...let your light shine before others...                                   

                                                  Matt. 5:16

Miami 1

KEYNOTE # 1

Pursue Your Savvy U®

Thriving Physically, Mentally and Spiritually

Around the world, coaches, students, athletes, business leaders,  pastors & spouses are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression. Many, including me at times, struggle with declining current culture and our realities. How do we navigiate these often turmultuous waters and not only take good care of our souls but actually thrive? How do we continue to lead regardless of crisis and challenges? How do we pursue our best Savvy U®?

We will examine tips and tools to live the savvy (savvy in Latin means "to be wise") life that comes from having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I will take you through a Savvy U® body scan, literally head to toe, sharing researched based tools and strategies to help you become an even more effective and wise Child of God. We'll journey together examining and embracing the timeless truths embedded in His Word.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
~ 1 Peter 2:9

Speaking 2

KEYNOTE # 2

Can God Be Trusted?

b7aac12f4f6f64364b4e1c75090217964cb328e571c13918b31a988e9d8901ff
Yep! Let Me Prove It.
Trust is a fundamental, bottom-line issue. Without it, leaders lose teams, teams lose athletes, salespeople lose sales, and organizations lose reputation, retention of good people, relationships, and revenue.  Without it, Christians lose hope.
But with trust, individuals and organizations enjoy greater creativity, productivity, freedom, and results. With it, individuals thrive and relationships survice. As a senior consultant with The Trust Edge Leadership Institute since 2016, I have firsthand experience working with some the world’s highest performing organizations. Utilizing the Bible and industry leading research, The Trust Outlook®,  I reveal how God is the MOST TRUSTED LEADER and prove it using the Trust Edge 8 Pillar Framework. You'll also learn strategies to sharpen your own 'trust edge' and why that is important for His Kingdom work.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
    He is our help and our shield.
   For our heart is glad in Him,
    because we trust in His holy name.
    Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
    even as we hope in You.
-Psalm 33:20-22

CUSTOM SPEAKING OPTIONS

Please contact me if you would like a keynote or teaching on a topic not listed above. I have been a chaplain and Bible study leader for over 25 years and would love to see how to meet your group's needs. 
 
I welcome the opportunity to help you become your best Savvy U®

“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.” ~ Executive Director, Lanita Strutzman

"I’ve had the opportunity to attend a seminar of Michelle’s on the Bible. It was outstanding! It energized me to implement her suggestions on why and how to start my days with Him and His Word and share my own faith. If you haven’t heard her yet, sign up for a session and I’m positive you won’t regret it!" ~ J.B.

"Michelle is an engaging, enthusiastic, and inspiring speaker!" ~ D.S.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS

Leaders don’t need to copy the culture to become relevant to people  ~ they need to engage people with the Word of God.  That's what we'll do in a Savvy U® workshop. We'll dive into God’s Word to help answer the problems of real-life. I have been blessed to have been taught by some of the leading Biblical teachers and can't wait to share some of the insights they've shared with me.

Let's talk and take the next 'steps' needed to find purpose, peace and victory.

"You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and place their trust in You."

~ Isaish 26:3

 

steps to house 1

“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.” ~Executive Director - Lanita Strutzman

"Michelle has been wonderful in counseling and assisting me with conflict resolution with a friend and coworker. She has a high level of integrity and maintains confidentiality.  She emanates a spiritual presence that is so comforting and non-threatening." ~ J.P.

"I'm so grateful for my sessions with Michelle. She's deep, funny, kind and strong and I know confidentially is kept." ~ E.V.

   ADVENTURES

"A change of place + A change of pace = A change of perspective"

~ Mark Batterson

little bike

Individual Quest

Let me guide you on a soul searching adventure. I will tailor the trip to ensure your safety, accommodate your needs while still stretch your body, mind and spirit. I have several midwest locations ready for us to explore and experience His beautiful creation. Contact me if you're interested in a single or multiple day adventure. And...yes, I can travel to you or with you around the globe. I have adventures (hikes, glaciers, tide pooling, waterfalls, sunrises/sets to catch...)  waiting for us in locations from Alaska to Bermuda and more...We can do it safely...Can't wait!

Ionas beach 1

Group Adventure

 Want a girlfriend trip like no other? Or want to join one of the open groups and meet new souls. Sign up now! Again, I have multiple midwest locations to explore and experience His creation in safe ways, tailored to your group's needs. Contact me if you're interested in a single or multiple day. And...yes, as I mentioned above, I can travel to your group or we can go together around the globe. I have adventures (glaciers, tide pooling, waterfalls, sunrises/sets, hikes ,,,)  waiting for us in locations from Alaska to Bermuda and more... We can do it safely...Can't wait! Seriously - what are you waiting for?

Michelle and I were dining at the top of one of the tallest buildings in Auckland, New Zealand when a group of 6 people immediately appeared outside of our window tethered only by a rope and walking on a small ledge that went around the building. This was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Michelle immediately reflected upon how fortunate we are to have Christ as our rope tethered to us.  Her love of the Lord is so evident that in all things she sees Him. If you want an adventure that helps you improve your spiritual life in an exciting way seek out Michelle.” ~ J. P.

"I am so grateful for this Savvy U soul searching adventure time with the girls. I'll be back!" ~ L.H.

"This is just what I needed." ~ J.B.

"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.

"Michelle provides an uplifting and insightful look into your soul. She energetically and creatively provides a unique experience to find a deeper understanding of the Bible. Her retreat is for anyone, at any stage, on their journey of faith." ~ Michelle Walker

"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." ~ Darcey Moss

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

~ 3 John 1:2 ESV

"This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

                                                                                                                             ~ Jeremiah 6:16