Episode Summary

In this episode of Coffey Talk, I sit down with Michelle Serna, SVP of Revenue at TruNorth and Microsoft MVP, to talk about what it actually means to build something that does not yet exist.

Michelle has created four roles inside her organization by identifying operational gaps, proving value, and earning the political trust to formalize the function. From recovering millions in operational losses in her early twenties to leading revenue strategy across sales and marketing, her story is not about chasing titles. It is about building what the business needs before anyone asks for it.

We talk about leadership before recognition, cross-functional friction, burnout in high-achieving seasons, navigating motherhood during growth, and why community is essential if you plan to sustain momentum.

This conversation is about initiative, perspective, and the discipline required to lead without waiting for permission.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership often begins before formal authority
• Political trust determines whether new ideas get traction
• Cross-functional alignment requires shared language and empathy
• Burnout needs perspective and strong support systems
• Community makes sustainable leadership possible

👉🏻Contact information for Michelle Serna
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleserna1/
True North: https://trunorthdynamics.com/

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