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# Michelle McCullough, CSP: Experience the Power of Stretch Capacity

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- [About](https://speakmichelle.com/about/): Meet Michelle McCullough, CSP®
- [Home](https://speakmichelle.com/): Build Resilient Leaders, Create Happier Teams, and Foster Authentic Connections — One Small Step at a Time

## Posts
- [Proven Happiness Strategies](https://speakmichelle.com/proven-happiness-strategies/): In a recent conversation on The Lisa Show, I joined host Lisa Valentine Clark to talk about what the research actually says about happiness and why it matters more than most people think.
- [How to Train Your Brain to See Common Ground](https://speakmichelle.com/how-to-train-your-brain-to-see-common-ground/): It feels like everywhere we turn, the conversation is about how divided and polarized everything has become.
- [169. MiniCast: The Trust Reset: Rebuilding Team Confidence Without Breaking Them](https://speakmichelle.com/yq6hr4k1qquwjjixi2iqokzdmowype/): In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that affects every leader—broken trust. We all know trust can snap in an instant, but rebuilding it? That takes real intention. I’ll walk you through the Trust Reset framework I’ve developed to help leaders repair relationships and reengage their teams without blame or burnout.
- [The Trust Reset: How Great Leaders Rebuild What’s Been Broken](https://speakmichelle.com/the-trust-reset-how-great-leaders-rebuild-whats-been-broken/): Trust isn’t lost in a single moment. It slips away gradually through missed expectations, unclear communication, or broken promises. In today’s fast-paced workplace, especially with hybrid teams and constant change, trust has never been more fragile or more essential.
- [168. MiniCast: Not Burned Out, Just Bored: Why High Performers Leave and How to Keep Them](https://speakmichelle.com/i8hqlpg6r5urx64y7t5he6jwbilbmh/): Burnout gets a lot of attention in the workplace, but what about boredom?
- [How to Reduce Employee Burnout and Boredom ](https://speakmichelle.com/how-to-reduce-employee-burnout-and-boredomnbsp/): We talk a lot about burnout in leadership circles—and we should. But there’s another quiet threat to performance and retention that I see all the time in my work with organizations across the country: boredom.
- [Why Can’t Companies Retain Employees? How to Recruit and Retain Top Talent with Emotional Intelligence. — Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/why-cant-companies-retain-employees-how-to-recruit-and-retain-topnbsptalent-with-emotional-intelligence/): Want to retain and recruit top talent? It all starts with prioritizing emotional intelligence. In today’s competitive job market, fostering a strong company culture, workplace happiness, and trust is essential—and emotional intelligence is the key to achieving it.
- [What is the Difference between Coaching and Mentoring? Here’s what works best!  — Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/what-is-the-difference-between-coaching-and-mentoring-heres-what-works-bestnbsp/): Have you ever wondered what truly drives happiness and resilience in the workplace? Is it the guidance of a mentor, the strategic insights of a coach, or maybe a blend of both? Research from the United States Happiness Report provides compelling insights into this very question. According to the report, 65% of working Americans believe that having access to a success or executive coach would significantly enhance their happiness and ability to bounce back from challenges. Even more striking, a whopping 71% attribute these improvements to having a mentor within their organization.
- [Understanding Leadership Styles Across Generations: Key Insights for Building a Happier, More Resilient Workforce — Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/understanding-leadership-styles-across-generations-key-insights-for-building-a-happier-more-resilient-workforce/): As workplaces become more diverse, leaders are facing new challenges in managing multigenerational teams. My study on leadership and employee engagement provides valuable insights into how different generations perceive leadership styles and what makes them feel happy and resilient at work. Let's check it out:
- [Resilience in the Workplace: Why it Matters Now More Than Ever — Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/resilience-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-now-more-than-ever/): Let’s be real: the world isn’t getting any calmer.
- [167. Minicast: From Burnout to Bounce Back: How to Build Your Resilience Reserves](https://speakmichelle.com/49welznwi3teu5yl2k28pc1vju97pt/): Episode Summary:
- [Resilience in the Workplace: Why it Matters Now More Than Ever](https://speakmichelle.com/resilience-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-now-more-than-ever-2/): Let’s be real: the world isn’t getting any calmer.
- [166. MiniCast: Tips for Successfully Leading a Multigenerational Workforce](https://speakmichelle.com/hgozuma6tu15y6i54x8s5dyz7qhx7x/): Which generation claims to be the happiest at work? How does leadership style impact resilience across different age groups? In this episode, we reveal surprising stats from the 2025 Leadership and Engagement blueprint and explore what truly drives well-being on multi-generational teams. Tune in to find out what matters most to Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X—and why your approach to authenticity and adaptability as a leader could make all the difference.
