Voices of Influence: Michelle Hardy

2025 Influential Women in Business honoree Michelle Hardy, vice president of public affairs and community development for Turner Industries, shares her insights. Read her profile here.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career—and how did you learn it? 

Learning to accept setbacks should not be viewed as failure. Setbacks are opportunities to reassess both from a team and individual standpoint and make changes that will lead to greater success. As a perfectionist, I tend to find greater fault within myself. I now look for more opportunities for improvement and constant evaluation of my own actions. Being a perfectionist I must confront imperfections I see in myself. I had to learn to deal with these issues constructively and positively.

What’s one risk you took that changed your trajectory, either professionally or personally? 

I am fairly risk adverse. If I am going to decide on whether to take a risk or not I usually weigh it out with pros and cons. One question I always ask myself is, “If I don’t do this could I regret it?” The biggest risk for me was moving into the construction industry space without a background in construction or significant knowledge of the industry. In doing so, I had to trust my personal habits, my willingness to learn and dedication that would ultimately allow me to succeed. 

How do you stay focused and motivated when things get difficult?

I track my projects so I do not get overwhelmed. I identify my goals and write them down. And I always have a plan.

I keep in mind the ultimate goal and access plans that focus on steps I have laid out. Planning and executing one step at a time instead of the ultimate goal that might be overwhelming. The plan is there. I focus on plan and execution that ultimately achieves the goal. To achieve large and complex objectives, I break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach allows me to maintain focus on the immediate task at hand, rather than staying focused on the ultimate goal.

By having a well-defined plan and concentrating on the execution of each individual step, I steadily progress towards the desired outcome. This methodical approach ensures that even ambitious goals are ultimately attainable through consistent, focused effort.

What’s your personal definition of success—and has it changed over time?

I define success as actively looking for and pursuing new opportunities to grow. Success for me means I am looking for new opportunities and ways to build my knowledge base and skills. Take care of what you have been assigned to, performing with excellence to the best of your ability. 

Also, working to overcome challenges in your career can be a big part of finding your success. Mitigating or surpassing these challenges can help you advance in your career or personal life and feel more fulfilled.

What’s a piece of advice you once received that you always come back to?

People may not remember what you said but will remember how you treated them. Integrity in everything you do -whether it be with clients, friends, or coworkers.

What’s your go-to way to recharge after a long week?

Spending time with my family and grandchildren. I spend time away from my phone. I check in but not letting my phone control me. 

If you could have dinner with any woman living or from history, who would it be and what would you ask her?

Maya Angelou: How she overcame her adversity and find beauty in the world. She suffered so much and yet overcame and she still found beauty in the world. 

Her quote “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty” always reminds me we many times only see the butterfly in people, but not what they have gone through. 

What’s one item on your desk (or in your bag) that you can’t live without—and why?

My coffee is filled with Community Coffee. The comfort, the routine and the aroma keeps me calm.

What song instantly puts you in a good mood or makes you feel powerful?

“Levitating Dua Lipa”

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self—if she’d actually listen?

Learn to enjoy life. Remember to step back from time to time, because I sometimes get lost in the details and not appreciate the journey and accomplishments. Don’t focus on the next project; enjoy the beauty of the project or event. Celebrate!