Behind every inspiring leader is a story filled with challenges, choices, and the courage to keep moving forward. Leadership nowadays is no longer just about holding a title—it’s about staying true to your values, supporting others, and creating a positive impact that lasts.
Michelle De Almeida, global speaker, bestselling author, and award-winning business coach, is a true example of this kind of leadership. As a Founder of MDA Business Coaching, Michelle’s journey spans multiple chapters—from learning resilience and discipline as a child, to serving in the Royal Navy, running her restaurant in Portugal, and later stepping into the corporate world in Scotland. Each experience shaped her perspective and taught her that real success comes from alignment—when values, vision, and action all work together.
Today, Michelle helps entrepreneurs and leaders across the globe build businesses that are authentic, purposeful, and impactful. Her work shows that leadership, when guided by clarity and heart, can truly change lives.
That’s why The Enterprise World is proud to feature Michelle De Almeida as our cover story—highlighting her journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of authentic and human-centered leadership.
Here are some inspiring insights from our conversation:
1. Can you walk us through your early journey and what experiences shaped your leadership path?
My leadership journey started at home, watching my parents and learning from their strong work ethic. From them, I understood the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and building meaningful relationships. Those lessons stayed with me when I joined the Royal Navy, where discipline and perseverance became part of who I was.
After a medical discharge, I shifted to the hospitality industry and eventually ran my restaurant in Portugal. That experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure, lead a team, and keep moving toward a vision even when challenges arose.
When I returned to Scotland, I stepped into the corporate world, where I developed a deeper understanding of teamwork and communication. Over time, I realized my real passion—helping others discover and unlock their potential.
Looking back, each chapter of my journey—military training, entrepreneurial hustle, and corporate collaboration—shaped my leadership style. They gave me the skills to lead, the empathy, and resilience I now bring to every client I work with.
2. Who or what inspired you to pursue your current career direction?
For me, inspiration has always come from people and their stories. I still remember working with women entrepreneurs through Coca-Cola’s 5by20 Programme. Watching their confidence grow as they realized they already had what it took to succeed was a powerful lesson. It showed me how belief and clarity can transform not just a business, but a whole life.
Around the same time, I started studying Bob Proctor’s teachings. His message about limitless potential really spoke to me and gave me the tools to help others overcome their barriers. Creating spaces where people feel supported and truly seen showed me what leadership with humanity looks like.
These experiences and mentors inspired me to start MDA Business Coaching—a place where mindset, strategy, and heart come together. My goal has always been to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses, and create lives that are meaningful and true to who they are.
3. Looking back, what was a defining moment that gave you clarity about your purpose as a leader?
When I first started working with other entrepreneurs, I noticed a common pattern: they weren’t struggling because they lacked talent or ideas, but because their values and strategies weren’t in sync. Realizing that this was the norm, not the exception, was the moment my purpose became clear. I knew my mission was to help leaders grow with clarity, alignment, and authenticity.
This understanding grew even stronger through a simple but powerful practice—listening and collaborating. I saw how giving people the space to be heard and supported could unlock their true potential. It taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. That insight has become the foundation of my coaching philosophy and my career.
4. How do you define leadership in today’s rapidly changing world?
Today, leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about inspiring and influencing others in a real, authentic way. In a world full of change, uncertainty, and fast-moving technology, leaders need to be flexible and understanding.
To me, leadership means helping others succeed, building trust, and providing clear guidance—even when the path ahead isn’t obvious. It’s about creating an environment where people can grow while living and showing the values you want reflected in your business and community.
5. What core values or principles guide your decision-making and leadership style?
My leadership is built on authenticity, integrity, and empowerment. I believe in practicing what I preach—if I encourage my clients to align their businesses with their values, I make sure I do the same. From my parents, I learned that trust is the key to any strong relationship, and I bring that lesson into every decision and interaction.
Resilience is also important to me—not as avoiding challenges, but as being willing to learn and grow through them.
I lead with intention, always asking myself a simple question:
Does this choice support my long-term vision for my life, my business, and the people I’m here to help?
6. In your view, how has leadership evolved with the rise of AI and digital transformation?
Leadership today is more about vision and connecting with people than just giving orders. While AI can manage data and improve efficiency, what technology can’t replace is empathy, creativity, and the ability to inspire others.
Digital changes require leaders to be flexible, but they also need to stay grounded in human values. Great leaders bridge the gap between innovation and humanity. AI won’t replace people—but businesses that ignore it risk being left behind.
7. What unique leadership philosophy or framework have you developed over the years?
My approach is all about alignment. It begins with the individual—understanding your story, values, and vision—and then moves outward to strategy, systems, and growth. I believe a business is only as strong as its leader’s clarity and belief. When values, vision, and strategy work together, success becomes long-lasting instead of temporary.
I also focus on empowerment and ownership. I encourage my team to take responsibility for their roles and create a space where new ideas and experimentation are welcomed. It’s this mix of alignment and innovation that drives lasting growth.
8. Could you share one milestone or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?
One of my proudest moments was becoming a #1 Amazon bestselling author and being recognized for my work with entrepreneurs. It wasn’t about the title itself, but what it represented—the stories of so many leaders I’ve worked with, people who moved from struggle to success. Knowing that my journey has had a positive impact on thousands of businesses is truly rewarding.
9. What has been your toughest leadership challenge, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was managing multiple businesses while also caring for my family. As a wife and a daughter supporting my parents, I often felt pulled in different directions.
What helped me was learning to ask for help, delegate tasks, and set clear boundaries. I realized that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about empowering others and understanding that finding balance is a continuous journey, not a one-time goal.
10. How do you balance long-term vision with short-term business realities?
I follow a clear review process to see where a business is today, spot opportunities for growth, and connect them to long-term goals. By breaking the bigger vision into smaller, manageable steps, I ensure that progress continues to move forward while staying focused on the bigger picture. It helps me and my clients stay flexible day-to-day without losing sight of long-term impact.
11. What excites you most about the future of your industry?
I’m really excited about how much people are valuing authenticity in business today. Leaders are starting to see that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating impact, being sustainable, and staying true to your values. With more entrepreneurs focusing on purpose and with the support of digital tools, the future of business can be successful and meaningful.
I also love that even with all the AI and digital growth, people are craving real, in-person connections alongside online communities. This shift opens up exciting new opportunities in the coaching world.
12. What role do you think leaders must play in shaping responsible and sustainable growth?
Leaders should guide change, not just focus on making profits. Growth should benefit shareholders, communities, and future generations.
For me, this means promoting inclusivity, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating chances for others to succeed. True, sustainable growth is about leaving a meaningful impact, not just earning money.
13. What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders aspiring to create global impact?
My advice is to begin with a clear understanding of yourself. Know your values, be clear about your vision, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself. Making a global impact doesn’t happen overnight or on a big stage—it starts with small, consistent actions taken with intention. Focus on building strong relationships, stay resilient when challenges come your way, and always let your authenticity set you apart.
14. What does being featured as a keynote speaker at The Global Icons of Impact 2025 mean to you personally and professionally?
It’s truly an incredible honor. For me personally, it reflects years of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to my vision. Professionally, it gives me a platform to show that business success and authenticity can go hand in hand. Being recognized as a Global Icon of Impact isn’t just about my journey—it’s about the entrepreneurs I’ve helped and the communities we continue to support and empower.
