Inspiring Women with Betty Collins - -: Michelle Madden

🔖 Titles

1 / 1

1. From Homeless Teen to CEO: Michelle Madden on Empowering Women Leaders at Epic 2. Scaling New Heights: Michelle Madden’s Journey to the Top and Building Future Women Leaders 3. Claiming Your Seat at the Table: Michelle Madden’s Story of Grit, Growth, and Leadership 4. Leading with Passion: Michelle Madden on Driving Change and Diversity for Women in Leadership 5. Overcoming Barriers: How Michelle Madden and Epic Empower Teams and Advocate for Inclusion 6. Creating Impact: Michelle Madden’s Path from Struggle to CEO and Inspiring Women to Lead 7. Turning Adversity Into Leadership: Michelle Madden’s Unstoppable Climb to CEO of Epic 8. Empowering Women to Lead: Michelle Madden’s Principles for Scaling and Inclusive Leadership 9. Building Bold Leaders: Lessons from Michelle Madden’s Journey to the Epic Executive Table 10. Breaking Through Fear: Michelle Madden on Innovation, Advocacy, and Women Owning Their Worth

💬 Keywords

1 / 1

women in leadership, scaling up, women empowerment, creating a seat at the table, women CEOs, Michelle Madden, Epic agency, disability care, leadership journey, professional growth, innovation in organizations, empowering teams, overcoming barriers, belonging at work, personal growth, workplace culture, succession planning, advocating for yourself, mentorship, resilience, taking initiative, women's career development, female role models, confidence building, workplace diversity, HR leadership, building a leadership pipeline, transformation, rebranding, personal board of directors

💡 Speaker bios

1 / 2

Betty Collins is a remarkable woman whose story exemplifies resilience and determination. Over the past three to four years, she has embarked on a journey dedicated to empowering women, especially those striving to move from the very bottom to the top. Betty is no stranger to challenges—she has scaled many hills, faced setbacks, persevered, and fought to earn her seat at the table. As a leader who deeply understands what it takes for women to succeed in today’s world, Betty inspires others by sharing not only her achievements but also the drivers and motivations behind her success. Her journey is one of relentless ambition and unwavering commitment to helping women reach new heights.

ℹ️ Introduction

1 / 1

On this episode of Inspiring Women with Betty Collins, we're diving into the incredible story of Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Michelle’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—from her humble beginnings as a young woman facing homelessness at 17, to leading an organization that provides 24/7 care for individuals with disabilities. Betty and Michelle have known each other for years, and their conversation is filled with wisdom on what it truly means to scale up as a woman in leadership. Michelle shares candidly about the importance of taking initiative, creating your own seat at the table, and fostering a culture of innovation and belonging at Epic. You'll hear how her lived experiences shaped her compassionate but bold leadership style, and why advocating for yourself and others—especially in tough moments—can lead to real change. This episode is packed with inspiring advice for women at every stage of their careers, especially those ready to step into leadership roles and empower the next generation. If you’re looking for a dose of courage and actionable strategies, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

📚 Timestamped overview

1 / 2

00:00 From Park Bench to CEO

04:26 Intuition and Decision-Making Discomfort

06:36 "Initiative Leads to Recognition"

11:45 "Epic's Rebranding and Mission Focus"

16:05 "Mentor's Retirement Concerns"

19:02 Persistence in Political Ambitions

22:25 "Listening and Confidence in Asking"

22:57 Empowering Frontline Female Leaders

27:38 Empowering Women Through Mentorship

30:07 "Embrace Change, Evolve Consciously"

32:49 "Embracing the Journey"

