About - Nancy Michels

About Nancy

Helping Leaders Unlock Their Full Potential

I’m a Leadership Advisor and Executive Coach with a global practice. Over the past 25 years as an executive, consultant, professor, facilitator, and coach, I’ve partnered with leaders in organizations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia; from multi-industry conglomerates, pharma and biotech firms, utilities, financial services, hospitality, tech, professional services, start-ups, not-for-profits, and academic institutions.

I’m a Leadership Advisor and Executive Coach with a global practice. Over the past 25 years as an executive, consultant, professor, facilitator, and coach, I’ve partnered with leaders in organizations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Unlocking Leadership Potential

Advisor and Coach

My work is grounded in the belief that exceptional leadership begins with self-awareness and grows through clarity, confidence, and purpose. As a Harvard Business School graduate and ICF-certified executive coach with deep expertise in strategy, leadership development, and coaching, I help leaders like you:

Clarify Direction

Clarify your goals and lead with greater purpose

Handle Challenges

Navigate complexity with confidence and composure

Create Impact

Align intent and action to create measurable, lasting impact

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At the heart of my work is creating space for leaders to pause, think, and see things differently.

My Approach

Warm Connection With Clear Direction

In a fast-moving world with endless demands, I help you slow down with purpose to reflect, gain perspective, and make decisions with greater clarity. My style is warm but direct. I ask questions that reveal what’s really going on, challenge assumptions, and uncover insights that move you forward.

Each engagement is rooted in the belief that clarity leads to confidence, confidence enables impact, and impact becomes truly meaningful when it’s driven by purpose.

Alongside my private coaching practice, I facilitate leadership development programs with Harvard Business Impact, Harvard Business School’s corporate learning division. These customized programs are designed for senior leaders at top global companies who are ready to reach the next level of performance and influence.

ABOUT NANCY

A Glimpse Into My Life

I live in Tokyo, Japan, and work with clients around the world, both in person and virtually. Before moving to Tokyo, I spent ten years as a professor in the MBA program at Zurich Business School (UIBS), teaching marketing and strategy. Earlier in my career, I was a Partner at Monitor Group (now Monitor Deloitte) in Boston and San Francisco.

I hold an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics, magna cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Swiss-American by background, I enjoy being outdoors, traveling with my family, exploring Japan, and discovering new hobbies to pursue.

Ready to Get Started?

Partner with a Coach Who Helps You Grow with Purpose

Whether you’re an individual leader or an organization committed to developing your talent, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create the clarity, confidence, and strategies you need to achieve lasting impact.

Schedule A Meeting Contact Nancy