Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? As a child, I was often labelled a crybaby, which made me feel weak and overly emotional, as if I wasn't equipped to handle the world. When I was just 8 years old, a doctor even prescribed Valium to "calm me down." Later on, I discovered that I have a temperament trait known as being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), a genetic characteristic. This trait is a double-edged sword; while it makes me super sensitive, it also endows me with deep empathy and intuition, qualities that are invaluable in my work.
Growing up with childhood developmental trauma and experiencing narcissistic abuse has driven me to embrace my sensitivity and use it to aid others. Now, I’m passionate about using my knowledge and personal experiences to help others on their healing journeys.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? Dr Wayne Dyer once said… “This life is not a dress rehearsal”. That really woke me up. I sold my house and most of my possessions, packed 2 suitcases and moved 6,000 miles away and it was a very liberating, cathartic experience.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Have the courage to live a life that’s genuinely yours, not one shaped by others' expectations. Strive for a balance between work and play—remember, all work and no play isn't just dull, it's not healthy. Express your feelings openly. Holding them in can make you sick, literally! Live authentically with boundaries and good intentions–it’s your key to a healthier, happier life.
What does success mean to you?Success for me is measured by the moments when I'm standing in front of an audience, my heart slows down, and I look at their faces and realise that my message resonates with them. My sweet spot!
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit?Much better than I used to! When I feel stuck or low, my motto is "Move the energy". It can be a phone call to someone who regulates me, walking in nature or getting on an aeroplane and going to a different country. Moving the energy always allows me to change my perspective and see things differently. The best combination for me in my toolkit is Pilates Reformer and singing! I use the Reformer three times a week and sing with a choir once a week and on my own when no one is listening! They keep me regulated and happy.
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? As the granddaughter of a US suffragette and founding member of the league of women voters in Baltimore, feminism runs deep in my veins. I'm a firm believer in the power of sisterhood and am thrilled to be surrounded by women-led businesses. There's nothing more inspiring than seeing women thrive and succeed. My greatest hope is for us to collaborate and support each other—because when we work together, there's no limit to what we can achieve!
60 Seconds with Michele Paradise
My inspiration is: Watching people heal and change. I see it every day in my work and it is my oxygen.
My greatest fear is: Not reaching my full potential before I die.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Sell my dream home and almost everything in it, pack 2 suitcases and move 6,000 miles away.
I am most proud of: The beautiful human beings my children have become.
Guiltless pleasure: I have no guilty pleasures they are all just pleasures without guilt.
Mantra I live by: Where focus goes, energy flows…
Female role model: Maya Angelou.
Women-led brand I love: I really love the brand that Brene Brown has built. It is generous, self-effacing and gives women, in particular, permission to be vulnerable, self-caring and express their emotions.