❓ Questions

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here are 10 discussion questions inspired by the episode featuring Michelle Madden on "Inspiring Women with Betty Collins." These questions are designed to spark meaningful conversation, reflection, or group dialogue. 1. **Michelle Madden shares her experience of coming from humble beginnings and overcoming significant adversity. How do you think these early life challenges shaped her leadership style and approach to her work?** 2. **Michelle talks about the importance of taking initiative and "leading without a title." Can you recall a time in your own life or career when you stepped up without being asked, and what was the outcome?** 3. **One of Epic’s core values is “belonging.” What does a true sense of belonging in the workplace look like to you? How can leaders create this environment for their teams?** 4. **Michelle discusses the moment she claimed a seat at the table by taking action instead of waiting for permission. Why do you think women sometimes hesitate to take these kinds of steps? What advice would you give to someone struggling with this?** 5. **Both Betty and Michelle touch on the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you and who might even be “smarter than yourself.” How has mentorship or peer support helped you grow personally or professionally?** 6. **The episode highlights the need for succession planning and building up future leaders. What are some practical ways you (or your organization) could invest in developing the next generation of leaders, especially women?** 7. **Michelle mentions the concept of “personal board of directors.” Who would you want on your personal board, and why? What roles do these people play in your growth?** 8. **In advocating for her own seat at the table, Michelle encountered people who doubted her abilities, including a colleague who said she could never be CEO. How do you respond to naysayers or people who underestimate you?** 9. **Michelle’s mantra is, “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” How does this idea resonate with you? Can you think of an area in your life where you need to embrace change rather than settling for the status quo?** 10. **After listening to Michelle’s story of rising from homelessness to CEO, what inspires you most about her journey? How might her example influence your own approach to challenges and opportunities?** These questions are great for personal reflection, team discussions, or book club-style gatherings centered around female empowerment and leadership.

❇️ Key topics and bullets

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of primary topics covered in this episode of **Inspiring Women with Betty Collins** featuring Michelle Madden. Each main topic is followed by detailed sub-topics discussed throughout the conversation. --- ### 1. **Introduction to the Guest and Her Work** - Background of Betty Collins’ relationship with Michelle Madden - Overview of Michelle’s role as CEO of Epic - The mission of Epic: caring for individuals with disabilities needing 24/7 support - Michelle’s passion for her work and her advocacy --- ### 2. **Michelle Madden’s Personal Story and Journey** - Michelle’s humble beginnings: experiences with welfare, abuse, neglect, and homelessness - Overcoming adversity and becoming a young mother and wife - Success of her family: children’s professions and family dynamics - Reflection on how her past shaped her present --- ### 3. **The Importance of Creating a Seat at the Table** - Michelle’s early career experience realizing the impact of decision-makers who lacked input from those affected - The moment she decided to act without asking permission and brought solutions forward - Discovering the value of leading without a title - Building self-worth and belonging in professional spaces --- ### 4. **Leadership Values and Approaches** - Taking initiative and solving problems as a leadership strategy - The importance of “belonging” as a core value - Balancing assertiveness with perception as a woman in leadership roles - Recognizing the difference between being an investment versus an expense to an organization --- ### 5. **Organizational Culture at Epic** - Michelle’s 20-year journey within Epic, culminating in her CEO role during the pandemic - How the pandemic shaped her as a leader and spurred innovation - Epic’s rebranding process: involving all stakeholders, not just focusing on marketing but also on core identity and mission - Epic’s five core values: belonging, authenticity, transformation, community - Practice of difficult conversations and inclusivity in decision-making --- ### 6. **Advocating for One’s Place in Leadership** - Michelle’s experiences advocating for her own seat, including being passed over for CEO at first and learning from the process - The importance of continuous learning and stepping up even if initially unsuccessful - Navigating doubt and the decision to persist or redirect one’s efforts - The significance of mentorship and personal growth --- ### 7. **Advice for Women Aspiring to Leadership** - Encouraging women to own unresolved problems and become the go-to problem solver - The value of imitation, learning from others, and giving credit - Building a “personal board of directors” for honest feedback and support - Confidence to ask for advancement or opportunity (“the worst you’ll be told is no”) - Teaching and encouraging direct reports to also ask, advocate, and take risks --- ### 8. **Developing Future Leaders and Succession Planning** - The importance of developing others within the organization to fill leadership roles - Concrete examples of mentorship, leadership pipeline, and investment in staff growth - Building consistency and organizational culture through future leaders --- ### 9. **Role of Personal Mantras and Motivation** - Michelle’s habit of sending out motivational messages—her “Monday Motivational” - Her guiding mantra: “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing” - Emphasis on continual evolution in leadership and organizational practice --- ### 10. **The Broader Message: Women at the Table** - The necessity of more women participating in leadership and decision-making - The unique value women bring to leadership conversations - Encouragement for women to step into rooms where decisions are made and claim their place --- Let me know if you want to explore any of these topics in more detail or need quotes from particular parts of the transcript!

