Don't Lead with Fear.' Top Tips from Michelle Obama

‘Only you and two other people could get me up this early: you and Beyonce,’ said Roxane Gay at the opening session of Inbound 2017.

She was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed - ready to interview America’s former first lady, Michelle Obama, who graced us with her presence and shared her secrets to success.

Jealous? You should be! Mrs. Obama told the thousands in attendance that ‘her kids think she’s lame,’ but we absolutely disagree. She spoke about her time in the White House and life before fame - and these were the key takeaways for service professionals tuning in:

“Understand that each failure and crushing blow only makes you stronger.”

• Don't lead with fear.
• Never doubt yourself.
• Keep moving forward, always.
• Raise the bar and then surpass it.
• Step up when you are asked and deliver.
• Be constructive.
• Lead with grace.
• Have exceptional empathy.
• Be humble and diplomatic.
• Stop, breathe, think, and reflect.

"It’s not possible to go on a successful journey pretending to be someone else."

• Be authentic and stay true to yourself.
• Never let other people define you.
• Treat and approach your team like they’re your family.
• Create a space of empathy in your workplace.
• Ask people, genuinely, how they are doing.
• Take a moment to check in with each other.

"You can't get a job done with people without recognizing their humanity.’

• Reach for a lot - but not enough where you can't manage it.
• Balance what is on your plate.
• And last of all, be patient.