Ditching the Shoulds and Owning Your Power with Michelle Pollack

What happens when you chase society’s version of success—only to find yourself burnt out, boxed in, and wondering, “Is this it?” In this audacious episode of The Communication Queens Podcast, Kimberly Spencer chats with powerhouse coach Michelle Pollack, whose mission is to help high-achieving women redefine success from the inside out.

From working with brands like Netflix and Bank of America to guiding visionary women leaders, Michelle shares her journey of shaking off the “shoulds,” surrendering perfection, and embracing the beautiful discomfort of beginning again. You’ll hear how motherhood, layoffs, and her own inner work cracked open her next level of purpose—and how allowing herself to take one small step at a time led to a multi-six-figure empire grounded in authenticity.

We go deep into the cultural conditioning that keeps women playing small, the truth about imposter syndrome (hint: it’s not a bug—it’s a signal), and how to balance masculine drive with feminine intuition in leadership.

Expect bold truth bombs, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of clarity that lights a fire in your belly. This isn’t about chasing success—it’s about becoming the woman who defines it for herself.

👑 Ready to stop performing and start leading? Press play and let’s redefine what’s possible.

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Michelle Pollack is a high-performance coach who works with ambitious women to redefine what success looks like for them NOW so that their life can FEEL as good as it looks.

Connect with Michelle Pollack

Website: https://www.michellepollack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleepollack

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-pollack-pcc-cpcc-5b4a416/

Enjoy, sovereigns!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your other favorite podcast listening platform. You can also watch the episode on Youtube.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

1. How to Redefine Success on Your Own Terms

• Society, schooling, and even our families plant early seeds about what “success” should look like.


• But as we evolve, so must our definitions of success.


• Michelle invites you to ask: “What do I want now, as the woman I’ve become?”

1. Why Imposter Syndrome Isn’t a Sign of Failure—But Expansion

• Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re not ready—it means you’re growing.


• That discomfort is a signal you’re stretching into new, powerful territory.


• Reframe: If it feels scary, you’re likely on the right track.

1. The Power of Being a Beginner (Even When You’re Experienced)

• High-achievers often resist “starting small.”


• Michelle shares how embracing the beginner’s mindset—one tiny step at a time—was key to her six-figure success.


• Letting go of the pressure to “have it all figured out” unlocks long-term growth.

1. How Feminine & Masculine Energies Shape Your Leadership

• Michelle introduces “Compassionate Command”—her signature framework blending empathy (feminine) and authority (masculine).


• True leadership doesn’t require choosing between soft and strong—you get to be both.

1. Why Boundaries Are Essential to Visibility and Sustainability

• Saying “no” isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.


• Michelle discusses how learning to say no helped her grow her business, protect her energy, and serve her clients better.

1. How to Align Visibility with Your Values

• Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen for who you really are.


• Michelle emphasizes value-driven messaging, aligned podcast appearances, and authentic storytelling.

1. Why Speaking (Not Just Posting) Drives Connection

• Michelle shares how podcasting and speaking have been her most powerful tools for connection and credibility.


• If writing content feels draining, use your voice—literally.

1. Inclusivity in Leadership: It’s Not Just a Women’s Game

• While Michelle coaches high-achieving women, she discusses how the same principles resonate deeply with men.


• True change requires everyone at the table—and true leadership welcomes that nuance.

1. Your Story is Your Superpower

• Michelle’s own journey—from laid-off exec to thriving coach—demonstrates how your “messy middle” moments can become your magnetic message.


• Vulnerability isn’t a liability. It’s your visibility edge.

1. Why Personal Growth is Business Growth

• Michelle’s story proves that internal work (therapy, mindset, coaching) directly supports external success.


• Who you become in the process is more valuable than any single milestone.

Transcript:

For a full episode transcript, it can be found here: https://www.communicationqueens.com/blog

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