Women continue to break glass ceilings and forge new paths in leadership, but authenticity has increasingly become a cornerstone for those who aspire to not just lead but to inspire. Michele Lance, CEO and Founder of MC Career Solutions, embodies this principle through her remarkable journey from bartender to corporate executive and now to a champion for women in leadership.
Michele’s career spans over two decades at a Fortune 20 company, where she progressed from an entry-level inventory specialist to an esteemed executive. Throughout her ascent, Michele faced and overcame numerous challenges many women encounter in corporate environments—barriers of bias, self-doubt, and the delicate balance between staying true to oneself and meeting traditional leadership expectations. Her response to these challenges was to found MC Career Solutions, a firm dedicated to empowering women to lead with integrity, boldness, and, most importantly, authenticity.
From her early entry-level days to leading high-performing corporate teams, Michele developed what she refers to as a “Ph.D. in grit.” This unique blend of real-world experience and tenacity helped her break through the corporate ladder, challenging conventional norms and driving meaningful business results along the way.
Her efforts garnered her over 15 awards, including two prestigious Top 2% accolades, highlighting her exceptional performance and commitment to leadership excellence.
But Michele’s vision extends beyond personal accolades. She realized that to make a truly lasting difference, she needed to address the systemic barriers that hold women back. This realization led to the creation of MC Career Solutions, where Michele uses her extensive experience to develop leadership programs tailored specifically for women. These programs are designed not only to foster leadership skills but also to cultivate an environment where women leaders can thrive authentically and without compromise.
One of Michele’s key strategies is fostering an inclusive leadership style that values vulnerability and collaboration over the traditional command-and-control approach. Early in her career, Michele learned the hard way that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about building a team capable of finding them together. A pivotal moment came when a mentor advised her to embrace vulnerability, which transformed her approach to leadership. Michele began to focus on empowering her team, leading to improved performance and stronger trust within her ranks.
MC Career Solutions now stands as a guiding light for women navigating the often turbulent waters of corporate leadership. Michele’s programs emphasize the importance of authenticity—encouraging women to embrace their unique identities and leadership styles. This approach not only helps individual leaders but also reshapes corporate cultures to be more inclusive and supportive of diverse leadership styles.
Looking ahead, Michele envisions MC Career Solutions expanding its impact globally, reaching women at various stages of their careers, from young professionals to seasoned executives. She is particularly passionate about extending her influence to younger generations, helping them see leadership as an accessible and viable path regardless of their background or life experiences.
Michele’s commitment to authentic leadership is more than just a professional pursuit; it’s a personal mission rooted in her own experiences. She knows first-hand the challenges of rising through the ranks as a woman, and she is dedicated to ensuring that other women don’t have to face these challenges alone. Through speaking engagements, coaching sessions, and tailored leadership programs, she provides women with the tools they need to succeed and lead authentically.
The ripple effect of Michele’s work is profound. Women who participate in her programs report increased confidence, enhanced career opportunities, and a stronger sense of their professional identity. Organizations that embrace her principles see improvements in employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. It’s a testament to the power of authentic leadership and its potential to transform not just individual careers but entire corporate landscapes.
In a world that often pushes women to conform, Michele Lance’s message is clear: Stand out. Lead boldly. Be authentic. It’s a mantra that has guided her through her own career and one that she passionately passes on to others. As Michele continues to break barriers and empower the next generation of women leaders, her story and strategies are not just inspiring—they are transforming the way leadership is understood and enacted across industries.
For women looking to elevate their leadership journey, MC Career Solutions offers a path defined by authenticity and success. Discover more about how Michele and her team can help you unlock your leadership potential at MC Career Solutions.
Published by Drake M.
