At 45, Michelle Turnbull stands as a paragon of resilience, a Caribbean American woman whose life’s narrative weaves through the colorful streets of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. A serial entrepreneur, leadership and executive coach, Turnbull’s journey is a testament to overcoming adversities with grace and humor.
Michelle’s path has not been without its share of heartaches. Losing her father at 12 and her mother in her early twenties, Michelle learned early on to navigate life’s tumultuous waters. Her recent loss of a step-parent, whom she affectionately refers to as her “bonus dad,” propelled her deeper into a healing journey, underscoring her promise to live fully and let go of past pains.
Turnbull’s life story, laced with humor and hope, offers a guiding light to those lost in darkness. She believes in laughter as a remedy, love as a natural healer, and the power of inspiring courage in others. For Michelle, the true satisfaction lies in proving that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s room for joy and triumph.
My story is unique to me. Sharing it becomes a strength for others navigating stormy seas
Inspiration in Education
Her venture into supporting youth and young adults, especially in special education, was driven by two pivotal reasons. Firstly, her success as a classroom teacher in aiding students who struggled, often without diagnoses or clear understanding of their needs. Secondly, her realization of the severe inequalities and negative mindsets prevalent in the sector, which she tirelessly challenged. A particular incident with a troubled student, who found solace only in Michelle’s guidance, crystallized her purpose as an educator and consultant. It was a moment that deeply influenced her approach and solidified her commitment to her path.
Returning to St. Thomas after years away, Michelle is determined to impact the local education system and community organizations. She seeks to address challenges such as aged building structures, inadequate personnel, and the lack of special education resources. What fuels Michelle’s relentless drive is the knowledge of her purpose – to serve people and create a blueprint for future generations. She believes in the power of not giving up, in the possibility of creating lasting change through persistent effort. Michelle emphasizes the importance of community support in overcoming career challenges. By opening up about her feelings and being aware of her triggers, she has started a journey of healing and empowerment, finding comfort and strength in the solidarity of like-minded women.
Education enhancement, and empowerment are principles that turn adversity into advantage.
Empowering Self and Others
Maintaining a balance between her demanding professional life and personal well-being has been a learning curve for Michelle. From taking personal days to being intentional about her time and commitments, she has found pleasure in setting boundaries and giving herself the grace she deserves. Michelle’s journey to personal growth is deeply interwoven with her professional experiences. From enhancing her skill set to facing the glass ceiling, her path to starting her business was marked by resilience. The challenges of unfair treatment, financial hardships, and grief only honed her determination to create a space for women to support each other.
Leaving a Legacy
Michelle Turnbull envisions leaving a legacy that resonates for generations. She hopes to create a space for women to support each other and advocate for inclusivity in education. Her legacy, she hopes, will empower families and children facing academic and behavioral challenges.
With a book anthology, “Breaking the Silence Volume 2,” and her own book highlighting her story of resilience and perseverance on the horizon, Michelle is poised to contribute significantly to promoting a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Michelle Turnbull, M.Ed CEO and founder of Turnbull Coaching and consulting is St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
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Website: www.turnbullcoachingandconsultingllc.com
Email: support@turnbullcoachingandconsultingllc.com
Inspiring Minds Beyond the Classroom