ABOUT Michelle
Fierce & Free
Michelle is dedicated to sharing her insights and empowering others to take charge of their lives. Her speaking engagements are characterized by a unique blend of inspiration, practical advice, and storytelling. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, facing a difficult transition, or simply looking to take your life to the next level, Michelle can help you tap into your inner strength and become the hero of your own story.
My narrative is a chronicle of transformation, from enduring the darkness of abuse and the clandestine dangers of an underworld life to emerging as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.
At 21, entangled in a toxic relationship and navigating a life far from the adventurous dream my family believed, I faced unimaginable trials. The turning point came with a daring escape, propelled by the discovery of our American passports, igniting a quest for freedom for myself and my daughters. This harrowing journey back to the U.S. and the subsequent fight to reclaim my daughters from abduction taught me the profound lessons of resilience and the power of standing up against adversity.
Rebuilding our lives led me to the world of finance, where I found not just a career but a calling that resonated with my experiences of overcoming and planning for a better future. The discovery of motorcycle riding at 42 became a pivotal symbol of freedom and control, infusing my life with a newfound sense of empowerment and joy.
Now, over 50, I am a survivor and a guiding light in my roles as a speaker, writer, and mentor in inspirational and empowerment programs. My journey, made richer by the experience I gained working with disabled people in the non-profit sector, has culminated in a distinctive profession that combines business savvy with compassion to assist anyone seeking to overcome adversity and achieve lasting change.
These initiatives inspire individuals to find their inner strength, courageously embrace life's challenges, and confidently navigate their personal and professional journeys. Drawing upon my life's story and the metaphor of motorcycle riding, these programs offer practical strategies for resilience, self-discovery, personal development, and transformation.
Ride Your Inner Strength and Courage to Create the Life You Desire
Through my work, I strive to be a source of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to steer their paths toward freedom, self-empowerment, and dignity. My journey from surviving to thriving serves as the foundation for my mission, helping others navigate their lives with the courage, compassion, and confidence needed to leave a meaningful legacy and live a fulfilled life.
MY MOTTO IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE
“It doesn’t matter what or where you were,
you can begin again.”
SPEAKER
Helping audiences shift more powerfully into life’s challenges so they can be the hero of their own story.
WRITER
Creating resources to support others’ journeys of rise & renewal: Blogs, stories, everyday ideas, strategies, and coping skills.
WORKSHOP CREATOR
Create and facilitate interactive programs to mentor individual heroes’ journeys.
The Tapestry of Grief: Weaving Stories of Loss and Legacy
Michelle Trieste, renowned for blending financial wisdom with deep compassion, presents "The Tapestry of Grief," a keynote that harnesses the power of storytelling to navigate the complex emotions of grief. By sharing stories from diverse perspectives—teachers to financial planners and hospice workers to HR professionals—Michelle illuminates the universal nature of loss and the transformative potential of legacy planning. This session emphasizes storytelling as a tool for empathy, understanding, and connection. It offers practical strategies for professionals to support those in grief and incorporate these narratives to foster healing and resilience.
Learning Objectives:
Discover the role of storytelling in understanding grief and fostering connections.
Learn to use personal and client stories to guide meaningful conversations about loss and legacy.
Develop skills to integrate storytelling into professional practices, enhancing support for grieving individuals.
Practical Application: Attendees will learn to use storytelling in various professional contexts, bridging personal grief experiences and professional responsibilities and ultimately enhancing client and colleague support.
Takeaways:
Frameworks for storytelling that can be applied in conversations about grief and legacy planning.
Insights into how stories of loss and resilience can enrich professional practice and client relationships.
Strategies for creating supportive environments that recognize and honor the journey of grief.
The Essence of the Ride: What Sets Michelle Apart
Michelle believes that life's journey is about the destination and how you get there. It's about creating a legacy that mirrors your values and wishes, with the wind in your hair and the road open before you. Her focus on storytelling and personal connections adds a unique dimension to the journey, ensuring that it's not ridden in silence but filled with the voices and stories of those we love. Whether you're planning, supporting a loved one, or guiding others, Michelle is here to ride alongside you every mile of the way.
