Michelle Smith spent decades leading in the male-dominated world of action sports before walking away to launch her own coaching practice. Today, she helps ambitious women lead with clarity, set powerful boundaries, and define success on their own terms. In this episode, Michelle and Kara talk about corporate burnout, the lessons of managing people well, how to lead with presence, and the cost of staying silent. They explore self-trust, gender bias in the workplace, and what it really takes to juggle family and ambition. If you’ve ever felt like you're doing it all but losing yourself in the process, this conversation is a must-listen.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Breaking Into Action Sports as a Woman Leader

(00:03:00) Launching a Coaching Business for Women

(00:06:00) Confidence, Mentorship, and Building Presence

(00:08:45) From Yoga to Mindfulness to Coaching

(00:11:00) Boundaries at Work and at Home

(00:14:15) Self-Worth, Pay Equity, and Career Advocacy

(00:17:00) Trusting Yourself and Unlearning Perfectionism

(00:20:00) Relationships, Management, and Team Culture

(00:26:30) Redefining Leadership as a Woman

(00:30:00) Delivering Hard News and Having Tough Conversations

(00:33:45) Curiosity, Travel, and Growth

(00:36:30) What Makes a Powerful Lady

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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