Are You a Leader Hungry
for More Than Wins and Results?
Michelle Backes is the founder of The Savvy U, whose mission is to teach God’s transforming truths and empower people to live lives of purpose, peace, and victory.
As an award-winning senior certified consultant at Trust Edge Leadership Institute, she specializes in leadership development and training. She has contracted with everyone from USAA, Bayer, National Guard, Department of Natural Resources, State of Oregon Fire Chiefs, National Association of Fleet Administrators, Nevada Department of Transportation, College of Bermuda, and several other meducational institutions and sports teams.
She is in her 25th year as a WNBA chaplain of the Minnesota Lynx and shares wisdom from all her diverse experiences on the stage, delivering high-energy, keynote presentations that inspire, motivate, and challenge people to be their best selves. Clients and audiences love her practical strategies and tools for developing a high-trust culture in work and life.
What I Do
I serve leaders who feel stretched thin by nonstop schedules and expectations—guiding them to lead with clarity, confidence, and Christ-centered trust. When Jesus anchors the inside, you can thrive on the outside.
The Ultimate Win
The ultimate victory isn’t just success on the scoreboard or in the office. It’s laying your head on the pillow each night knowing you are aligned with God’s calling—using your gifts and talents for His glory, leading in a way that impacts eternity.
It’s choosing daily to pursue the Savvy U—for Him.
The Kingdom Edge
That’s more than leadership; it’s discipleship. It’s what I call The Kingdom Edge—the true advantage gained when others confidently believe in you because they first see Christ in you.
We Don’t Have to Live That Way!
~We ALWAYS have a CHOICE~
Sign up for a live keynote, a half- or full-day training, or one-on-one coaching/consulting, or join us in the It’s an Inside Game 8-week Savvy U® leadership course. We will do some soul-stretching by taking a closer look at the Good Book (the Bible). Together, we will learn how to live a wise life of purpose, peace, and victory. Gain the necessary tools to pursue the Savvy U®—for Him.
“You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You.”
~ Isaiah 26:3
Are You a Christian Leader Who Wants to Win in Ways That Last?
Whether you’re a coach, executive, educator, or team leader, maybe you’re wrestling to:
- Find your voice in the noise.
- Balance the pressure of work, family, and faith.
- Resolve conflict with grace.
- Align your team—or your home—around a healthy culture. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company.
I serve leaders who feel stretched thin by nonstop schedules and expectations—guiding them to lead with clarity, confidence, and Christ-centered trust. Because when Jesus anchors the inside, everything on the outside finds its order.
ThroughThe Inside Game course, one-on-one coaching, and personalized retreats at Respiree —our home for private, confidential hospitality and training—you’ll find space to pause, process, and grow stronger from the inside out.
Whether online or in person, the goal is the same: to help you lead with wisdom that lasts.with clarity, confidence, and Christ-centered trust. Because when Jesus anchors the inside, everything on the outside finds its order.
If your soul could use a reset, a dose of hope, or space to reconnect with God, you’re not alone.
Welcome to Respiree — our home for private, confidential coaching and spiritual training. It’s a quiet place to pause, breathe, and begin again — where leaders come to rest, realign, and rebuild what matters most.
I also travel to speak and train teams, churches, and leadership groups — bringing The Inside Game message to those hungry for growth, clarity, and Christ-centered leadership.
Whether in a quiet space or a crowded room, the goal is the same: to strengthen what’s inside—so you can live and lead with wisdom that lasts.
