Summary:

What happens when your world falls apart but you're still expected to lead? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Michelle Lybarger opens up about navigating one of the hardest chapters of her life—a divorce, a career pivot, and a cross-country move—all while holding space for her team. From hiding tears in the bathroom to showing up with strength and grace, Michelle shares the tools, mindset, and hard-earned wisdom that helped her lead through chaos without losing herself.

Chapters:

00:00 – Why failure is essential to learning

03:00 – Meet Michelle: HR leader, energy advocate, mascara warrior

06:00 – The messy moment that changed everything

09:00 – Putting on the face vs. faking it

12:00 – Control, chaos, and car pep talks

15:00 – Self-coaching and micro-habits for strength

18:00 – The power of keeping your story private… for a while

21:00 – The team finds out: transparency with intention

24:00 – Authenticity, boundaries, and emotional leadership

27:00 – The toolkit: yoga, breathing, music, and mindset

30:00 – From personal crisis to professional superpower

32:00 – Advice to younger leaders: grace, grit, and positivity

Host Alexa Beavers: linkedin.com/in/alexabeaverspmp

Guest Michelle Lybarger: linkedin.com/in/michelle-lybarger-7a9a13126

Executive Producer Jim Kanichirayil: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Music Credit: "Lost in Dreams" by Kulakovka