We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Hacunda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose is deeply rooted in my life experiences. Throughout my 20s, I faced numerous health challenges, including poor gut health, skin problems, and musculoskeletal pain. The phrase, “the only way out is through” perfectly encapsulates my journey. I became determined to heal myself from the inside out through nutrition, mindset work, sleep, and building better daily habits. It felt overwhelming at first, but in my free time, I learned from Eastern and Western Medicine experts via podcasts and books. Although I’m still a work in progress, my interest in brands that promote healthier, fuller lives continues to grow.
In addition to my health journey, I discovered a passion for training and educating others while working in higher education. Initially on the staff side, I considered making the switch to becoming a Ph.D., and moving to the faculty side, finding it fascinating. I pitched a Digital Storytelling course to the chair of the communications department at a well-known private university in Boston, and it was accepted! While I did not end up becoming a full-time faculty member, once I started teaching, opportunities grew, leading me to design new marketing and communication courses. Eventually, I started my own marketing and communications agency, partnering directly with clients. My primary focus is on health clients, but I have worked with clients in the education sector as well.
My purpose combines my two loves: health and learning. Any day I absorb something new and contribute to telling a meaningful story is a good day. I feel fortunate to be creative in my work; not everyone has that opportunity, and it certainly drives me. Every day is different. The variety fuels my creativity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I run a boutique marketing agency that offers services in three key areas: Marketing Strategy, Content Marketing, and Social Media Management. Our mission is to help clients from the East to West Coast share their stories for a healthier, smarter world. We engage with clients at all stages of the marketing process. For some, we start at the beginning by developing a playbook or strategy for their content or digital marketing platforms. For others, we step in to enhance existing content or marketing deliverables, ensuring they are data-driven, and strategically aligned.
What sets us apart is our curiosity. With a background of being surrounded by faculty and scientists, we understand the importance of digging deep to uncover the story. We are not afraid to analyze data because we believe the best plans are informed by patterns and trends. Additionally, our team has a strong passion for health, wellness, and education. We believe in simplifying your message to effectively communicate what your company does so people can truly benefit from it. We see ourselves as brand ambassadors dedicated to seeing your product or service thrive.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my career, I’ve leaned on several key qualities and skills that have shaped my journey. One of the most important is perseverance. This has been crucial as I’ve ventured into different industries, and tried out new things. When I started in communications and marketing, I interned at a marketing and PR firm, a news station, and a global medical device company. At the same time, I wrote for an on-campus blog and worked as a student event planner. Try everything once, right? Over time, I worked across various sectors, including higher education, financial services, and healthcare. Not being afraid to try new things has shaped my professional journey. I always believed that I would find the career path that was the right fit for me at the right time.
Creating opportunities for yourself is another skill I deeply value. For instance, I got into teaching by pitching a Digital Storytelling course to the chair of a university. I was nervous and had imposter syndrome, but this experience taught me that you shouldn’t create a “no” for yourself before you ask others. Always be proactive in seeking out new opportunities. This is the same principle I applied when I started my business. Initially, I took a few contract roles to get started and continuously looked for ways to pitch myself. Again, I was nervous, but if I hadn’t worked to refine this skill, fear would have held me back.
Being curious has also been a tremendous asset. My friends often tease me, saying, “You ask a lot of questions.” It’s true. Having interviewed people for stories for most of my life, it’s challenging not to be in that mode all the time. Now, I view it as my superpower for how I absorb things so quickly.
My advice to others is to be open to new things. Don’t get stuck on just one path; keep exploring to see what’s around the corner. Trying out new experiences can lead to unexpected career paths. And even if they don’t immediately, I guarantee you’ll meet some interesting people along the way!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has impacted me is “The Storytelling Animal” by Jonathan Gottschall. As a marketing and communications agency owner, storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and Gottschall’s insights have been incredibly valuable.
Gottschall explains that storytelling is a universal human trait (think back to hieroglyphics). This idea really hit home for me. Regardless of the audience, everyone connects with stories. It’s a reminder that our campaigns need to bridge gaps and create meaningful connections, no matter the demographic.
Another takeaway is that stories help us understand the world. This emphasizes the need to craft narratives that resonate with people’s experiences and emotions. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about telling a story that people can see themselves in. The characters, plot, and other elements are necessary.
Gottschall also talks about the persuasive power of stories. Facts and statistics are great, but stories engage emotions and imagination, making them far more compelling. A well-told story can transform a simple brand message into something more memorable and powerful. The best TV ads achieve this.
“The Storytelling Animal” shaped how I create content and helped me craft more engaging messages across channels. If you’re in marketing, or any field where communication is key, give it a read and see if it resonates with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellehacunda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.hacunda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehacunda/
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