Meet Michele Aptman

Michele Aptman is another wonderful addition to our international team and comes with a wealth of experience from organisations such as Google.

She is based in New York, USA, and works with clients in the US and across Europe, when she’s not creating balance in her life by spending time with her family in Central Park!

1. So, what are you up to this week?

I just returned from a trip to California. While I was away, I had the chance to think about my priorities, how I want to show up with others, and practice being truly present in the moment. This week I am leading with those priorities and intentions. It’s also an exciting week for my children. Both will finish school and start camp.

2. What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

I am working on a learning and development strategy for a client. I am excited about the opportunity to address what lies beneath the surface to get to root causes. Learning is important for personal growth. It needs to support a healthy company culture, but can not replace it. I am particularly passionate about coaching business leaders as part of the strategy. Culture, development, and coaching all work together.

3. How are you finding your clients are coping with 2023?

2023 has been a year of new beginnings for many clients. Some are making career and personal transitions by choice, others are dealing with the economic fallout that continues. Most have already landed on their feet which has taken a lot of hard work, and support from their networks.

4. How do you help them?

I help my clients by giving them space to think. I suspend judgement and come from a place of genuine curiosity.  It is important to share back what I am experiencing, both the said and unsaid, and see what new information that provides to my clients. The best coaching advice I ever received was “It’s never about what it’s about.” Giving clients the space and sharing observations help them get to the real issue.

5. Tell us a bit about your own background and experience

I have had a few intentional career pivots. My passion is in learning and development and I discovered it was an energising and common thread in my previous work within the marketing research and sales fields. I have been working in learning and development, change management, team dynamics, and coaching for over a decade, and leverage my 25 years of experience in all I do.

6. How do you draw upon it when coaching?

I am very comfortable with change given how much I have had in my career. I don’t always agree with it though. There needs to be a good reason. Sometimes I can control or influence, sometimes I can not. I know what it is like to be excited for changes such as becoming a parent, or taking on a new leadership role. This is the best kind. Often there are unexpected positives that come from change and the challenge is to decide how you will show up.

7. How would you describe your coaching style?

My coaching style balances the head and the heart. I am known for my “Compassionate Honesty” in helping my clients. I am empathetic and honest.

8. What do you get up to, away from coaching?

I live in New York City with my husband and two children. Central Park is our backyard. On weekends we enjoy all the park has to offer from walks, to playing sports, to drawing, and picnic lunches. One of our favourite things to do is dance to musicians playing in the park. We have our go-tos.

9. What are you looking forward to most?

I am excited to partner with Motion Learning, and for my end of summer vacation.

10. What’s the one secret you think everyone should be aware of?

You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not a secret, but it is so easy to forget in the day to day of life.