About Professional - Keynote Speaker Services

SPEAKER, COACH, CONSULTANT

Michelle Backes founded The Savvy U^®, whose mission is to teach transforming truths that empower people to lead trusted lives of purpose, peace, and victory.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Michelle is also an award-winning senior certified consultant with The Trust Edge Leadership Institute, a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, coach, and DISC assessor. She specializes in leadership development and transformational training, partnering with organizations such as USAA, Bayer, the National Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, the National Association of Fleet Administrators, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Eastern Illinois University, and other educational institutions.

In addition to her corporate work, Michelle is passionate about serving college sports programs. A Hall of Fame two-sport collegiate athlete with over two decades of teaching and coaching experience, she is married to a 1992 Olympian and is the mother of two Division I athletes. For 26 years she has also served as chaplain for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, walking alongside high-achieving leaders under pressure.

Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, equipping her to design courses that engage learners across careers. She is the creator of It’s an Inside Game, an innovative program that helps leaders strengthen their inside game so they can thrive on the outside. Through The Savvy U^®, she also leads The Savvy U^® Mastermind Table, a confidential, collaborative space where leaders sharpen one another—not to compete, but to complete.

She brings wisdom from her diverse experiences to every stage, delivering high-energy keynotes and workshops that inspire, motivate, and challenge leaders to be their best. Clients and audiences value her practical strategies for building high-trust cultures—and her signature challenge to every leader: pursue the Savvy U^®.

CONNECT

“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

“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.