- [Understanding Leadership Styles Across Generations: Key Insights for Building a Happier, More Resilient Workforce](https://speakmichelle.com/understanding-leadership-styles-across-generations-key-insights-for-building-a-happier-more-resilient-workforce-2/): As workplaces become more diverse, leaders are facing new challenges in managing multigenerational teams. My study on leadership and employee engagement provides valuable insights into how different generations perceive leadership styles and what makes them feel happy and resilient at work. Let's check it out:
- [What is the Difference between Coaching and Mentoring? Here’s what works best! ](https://speakmichelle.com/what-is-the-difference-between-coaching-and-mentoring-heres-what-works-bestnbsp-2/): Have you ever wondered what truly drives happiness and resilience in the workplace? Is it the guidance of a mentor, the strategic insights of a coach, or maybe a blend of both? Research from the United States Happiness Report provides compelling insights into this very question. According to the report, 65% of working Americans believe that having access to a success or executive coach would significantly enhance their happiness and ability to bounce back from challenges. Even more striking, a whopping 71% attribute these improvements to having a mentor within their organization.
- [Why Can’t Companies Retain Employees? How to Recruit and Retain Top Talent with Emotional Intelligence.](https://speakmichelle.com/why-cant-companies-retain-employees-how-to-recruit-and-retain-topnbsptalent-with-emotional-intelligence-2/): Want to retain and recruit top talent? It all starts with prioritizing emotional intelligence. In today’s competitive job market, fostering a strong company culture, workplace happiness, and trust is essential—and emotional intelligence is the key to achieving it.
- [Stretch Capacity: How to Identify and Push Your Personal Limits Without Burning Out](https://speakmichelle.com/stretch-capacity-how-to-identify-and-push-your-personal-limits-without-burning-out/): Ever feel like you're running on fumes, juggling a million things, and still trying to “do it all”? You’re not alone. But if that constant hustle has you feeling stretched thin, it’s time to check in with something I call your stretch capacity.
- [Why Emotional Intelligence is the Leadership Superpower We Need Now](https://speakmichelle.com/why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-leadership-superpower-we-need-now/): In a world still adjusting to the aftershocks of a global pandemic, remote work, and rapid advances in technology, one thing is clear: leadership is changing.
- [How to Unlock Workplace Success with Emotional Intelligence](https://speakmichelle.com/how-to-unlock-workplace-success-with-emotional-intelligence/): Success in today’s workplace isn’t just about meeting deadlines or checking boxes—it’s about cultivating the emotional intelligence and happiness that fuel long-term growth and fulfillment. If you’re ready to dive deeper into the strategies that can transform your career, I’ve got something special for you! Tune into this podcast where the incredibly talented Mary Crafts and I explore these topics in depth, including my groundbreaking research on workplace happiness.
- [Remote Work, Hybrid Models, and Employee Engagement: Building Happier, Resilient Teams](https://speakmichelle.com/remote-work-hybrid-models-and-employee-engagement-building-happier-resilient-teams/): Should your team work remotely, in the office, or hybrid? It’s a question many leaders continue to grapple with as work dynamics evolve. The latest research on remote work, hybrid models, and employee engagement offers surprising insights into what makes teams happier and more resilient—no matter where they’re located.
- [How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health and What Can We Do About It?](https://speakmichelle.com/how-does-social-media-affect-mental-health-and-what-can-we-do-about-it/): Feeling overwhelmed by social media? You're not alone, and this is your reminder that it’s okay to take a step back from your devices. I'm passionate about helping you build a healthier relationship with technology—one small, intentional step at a time - this month's podcast is no exception.
- [165. MiniCast: The Truth on How Social Media Impacts Your Happiness](https://speakmichelle.com/d8d857owc7xxz2dwx4e3lkb4w8jnbt/): Episode Overview: 
- [164. MiniCast: The Remote Work Debate](https://speakmichelle.com/ak331jroyuz1o18t3jd2yviprwsbp5/): Should businesses offer remote work, hybrid options, or require employees to return to the office? This week, I’m sharing research and offering insights for managers and business leaders to consider the answer to this question. While research shows that office-based employees often feel happier and more resilient, the desire to have a choice in work environments remains significant. Join today’s conversation as I discuss connection and collaboration across remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the importance of intentional team-building activities. 
