It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I appreciate the opportunity! My journey has been anything but traditional. I started my career bartending—yes, shaking up drinks and listening to people’s stories—before I landed a role at a Fortune 20 company as an inventory specialist. I knew that once I got my foot in the door, I could figure the rest out. And that’s exactly what I did.
Over 26 years, I climbed the corporate ladder, eventually earning a seat at the executive table. But here’s the twist—somewhere along the way, I realized I had lost myself. I was trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t designed for me, following the example of leaders who didn’t look like me or share my experiences. It took a moment of personal and professional reckoning for me to step back and say, “Wait a minute. I need to lead as me—unapologetically.” Once I embraced that, everything changed.
That realization didn’t just change my career—it became my mission. Today, I’m the Founder and CEO of MC Career Solutions, where I help ambitious women in leadership own their voices, step into their power, and advance their careers without losing themselves in the process.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Where do I start? Success often looks shiny on the outside, but behind the scenes, it’s a series of hard knocks, lessons, and resilience.
I help high-achieving women in leadership advance without burnout—whether that means securing executive roles, navigating workplace dynamics, or transitioning to entrepreneurship.
What sets me apart? I’ve lived it. I climbed from entry-level to executive in a Fortune 20 company, faced the burnout, the pressure to conform, and the unspoken rules of leadership. I learned that success shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.
Women don’t need to work harder—they need to position themselves smarter. I coach women to own their value, lead with confidence, and create careers that work for them, not the other way around.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in helping high-achieving women in leadership break through career plateaus and step into their next level—whether that’s landing an executive role, navigating workplace dynamics, or transitioning to entrepreneurship.
What sets me apart? I’ve lived it. I climbed from entry-level to executive in a Fortune 20 company, faced the burnout, the politics, and the “am I ready?” doubts. I know what it takes to succeed without losing yourself in the process.
Too many women believe burnout is just the price of success. It’s not. Leadership shouldn’t drain you—it should elevate you. I help my clients stop playing small, own their value, and create success on their terms. Because if working twice as hard was the answer, we’d all be CEOs by now.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working with intention and showing up like you already belong. Too many women think if they just grind a little longer, then they’ll get noticed. But here’s the truth: your value isn’t in how much you do—it’s in how you position yourself.
My best advice? Own your seat at the table—or build your own. Stop waiting for permission. Stop shrinking to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for you. The moment you start leading unapologetically is the moment you start winning.
And let’s be clear—burnout is not a strategy. Success should elevate you, not exhaust you.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
For me, success is freedom—the freedom to show up as my full, unapologetic self, do work that matters, and impact lives without sacrificing my well-being.
It’s also peace. I spent years in corporate chasing the next goal, the next title, thinking that was success. But real success isn’t just about climbing higher—it’s about doing it your way and actually enjoying the journey.
And most importantly, success is lifting as I climb. If I’m winning but not opening doors for other women, then I’m not truly successful.
What’s next for you?
Growth. Expansion. Impact on a bigger scale.
I’m taking MC Career Solutions to the next level—expanding my coaching programs to help more women step into executive leadership without burnout. I’m also building Lance Linder, a business that integrates leadership and wellness, because success shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being.
Speaking is a huge focus, too. More stages, more workshops, more women getting the strategies they need to own their careers. And yes—there’s a book on the way.
This next chapter is about helping women stop playing small and start leading with confidence, strategy, and intention. Because we’re not just breaking glass ceilings anymore—we’re building something entirely new.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I’d love to connect! You can find me on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelelance/ where I share career tips, leadership strategies, and no-nonsense advice for high-achieving women. I’m also on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/mic.lance/ sharing inspirational quotes, insights and real talk.
And of course, you can visit my website at www.mccareersolutions.com to learn more about my coaching programs and book a call.
