ABOUT

You Bring The Courage, We'll Bring the Keys

Speaker, Educator, Consultant

Hi, I’m Michelle Backes, founder of The Savvy U®, where our mission is to teach transforming truths that help people lead trusted lives of purpose, peace, and victory.

I believe leadership starts on the inside. That conviction led me to create The Inside Game®, a journey designed to strengthen what’s within so we can thrive on the outside—in our work, our relationships, and our everyday lives. Through eight “rooms” that represent key pillars of trust, this experience helps leaders grow in clarity, character, and consistency.

Over the years, I’ve been honored to speak, train, and coach with teams and organizations such as USAA, Bayer, the National Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, NAFA Fleet Administrators, and several universities. I also serve as a senior certified consultant with The Trust Edge Leadership Institute, and a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, and coach.

Before all of that, I was a teacher and coach—roles that shaped my heart for helping people learn, grow, and reach their potential. Sports is still part of my DNA: I’m a Hall of Fame two-sport collegiate athlete, married to a 1992 Olympian, and mom to two Division I athletes. For more than 25 years, I’ve also served as chaplain for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, walking alongside athletes and leaders under pressure.

I hold a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, which helps me design experiences that connect learning with real life. Whether I’m teaching The Inside Game®, leading a Savvy U® Table, or speaking to a room of leaders, my hope is always the same—to help people find clarity, build trust, and lead with peace from the inside out.

Because when we grow steady on the inside, the wins on the outside naturally follow.

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MISSION

To serve leaders by teaching timeless, trust-building truths that strengthen their inside game and transform how they live and lead.  

VALUES

  • Love and kindness in interactions
  • Creativity and excellence in delivery
  • Laugh together and often
  • Trustworthiness in everything
  • Seek wisdom from the Word that never changes

Clients Include:

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"Michelle goes the extra mile for everyone she serves. She is high-energy and interactive on stage. She does the homework to customize her message. You won't meet anyone you can count on more to be there for you and to be ready for your audience.”

David Horsager, Trust Edge Leadership Institute

“Michelle is someone who is committed to seeing people thrive. I’ve seen her creativity and hard work propel growth in the lives of me and my teammates, and I’m excited to see how she continues to impact others!”

Maya Moore Irons , 4x WNBA Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist

“Michelle is an engaging, personal, and relevant speaker. Her ability to relate to all ages with both her humor and content shows her experience and talent as a professional speaker. Her charismatic personality brings it all to life and draws you in. I highly recommend Michelle as a speaker.”

Lanita Stutzman, Executive Director

"TRUST me!! Michelle rocks! Her dynamic and fun session at our leadership conference this summer had everyone engaged and excited and everyone left with actionable ideas and motivation to be better leaders. I strongly recommend booking Michelle for your next event!"

Jennifer Schmitz, Executive Director, ALASBO

"The Savvy U Trust Edge Experience was a huge difference maker for our team. We learned some valuable tools to build trust and Michelle was an incredible communicator and really connected with our team. She helped take our team to the next level and we had a fantastic year. I would highly recommend having share with your program if you want to build trust in their organization."

Matt Bollant, Division I Women's Basketball Coach

"What a fantastic adventure! Michelle has so much energy and spunk yet balances it with sharing deep research and relaxing peaceful campfires. A trip like I've never been on before and just what I needed. So good for my soul. THANKS! Will go again..."

J.B.

“During my time with the Lynx, Michelle faithfully devoted herself to giving the players practical yet edifying teaching that we still use in our lives today. Michelle was able to deliver in a way that left us feeling inspired and confident. She was refreshing, in that she would always find a new way to give us agency, and develop our own convictions for our lives. Over the course of the 5 years, Michelle was the consistent voice that kept us on a path of faith and leadership development. Her love and passion for this kind of work has planted seed in all of the players she has touched, as all still carry her lessons with us.”

Monica Wright Rogers, General Manager of WNBA Expansion Team Toronto Tempo, Former MN Lynx Professional Basketball Player

Michelle was an excellent speaker for our conference. Not only was she a subject matter expert, but Michelle also clearly believes in the importance of building and maintaining trust and delivers that message with the energy to keep everyone engaged. Michelle also stepped up and went the extra mile by helping us fill in another session that had fallen through by providing us with a table-talk exercise to build on what she had presented. The only regret is not having more time with her plugged in for us.

Tim Nelson, Cook County Land Services Director

“Wow! What an adventure! Michelle led us on a weekend journey filled with learning, laughter, and love. With her guidance, we grew wiser in living life with purpose.”

Peggy R.

“Highly recommend The Savvy U® experience and Michelle Backes as your guide. Michelle is knowledgeable, passionate, and thoughtful. It’s an experience you will hold close to your heart and soul.”

Darcy Moss

"Michelle laid out the foundation pillars of the Trust Edge program for our school district. The program is a powerful opportunity toward building a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability. By providing our staff with the tools to create an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is valued, and every person in the organization feels they have a voice will foster the groundwork necessary for long-term achievement and meaningful connections across our school and the greater community."

Shelly Bauer, Superintendent for The Madelia Public School District