- [163. MiniCast: The Impact of Coaching and Mentoring in the Workplace](https://speakmichelle.com/163-minicast-the-impact-of-coaching-and-mentoring-in-the-workplace/): Let’s explore the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in the workplace and their impact on both personal and professional growth in today’s mini episode. Drawing on findings from the United States Happiness Report, I discuss how these practices can foster happier and more resilient employees. In this episode, I share personal stories and unique examples of coaching initiatives, as well as actionable advice for integrating coaching and mentoring into your organization. Whether you're a leader or an aspiring mentor, this episode offers valuable guidance on building stronger, more successful teams.
- [162. MiniCast: Retaining and Recruiting Top Talent For Your Business](https://speakmichelle.com/162-minicast-retaining-and-recruiting-top-talent-for-your-business/): Episode Summary: 
- [161. MiniCast: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Workforce Productivity](https://speakmichelle.com/wc96pc9qk59lm7zhtvsa04boovlb89/): Episode Summary
- [Want to Improve Employee Productivity? Discover How to Increase Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace ](https://speakmichelle.com/want-to-improve-employee-productivity-discover-how-to-increase-emotional-intelligence-in-the-workplacenbsp/): It's the end of the year and no company wants a holiday slump. What's the best way to improve employee productivity? The answer may surprise you! 
- [160. Bridging Generational Gaps: A Conversation On Generational Diversity with Karen McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/160-bridging-generational-gaps-a-conversation-on-generational-diversity-with-karen-mccullough/): In today’s episode, Karen McCullough, a renowned generational diversity expert, joins me as we discuss the complexities and opportunities of multi-generational workplaces. We discuss the challenges leaders face when managing different age groups and the impact of changing communication styles, work-life balance perspectives, and technology. Karen shares insights drawn from years of experience working with top organizations like NASA, McDonald's, and World Bank, offering practical advice for thriving in workplaces powered by generational diversity. 
- [What Different Generations Want in the Workplace and How We Can Give it To Them.](https://speakmichelle.com/3ft2x9sm5q18few23rmgbb8hke1kmn/): Are generational differences influencing workplace happiness and leadership styles? Generational expert Karen McCullough and I agree: They do! We sat down together to explore how generational stories shape work ethics, leadership qualities, and approaches to happiness.
- [How to Create Your HappyIST Holiday Traditions Without the Stress! ](https://speakmichelle.com/how-to-create-your-happyist-holiday-traditions-without-the-stressnbsp/): If you are wanting meaningful holiday traditions without all the added pressure and stress, you’ve come to the right place! Join me for a conversation about creating the happyIST holiday traditions that can also bring peace and joy throughout the season. 
- [159. MiniCast: Strategies for Leaders to Improve Employee Happiness and Productivity](https://speakmichelle.com/so9c9c8f6e7gt5be9l2a4fdf0wyjtw/): Episode Overview
- [What is Low Employee Engagement Costing Your Organization?](https://speakmichelle.com/8virsgwjuv2gydarjjiz7lg8y55wgl/): If you had to look at the lack of productivity, what would you say is the cost to your bottom line?
- [158. MiniCast: 5 Toxic Leadership Traits that are Hurting Your Team Productivity](https://speakmichelle.com/5ik710no8himb6i3ycxd7k1ygn0jtn/): Episode Overview
- [5 Negative Leadership Traits that are Hurting Your Team Productivity ](https://speakmichelle.com/iefb4cx1ptq7p3nlal1vvr75xprrah/): Want to boost your team’s productivity but not sure how? This video is your secret weapon! We’re talking about how your leadership style might accidentally make your team feel unsupported or even uninspired. Sounds familiar? Don’t worry—you're not alone, and fixing it is easier than you think!
- [Three Ways to Build Resilience in the Face of Adversity ](https://speakmichelle.com/three-ways-to-build-resilience-in-the-face-of-adversitynbsp/): Hey there, today I'm sharing three ways to supercharge your resilience reserves in my latest minicast. We've touched on resilience and some of the tips might ring a bell, but I'm bringing a fresh perspective, complete with some eye-opening stats from our resilience study. 
- [157. MiniCast – Top Three Things You Can Do to Build Resilience Reserves](https://speakmichelle.com/157-minicast-top-three-things-you-can-do-to-build-resilience-reserves/): With life's constant challenges, building up your resilience reserves can make all the difference. In today’s MiniCast, I share my 3 favorite strategies to boost your mental and emotional strength which will aid you in tackling issues like overwhelm, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and mental health struggles. Don’t miss it.