🎞️ Clipfinder: Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps

1 / 2

Michelle Madden 00:02:25 00:03:30

From Homelessness to CEO: "I am a product of welfare, survived abuse and neglect as well as homeless at 17, sleeping on a park bench, you know, and then being taken in and couch hopping for a couple year, about a year and a half, you know, so. And then becoming a young mother and wife, blessed with two amazing children."

Michelle Madden 00:05:15 00:05:16

Viral Topic: Decision-Making and Representation
"This can't happen."

Michelle Madden 00:06:08 00:06:35

Thinking Outside the Box at Work: "Not all my solutions came to fruition, but I became then a go to person for somebody thinking outside the box. And I created that space. And that was, you know, I was afraid, not going to say I wasn't, I was, I was early in my career. I worked for a difficult CEO at the time, but I felt good. And I think sometimes that's more important than just doing what you're told."

Michelle Madden 00:11:25 00:11:41

Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic: "I would not be the leader I am today without going through the pandemic. Right. I would have probably been slower to make innovative changes, things of that nature and having some really hard conversations. It really made me a little grittier and I needed that."

Michelle Madden 00:11:45 00:12:32

Viral Topic: The Power of Rebranding and Stakeholder Involvement
Quote: "And during that rebranding, really got all stakeholders involved in DSPs, families, individuals, serv, you know, administration, myself, and really finding and developing who we were and what we were not."

Michelle Madden 00:16:42 00:16:45

Viral Topic: The Misconception About Leadership and Empathy
"Well, Michelle, you can't be the CEO. You're a people person."

Michelle Madden 00:23:44 00:23:48

Empowering Young Leaders: "I'm a little proud of this because this is what I, this is what I wanted her to do."

Michelle Madden 00:27:03 00:27:16

Building Future Leaders: "Who can we pour into that are our future leaders? Who can we send to a leadership launchpad as a DSP that down the road, maybe three, six months, a year from now, two years from now, five years from now could be a leader?"

Michelle Madden 00:30:28 00:30:48

Viral Topic: Embracing Personal Growth
"if you're not changing your choosing because you evolve, you know, Michelle madden that was 17 years old laying on a park bench is not the same Michelle Madden who's sitting in the big chair. It doesn't mean it doesn't have the same. There's not similarities. But you evolve and you know, that's okay."

Michelle Madden 00:31:24 00:31:29

Viral Topic: The Power of Community
"The more trusted people I have around that table, the bolder things I can do?"

🎬 Reel script

1 / 1

On today’s episode of Inspiring Women with Betty Collins, we sat down with Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic, who shared her incredible journey from overcoming homelessness and adversity to leading a thriving organization that cares for those with disabilities. Michelle dove into what it really takes to create your own seat at the table, the power of leading with authenticity, and the importance of developing and empowering the next generation of women leaders. If you’re ready to unlock your potential and take bold steps in your career, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here’s a LinkedIn post based on the transcript from the "Inspiring Women with Betty Collins" podcast featuring Michelle Madden: --- 🌟 Just listened to the latest episode of “Inspiring Women with Betty Collins,” featuring the incredible Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Michelle’s journey—from humble beginnings, overcoming homelessness, and personal adversity, to leading an organization that champions care for people with disabilities—is both moving and empowering. She shared so many valuable insights on leadership, scaling up, and building a team culture rooted in belonging and boldness. Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone striving to claim their seat at the table: 🔹 **Lead Without Waiting for Permission:** Don’t wait to be asked! Michelle’s advice: See a problem? Step up and solve it. Initiative and solutions-focused thinking earn that seat at the table. 🔹 **Build a Culture of Belonging:** Epic’s success is rooted in its inclusive culture, which values authentic voices and tough conversations. True innovation happens when everyone feels they belong and can contribute. 🔹 **Prepare Others for the Table:** Real leadership is about succession—investing in future leaders and making space for others to rise. Michelle’s approach to mentorship ensures others have the chance to scale up, too. Michelle’s story is proof that resilience, intentionality, and advocacy can turn even the toughest beginnings into inspiring leadership. 💪✨ Give this episode a listen if you want motivation to own your ambition—and help others find theirs! #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #InspiringWomen #PodcastTakeaways --- Feel free to adjust the hashtags or add your own reflections!

