A Journey of Finding Success Through People-Centered Leadership
Michele Tram believes in putting people at the heart of everything she does, a philosophy that has guided her both personally and professionally.
Growing up as a cross-cultural kid, and navigating the complexities of cultural assimilation and identity, she often felt like an outsider. Motivated by not wanting others to undergo similar hardships, this experience has informed her foundational values of inclusivity and empathy.
It shaped not only her worldview, but also her approach to personal growth. Coming from an Asian cultural background where showing emotions was often seen as a weakness, Michele initially struggled with vulnerability. Yet, it was precisely this challenge that would become a catalyst for her greatest achievements. By gradually embracing openness, she discovered that vulnerability, rather than being a liability, could be transformed into a powerful tool for leadership, innovation, and connection.
This revelation profoundly influenced her leadership style, which is rooted in fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture where every voice is valued. She emphasizes empowering individuals—whether they are people managers or individual contributors—to feel comfortable showing up as their whole and best selves, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Her personal experience with cultural navigation has made her particularly attuned to the importance of creating spaces where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.
Michele’s commitment to authentic leadership and community impact has earned her notable recognition throughout her career. Early on, she received a Service Award for her dedication to supporting young students, and she took to platforms like NY1 News to advocate for tenants’ rights. Her passion for making a difference continues through initiatives like fundraising for the Lower Eastside Girls Club, where she helped raise $1,500 to provide essential resources for under-resourced young girls.
In the corporate world, her people-focused approach has led to remarkable achievements in operations and strategy, particularly in customer experience (CX). Drawing inspiration from shows like Undercover Boss, she developed a keen eye for identifying business inefficiencies and improving systems. This unique perspective, combined with her commitment to listening to diverse voices, earned her a position on Condé Nast’s Global DEI&B Council and led her team to victory in the company’s Data for Social Impact Hackathon. Her innovative leadership was further recognized with the CXO 2.0 Emerging Leader in Business Award.
As a first-generation professional, Michele’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and adaptability. Navigating cultural expectations while pursuing her aspirations wasn’t always straightforward, especially when explaining career decisions to parents from different professional backgrounds. Yet, these challenges only strengthened her resolve to create positive change in both business and society.
Her vision extends beyond traditional metrics of success. Inspired by forward-thinking leaders, Michele champions sustainable business practices and a stakeholder-driven economy, advocating for principles like B Corp and ESG standards. She demonstrates daily that profitability and social responsibility can work hand in hand, actively seeking collaborations with individuals and organizations who share this perspective.
Michele’s systematic thinking and attention to detail have been crucial to her success, but she maintains that true fulfillment comes from continuous self-improvement rather than external validation. She creates space for personal growth through simple rituals like morning reflections while drinking coffee in the garden, understanding that these moments of solitude are essential for maintaining clarity and focus.
She believes that staying true to three fundamental pillars: finding your community, committing to consistent, incremental actions toward your goals, and approaching both personal and professional endeavors with empathy, anyone can create positive change and achieve their dreams in unexpected and meaningful ways.
