FROM SILENTLY HIDING
TO FINDING THE AWESOME AND IMPACTING CHANGE
A LITTLE ABOUT MY JOURNEY
My journey started as a young multiracial girl who felt like she never fit in. I didn’t realize it then, but my name was appropriate because I lived at the back of “my shell,” peering out from the safety of my comfort zone like a frightened turtle. I was terrified to put my hand up in class and rarely spoke up. Like many people, I had no idea who I was and looked for the answers from others.
Marianne Williamson wrote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” She’s right. It isn’t failure we’re afraid of; it’s success.
After years of running and hiding from myself (and morphing from a turtle to a chameleon trying to fit in), I finally learned to connect with my tapestry of awesome within. More importantly, I realized I was never meant to fit in. I was meant to stand out, shine bright, and be AWESOME!
Hey there, I’m Michelle McKown-Campbell! I’m a professional speaker, workshop leader, daughter, wife, and skater mom with over twenty-five years of HR experience.
Now, I understand activating the awesome is a life skill I have to use daily. These mindset shifts and daily practices transformed my life. Discovering, connecting, and being inspired by my tapestry of awesome has created amazing results. The ongoing process helps me accept (and celebrate) who I am.
I founded Activate the A.W.E.S.O.M.E.® because every human deserves to feel safe, seen, respected, and worthy of a successful future while knowing they are awesome! We ALL have a tapestry of awesome held within us TODAY!
When we activate the awesome, something incredible happens. We start believing our dreams are possible and take action. In my workshops and coaching, we focus on more than your strengths. We tap into every part of you — the good, bad, downright ugly, and incredible — recognizing the unique tapestry of who you are is 100% awesome!
Sure, there are setbacks along the way. But pairing self-confidence with skills to overcome setbacks keeps us on the path to success. Activate the A.W.E.S.O.M.E.® is a circular framework that continually grows and changes, just like you and your journey. The more you apply it to your daily life, the more you approach life with confidence. And that confidence leads to phenomenal results!
Leads to Phenomenal Results
The “Be Yourself and Activate the Awesome” Approach
Now, I understand activating the awesome is a life skill I have to use daily. These mindset shifts and daily practices transformed my life. Discovering, connecting, and being inspired by my tapestry of awesome has created amazing results. The ongoing process helps me accept (and celebrate) who I am.
I founded Activate the A.W.E.S.O.M.E.® because every human deserves to feel safe, seen, respected, and worthy of a successful future while knowing they are awesome! We ALL have a tapestry of awesome held within us TODAY!
When we activate the awesome, something incredible happens. We start believing our dreams are possible and take action. In my workshops and coaching, we focus on more than your strengths. We tap into every part of you — the good, bad, downright ugly, and incredible — recognizing the unique tapestry of who you are is 100% awesome!
Sure, there are setbacks along the way. But pairing self-confidence with skills to overcome setbacks keeps us on the path to success. Activate the A.W.E.S.O.M.E.® is a circular framework that continually grows and changes, just like you and your journey. The more you apply it to your daily life, the more you approach life with confidence. And that confidence leads to phenomenal results!
Phenomenal Results
The “Be Yourself and Activate the Awesome” Approach Leads to
No one likes listening to boring speakers with endless, self-promoting slide decks (AKA PowerPoints for those of us who remember life before the Internet). I blend relatable stories with hands-on activities because play helps people of all ages, cultures, and learning abilities understand (and apply) information. We’re never too old to have a little fun, especially at work!
& Interactive Workshops
Engaging Keynotes
Michelle lit up the room at NAWBO Charlotte and left a lasting impression on our attendees. She had us on our feet, using our voices, and engaging with each other. Michelle gave us a path to self-motivation and confidence. I highly recommend Michelle's workshop if you want to re-engage your team and inspire them to take action!
Michelle has a natural ability to inspire — whether she’s presenting, coaching, or simply engaging in a one-on-one conversation. She brings clarity, confidence, and heart into every space she enters, and her commitment to empowering women and strengthening our community is unmatched. If you are looking for someone who can ignite your team, transform your mindset, elevate your purpose, and make an unforgettable impact, I cannot recommend Michelle highly enough. She is an exceptional presenter, an inspiring coach, and a powerhouse leader who truly makes people better.
LINK Lake Norman Founder
Jaime Lane
About Working With Me
What People Say
Corporate Workshop Facilitator
Cara Truitt
This has been a year full of growth and explosion due to Michelle’s program. I began Activate the Awesome in January 2025. Michelle reminded me that there is Awesomeoness in each of us, and I used mine to gain the momentum needed to tackle speaking engagements, workshops and, would you believe, a TEDx talk. With the Awesome program, I had a visual guide I created with Michelle, we had quarterly meetings to share wins and schedule new ones. If I hadn’t taken the Activate the Awesome Program, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Fogle Insurance Group Personal Lines Account Manager
Kim Coleman
Michelle lit up the room at NAWBO Charlotte and left a lasting impression on our attendees. She had us on our feet, using our voices, and engaging with each other. Michelle gave us a path to self-motivation and confidence. I highly recommend Michelle's workshop if you want to re-engage your team and inspire them to take action!
Corporate Workshop Facilitator
Cara Truitt
Michelle has a natural ability to inspire — whether she’s presenting, coaching, or simply engaging in a one-on-one conversation. She brings clarity, confidence, and heart into every space she enters, and her commitment to empowering women and strengthening our community is unmatched. If you are looking for someone who can ignite your team, transform your mindset, elevate your purpose, and make an unforgettable impact, I cannot recommend Michelle highly enough. She is an exceptional presenter, an inspiring coach, and a powerhouse leader who truly makes people better.
LINK Lake Norman Founder
Jaime Lane
This has been a year full of growth and explosion due to Michelle’s program. I began Activate the Awesome in January 2025. Michelle reminded me that there is Awesomeoness in each of us, and I used mine to gain the momentum needed to tackle speaking engagements, workshops and, would you believe, a TEDx talk. With the Awesome program, I had a visual guide I created with Michelle, we had quarterly meetings to share wins and schedule new ones. If I hadn’t taken the Activate the Awesome Program, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
As a speaker, Michelle McKown-Campbell takes the stage with grace and purpose, leaving the audience with takeaways that propel them forward in work and relationships. Michelle shows the audience how to say, “Yes, I can!” If you want electric with a purpose, Michelle is your Awesome speaker. I recommend her everywhere I go.
TEDx Speaker and Personal Lines Account Manager at Fogle Insurance Group
Kim Coleman
About Working With Michelle
What People Say
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