about michelle
Hi, I'm Michelle — founder of The Executive Navigator.
I believe good operations should make life feel easier, not heavier. That anticipation is one of the most valuable forms of support there is. And that how people feel working with you matters just as much as the results.
For over 20 years, I've been the person behind the person — supporting executives, founders, and leaders so they can show up fully for the work only they can do.
My Story
I started in executive support and event planning, coordinating tradeshows, travel, and vendor relationships for senior executives — and learned early that the difference between chaos and calm is almost always preparation someone did in advance. As a travel consultant, I planned upscale corporate events and incentive trips for companies like Lucid Software and Colliers International.
Then came the role that shaped me most: eight years managing the YPO Park City chapter. I supported the Chapter Chair and an executive board of C-suite leaders, planned and executed 10+ educational events a year, and served as the primary point of contact for 110+ high-net-worth members and their spouse/partners. When I started, the chapter had 17 members. When I left, it had 110+, grown through genuine relationships and member experiences people didn't want to miss.
For the past six years, I've also been the ongoing behind-the-scenes partner to speaker and author Shasta Nelson, managing her group coaching programs, helping with TravelCircles, managing her Kit account and assisting as needed when she travels. It's the kind of long, trusted working relationship I believe this work is meant to be.
And the career moment I'm proudest of? A luxury retreat with dozens of moving pieces — vendors, transportation, guest experience, timing — that felt completely seamless to every person attending. Nobody saw the machinery. That's the point.
What I believe
A few convictions run through everything I do:
Clear communication prevents most problems before they start.
Systems create freedom, not restriction.
Anticipation is support at its best — solving things before they become problems.
Simple and well-executed beats complicated every time.
How people feel working with you matters as much as the result.
I also believe work can be a calling. I do my best work alongside leaders who lead with purpose — and many of my clients are faith-centered or purpose-driven people building something bigger than themselves. Getting to support that kind of work is why I do this.
Who I do my best work with
The partnership works best with leaders who are clear on their vision and ready to hand off the how. Entrepreneurs and coaches building something that matters; founders in the travel and events world who create experiences people never forget. Warm, decisive people who've delegated before and actually let go, who want a trusted partner, not another task list to manage. If that's you, the details you've been carrying alone are exactly the ones I'd love to take off your plate.
The Personal Side
I’m deeply committed to my family and protective of my time.
Mother to two grown, married sons, bonus mom to three more, grandmother to three—and in what can only be described as divine humor, mother again to our spirited daughter born in 2017. She keeps us young, or tired, depending on the day.
I’ve lived most of my life in Utah, with seasons in Anaheim and Las Vegas, and now spend time between Phoenix and Missoula to stay close to family.
I love to travel, camp, cook from scratch, and serve in my community. You’ll usually find fresh milled or sourdough bread—and chocolate chip cookies—on my kitchen counter. Cooking has become one of the ways I care for the people around me.
I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember and will take any opportunity to be near them.
My mother is from southern Sweden, and I’ve been fortunate to spend time there over the years. A full summer in Europe is still on my list.
I believe good work should enhance life, not compete with it. That belief shapes how I support the people I work with and how I build my business.
Suzy Gustafson - Owner, SG Travel Two
During the time she worked for me she was over my social media, group/incentive trips as well as helping with customer service. Michelle has excelled in this role, exhibiting one of the highest levels of productivity I have seen in an employee during my 30 years of running my agency. Michelle produces a high volume of work while consistently maintaining high standards for quality and accuracy. Michelle possesses the ultimate "can do" attitude while taking on all tasks with a positive energy and a smile. Her upbeat personality and engaging personal style enable her to interact effectively with clients and staff. She is very well organized and keeps track of the details necessary to coordinate events of this kind and run an efficient office. Proactive in anticipating rising administrative needs, she takes initiative to go beyond the expected parameters of her job.
All the intangibles that lead to success in the workplace are in order with Michelle. There will be no unpleasant surprises and I am confident she will fit in and add to office morale. I am very grateful for her contributions to our office and very confident that she has the intelligence, work ethic, and communications skills to add value wherever she works.
