Storyteller Spotlight: Michelle Akin
Michelle Akin represented Team 30s at our very first October 2024 show! After a decade of amassing thousands of followers on YouTube and Instagram showcasing her comedic wit, musical talents and news about her creative coaching practice, Michelle shared the story of how she famously quit social media in 2023, and never went back. Michelle is also a mom, writer, pop vocalist and Master Certified Coach. As a multi-passionate creative, she believes that relationships are the the greatest opportunity life affords us for creating art. You can read more about her on her website MichelleAkin.com.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t get an MFA *giggle emoji*. I had a film professor beg me not to go to grad school. He said that I, and my friend Grace, had so much potential, and he felt very strongly that more years of school would only get in our way. "You need to get to NYC and then everything will happen," he said, and he was absolutely right. Thank goodness!!!!
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I wouldn't waste my breath, she would not listen. She needed to figure things out herself.
What’s something that always brings you back to yourself when life feels chaotic?
A scorchingly hot bath with dead sea salt flakes and/or writing fiction!
What’s a belief or mindset shift that changed your life?
I am the source of my own experience. This can be heard as finger-pointing (to blame) or finger-pointing (to alert me to my power) and I choose to hear it as the latter.
What surprised you most about telling your story on stage?
The places where people laughed, and laughed harder than I expected!!! I thought that certain bits would resonate, but it was at a much higher volume than I anticipated. But also... the number of people who ran up to me after to tell me they needed to quit social media too!!!
How did sharing your story change you?
It solidified my understanding that I didn’t need to have the goal of writing impressive keynotes that net thousands of dollars, I just need to tell stories about my life. That's what I'm good at, and what brings me the most joy.
What advice might you give to a first-time storyteller?
To talk like you're speaking directly to a friend. Being on stage is the ultimate opportunity to stay present and connected in your body. It's so easy to float away and disassociate, but it feels SO GOOD to just connect with the humans in front of you, and to stay grounded in yourself. It doesn't happen the first time, it takes practice, so enjoy this rep! May there be many more reps to come!
If your younger self could see you now, what would they be most surprised by?
That I'm not still trying to become an international pop star (hehe) - but also she'd probably be surprised by how many genuine, connected friendships I have. Those were thin on the ground growing up since I, like many of us, had simply not found my people yet... and I thought that that was about me not being good enough! But that's not so.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I was the captain of my high school color guard. Specifically the weapon line. I went on to join an independent adult guard during college called "Alter Ego." We competed internationally and won best from NJ!
What’s a book, movie, or TV show you’ve rewatched or reread multiple times, and why?
The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn because the main character is endlessly likeable and inspiring, the slow burn romance is slooooooow and SO satisfying, and the mysteries are incredibly enticing.
Tell us anything else that we should know!
I recently started serial self-publishing my first original novel! It's a lady detective/murder mystery/romcom called "A Very Silly Way to Die" - free to subscribe to on my website, The Meet-Cuterie.
I have also started hosting a group coaching offering called "The Story Circle".
Also! I will be the emcee at @liftnetworking Speed Networking event on April 30th, so check that out! It’s gonna be super fun!