E340: Dr. Michelle Martin Bonner - Faith, Leadership & Making Things Happen
What does it really mean to lead with faith—and to turn purpose into action? In this episode of Back2Basics, Dr. Michelle Martin Bonner, three-time #1 Amazon best-selling author, executive coach, and CEO of AMMEmpowerment, shares powerful lessons from more than 30 years of leadership and personal transformation. We explore why your job is what you do, not who you are, how to pursue your calling without recklessly walking away from your career, and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Michelle also reflects on Jesus as the ultimate servant leader, the role of forgiveness in overcoming adversity, and how faith can provide direction when life simply doesn’t make sense. A conversation about leadership, resilience, identity, purpose, and having the courage to write the vision, make it plain—and make things happen.
Learn more about Dr. Martin Bonner at: https://ammempowerment.org/
Show Notes
2:31 👧 Michelle as a little girl: protecting other kids from bullies.
4:16 ⚖️ Decided at 12 she wanted to be a lawyer – inspired by Andrew Young at the UN.
8:38 🧭 The difference between giving advice and coaching.
11:03 🛠️ Practical advice: DON'T quit your job, build your passion concurrently.
15:22 📖 First book: 90 Days Biblical Affirmations.
17:22 👑 Jesus as the ultimate servant leader.
21:07 💔 Michelle's story of co-parenting and learning forgiveness.
24:45 🛡️ Asking for help is a STRENGTH, not a weakness.
29:00 💵 Dear Little Girl in Me: hiding money under the mattress as a child.
31:28 ❓ When tragedy strikes even the faithful ask "WHY?"
34:33 ⛪ Visit different houses of worship: diversity was created by God.
38:03 ✍️ Journaling is her anchor:
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Author/CEO
Dr. Michelle Martin Bonner is a three-time #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, executive coach, speaker, consultant, and transformational leader with more than 30 years of experience in leadership development, organizational strategy, workforce culture, and professional growth. She is a contributing author in the Amazon best-selling anthologies Overcomer Woman 2.0, 90 Days Biblical Affirmations, and Dear Little Girl in Me, which reached #1 in New Releases in Christian Living and Personal Growth on Amazon.
Michelle is the CEO of AMMEmpowerment, a consulting firm focused on leadership development, executive coaching, culture transformation, and organizational empowerment. Her experience spans corporate, nonprofit, legal, educational, and ministry sectors, where she has led initiatives in leadership strategy, professional development, inclusion, and organizational change.
A member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Michelle is recognized for helping individuals and organizations move from vision to execution while leading with authenticity, clarity, and impact. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she empowers others to overcome adversity, embrace purpose, and lead with confidence, resilience, and faith.
