Michelle Hoover

Michelle Hoover is a distinguished leadership development strategist, executive coach, and the founder of Baem Leadership, a consultancy dedicated to empowering leaders, particularly First-Generation Professionals (FGPs). With nearly two decades of experience in leadership development, she has designed and facilitated talent development programs for over 15,000 individuals across five continents.12

Professional Background

Before establishing Baem Leadership, Michelle held significant roles in various organizations. She was the Senior Director of Leadership and Learning at Audible, where she launched the company's first suite of management-development initiatives. Additionally, she contributed to the growth of General Assembly as Head of Client Engagement and served as Director of Executive Education at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing.125 Her career began at Duke Corporate Education, where she developed customized learning solutions for Fortune 200 clients.15

Focus on First-Generation Professionals

Michelle's work is particularly focused on supporting FGPs—individuals who are the first in their families to enter the professional workforce. She aims to address the unique challenges they face and harness their potential within organizations. Her insights are informed by her own experiences as an FGP, having been the first in her family to attend Harvard University.34 Through Baem Leadership, she advocates for tailored leadership development strategies that foster inclusivity and enhance organizational performance by investing in this often-overlooked talent pool.23

Educational Background

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Penn State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. Her educational background complements her extensive practical experience in leadership development and organizational behavior.5

In summary, Michelle Hoover is a prominent figure in leadership development with a strong commitment to empowering diverse professionals, particularly those from first-generation backgrounds, to thrive in their careers.