. Thus, naming my company “Volar” captures the intersection of my personal and professional passion—enabling all of us to thrive in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.
I am currently developing Women’s Coaching Cohorts that will provide both group coaching and individual coaching for high achieving women. This enables participants to learn and grow not just with me, but with a consistent group of women. Cohorts are intentionally small, 4 to 6 participants, and will provide tool and techniques for handling relevant challenges and capabilities. If you are interested in participating, please contact me directly at [email protected]. If you are financially restricted, please still reach out and we can discuss.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Own your strengths and weaknesses 2. Talk less, listen more
3. Identify and live your core values
My advice is to read books, take assessments, if possible go to therapy, and work with a coach to develop a strong foundation in all three of these aspects. They will empower you in every aspect of your life and keep you grounded and focused when life throws its inevitable curve balls.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I LOVE collaborating with others in the areas of coaching, consulting, and facilitating. Professionals who are certified, committed, and have extensive experience working in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and/or women’s leadership are a great potential match. If interested, email me at [email protected] and please put BOLD JOURNEY in the email title so I know how you found out about me. Thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.volarconsulting.com/
- Instagram: volarconsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtcantor/
