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Michaela Reaney | Leadership Mentor & Speaker

@mjreaney

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followers

2867

following

⚡️Nobody teaches leaders how to actually lead people. I’m fixing that.
Founder @theopportunity.global
❌ @tedxteesside founder

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👋 Hello, new friends! I'm Michaela, a multi-passionate individual. If you're into human design, I'm a manifesting generator.

🚀 Entrepreneurship has been my journey for over a decade. From starting, scaling, selling, buying, to even closing one business, I've done the full lifecycle – warts and all.

🎓 With 15 years in Learning & Development, I'm obsessed with unleashing human potential. Having worked in 10 different countries, I've tackled the challenges & opportunities of leading global teams, with South Africa being a personal favourite and India being incredible but the toughest to navigate as a woman.

🐾 I’m happiest when walking my dog Albert with the sun on my face. Currently reading ‘We Should All Be Millionaires' by Rachel Rodgers – thanks @ranassabra for the recommendation!

👊 Things that piss me off? Transphobes, gender pay gaps and, wet socks.

💡 Ideas and new perspectives drive me. @tedxteesside is my platform for spreading impactful ideas in my community.

💪 Hardest 3 Things I’ve done: healing from past trauma, heart surgery, & facing the parts of me I didn’t like & doing something about it.

💼 In business, I've faced ups and downs – from losing a £5 million contract to building a team of over 50 people. My proudest moments include achieving a Top 10 UK Business Podcast, in the same chart as @diaryofaceopodcast and generating £1 million in sales in a single month. But the best bit? Seeing the transformations that my team create in people’s lives.

🗣️ Most difficult conversation? Having to make 35 employees redundant when closing our apprenticeship business.

🐐Something you might not know about me. I'm also a proud goat herder, caring for 4 dwarf Pygmy goats.

🌍 Currently embracing the dream of remote work in Portugal. It’s been 10-years in the making to be location independent.

✨ I'm passionate about speaking at events, on podcasts and sharing stories. Because, I believe, shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.

Comment 'speaker' if you'd like me to share some of these stories on your podcast or at your next event.

#speaker #entrpreneurmindset #businessowner #podcastlife #leadership #podcastguest #podcastguesting #events by @mjreaney

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3 years ago

We often think creating an inclusive workplace requires big initiatives.

But more often than not, it's the small moments that shape how people experience work.

Here are three simple things you can do in your very next meeting:

1️⃣ Bring the conversation back

If someone is interrupted or talked over, help them finish their point.

"I'd love to hear Sarah finish what she was saying earlier."

Sometimes that's all it takes.

2️⃣ Invite different voices into the conversation

If the same people always speak, create space for someone else.

"James, I know you've got experience in this. What's your perspective?"

You might be giving someone the confidence to share an idea they wouldn't have volunteered.

3️⃣ Share opportunities

Whether it's attending a meeting, joining a project or representing the team at an event, ask yourself:

"Who else could benefit from being in the room?"

We find that the biggest opportunity you can give someone is simply access.

These are simple to implement, but do take conscious awareness.

Once incorporated, they help create workplaces where people feel heard, valued and included.

#humanskills #workplace by @mjreaney

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a month ago

We've all worked in teams that felt different.

The ones where you felt comfortable asking questions.

Where you could admit you'd made a mistake without worrying about being judged.

Where people challenged ideas, not people.

Where everyone felt heard, respected and supported.

And then we've probably experienced the opposite, too.

The truth is, cultures like that don't appear by chance.

They're built.

Conversation by conversation.

Decision by decision.

Leader by leader.

It's easy to think culture is something an organisation has.

In reality, it's something we create every single day through the way we communicate, support one another and respond when things don't go to plan.

If we want workplaces where people feel confident to speak up, try new ideas and do their best work, we have to be intentional about building them.

Workplace cultures never happens by accident.

💬 We would love to know - when you think of the best team you've ever been part of, what made it different? taken in Middlesbrough by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

It feels like every week there's another headline telling us the same thing.

Human skills matter more than ever.

Communication.

Curiosity.

Adaptability.

Leadership.

For years, these were often dismissed as "soft skills."

Now, as AI transforms the way we work, they're becoming some of the most talked-about skills in business.

