MEET MICHELLE McCULLOUGH, CSP
Transforming How Leaders Stretch Their Teams — Without Breaking
Keynote Speaker and Workplace Happiness Expert Michelle McCullough combines research-backed insights with practical strategies to help leaders build resilient teams that consistently deliver their best — without reaching their breaking point.
Where Research Meets Real-World Results
Michelle McCullough is that rare combination of research-backed expertise and genuine "let's make this happen" energy. As a keynote speaker and workplace happiness researcher, she's driven by one fundamental question: how do we build teams that consistently perform at their best without burning out?
This isn't just theory for Michelle – she dives deep into the science behind workplace happiness and high performance. She's led groundbreaking research for the US Happiness Report and teamed up with generational expert Jason Dorsey to uncover what really drives team success. (Spoiler alert: it starts with happiness, but it's definitely not “fluffy”.)
“Great leaders know how to stretch their team before they break. What are you doing as a leader to make emotional wellness your top priority?”
A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Michelle brings her fun, engaging style to organizations ready to stretch their teams' capacity without reaching breaking point. She's shared her practical strategies with forward-thinking companies like Goldman Sachs, Ancestry.com, and the Air Force Reserve – helping leaders build resilient teams that consistently deliver their best.
As CEO of DreamBoard Media and author of multiple bestselling books, Michelle gets the real-world challenges leaders face. Her insights have caught the attention of major media outlets like Good Morning America and The Today Show, but what really lights her up is seeing teams transform when they discover how to stretch, grow, and actually enjoy the journey together.
Make It Happen Blueprint - 18 High-Performance Practices to Crush it in Life and Business without Burning Out
The Make It Happen Blueprint breaks down 18 essential traits of high performers into actionable steps that help you create success without sacrificing what matters most. Whether you're leading a company or managing a household, this book gives you the tools to move from overwhelm to action and finally make your goals happen.
Why Work with Michelle?
Because Your Team Deserves More Than Just Another "Ra-Ra" Speech.
She Brings the Research (Without the Boring)
Her groundbreaking studies with the US Happiness Report give you science-backed strategies that actually work — delivered with energy that keeps your team engaged and taking notes.
Real-World Tested, Leader Approved
As a CEO herself, Michelle gets the challenges you're facing. Her strategies have been battle-tested with companies like Goldman Sachs, Ancestry.com, and the Air Force Reserve — because theory is nice, but results are better.
No Fluff, Just Impact
Skip the “woo-woo” and generic "just stay positive" advice. Michelle delivers practical tools your team can implement immediately to stretch their capacity without reaching breaking point.
Authenticity That Resonates
When Michelle steps on stage, you get genuine energy and relatable insights that inspire action. No cookie-cutter keynotes or recycled corporate speak — just real strategies that transform how teams work together.
The ROI of Happiness is Real
Her research proves it: happier teams are more productive, innovative, and engaged. Michelle shows leaders how to translate emotional intelligence into bottom-line results — without sacrificing team well being.
5 Fun Facts About Me
Because sometimes the best way to understand someone's approach to happiness is to know what makes them happy...
Disney Devotee
My happy place? Disneyland. Because even happiness experts need their own slice of magic
Dr. Pepper Enthusiast
My fuel of choice? Dr. Pepper. Because every happiness expert needs their perfect pick-me-up
Happiness Hero
I followed in my mom's footsteps of spreading joy — but traded wall quotes for research-backed strategies
Early Entrepreneur
I launched my first business at 19, proving you're never too young to make things happen
Science-Backed Napper
I firmly believe in the power of a good nap — and I have the research to prove it works
Discover How Happiness and Resilience Drive Real Results
Your team deserves more than just survival mode. It's time to give them the tools to stretch their capacity and thrive in ways that matter. Download my latest research that uncovers how happiness and resilience are the keys to boosting productivity, strengthening engagement, and achieving lasting results through small, intentional actions.
“We had Michelle do an in-depth training with our top leaders, because she came highly recommended. Now I'm the one recommending Michelle! She presents ideas and improvements in a way that's easy to implement. Weeks later, our leaders are still talking to each other about the changes they've made since the event. And we're already making plans for Michelle's next training.”
- Eric Morgan, President, Thrive Life