By: Pam Perry PR 

In a complex corporate landscape, Michele Lance, CEO of MC Career Solutions, is creating a path that District Managers—especially women—can follow to reach senior leadership roles. With 26 years in corporate leadership, including 10 years as an executive at a Fortune 20 company, Michele’s journey is a testament to resilience, strategy, and purpose. Her career and her current work as a coach are deeply rooted in her belief that guidance, mentorship, and confidence-building are the keys to shattering glass ceilings.

The inspiration for MC Career Solutions emerged from Michele’s own experience rising from an entry-level position to executive status. It was not a straightforward climb, and the obstacles she faced, especially early on, taught her the necessity of building a powerful personal brand and securing sponsorship. “For women, particularly, advancing in corporate spaces isn’t just about technical skills,” Michele explains. “It’s about learning how to leverage your unique strengths, build executive presence, and ensure you’re visible for the right opportunities.”

The Journey from Entry-Level to Executive

Michele’s story began far from boardrooms and corner offices. Starting as a bartender, she recognized early on that her passion for people and business could take her into the corporate world. Determined to make an impact, she secured an entry-level position at a Fortune 20 company with a clear goal of rising within its ranks. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t care where I started as long as I could get my foot in the door,” Michele recalls. “Once there, I dedicated myself to becoming a student of the business, mastering each role, and building strong relationships.”

Those relationships would become crucial as she navigated her career, and Michele quickly realized that success in the corporate world required excellent performance and the support of mentors and sponsors. “Mentorship and sponsorship were game-changers for me,” she says. “They provided insight, opened doors, and helped me stay on course. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Over the years, Michele’s drive and determination saw her steadily rise through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the premier leaders in her company. But these accolades were more than just achievements; they were proof that the barriers women often face could indeed be broken with the right tools.

Building Executive Presence and Securing Sponsors

One of Michele’s significant challenges in her ascent to leadership was gaining visibility in a vast corporate structure. She overcame this obstacle by building a strong personal brand, cultivating an executive presence, and strategically securing sponsors who elieved in her potential. “Gaining sponsors was instrumental in my career. These were people who advocated for me and were willing to open doors,” she notes. Recognizing the power of strategic sponsorship, Michele developed a framework she now teaches at MC Career Solutions to help her clients achieve the same.

At the heart of her approach is the Personal Asset Check, a self-evaluation process Michele created to help District Managers and other clients identify their strengths and areas for growth. Through this process, she helps her clients build self-awareness and learn how to position themselves for higher visibility. “Success is about knowing how to position yourself for opportunities,” she emphasizes. “I love helping others unlock doors they didn’t think were open to them.”

A Unique Perspective and Coaching Approach

What sets Michele apart in the coaching world is her extensive firsthand experience in corporate leadership. Unlike many coaches from an academic background, Michele’s methods are born out of real-life trials and victories. “I didn’t learn leadership from books—I lived it,” she says. This lived experience enables her to offer District Managers pragmatic advice on thriving while remaining authentic in environments that often demand conformity.

Michele’s coaching addresses key areas such as executive presence, personal branding, and corporate politics, all while staying authentic. “True leadership isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about amplifying your strengths in a way that is genuine to you,” she explains. “That’s what resonates with my clients. They want to succeed, but they also want to stay true to themselves.”

Guiding District Managers to Senior Leadership

For Michele, her greatest reward comes not from her accolades but from seeing her clients, especially women, rise to leadership roles. “Mentoring women and seeing them succeed is incredibly fulfilling,” she shares. “Knowing that my guidance helps them achieve their career goals—that’s what drives me every day.”

One of her favorite stories is about her unlikely journey from bartending to the executive suite. It encapsulates the power of persistence, strategic learning, and a strong personal brand. Michele encourages her clients to adopt the same mindset: embrace learning, strengthen their personal brand, and position themselves for opportunities that may seem out of reach.

A Vision for the Future: Expanding MC Career Solutions

Looking ahead, Michele sees even greater opportunities for MC Career Solutions. She envisions the company expanding its reach to support more women in leadership roles across various industries. Her goal is to publish a book sharing her journey and the actionable strategies she’s developed, and she plans to grow as a global speaker. “I’m passionate about empowering District Managers to rise into senior roles and guiding them through the unique challenges that come with it,” she says. “I know there are untapped opportunities ahead, and I’m excited to help women unlock them.”

As Michele continues her work, she remains steadfast in her commitment to helping women build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive. “Success in corporate America is possible, but you must be prepared,” she advises. “It’s not just about doing the work; it’s about knowing how to navigate the terrain.”

Michele Lance’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s instructive. Her journey proves that with perseverance, strategic relationship-building, and a commitment to authenticity, women can reach the highest levels of leadership. Through MC Career Solutions, Michele is ensuring they don’t have to make that journey alone. To engage her services or book her to speak, visit www.McCareersolutions.com. 

Photo Courtesy: Jeff Brooks

Published by: Martin De Juan