who we are
where we’ve been
Professional Box Breaker (PBB) was born from a vision to provide frontline leaders with the development, introspection, and support they need earlier in their leadership journey. People who excel in their specific capabilities tend to be nominated for leadership positions. But just because someone is a great consultant, analyst, engineer, etc., does not mean they are also inherently a great leader.
In fact, we assert that managing and leading require two distinct skill sets.
where we’re going
At PBB, we’re breaking all kinds of boxes! We work with organizations to provide a new kind of leadership development experience, breaking down antiquated hierarchical barriers to access to professional coaching. We work with individuals to break down their own limiting beliefs and social boxes that stand in the way of their most empowered journey in life. We work with teams to tap into their strengths and break down barriers that stand in the way of many individuals making up a well-oiled machine. Regardless of the environment, there’s an opportunity for growth and abundance when we embrace a philosophy of doing things differently!
meet our founder
laura michael
Laura Michael is a people-focused leadership coach with 20+ years of professional experience leading people and projects. She combines her passion for leadership development with her extensive coaching, strategic communications, change management, and behavior change experience to support the growth and continuous development of leaders and organizations. As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Laura has coached 100+ individuals via 1-on-1 and group coaching experiences, totaling 1,200+ hours of coaching.
She is a pioneer in leadership development, creating innovative coaching programs for frontline leaders that have resulted in improved leader confidence, increased retention of top talent, and heightened employee satisfaction.
coaching approach
Laura was trained in and currently approaches all her work using an ontological approach. Ontology is the study of one's being. Laura firmly believes that the focus on one's being (rather than what we are doing in the world) is central to having an empowered experience of life. She partners with her clients to create awareness and opportunity through a suite of exercises and tools that her clients can carry with them beyond their coaching experience.
As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Laura incorporates her clients' strengths in their coaching and supports her clients in identifying empowered ways of leaning into their strengths, both at work and in their lives. She also runs strengths team workshops to optimize the performance of teams.
As a Certified Bold Inclusive Conversations™ Facilitator and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Laura incorporates concepts of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity into her coaching work with all her clients. As a lifelong communicator, Laura also works with her clients on the significance and power of words and how to break down barriers and achieve goals with clear, empowered communication and action.