🗞️ Newsletter

1 / 1

Subject: From Park Bench to Boardroom: Michelle Madden’s Inspiring Journey Hi there, Welcome back to Inspiring Women with Betty Collins! We’re excited to bring you another uplifting story that showcases grit, determination, and the transformative power of leadership. If you haven’t had a chance to listen in, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. **This Week’s Guest: Michelle Madden, CEO of EPIC** Michelle Madden’s path to the top is anything but typical. From facing homelessness at 17 to becoming the CEO of EPIC—a leading provider for people with disabilities—Michelle’s story is a testament to perseverance, heart, and seizing opportunities when they arise. **Key Takeaways from this Episode:** - **Owning Your Seat at the Table** Michelle didn’t wait for permission to lead. Early in her career, she recognized problems, gathered the data, and fearlessly brought solutions—claiming her seat at the table rather than waiting for an invitation. - **Belonging and Boldness** At EPIC, Michelle fosters a culture grounded in belonging, authenticity, transformation, and community. She believes when women know they deserve to be in the room, and bring their receipts, they become undeniable forces for change. - **Building Teams and Leaders** Michelle credits her success not just to her own drive, but to the incredible team she’s helped develop—most of whom rose from within, regardless of formal education. “The more trusted people I have around that table, the bolder things I can do,” she says. - **Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders** If you’re in the room but not yet at the table, Michelle urges you to own a problem no one else wants, ask questions, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. She reminds us: “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” - **Empowering the Next Generation** Michelle is intentional about mentoring future leaders, making succession planning an ongoing conversation. Her story proves that investing in others multiplies your own impact. **Favorite Quote from Michelle:** “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing… You can make bolder and braver choices with the more people you have around that table.” Whether you’re working your way up or guiding others to grow, Michelle’s journey offers practical wisdom and inspiration for every step. **Listen to the full episode** to dive deeper into Michelle’s incredible journey, learn how she turned adversity into strength, and find encouragement to scale your own heights. Thank you for being a part of our community of inspiring women (and champions of women)! Wishing you courage and connection this week, Betty Collins Host, Inspiring Women P.S. If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs a little extra encouragement to claim their seat at the table! --- *The full transcript for this episode is attached for your reference.*

🧵 Tweet thread

1 / 1

🚀 THREAD: From Park Bench to CEO – Lessons in Leadership & Belonging with Michelle Madden 🔥 🧵1/ Meet Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic – a woman whose journey takes her from sleeping on a park bench at 17 to leading an agency caring for people with disabilities, 24/7. Her story is packed with grit, innovation, and practical advice for #Leadership. 👇 2/ Michelle's childhood? Humble beginnings. Welfare. Survived abuse. Couch-hopped as a teen. Became a young mom. But instead of letting circumstances define her, she CHOSE to level up. Her words: "I have just always wanted better." 3/ How did she go from “outsider” to “someone who sits at the table”? By refusing to wait for permission. She saw problems, did the work, brought data AND solutions, and *claimed* her seat – even when it was uncomfortable. 4/ Key Lesson: "Lead without a title." Don’t wait for the invite. Show up, solve problems, and become undeniable. You can be the rising star just by being the go-to problem solver. 💪 5/ Michelle's Mantra: BELONGING. “Show up like you belong. Bring receipts. Be undeniable. If you believe you deserve to be there, things change.” 6/ Got fear? She did too. Here’s the kicker: Confidence often comes AFTER you act, not before. “I went in not confident. I had some fear. But I saw a problem and I solved it.” 7/ On building teams: At Epic, 95% of her leadership started from the bottom. Some don’t have degrees. What matters? Core values: Belonging, Authenticity, Transformation, and Community. Epic doesn’t just say it – they live it daily. 8/ Innovation isn’t just about new ideas, but hard conversations. "We design spaces where voices are heard. We stay for the difficult back and forth. That’s where the magic—and change—happens." 9/ Succession and empowering others: Michelle invests in her team, making sure SHE isn’t the only one at the table. “I don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. I need to ensure the right *people* are at the table.” 10/ Her advice to women who want that seat: - Own difficult problems. - Be a “sponge”—learn, imitate, GIVE CREDIT. - Build your “personal board of directors.” - ASK for what you want – the worst answer is no. 11/ Favorite teaching moment: When a young supervisor boldly asked for a raise. At first, Michelle balked, but then remembered: This is *exactly* the kind of courage she wants to foster in her team. Risk sometimes leads to greatness. 12/ Her mantra: “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” Don’t settle for ‘this is how we’ve always done it.’ Evolve. Expand the table. Surround yourself with trusted people, so you can make bolder, braver moves. 13/ Always remember: No one values you like YOU do. If you want that seat at the table, know you belong – and then help others get there, too. Michelle Madden’s story is proof you can scale from ANY starting point. 🔥 Save this thread for whenever you need a reminder to claim your seat! #womeninleadership #InspiringWomen #CareerGrowth — If you found this inspiring, RT & follow for more real-world leadership stories! 💥