And honestly... that makes complete sense.

AI is an incredible tool.

It can help us work faster, analyse information and automate tasks.

But it can't build trust.

It can't navigate a difficult conversation.

It can't create psychological safety within a team.

It can't help someone through uncertainty with empathy.

Technology isn't replacing leadership.

If anything, it's making great leadership even more important.

Because organisations rarely struggle because the technology doesn't work.

They struggle because people haven't been supported to lead through change, communicate clearly or make good decisions together.

That's why we believe these aren't "soft" skills at all.

They're human skills.

And in a world increasingly shaped by AI, they might just be the most valuable skills we have.

🔗 theopportunity.global
📩 hello@theopportunity.global / or DM me

#ai #humanskills Ai and soft skills by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

Imagine you're brilliant at what you do.

You're solving problems, mentoring colleagues, helping the business grow... and then one day you're promoted.

More responsibility.

A bigger title.

A pay rise.

Sounds like success.

Except no one teaches you what comes next.

Suddenly you're navigating difficult conversations.

Giving feedback.

Managing team dynamics.

Supporting people who all work differently.

That's exactly what happened to "Jo."

She wasn't struggling because she lacked technical ability.

She was struggling because she'd never been taught the human skills that leadership demands.

And honestly, why would she have been?

We'd never hand someone a new piece of technology and expect them to know how to use it without training.

So why do we expect people to become great leaders overnight?

Leadership isn't something we simply grow into.

It's something we learn.

Have you ever been promoted into a role you didn't feel fully prepared for? by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

What we'd tell someone considering Lean In. Power Up...

There will always be another meeting, another deadline and another reason to put yourself last.

But we've learned that the women who get the most from this experience aren't the ones who have everything figured out. They're the ones who choose to give themselves the time and space to pause, reflect and reconnect with what matters most.

If you've been thinking about joining us, perhaps this is your sign.

We'd love to welcome you to our next Lean In. Power Up. experience this September.

DM us or comment below for the sign up link.

#womeninleadership by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

Michaela Reaney reflects on the trust Charlotte created and the courage it gave her to share her story. Because when people feel able to use their voice, their words can help someone else feel less alone.

#PRsonalPodcast #PodcastConversation #SharingStories #AuthenticVoices #WomenInBusiness #PersonalStories #PodcastGuest #NorthEastBusiness #HarveyAndHugo by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

Can we talk about the phrase 'soft skills' for a minute? Because we really don't like it

We spend a lot of time working with leaders in engineering, manufacturing and tech, and every now and then I hear someone refer to communication or empathy as the "soft stuff."

And every time, we think...really?

Because if you've ever had a manager who couldn't communicate...

Or a colleague who avoided difficult conversations...

Or a leader who made you feel unheard...

You'll know those skills aren't soft at all.

They're often the difference between a team that thrives and one that struggles.

Maybe we've just been calling them the wrong thing.

We LOVE and prefer the term 'human skills'

Because whether you're leading a business, managing a team or just trying to be a better friend, partner or colleague... these are the skills we all use every single day.

If you liked this clip, we have the full webinar available via our YouTube channel.

#leadership #humanskills by @mjreaney

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2 months ago

Have you ever looked around and realised you've become really good at carrying everything?

The work.
The responsibilities.
The expectations.
The mental load.

Really good at looking like you've got it all together.

After spending time with so many incredible women through Lean In, Power Up events, we noticed a common theme.

Somewhere between looking after everyone else, they had forgotten themselves.

They couldn't remember the last time they prioritised themselves without guilt.

The last time they stopped long enough to ask: What do I actually want?

Lean In, Power Up isn't another networking event.

It's a chance to pause.

To think.

To breathe.

To spend time with a room full of women who understand the pressure, the ambition, the self-doubt, the responsibility, and the reality of trying to do it all.

There are powerful conversations.

Moments of reflection.

Unexpected breakthroughs.

And often, the realisation that you're not the only one feeling this way.

And perhaps most importantly...a reminder that you don't have to earn rest.

Our next Lean In, Power Up retreat takes place this June.

If you're watching this and feeling that little nudge that says "I need this..."

Trust it.

