Meet Michelle Harris Jefferson

We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Harris Jefferson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey shaped by both my passions and life experiences. It involved exploring what truly ignites my enthusiasm and aligning that with the impact I want to make in the world. Through introspection, trial, and error, I discovered activities and causes that resonate deeply with me, leading me to a clearer understanding of my purpose.

Alongside passion and life experience, I also considered my unique skill set. Identifying what I excel at and how I can leverage those strengths to contribute meaningfully helped me refine my purpose. By recognizing the intersection of my passions, life journey, and skills, I found clarity in my purpose and a sense of fulfillment in pursuing it.

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?
As a trauma and resilience consultant, I specialize in providing support and guidance to individuals and organizations navigating the complex terrain of trauma and resilience. My role involves assessing needs, developing tailored strategies, and implementing effective interventions to promote healing and growth. Through the creation of specialized professional development programs and a customized coaching and consultation framework, I am able to impact change in a meaningful way.

What’s truly special about being a trauma and resilience consultant is the opportunity to witness profound transformations and empower others to reclaim their lives after adversity. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to facilitate resilience-building processes and witness the resilience inherent in every individual as they journey towards healing and thriving.

As a business owner, I am deeply focused on extending my impact and reaching a broader audience through various channels. One of my key focuses is growing my YouTube channel, The HJ Way, where I share my life as well as valuable insights, tips, and strategies on personal and professional development. Additionally, I’m committed to assisting others on their journey to becoming successful consultants through my e-book, “Consulting 101: From Educator to Consultant the HJ Way.” By leveraging my experiences and expertise, I aim to empower aspiring consultants with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in their careers. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute positively to their growth and success.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful on my journey include:

Transparency about my own battles with trauma:
By openly sharing my personal experiences with trauma, I’ve been able to connect with others on a deeper level and create a sense of trust and authenticity. This transparency not only fosters empathy and understanding but also encourages others to seek support and embrace our resources and support in their own trauma-informed journey.

Creating systems and structures to make business efficient:
Implementing effective systems and structures within my business has been instrumental in streamlining processes, maximizing productivity, and ensuring consistent growth. Whether it’s developing standardized workflows, automating repetitive tasks, or optimizing resource allocation, these strategies have helped me operate more efficiently and effectively.

Using a planner:
Utilizing a planner has been essential in maintaining organization, staying focused, and managing my time and major projects effectively. By setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and scheduling dedicated time for important activities, I’ve been able to stay on track with my objectives and make steady progress towards achieving them. Additionally, using a planner allows me to maintain balance between my personal and professional life, ensuring that I allocate time for self-care and meaningful connections.

For those who are early in their journey and aiming to improve in transparency concerning their own journey, creating systems and structures for business efficiency, and utilizing a planner, here’s some advice:

Start by acknowledging and accepting your own experiences, and recognize that it’s okay to seek support and share your story. Practice vulnerability with trusted individuals or in supportive environments, gradually expanding your comfort zone. Remember that transparency fosters connection and empathy, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help or share your journey with others who may benefit from your experiences.

When it comes to systems and structure, begin by assessing your current workflows and identifying areas where inefficiencies or bottlenecks exist. Break down tasks into manageable steps and develop standardized processes to streamline operations. Utilize tools and technologies to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity. Regularly review and refine your systems based on feedback and evolving needs to ensure continuous improvement and scalability.

When using a planner system, start by choosing a planner that aligns with your preferences and needs (i.e Hourly, monthly, weekly, etc.), whether it’s a physical notebook, digital app, or combination of both. Establish a routine for planning and scheduling, setting aside dedicated time each day or week to review goals, prioritize tasks, and map out your schedule. Be consistent in updating and maintaining your planner, tracking progress, and adjusting plans as necessary. Experiment with different techniques and strategies to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to adapt and iterate as you go along.

Overall, remember that improvement takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Stay committed to your growth journey, seek support and guidance when needed, and embrace the learning process with curiosity and resilience.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I am actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with others professionally, particularly in areas where I can leverage my expertise in trauma-informed support and motivational speaking. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the types of collaborations I am interested in:

  1. Organizations seeking trauma-informed support:
    I am eager to collaborate with organizations committed to creating safe and supportive environments for individuals impacted by trauma. Whether it’s providing training and consultation on trauma-informed practices, developing resources and materials for trauma survivors, or offering guidance on policy development and implementation, I am dedicated to promoting healing and resilience within communities. I am particularly interested in partnering with educational institutions, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies striving to integrate trauma-informed approaches into their programs and services.
  2. Opportunities as a passionate motivational speaker:
    I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences to inspire and empower audiences to overcome adversity and unlock their full potential. I am seeking collaboration opportunities to speak at conferences, workshops, and events focused on personal and professional development, mental health, trauma recovery, and resilience-building. Whether it’s delivering keynote addresses, facilitating interactive sessions, or participating in panel discussions, I aim to engage and motivate audiences with authenticity, empathy, and practical strategies for growth and empowerment.
  3. Collaborations on conferences, summits, and similar events:
    I am interested in collaborating with event organizers, fellow speakers, and industry leaders to co-create impactful conferences, summits, and similar gatherings. Whether it’s contributing to program development, participating in thematic panels or workshops, or collaborating on promotional activities, I am committed to fostering meaningful connections and facilitating knowledge-sharing opportunities. I am particularly drawn to events that prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, and provide platforms for thought-provoking discussions, networking, and collaboration across diverse disciplines and sectors.

Overall, I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations who share my passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through training and consultation, motivational speaking engagements, or collaborative events, I am dedicated to advancing healing, resilience, and empowerment on both individual and systemic levels.

Like-minded individuals and organizations can connect with us via our website www.WhyWeLEAP.com. We would also love to connect via our YouTube channel the HJ Way www.YouTube.com/@TheHJWay

Contact Info:

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