What If Your Worst Day Turns Out to Your Best Day?

From Crutches To Courage

Adversity Speaker & Storyteller

Prologue

At age 11, Michelle was permanently disabled in a car accident that froze her growth at 4’ 4” and left her needing crutches to walk. 

By her own admission, she wasn’t just physically small – she used to live her life emotionally small. The hardest part of living with a visible disability was the shame and unworthiness she carried in her heart and mind.

So she embarked on what began as just a physical fitness journey – and evolved into a life-transformation journey when she decided to join her gym mates in their quest to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.  

She hiked up the 26 miles of ascending trail 8-10 hours a day. She had to bandage her wrists so they wouldn’t break as they took a load of her body weight with every step on her crutches.

She ultimately ascended the peak … crawling on her hands and knees at the end, to the cheers of those in her party who had been strangers at the outset of the journey.

When she came home, she was changed forever.

Looking to dazzle your audience with resilience and flair?

Past Speaking Clients

The Page Turner

There I was, the first day on The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu…

I found myself amongst a diverse group of individuals from around the globe, all converging at the trailhead, ready to kick off our four-day journey to Machu Picchu.

Shortness of breath? Check. 

Dehydration? Probably. 

Risks? Definitely.

Standing at an elevation of 3,000 feet, but my target -  a breath-stealing 14,000 feet summit.

A backpack onto my shoulders - 15 lbs that felt like an overfed bulldog at that height.

26 miles of rugged, unpaved trails.

40,000 stone stairs I had to ascend.

PLUS….my 2 pink crutches lead me to the sacred valley of Machu Picchu, perched 14,000 feet high.

At a mere 4 feet 4 inches tall and relying on crutches for mobility, let's just say that the hike to Machu Picchu didn't seem to have me in mind.

There were 5 things that I’ve learned on this journey to Machu Picchu.

Choice

Commitment

Courage

Connection

Confidence

These are the pillars of Perseverance and Resilience in Life and In Business.

  • “Her effervescent inspiration is contagious.”

    Michelle radiates joy and dispenses wisdom. She captivates audiences with personal stories and actionable takeaways about transforming setbacks into victories, challenges into opportunities, and doubts into hope.

    — GARY SCHNEEBERGER, PRESIDENT & CHIEF LEONINE OFFICER

  • "Michelle is a firecracker!"

    Such a love-for-life, spirited young woman. You can't help to smile when you are talking to her.

    She has an energy to make any podcast an enjoyable one. My guests still comment on her episode. Michelle came to me as a guest and has become someone I am proud to call my friend.

    I would recommend Michelle to any podcaster. You will not be disappointed.

    — John Butler, The Butler's Babble Podcast

  • “GIFTED and TALENTED.”

    “The outcome of these speaking engagements has been phenomenal. She is both inspirational and impactful.

    She shares her story of determination, bravery, and perseverance and becomes instrumental in helping people bounce back on their feet and shift their mindset, resulting in sustainable results. Her successful track record has been impressive.”

    — Eve Cortes, Sr. HR Director & Certified Empowerment Life and Executive Coach

Audience Take Aways

Motivational: 

  • 5 Pillars of Confidence Building that will not only empower you but will also transform how you approach your life and career.

  • How to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances, both in life and in business.

  • How to prioritize persistence over perfection in their pursuit of overcoming adversity and finding hope even in the face of significant challenges.

Marketing: 

  • How to create a brand identity that resonates through a clear mission and message.

  • How to stand out and grow your business with the power of storytelling 

  • Social media strategies to position yourself as a thought leader and attract your ideal audience.

Audience Includes:

Northrop Grumman, Palmdale “Your Voice”
NovaWorks
UNIFESTIGO, AIESEC in IIT Kharagpur, India
The Wealthy Health Biz Summit 
14th Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference
Women | Future Conference
3rd Global Conference on Women's Studies - Rotterdam, Netherlands
Create & Cultivate
The NCJW/Essex Center for Women
The Second Samoan Congregation Church of Long Beach
Women’s Entrepreneur Workshop - 50/50 Leadership

Industry Types:

Women Empowerment
Business & Marketing 
Leadership & Teambuilding

Michelle In Action

Featured on Over 100+ Podcasts

Ready to dive into stories that inspire and strategies that transform?

I've been honored to share my journey, insights, and passion for empowering coaches, speakers, and the general audience to thrive on over 100+ podcasts.

Each episode brings a unique perspective—whether it's building a profitable coaching business, storytelling, overcoming adversity, or embracing resilience.

Explore the playlist to tune in and catch the magic firsthand.

"A walking, breathing reminder of what's possible."

Michelle is inspirational in every sense of the word. She shared her journey with my audience in such a positive, compelling way that we came away with as much respect for her resiliency as her positivity. Michelle is a walking, breathing reminder of what's possible when we're willing to look beyond our limitations to see the magnificent potential that resides in each of us. Having Michelle as a speaker will surely shift any audience's belief in what is truly possible for them.

— Rosanna Gill, Breaking Labels Podcast

  • "Emotional Rollercoaster"

    From the first page, Michelle's story had me hooked! I finished it a day, enthralled by her poetic yet smooth-flowing writing style.

    The emotional rollercoaster depiction of strength, endurance, and perseverance that shine through every word perfectly illustrates the power of one's determination and mindset. - Jenn Chow

  • "Captivating"

    This book captivated me throughout, like the best ones always do.

    The storytelling is first class: the narrative of family, life experiences, peace, conflict, joy, and significant adversity. It's a book of emotional struggle, longing for core needs that we so often go without.

    This is sincerely a story I'd like to give as a gift to my family and friends. - Michael Toebe

  • "Remarkable"

    What a remarkable story of journeying from tragedy to triumph.

    What an extraordinary offering you have in your chosen profession of being a coach.

    You truly have the skills and life experience to help people to surmount unbelievable and seemingly impossible odds and rise up to live a life beyond compare and offer this same experience to others through your book and partaking of your coaching. -Christine Johnson

Perfectly Normal: An Immigrant’s Story Of Making It In America

Michelle Kuei was an 11-year-old student in rural Taiwan when a car running a red light completely altered her life’s trajectory. Through the long and painful process of recovery, Kuei made surprising discoveries about loss, identity, and personal strength--revelations that helped guide her through her journey as an immigrant to the United States. With radical honesty bolstering her storytelling, Kuei shows us how positive transformation can happen when we let go of self-pity, embrace our flaws, and learn to love ourselves.

AVAILABLE FOR KINDLE AND PRINT ON AMAZON

Guest Podcast

  • Heals Handbags & Hustle With Rachel Earp