- [Boosting Employee Engagement and Retention: Strategies for Today’s Leaders](https://speakmichelle.com/boosting-employee-engagement-and-retention-strategies-for-todays-leaders/): In today's world, it's no surprise that employee engagement is facing significant challenges. As leaders, whether you're a boss, CEO, or team leader, you might have noticed a dip in your team's performance compared to two or four years ago. You're certainly not alone. Many organizations are grappling with low employee engagement, especially with the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models. It's crucial to dive deeper into the root causes to find effective solutions.
- [156. MiniCast – Why Employee Engagement is Low and What We Can Do About It](https://speakmichelle.com/156-2/): Episode Overview
- [155. Monetizing Your Message with Lois Creamer](https://speakmichelle.com/6lm06p43nf1rgx29tvxyteemjkvzlz/): Join me in today’s episode where Lois Creamer, a renowned speaker and consultant in the speaking industry, and I have a conversation on monetizing your message and the strategies that can transform speaking engagements into lucrative opportunities. 
- [Discover the Secrets to Elevating Your Speaking Business with Lois Creamer](https://speakmichelle.com/discover-the-secrets-to-elevating-your-speaking-business-with-lois-creamer/): Are you ready to take your speaking career to the next level? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with the incredible Lois Creamer to dive into the must-know strategies for successful speaking. Whether you're an aspiring speaker or a seasoned professional, Lois shares insights that could reshape how you approach the industry.
- [Resilience is Not a Soft Skill: How to Boost Resilience in the Workplace](https://speakmichelle.com/resilience-is-not-a-soft-skill-how-to-boost-resiliencenbspin-the-workplace/): Kicking off this latest Youtube video with an insightful (and humorous) rollerblading mishap that taught me about resilience. Watch to see what I learned and how I have successfully applied it in the workplace to improve productivity, teamwork, and employee engagement.
- [154. MiniCast – Key Happiness Indicators and Generational Differences at Work](https://speakmichelle.com/5psp8ughmewiqgbbttbzsacocpvies/): To say that happiness requires an intentional pursuit isn’t new, but today I share insights from the 2024 U.S. State of Happiness Report that validates the idea that happiness requires you to be intentional. I discuss factors that influence happiness, while examining data on generational trends, that provide us with actionable steps to build connections and joy in everyday life. I share research that shows how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view happiness differently. It’s a good one!
- [How to Build Resilience: Understanding and Enhancing Your Stretch Capacity](https://speakmichelle.com/how-to-build-resilience-understanding-and-enhancing-your-stretch-capacity/): Hey everyone! Welcome to an exciting exploration of a concept that could genuinely transform your life – "stretch capacity." Just like the versatile rubber bands we use every day, we all have different levels of resilience and capacity for handling life's challenges. Imagine this: some rubber bands are large, some are small, but they all have their breaking points. Isn't that a powerful metaphor for our own lives?
- [Three Ways to be More Productive at Work](https://speakmichelle.com/three-ways-to-be-more-productive-at-work/): This week I sat down with Nicea DeGering from Good Things Utah on ABC4 to share three easy ways we can be more productive at work. Watch the full interview at this link to hear the strategies or check them out below.
- [153. MiniCast – Resilience is Not a “Soft Skill”](https://speakmichelle.com/pdbdfmfmixpxlo7h7tfj1fyz4ngzos/): In today’s episode, I’m sharing all there is to know about resilience and why it should be considered a critical skill in the workplace, not just a personal trait. I share how resilience impacts productivity, teamwork, employee engagement, and present research findings that debunk the myth that resilience is merely a 'soft skill'.
- [The Unhappiness Crisis: 4 Ways to Prioritize Joy and Find the Happy in Everyday](https://speakmichelle.com/the-unhappiness-crisis-4-ways-to-prioritize-joy-and-find-the-happy-in-everyday/): I loved talking with Brooke Walker on Studio 5 at KSL about happiness in life and business. Fun fact: this was my 64th TV interview and my 26th on KSL, but my first on Studio 5. Here’s a quick summary of our important discussion or you can jump to the end to watch the segment!
- [152. MiniCast – Money Can’t Buy You Happiness: Fact or Fiction?](https://speakmichelle.com/152-minicast-money-cant-buy-you-happiness-fact-or-fiction/): In today’s quick discussion, I take you back to my first taste of entrepreneurship as a kid. It was a fun experience that got me hooked on the idea of being my own boss. I learned some valuable lessons about money, happiness, and what gives life meaning—lessons that still resonate today. In this episode, I chat about how each of our financial situations affect our feelings, and the connection between a higher income and feeling more fulfilled. I answer the age-old question: “Can money really buy happiness?” with data I pulled from my 2024 State of Happiness Study. 