The next event takes place on Thursday 25th June, at Wynyard Hall.

DM me to find out more or save your spot

#leaninpowerup by @mjreaney

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4 months ago

Anyone heard Simon Sinek tell the story of the two lumberjacks?

Every day, one lumberjack disappears for an hour without explanation, leaving the other working away.

And every day, he’s cut more wood than the other , despite the time away.

Curiosity gets the better of the lumberjack who works without a break and still falls behind. Baffled, he asks:

“Where do you go?”

“To sharpen my axe.”

I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this. How many of us are out there working harder and harder with a blunter and blunter blade?

We tell ourselves we’re too busy to step back, juggling priorities, with people depending on us. But busy isn’t the same as effective. The most powerful thing you can do for your performance, your clarity and your ambition isn’t to push harder. It’s to sharpen. To give yourself permission to step away and think, learn and grow.

That’s exactly why Michaela Reaney and I created our Lean In, Power Up events and it’s precisely what our Reset Day is designed for. A full day to think, breathe, reconnect with your goals, gather new tools and walk away sharper than when you arrived.

📅 25th June
📍 Wynyard Hall

If you’ve been putting yourself last on the list, give yourself permission to change that. Come and sharpen your axe with us. 🪓

💬 Booking details in the comments below. DM me to find out more — or tag a female leader you think would benefit from joining us.

Huge thanks to Laura Wilson and Ward Hadaway for sponsoring this event and supporting women in business and leadership. 🙌

(Pic taken without axes, for safety reasons 😄)

#LeanInPowerUp #WomenInLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #ResetDay #WynyardHall Leadership TeesValley NorthEast taken in Wynyard Hall by @mjreaney

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5 months ago

One year. 🎉

One year since I completed the Lone Survivor Challenge, 50km of solo navigation, getting a little lost, hours alone with my thoughts, and honestly one of the most complete physical, mental and spiritual experiences I’ve ever had.

Yesterday, on the exact anniversary, the documentary Three Peaks and Three Pots dropped on Amazon Prime and I have a little cameo in it talking about my Lone Survivor experience.

I mean… the timing? Unreal.

My friend Aryan loved documentaries. He would have been BLOWN AWAY. I can picture his face so clearly, that ‘oh my gosh’ expression, and then the hug. Those hugs were legendary.

This week has been pure joy, pride, and major missing him all at once.

I did this in his memory. Raised funds for men’s mental health organisations. And so many more people now know his name and the impact he had on me and the world.

If this post does one thing, please check on your friends.

Not just a quick ‘you okay?’

Tell them exactly what you love about them.

In detail. Make it extra. Make it a little weird. They deserve to know.

It's the most important human skill there is.

To make someone feel seen, heard and valued.

Watch Three Peaks and Three Pots on Amazon Prime.

What John and Paul created is a really special story of resilience, and leadership.

@theceoadventurer @paulsuggittofficial @lonesurvivorexperience @neverthrowinthetowelproject by @mjreaney

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5 months ago

March recap… and what a month it’s been.

From standing in rooms full of brilliant women, to working with future leaders who are already asking better questions than most adults…there’s been a real theme running through it all: The power of people.

One of the standout moments was the development day with the Power of Women Campaign.

I had the chance to be a role model for the morning with this year’s ambassadors, 9–10 year olds who I supported with interviewing last year at Pallister Park Primary.

Around 90 children took part in the day at Cummins, including a factory tour (the robots were a definite highlight), before putting their newly learned networking skills into practice with the role models in the room.

Now, as someone who prefers deeper conversations to small talk… I really appreciated what happened next.

One 9-year-old came up to me, shook my hand, introduced herself and asked:

“So what’s the biggest regret you have in life?”

No small talk. Straight to it.

And honestly, I hope she keeps that boldness and curiosity as she grows up.

Because the best conversations are the honest ones. The brave ones. The ones where people are willing to say what they’re really thinking.

Although I did choose a slightly more age-appropriate answer 😅 I shared that if I had the choice again between university and an apprenticeship, I would choose the apprenticeship route - working, earning, learning, and gaining a qualification all at the same time. What’s not to love?

#internationalwomensday by @mjreaney

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7 months ago