🪡 Threads by Instagram

1 / 1

1. Real leadership is about claiming your seat at the table—even if nobody invited you. Michelle Madden shares how taking initiative, not waiting for permission, made all the difference in her rise to CEO. 2. At Epic, authentic culture is more than a slogan—it's in daily practice. Michelle challenged her team: Who are we, and who are we not? Defining your values shapes the table you build for others. 3. Want to lead? Solve problems others avoid. Michelle Madden says owning difficult issues, asking the hard questions, and showing up with solutions earns your place in any room. 4. Uplifting women means investing in mentorship and succession. Michelle’s proudest moments come from seeing her team rise: “Who are you developing to fill your seat when you move on?” 5. Don’t wait for someone to notice your worth. As Michelle puts it, nobody values you like you do. Advocate for yourself, ask for what you want, and surround yourself with honest, inspiring people.

📓 Blog Post

1 / 1

**Title:** Claiming Your Seat at the Table: Lessons in Leadership from Michelle Madden **Subheader:** From humble beginnings to CEO, Michelle Madden’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, advocacy, and building a culture of belonging. --- ### Scaling from the Park Bench to the Boardroom On the Inspiring Women podcast with Betty Collins, Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic, delivers a candid and empowering narrative. Her story encapsulates the true meaning of resilience—from surviving homelessness as a teenager to leading an organization devoted to caring for people with disabilities. “I am a product of welfare, survived abuse and neglect as well as being homeless at 17, sleeping on a park bench,” Michelle shares. Far from letting those formative circumstances define her, she used them as a launching pad to not just survive but scale in her professional life. Michelle’s is a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to let adversity dictate your future. Her children, now accomplished in law and education, and her own rise through the ranks at Epic illustrate what’s achievable with determination and vision. --- ### Creating, Not Waiting for, Your Seat at the Table A recurring theme in Michelle’s journey is the idea that women shouldn’t wait to be invited into the room—or for someone to offer them a seat at the table. She recalls a pivotal moment early in her career at Epic: “I thought to myself, I’m not going to ask permission. I’m just going to go and do this work…I’m going to come up with a solution and I’m going to come back with it. That was the right thing to do. And without realizing what I had done, I had claimed a seat at that table.” Leadership isn’t about waiting for someone to recognize your value. It’s about acting with initiative, advocating for yourself, and recognizing your own worth. Betty notes, “When women do that, you might get to now be in the room where the table is with the chairs. It’s your step in that door when you lead without a title.” Michelle adds that belonging is one of Epic’s core values: “If you go in there and show up like you belong there and bring receipts, you are undeniable.” Confidence, she argues, is just as important as competence; you must believe you deserve your seat at the table before anyone else will. --- ### Building an Empowering Culture from the Inside Out As CEO, Michelle champions a workplace culture grounded in authenticity, transformation, and community. Epic’s rebranding process was more than a marketing exercise—it was a mission-driven dialogue involving every stakeholder. “It’s not just a poster on the wall. It is our practice. We design spaces where voices are heard,” she says. Michelle’s emphasis on honest, sometimes difficult, conversations is foundational to innovation at Epic. “That’s really where the magic and the real change happens,” she affirms. This collaborative approach enables her to boldly navigate challenges, like leading through the pandemic, and ensures the organization truly lives its values. Importantly, she also prioritizes succession planning, actively developing leaders within her team—many of whom started in frontline roles without formal degrees. As Michelle says, “Who are you developing? If I leave, there is an immense responsibility. By setting up and pouring into others, you keep consistency, values, and culture alive.” --- ### Lessons for Aspiring Women Leaders For women who find themselves in the room but not at the table, Michelle offers pragmatic advice: - **Solve Problems Others Avoid:** “Own a problem that nobody wants to handle…you become the go-to.” Taking on overlooked challenges demonstrates initiative and drives recognition. - **Be a Sponge, but Share Credit:** “Shadow that excellence. Copy it. But give credit. Gratitude builds trust and can go a long way.” - **Build Your Personal Board of Directors:** Surround yourself with mentors who provide honest feedback, challenge your assumptions, and celebrate your wins. - **Ask Clearly and Boldly for What You Want:** “The worst thing you’re going to be told is no. Have the confidence and courage to ask.” - **Develop Future Leaders:** Don’t just claim your seat—pull up a chair for someone else. Invest in the growth and voice of those coming behind you. --- ### If You’re Not Changing, You’re Choosing Michelle’s personal mantra, “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing,” applies to leadership and life. Growth depends on embracing transformation, challenging the status quo, and recognizing that evolution is necessary for progress. For women striving to scale in any arena, her message is clear: Own your journey, invest in yourself and others, and never underestimate the value you bring to every table you sit at. *Let Michelle Madden’s story inspire you—claim your seat, and make it count for you and those yet to come.*

