January 30, 2026

81 - Motivation with Michelle Jackman

47 minutes

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In this episode of Physician Empowerment, Dr. Kevin Mailo speaks with Dr. Michelle Jackman, a Calgary-based pediatric obesity specialist, physician coach, and elite gravel cyclist, about sustaining momentum in medicine, leadership, wellness, and personal goals when the training is long and the rewards are delayed. They unpack the difference between inspiration and motivation, exploring the importance of clarifying your internal “why”. Internal motivation, comprised of values, meaning, and identity, tends to outlast external motivation, which focuses on validation, status, and expectations. Michelle Jackman explains that this is especially true during setbacks.

Dr. Mailo and Dr. Jackman examine how physicians are often driven by fear-based motivation and perfectionism, and how that can undermine performance and joy over time. Dr. Jackman shares practical strategies for shifting from harsh self-criticism to constructive self-coaching, a process that includes naming the “inner critic” and building self-awareness through curiosity, as well as practicing self-compassion. She highlights the often-missed performance tool of rest and recovery; practices like micro-meditations, journaling prompts, breathwork, yoga, and somatic awareness. They discuss resilience through setback planning and the value of building an “elite team” around oneself through support systems, such as mentors and coaching, that help sustain a meaningful long game.

About Michelle Jackman, MSc, MD, FRCPC, Pediatrics, Certified Executive Coach:

Over the past 25 years, Michelle Jackman has taken a few “scenic trips” on her path to a gratifying career in clinical Pediatrics—most notably a transition from General Surgery residency and a more recent move into Executive Coaching.

In 2020, Michelle worked with a physician executive coach. The experience was transformative and inspired her to pursue formal coaching training. She went on to complete her Executive Coach certification through Erickson International.

Michelle integrates coaching techniques into her clinical work as a practicing Pediatrician, collaborating within multidisciplinary teams and serving as a medical leader and educator. She finds this blend of coaching and clinical practice deeply gratifying and credits it as a catalyst for strengthening the effectiveness of care delivery for patients and their families.

Her Executive Coaching training has also supported greater satisfaction and alignment in her personal life—as a parent, competitive athlete, partner, and friend. In addition, Michelle is a Pediatric Obesity specialist and researcher with an MSc in exercise physiology, and she is qualified to support clients navigating decisions related to physical and mental performance goals.