Transformational Speaker and Employee Reengagement Strategist helping leaders reconnect people to their identity,
strengths, and impact at work.
From hiding in the shadows to activating the awesome in others
My journey began as a young multiracial girl who often felt like she didn’t quite fit in. I spent years observing from the edges, unsure of my voice and looking to others for direction.
Over time, I realized something important.
Many people carry a similar quiet question into their workplaces.
Do I belong here?
Do I matter?
Do my strengths truly count?
After years of unlearning and rediscovering who I was, I began to reconnect with my own strengths and identity.
That journey eventually became the foundation for Activate the Awesome®.
Not as a motivational message, but as a practical approach to helping individuals and teams recognize the value already within them.
Michelle McKown-Campbell is a transformational speaker and employee reengagement strategist with more than 25 years of experience in human resources, recruitment, and leadership development.
During that time, she interviewed thousands of candidates, supported leaders through change, and witnessed firsthand what happens when talented people lose connection with their identity and strengths. That experience became the foundation for her work today.
After more than 25 years of interviewing and hiring across industries, Michelle understands what differentiates people who move forward from those who remain unseen.
Activate the Awesome® was created from a simple realization — organizations rarely struggle because people lack talent. They struggle when people lose connection with their strengths, their voice, and the impact they can make.
Michelle’s work helps individuals reconnect with that awareness.
Through experiential keynotes, interactive workshops, and leadership insights, participants discover their strengths, recognize the value they bring to their teams, and step forward with renewed confidence and ownership.
The result isn’t simply inspiration. It’s reengagement.
The Activate the Awesome® Approach
Michelle blends storytelling, reflection, and hands-on experiences to help audiences reconnect with their strengths and the collective potential of their teams. Her sessions are interactive, energizing, and deeply human, creating moments where people see themselves and their colleagues in a new way. Participants leave with renewed confidence, a stronger connection, and practical insights they can carry back into their workplaces.
Experiential Keynotes & Leadership Workshops
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
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
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
The Impact of Reengagement
Reengagement Starts With a Conversation
Tell me where you are. We’ll explore where you want to go.
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We’re so excited you reached out and will be in touch within 1-2 business days! You’re also welcome to schedule a virtual meeting.
Click here to view Michelle’s calendar and schedule your Zoom meeting.
Thank You!
