Dr. Michelle Millis Chappel

Growing up in Georgia, I felt like something was missing from my life, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I was musically inclined as a girl but no one seemed to care so I forgot all about it. I was trapped inside an abusive home and escaped by winning scholarships to schools in other states.

 

I got a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Princeton. Years later, I was voted “Most Inspirational Professor” at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Still I felt empty. Something deep inside kept whispering, "You are meant for more."

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I discovered I could carry a tune after singing into a classroom mic on a whim. I  joined a band knowing that if I didn’t take the risk then, I never would. Despite being called “crazy” by my colleagues, I left academics to become a rock star.

 

My tunes have topped overseas and U.S. college radio charts and appeared in TV and film. I've also won 17 Billboard international songwriting contests. 

 

A radio DJ once asked me if I’d ever go back to teaching. I realized I wanted to teach people how to find their superpowers and follow their true calling, too.

For 20 years, I've helped thousands of clients ages 8 to 84 discover special new abilities and excel in work and life through my talks and workshops nationwide.

 

I've also climbed the ladder from usability engineer to VP of Customer Insights. I now run a consulting agency working with clients such as AT&T and Intel.

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My site, michellechappel.com, was chosen as “One of 15 Brilliant Websites That Will Inspire And Change Your Life” by Lifehack.org. My book, You are a Total Rock Star, will come out in 2024. 

 

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