1000 word episode show notes

1 / 1

**Inspiring Women with Betty Collins: Michelle Madden – Episode Overview and Show Notes** --- **Episode Summary:** In this deeply moving and empowering episode of *Inspiring Women with Betty Collins*, we hear the remarkable journey of Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Hosted by Betty Collins, this conversation is a master class in resilience, leadership, and the power of seizing opportunities—regardless of where you start in life. Michelle’s rise from humble beginnings—overcoming homelessness, abuse, and countless obstacles—to her current role as a transformative leader is nothing short of inspiring. With honesty, empathy, and humor, she shares how she fought for her seat at the table, how she leads with purpose, and how women everywhere can take steps to scale up in their own lives and careers. --- **Key Takeaways:** **1. From Park Bench to Boardroom** Michelle opens her heart, recounting her early years as a survivor of abuse and neglect, experiencing homelessness at 17, and becoming a young mother. Her story is threaded with both pain and hope, demonstrating that where you begin does not define where you can go. Today, she is not only an accomplished executive, but a proud parent to two children—one an attorney, the other a special education teacher—and a champion for those who need it most. **2. Building a Reputation Through Action** One of the pivotal moments in Michelle’s career was when she realized decisions impacting others were being made without those affected having a voice. Her response? She took initiative, gathered data, offered solutions, and inserted herself into the core of the decision-making process. This was the moment she claimed her seat at the table—without waiting for permission. It was a valuable lesson in leading without a title, being recognized for contribution, and knowing that belonging comes from self-belief and action. **3. The Culture at EPIC: Belonging, Authenticity, and Transformation** Michelle credits much of her leadership style to the collaborative, innovative culture at Epic. The organization’s core values—belonging, authenticity, transformation, and community—are not just slogans; they guide how the entire team operates daily. Whether rebranding or facing the tumult of the pandemic, Michelle and her team embraced inclusivity and honesty. Decisions are made with input from all stakeholders, and difficult conversations are not avoided but rather welcomed as pathways to growth and real change. **4. Advocating for Yourself—and Others** Michelle details moments when she had to go beyond simply “having” a seat at the table—she had to fight for it, prove her capability, and sometimes, face rejection. When initially passed over for the CEO position despite making it to the final round, she used the feedback as fuel to shore up her weaknesses and return stronger. Her eventual appointment as CEO happened right before the pandemic, and she notes that the adversity of that period made her a bolder, grittier leader. She also emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, especially for women: “Nobody values you like you.” Sometimes you must pat yourself on the back, seize the moment, and even question whether a role is still right for you. Remember: it’s always okay to reassess your journey and embrace change. **5. Creating a Pipeline of Leaders** Understanding her own journey’s impact on others, Michelle invests in the growth of her team. She focuses on succession planning, pouring into frontline workers to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can one day sit at that same table—or build their own. Through mentorship, conferences, and continuous learning, Michelle ensures Epic’s values and strengths endure. **6. Practical Advice for Women Aspiring to Leadership** Michelle’s actionable tips include: - Take ownership of problems others shy away from—become the go-to person in your organization. - Ask questions, and never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Seek out experts and collaborate. - Build your “personal board of directors”—a circle of trusted advisors who give honest feedback, support your ambitions, and challenge you to grow. - Emulate excellence but give credit where it’s due, building trust and mutual respect. - Have the confidence