- [Key Insights from the 2024 United States Happiness Report: Shareable Infographic](https://speakmichelle.com/key-insights-from-the-2024-united-states-happiness-report-shareable-infographic/): Launching my latest infographic for the 2024 United States Happiness Report. It is packed with insightful statistics and significant findings about happiness in the workplace. Understanding how workplace happiness impacts productivity and overall well-being is crucial, and this infographic highlights key trends you won't want to miss.
- [151. MiniCast – Three Ways to Restore Your Resilience Reserves](https://speakmichelle.com/151-minicast-three-ways-to-restore-your-resilience-reserves/): Today I’m talking about "stretch capacity"—an analogy comparing your ability to handle the stressors and challenges of daily life to the elasticity of rubber bands. Join me as l discuss how everyone has different limits and how these limits are tied to resilience. 
- [Navigating Generational Differences at Work: Key Happiness Indicators](https://speakmichelle.com/navigating-generational-differences-at-work-key-happiness-indicators/): Do Gen Z/Millenials/Gen X/Boomers view happiness differently? Let's find out! Dive into the fascinating findings from the 2024 United States Happiness Report that puts how each generation approaches intentional happiness at work and home under the microscope. Discover that a staggering 77% of working Americans actively seek to enhance their daily happiness.

## Videos
- [What the 2024 State of Happiness Research Reveals: Why Happiness Matters](https://speakmichelle.com/video/what-the-2024-state-of-happiness-research-reveals-why-happiness-matters/)
- [Overcoming Challenges with Gratitude: Tips for a Happier, More Fulfilling Life](https://speakmichelle.com/video/overcoming-challenges-with-gratitude-tips-for-a-happier-more-fulfilling-life/)
- [Why Women Aren’t as Happy as Men & What We Can Do About It](https://speakmichelle.com/video/3146/)
- [Why Finding a Deep Sense of Meaning and Purpose in Life Matters](https://speakmichelle.com/video/3141/)
- [Why Finding a Deep Sense of Meaning and Purpose in Life Matters](https://speakmichelle.com/video/why-finding-a-deep-sense-of-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-matters/)
- [The Trust Reset: Rebuilding Team Confidence Without Breaking Them](https://speakmichelle.com/video/the-trust-reset-rebuilding-team-confidence-without-breaking-them/)
- [How to Utilize Coaching and Mentorship in the Workplace to Retain Top Talent](https://speakmichelle.com/video/how-to-utilize-coaching-and-mentorship-in-the-workplace-to-retain-top-talent/)
- [Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: Do This Instead!](https://speakmichelle.com/video/stop-comparing-yourself-to-others-do-this-instead/)
- [How to Create an Employee Engagement Action Plan that Actually Works](https://speakmichelle.com/video/how-to-create-an-employee-engagement-action-plan-that-actually-works/)
- [Michelle McCullough’s Award Winning Story “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure”](https://speakmichelle.com/video/michelle-mcculloughs-award-winning-story-one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure/)
- [Leadership Keynote – Michelle McCullough Leadership, High Performance](https://speakmichelle.com/video/leadership-keynote-michelle-mccullough-leadership-high-performance/)
- [How to Face Challenges in Life with The Plastic Bag Principle by Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/video/how-to-face-challenges-in-life-with-the-plastic-bag-principle-by-michelle-mccullough/)
- [Stretch Capacity – Leadership & Employee Engagement Speaker – Michelle McCullough 2025 Demo Video](https://speakmichelle.com/video/stretch-capacity-leadership-employee-engagement-speaker-michelle-mccullough-2025-demo-video/)
- [Silicon Slopes Utah Show: Why Emotional Intelligence is the Leadership Superpower We Need Now](https://speakmichelle.com/video/silicon-slopes-utah-show-why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-leadership-superpower-we-need-now/)
- [Mental Health Momentum, a Silicon Slopes podcast: Emotional Intelligence and Mental Wellness in the Workplace](https://speakmichelle.com/video/mental-health-momentum-a-silicon-slopes-podcast-emotional-intelligence-and-mental-wellness-in-the-workplace/)
- [Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts: Unlocking Happiness and Emotional Intelligence for Workplace Success](https://speakmichelle.com/video/crafting-a-meaningful-life-with-mary-crafts-unlocking-happiness-and-emotional-intelligence-for-workplace-success/)
- [Elevate: A Women’s Leadership Institute Podcast: Unlocking Workplace Happiness: Insights from Michelle McCullough](https://speakmichelle.com/video/elevate-a-womens-leadership-institute-podcast-unlocking-workplace-happiness-insights-from-michelle-mccullough/)