S4:E17 (VIDEO) LIVE with Michele Heyward

Jun 27, 2025

Michele Heyward, a Civil Engineer and CEO of PositiveHire, shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice. She discusses strategies for building diverse technical teams and the importance of leadership backed by data and purpose. Michele highlights the necessity of psychological safety in workplaces and how AI can tackle engineering challenges. She also reflects on personal growth through failure, the significance of community support, and her vision for sustainable energy initiatives in rural areas.

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ANECDOTE

Leadership Lessons from Bob Wood

Michele Heyward became aware of the difference between a manager and a leader around 2010 through observing a project leader named Bob Wood.
Bob showed leadership by sharing credit for wins and owning blame for problems, fundamentally changing her view of leadership.

ANECDOTE

Founding Positive Hire

Michele founded Positive Hire in 2017 to support women and minorities in engineering through community and services.
The company evolved from a digital community to software and coaching addressing talent retention in engineering.

ADVICE

Right People at Right Time

Cultivate relationships with the right people at the right time to propel success.
Regularly expand your network to find people who can help you grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.

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