to ask for what you want, even if the answer might be no. - Invest in the women around you, creating pathways for them to rise, too. **7. Embracing Change—and Choosing Growth** Michelle’s mantra, “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing,” sums up her approach to leadership and life. Reinvention is not just allowed—it’s essential for personal and organizational success. By welcoming new voices to the table, leaders can make bolder, braver choices and foster diversity of thought. --- **Memorable Quotes:** - “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing. The Michelle Madden that was 17 years old on a park bench is not the same Michelle sitting in the big chair—but you evolve. And that’s okay.” - “Nobody values you like you. Sometimes you have to advocate for yourself, even when it’s scary. Pat yourself on the back.” - “Enjoy the journey. Sometimes things are meant for a season. Sometimes for longer. But always keep looking for the signs.” --- **Why You Should Listen:** This episode is more than a story of professional advancement—it’s a guidebook for anyone who feels overlooked, underestimated, or unsure of how to break through. Michelle Madden demonstrates, with clarity and authenticity, that leadership is not reserved for the privileged few. Instead, it’s available to those bold enough to speak up, claim their belonging, and help others ascend alongside them. Betty Collins’ thoughtful questions and obvious admiration for Michelle make for a heartfelt, energizing conversation filled with laughs, honesty, and practical wisdom. --- **Connect & Learn More:** - Follow Michelle Madden and Epic’s journey on LinkedIn - Find more advice and Monday Motivations from Michelle on Epic’s social channels - Explore previous episodes of *Inspiring Women with Betty Collins* for more voices making an impact --- **Final Thoughts:** This episode reaffirms that every leader—especially women—can and should carve out their rightful place at the table, help others do the same, and never underestimate the power of their story. Listen in, get inspired, and start your own journey to the seat you deserve.

10 takeaways from this episode

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here are 10 takeaway concepts from the Inspiring Women with Betty Collins episode featuring Michelle Madden: 1. **Claim Your Seat at the Table:** Don’t wait for permission—take initiative, solve problems, and show up like you belong. Leadership often starts before you have the official title. 2. **Lead Without a Title:** Success comes from stepping up and providing solutions, not just following instructions or waiting for recognition. 3. **Resilience Through Adversity:** Michelle Madden’s journey from homelessness and humble beginnings to CEO demonstrates that overcoming personal challenges can build powerful leadership skills. 4. **The Value of Authenticity and Belonging:** Epic’s core values, including authenticity, belonging, and community, are not just buzzwords—they’re embedded in the way the organization is run. 5. **Power of Personal Board of Directors:** Surround yourself with mentors and honest colleagues who challenge you, support your growth, and tell you what you need to hear—even when it’s tough. 6. **Continuous Learning and Self-Awareness:** Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know; seek expertise from others and always be willing to learn and evolve. 7. **Advocate for Yourself and Others:** Sometimes, even when overlooked or told you aren’t “the right fit,” advocating for yourself and building your skills can eventually lead to bigger opportunities. 8. **Succession and Lifting Others:** Great leaders focus not just on their own advancement, but also on mentor-ing the next generation and building strong, capable teams. 9. **Transformation Through Challenge:** Taking on tough moments—like becoming CEO at the start of the pandemic—can spur personal and organizational innovation and resilience. 10. **Change is a Choice:** Michelle’s mantra, “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing,” reminds us that evolution is part of leadership, and staying stagnant is a choice in itself. These concepts, drawn from Michelle’s experiences and Betty’s insights, offer inspiration to any woman looking to scale in their career and leadership journey.

