Determined. Strong. Smart. Real. These are just some of the words that describe Michelle Braden, CEO of msbcoach.com. She also happens to win WOW! Factor points in my book because she looks BACK to give the most compelling direction to her clients, even offering a "Jefferson Leadership course." Excited for you to get to know Michelle Braden, Woman Who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

Her ability to be comfortable with herself, confident in her skin, knowing who she in professionally as well as personally and able to build authentic relationships with other women

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Diane Sawyer, Meryl Streep, Julie Andrews and Diane Keaton – all of these women are beautiful inwardly as well as outwardly, they have strong minds and physically take care of themselves – they have a passion for giving to something greater than themselves – really I would rather pick women I know and have relationships with – I could tell you about many of them and EXACTLY what they teach me.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

You can not change anyone but yourself – and to be confident in who you are as a person not what you do or a title you have

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Wisdom and tenacity – hopefully I am continually developing both in myself

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Build strong relationships around you to create a support group to encourage you as well as hold you accountable

Carla Bailey — mom, business owner, community leader — is one of the most connected women in the Hampton Roads area. As CEO of USA Backgrounds Incorporated, her devotion to business and community is driven by a love for her family. To me, this alone gives her the WOW! Factor. Please take a minute to learn what you can from Carla Bailey, Woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

I enjoy being with women who are so confident, that they simply expect positive outcomes to their challenges. They have the capacity, influence, and leverage connections to solve big problems.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Oprah Winfrey – has the gift of articulating her power and the power that is in all of us, unlike anyone I have ever heard. She is connected to her power and she understands that she can do anything with it. She choose to do “good”, and that is how I believe we get to the next level of power and influence that is granted by the all mighty. Angelina Jolie – is who I would consider and example of a humble “Woman Warrior.” The paparazzi captures and tracks her fame, beauty, and money, but her choices to go into the most horrific, dangerous, and poorest places on earth to help the destitute, is her “real truth” and her profound purpose. Harriett Tubman – we all know the story; but when think about the courage of this woman, and her skill-set to build relationships and establish multi- state operations to see her mission through, in those times… is mind blowing. She selflessly risked her life, time and time again to bring her people out of captivity into freedom. How can any woman fear or lack the courage to do anything in the United States of America in 2012 when you read her story?

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

My mother encouraged me to be independent and to be an independent thinker. In that, it has helped me in my role as a wife and mother. I am encouraged and aware of my commitment to my family’s successes and growth. I understand that I have a “place” in my family; and it is to love hard, create safe forward thinking intellectual environments, empower, exhibit excellence, and to create the “standard”.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

I am not afraid to get out of my comfort zone. It is my opinion, that when you are out of your comfort zone, it presents opportunities for growth. Get into circles with individuals who can elevate you to new and higher levels of personal and professional growth. There are things you will see and learn that you many not ever have learned within your own “comfy” circles. I can learn from almost anyone, even a fool; I can learn how not to be one. Remember to be comfortable in who you are, and do not place so much importance in those who are around you that you allow them to make you uncomfortable or nervous. Strangers respect power and confidence, not fear.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Be a problem solver. When you live a life solving problems you possess the following: The ability to be kind and loving The ability to influence You serve mankind You have empathy for those who lack You are provided with unforeseeable resources You grow to higher levels of purpose and success

Maria Pinochet is the rockstar behind www.koreaccess.com, with a focus on marketing leadership! I just love her approach on the WOW! Factor: a woman's ability to be calm in the face of chaos, and can't wait to introduce her to you. Meet Maria, a woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

I find the amazing “WOW” factor in women when they display calm in the face of chaos – be it screaming kids, demanding clients or a crazy busy schedule!

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Hillary Clinton – grace and wits under pressure.

 

Oprah Winfrey – caring is a platform for success.

 

Ellen DeGeneres – fairness and acceptance are pillars for stardom.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

I always admired my mom’s ability to put anyone at ease. She has a way to draw people out, to make them feel important and engage them in lively conversation. To this day I still think of her and what she would do when I find myself in need of social grace and poise.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU Possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Single-minded persistence!

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Set a course and persist till you arrive at your desired destination. Examine your values and objectives and be true to yourself about the goals that you MUST accomplish to be fully satisfied. Ensure your success by asking from those that have achieved that same goal what you need to do next to move forward. Celebrate each step you take that moves you closer to your ultimate success!

In an industry often judged by it's hype, Julie Henderson is the REAL DEAL… teaching others how to create success in direct sales! Coach, mentor, author, and life long learner, Julie is definitely a woman who WOWS! Meet Julie, and let her show YOU how to be UNstoppable!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

Self-confidence. Women who are self-confident are often successful in business and life. Each of us has the ability to adopt new behaviors to effectively reprogram feelings about our abilities and personal worth.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, (COURAGE) "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot."

 

Rosa Parks, The First Lady of Civil Rights (SELF-WORTH) “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

 

Corrie ten Boom, a Militant Heroine, (FAITH) “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog — the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.”

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

Organization skills. My mom was masterful in managing a household of eight, planting a garden, milking cows, feeding chickens, working on the land, preparing daily delicious home-cooked meals and desserts, plus she still had time for her craft hobbies.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Positive attitude. If you can always see the glass as half full rather than half empty, choose to see the good in EVERYTHING, you will be happy.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Never compare yourself to others. You have your own unique gifts and talents to share with the world.

I met Laura Wayland in the stands of our sons' baseball game a couple years ago… when she and her husband were FIRST considering expanding their existing business to our small town. BOY am I glad they made the leap… visiting Chip's Beer and Wine is a regular Friday event for me now! Meet Laura, wine lover, successful business owner, (my) neighbor and TRULY a woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

The ability to inspire others!

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Wow, I don’t know why I am having such trouble with this one. I don’t really follow celebrities, but in thinking about it I would definitely have to include Oprah Winfrey. She has taught me to listen and learn from others experiences and to listen to good advice. She is inspiring! Wonder Woman was my all time favorite super hero when I was little. I would intently watch her show. She is the epitome of girl power and I love it! Mary Kay Ash. Although, she is not technically a celebrity. She is an entrepreneur, businesswoman and enabled women to go to work for themselves in a time when it is was not that celebrated. I admire people that step out of the box, like she did.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

When you get knocked down, pick yourself back up. My mom was a single mom, working a full time job and taking me and my three sisters to every activity in the world. She always put us first and I saw strength in her that she probably didn’t even see in herself.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

I don’t take “no” for an answer. Actually, I don’t even think that world is in my vocabulary. If I want it, I go after it. I make it happen. I use my vision, I create and then take action.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Do everything with intention and follow through. So many people lack the confidence to try and give up on themselves too easily. Have a vision, make a plan and follow through. Don’t give up on yourself so easily!