Michele Jewett: When the Kids Flew the Nest, So Did She

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Michele Jewett—ICF-certified executive coach, longtime CEO facilitator, and founder of Q4 Leaders. With over 15 years helping high-performing leaders align performance with fulfillment, Michele shares the story of how her own life was rocked at 45: kids off to college, a dissolving marriage, no income, and a debilitating case of vertigo. Her path back? A simple but profound three-step framework: conceive, believe, achieve.

Challenge → Facing an empty nest, the collapse of her marriage, and no financial safety net, Michele had to completely reimagine her life, her purpose—and her sense of self-worth.

Adaptation → Through deep personal reflection, therapy, vision-writing, and baby steps—from Toastmasters to her first CEO peer group—she built confidence from the inside out.

Success → Today, Michele runs Q4 Leaders, facilitates powerful in-person leadership groups in Orange County, and helps high-performers transform doubt into emotional intelligence and aligned action.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Michele retired a belief her father instilled early on—"never trust anyone"—and replaced it with human connection and openness. Her power rituals before tough conversations? Silence, breath, and clarity on purpose. And her biggest advice for those feeling stuck? Write your vision, build your tribe, and take micro action. Because regret, she says, is the true cost of stagnation—and a messy life is a life well lived.

📘 Power Without Permission
Michele is a co-author in Power Without Permission. Get your copy at leadersadapt.com/book and join the community of women building unapologetic leadership from the inside out.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

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https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson