In this episode, I welcome Michelle Dutro to the show. Michelle was a military veteran by the age of 22 and she joined the fire department at the age of 35. Michelle has always been determined to pursue her dreams. She has spent more than a decade working in a field of preventative medicine which has spurred her to emphasize the importance of good health. Her goal is to inspire and motivate others to pursue their passions in life.
On the way home from school in 7th grade, Michelle saw someone being bullied. She believes that witnessing someone being treated badly and not do anything about it is the most intolerable form of evil she can imagine. She vows never to allow another person go through what that person went through. It is her mission to be a voice for those who don’t have one.
Playing Small Moment
Michelle doesn’t feel she has a small moment; she just wants to help people find their special gift and follow their special purpose. She has been that way her entire life. She believes that not following a purpose in life is not an option. She helps people to remember what things they loved doing before society, parents, or culture got in the way.
The Wake Up Call
For Michelle, there was no landmark epiphany. She lives in a constant state of evaluation about how she can do better and how she can do more. She decided to become a firefighter because she felt it was the most effective way for her to help those who need it most. Analyzing how she handled emergencies led her to educate people on how to avoid emergencies in the first place. Michele knew her work should focus on prevention.
Style of Leadership
BOLD and confident. Michelle doesn’t mince words and she doesn’t hold back. She says there is a very big difference between being nice and being kind. She defines kindness as seeing someone for who they truly are and then helping them become who they need to be. Placating people through being nice only enables them to stay where they are or to play small.
Current Business Challenge
Michelle’s biggest challenge is the linear thinking required for paperwork. She is aware that being organized is not her gift and often finds herself putting these types of tasks on the back burner.
What Are You Excited About?
Michelle is excited to launch her online course and new book. It’s a life reboot for people who feel stuck or uncertain about why they are here in this life.
Book to Develop Leadership
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Advice For Younger Self
No matter what, believe that anything is possible. Don’t push away emotion.
Inspirational Quote
“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Links
Find more resources at: https://womentakingthelead.com/