Michelle Thames went to work one day in 2016 and walked out fired from her healthcare compliance job. What felt like an ending became the pivot that changed everything.
In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Michelle shares how she leaned on the blog she’d been building since 2009, taught herself marketing through real-world reps, and turned a career curveball into a thriving path as a marketing strategist, community builder, and boutique agency owner. We talk about what it really takes to build trust online, why relationship-based marketing still wins, and how intentional community building (especially through in-person events) can accelerate your visibility, confidence, and client growth faster than social media alone.
You’ll also hear Michelle’s honest take on early business setbacks, boundaries with social media, and what it means to create a truly “magnetic” brand—one that attracts the right-fit people and opportunities. Plus, she shares details on her book, From Fired to Featured, a practical guide to personal branding with purpose.
Episode Highlights:
Chapters:
00:01 — Meet Michelle Thames + community-building vibe
00:50 — 2016 layoff story: healthcare compliance to pivot
02:55 — Falling back on her blog + landing MyAlle Organics
04:51 — Starting the agency + shifting into community + events
18:23 — Early setbacks: scaling in 2020, hiring, going boutique
23:14 — “Magnetic” branding + curating the right room
39:42 — Her book From Fired to Featured + closing + where to connect
Connect with Michelle Thames:
Website - http://www.michellethames.com/
Let’s Stay Connected:
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