Meet Michelle McCullough, CSP®

Helping Leaders
Stretch Their Teams
Without Snapping

Michelle McCullough knows what it takes to lead through challenge. As a workplace happiness expert and sought-after keynote speaker, she combines practical strategies with heartfelt inspiration to help leaders support their people, spark engagement, and build teams that rise stronger, without pushing them past the breaking point.

Where Research Meets
Real-World Business

Michelle McCullough is that rare combination of research-backed expertise and genuine “let’s make this happen” energy. As a keynote speaker and workplace happiness researcher, she’s driven by one fundamental question: how do we build teams that consistently perform at their best without burning out?

This isn’t just theory for Michelle – she dives deep into the science behind workplace happiness and high performance. She’s led groundbreaking research for the US Happiness Report and teamed up with generational expert Jason Dorsey to uncover what really drives team success. (Spoiler alert: it starts with happiness, but it’s definitely not “fluffy”.)

“Great leaders know how to stretch their team before they break. What are you doing as a leader to make emotional wellness your top priority?”

— Michelle McCullough

A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Michelle brings her fun, engaging style to organizations ready to stretch their teams’ capacity without reaching breaking point. She’s shared her practical strategies with forward-thinking companies like Goldman Sachs, Ancestry.com, and the Air Force Reserve – helping leaders build resilient teams that consistently deliver their best.

As CEO of DreamBoard Media and author of multiple bestselling books, Michelle gets the real-world challenges leaders face. Her insights have caught the attention of major media outlets like Good Morning America and The Today Show, but what really lights her up is seeing teams transform when they discover how to stretch, grow, and actually enjoy the journey together.

Make It Happen Blueprint

The Make It Happen Blueprint breaks down 18 essential traits of high performers into actionable steps that help you create success without sacrificing what matters most. Whether you’re leading a company or managing a household, this book gives you the tools to move from overwhelm to action and finally make your goals happen.

Why Work
With Michelle...

She Brings the Research (Without the Boring)

Her groundbreaking studies with the US Happiness Report give you science-backed strategies that actually work — delivered with energy that keeps your team engaged and taking notes.

Real-World Tested, Leader Approved

As a CEO herself, Michelle gets the challenges you’re facing. Her strategies have been battle-tested with companies like Goldman Sachs, Ancestry.com, and the Air Force Reserve — because theory is nice, but results are better.

No Fluff, Just Impact

Skip the “woo-woo” and generic “just stay positive” advice. Michelle delivers practical tools your team can implement immediately to stretch their capacity without reaching breaking point.

Authenticity That Resonates

When Michelle steps on stage, you get genuine energy and relatable insights that inspire action. No cookie-cutter keynotes or recycled corporate speak — just real strategies that transform how teams work together.

The ROI of Happiness is Real

Her research proves it: happier teams are more productive, innovative, and engaged. Michelle shows leaders how to translate emotional intelligence into bottom-line results — without sacrificing team wellbeing.

5 Fun Facts About Me

Want to know what makes me tick (besides research and resilience)? Here are five fun facts you won’t find in my official bio.

Disney Devotee 

My happy place? Disneyland. Because even happiness experts need their own slice of magic

Dr. Pepper Enthusiast

My fuel of choice? Dr. Pepper. Because every happiness expert needs their perfect pick-me-up

Happiness Hero

I followed in my mom’s footsteps of spreading joy — but traded wall quotes for research-backed strategies

Early Entrepreneur 

I launched my first business at 19, proving you’re never too young to make things happen

Science-Backed Napper

I firmly believe in the power of a good nap — and I have the research to prove it works

Discover How Emotional Intelligence & Resilience
Drive Results

Your leaders deserve more than survival mode. Equip them with the tools to build resilience, boost emotional intelligence, and elevate performance. Download Michelle’s latest research to see how small, intentional actions fuel productivity, strengthen communication, and deliver measurable business results.