Meet Michele

Michele Smith, Better Possibilities

The Shift Starts Here. I find that leaders often reach a point where gut and grit are no longer enough. You might have systems that once worked but now feel “off,” or perhaps you’re navigating a level of complexity that requires a completely different lens. I help high-achieving, heart-centered leaders move past that resistance to ask and answer: What needs to change?

My Philosophy: Perspective Shifts Everything I live by the words of Wayne Dyer: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change”. My vision for our work together is to help you move past resistance so that your leadership sharpens, your teams align, and results follow.

I founded this practice to be a catalyst for enduring change. My approach is both personal and profound; I tailor my workshops and sessions to bolster your team dynamics and align your individual goals with your strategic vision. Whether you are a CEO shaping strategy, a technical manager, or a woman charting a new course in leadership, I want you to experience personal pride and joy along the journey.

A Toolkit for Sustainable Growth Sustainable change requires more than just a conversation; it requires the right tools. I blend strategic insight with deep mindset work, integrating a diverse range of disciplines:

  • Executive Presence & Influence: Strengthening your confidence to lead in complex environments.
  • Lean Methodologies: Bringing efficiency expertise from my years in healthcare leadership and finance.
  • Mindset & Hypnotherapy: Clearing the subconscious roadblocks that hold even the highest achievers back.
  • AI-Based Support: Leveraging modern technology to enhance leadership impact and efficiency.
  • Certified Expertise: I am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a Prosci-certified Change Practitioner, and a DISC Consultant.

 

Beyond the Coaching Session When I’m not partnering with clients, you can find me hosting the Leadership Sound Bites podcast, where I share practical insights for the modern leader. I’ve had the privilege of working with federal agencies, private-sector companies, and national programs like SBA’s THRIVE, and I look forward to seeing what we can build together.

Coaching, consulting and facilitation that uncovers better possibilities in business and in life

Education

University of Phoenix
Master of Healthcare Administration, Clinical Informatics

University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Information Technology

Michele Smith, Better Possibilities graduated from University of Phoenix

Licenses & Certifications

Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

Certified Change Practitioner

Michele Smith, Better Possibilities licensed by UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education

Professional Coaching For Life & Work

Certified DISC Consultant

Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer & Speaker

Experience

Dec 2019 – February 2021

Director, Sutter Improvement System

Sutter Health

A key resource for driving performance improvement across the entities in the Valley Operating Unit.  Provided coaching and development to leadership and partnered in promoting and leading the development of continuous improvement capabilities across the enterprise.

Jan 2016 – Dec 2019

Sutter Improvement System Manager, Education and Standards

Sutter Health

Sacramento, California

A key resource for ensuring alignment and standardization across all entities and affiliates within the Sutter Health system. Standardized and delivered development for leaders, managers, and other staff relating to lean management system behaviors and competencies, providing tracking, publishing, facilitation, and leadership coaching/development.

Aug 2015 – Jan 2016

Senior Lean Consultant

Sutter Health

Sacramento, California

A key resource for driving a Lean-based management system across the organization. Part of a team responsible for teaching and coaching administrators, clinicians and front line staff on the application of Lean to solve organizational problems. Leads and manages affiliate and/or region-wide value streams and complex program-level initiatives. Supports the strategy deployment cycle and coaches senior leaders in the development of their Lean leadership competencies. Leads the development and execution of training and infrastructure for the Lean Promotion Office.

Aug 2012 – Aug 2015

Lean Consultant

Sutter Health

Sacramento, California

Coached strategy deployment associated with the Sutter Improvement System (SIS); Sutter’s Lean based management, organizational transformation, and improvement system. Accountable for activities associated with developing, implementing and sustaining the Lean management system; Value Stream Analysis, Kaizen events, Daily Management, and coaching/developing leaders around Lean mental models and behaviors.

Mar 2010 – Aug 2012

Finance Director

Sutter Health

Antioch, CA

Managed budget preparation activities ($187M), statistical reporting, financial forecasts, benchmark reporting, pre-close financial information, analysis of AR and Revenue, and GL distribution/mapping within MS4.

Jun 2006 – Mar 2010

Regional Accounting Manager

Sutter Health

Sacramento, CA

Nov 2003 – Jun 2006

Senior Accounting Analyst

Sutter Health

Sacramento, CA

June 1998 - Nov 2003

Accounting Analyst

Eastern Plumas Health Care

Portola, CA