Michelle Helin

Michelle Helin has mastered the skills of provocative questioning and intuitive listening to uncover the hidden motivations behind how and why people - customers, employees, vendors and shareholders - make the decisions they do and take the actions they take. Her proprietary methodology and seasoned judgement in assimilating these findings yield powerful insights that enable companies to rapidly enter new markets, craft innovative strategies that drive new sales and forge enduring customer relationships.

In a multi-dimensional and richly varied career, Michelle's strategic research expertise was sharpened in senior management roles with Fortune 100 corporations analyzing and resolving critical roadblocks to their growth. From these "make or break" experiences, she gained a broad base of hands on knowledge overseeing strategic corporate functions that cross multiple disciplines including operations, sales, and marketing in industries as diverse as retail, hospitality, and entertainment. This wealth of experience shapes her unique perspective on creating the vision and leadership that builds successful companies.

Michelle has served as Vice President of Operations North America for Thomas Cooke Travel, Corporate Vice President of Special Services for ABC Television, Vice President of Sales for Continental Airlines, and Senior Vice President of Marketing for the $40 billion Sam's Club division of Wal-Mart Corporation. A true pioneer, Michelle was the first woman to hold each of these challenging positions. She is a popular speaker who frequently shares her passion and expertise with a wide range of professional groups and has been a guest lecturer for Smith College, Pepperdine University, and Rice University.

Her clients have included a Who's Who of multinational corporations as well as entrepreneurial start-ups and come from diverse industries. Michelle works with clients locally, nationally, and globally. She has conducted research in South America, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Russia, China, Japan, and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.