10 SEO keywords

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here are 10 refined one-word SEO keywords based directly on your podcast transcript: 1. Leadership 2. Scaling 3. Empowerment 4. Innovation 5. Advocacy 6. Resilience 7. Mentorship 8. Collaboration 9. Disability 10. Women These keywords are tailored to reflect the key themes and subjects discussed in your episode with Michelle Madden on Inspiring Women with Betty Collins.

Conversation Starters

1 / 1

Absolutely! Here are 5-10 conversation starters designed to spark meaningful discussions about the Inspiring Women with Betty Collins episode featuring Michelle Madden. These prompts draw directly from highlights and themes in the transcript: 1. **Michelle Madden shared her journey from humble beginnings, including homelessness at 17, to becoming CEO of Epic. What parts of her story resonated most with you, and how have early life experiences shaped your own career path?** 2. **The episode discusses “claiming a seat at the table” even when you’re not invited. Have you ever had to create your own opportunities in your workplace or community? What did you learn from the experience?** 3. **Michelle talks about building a leadership team where many didn’t have traditional degrees, but “grew up through the field.” How important do you think formal education is versus real-world experience in leadership roles?** 4. **The idea of “leading without a title” really stood out in this episode. What are some ways you’ve seen (or practiced) leadership that wasn’t tied to an official position or title?** 5. **Michelle and Betty both discuss the importance of having a personal “board of directors”—trusted people who offer honest feedback. Who’s on your personal board, and how have they impacted your journey?** 6. **“If you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” Michelle uses this as a mantra. What does embracing change mean to you and how has it helped (or challenged) your professional or personal growth?** 7. **Michelle mentioned that a big part of Epic’s rebranding was asking “who are we not?” How can defining what you aren’t be as powerful as knowing what you are—in organizations or in your own life?** 8. **The episode touches on mentoring others and succession planning. What are some strategies you use to lift others up and prepare them for leadership? Have you had a mentor who helped you take the next step?** 9. **Fear often holds women back from stepping up or speaking out, as Betty and Michelle discuss. What advice would you give for facing down those fears and advocating for yourself?** 10. **For those who feel ‘in the room, but not at the table,’ what’s one step you could take this month to increase your influence at work or in your community? Let’s brainstorm actionable ideas together!** Feel free to use or adapt any of these to get your Facebook group talking!

📖 Host Read Intro

1 / 1

Hey there! Today on Inspiring Women with Betty Collins, you’re about to meet Michelle Madden—a woman whose journey from sleeping on a park bench at 17 to becoming CEO is as epic as her organization’s name. Get ready for real talk on scaling up, fighting for your seat at the table, and why lifting others as you climb is everything. Let’s jump in!

LinkedIn Post for content creators

1 / 1

**Episode Summary:** In this episode of "Inspiring Women with Betty Collins," Betty sits down with Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Michelle shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings—including overcoming homelessness and personal adversity—to leading an organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores what it means to claim your seat at the table, the importance of innovation and team empowerment, and how authentic leadership and investing in others can drive both personal and organizational success. **3 Key Takeaways for Content Creators:** 1. **Own Your Voice and Claim Your Space:** Michelle’s story highlights the power of taking initiative—even without a formal invitation or title. For content creators, this means identifying unique problems or perspectives you can address, and leading conversations in your domain with courage and authenticity. 2. **Cultivate and Credit Community:** Michelle emphasizes surrounding herself with people who challenge her and give honest feedback. For content creators, actively crediting inspiration, building personal “boards of directors,” and fostering collaboration elevates both your content and the creative process, strengthening your network and trust with your audience. 3. **Embrace Change and Share Growth:** “If you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” Michelle’s evolution from park bench to CEO underscores the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and sharing that journey openly. For creators, embracing growth—personally and with your audience—keeps your content fresh, relatable, and inspires others to grow alongside you. Let’s amplify voices, build supportive communities, and never stop evolving. #WomenWhoLead #ContentCreation #InspiringLeadership

What is Castmagic?