Interview with Michele Partridge

Your Confidence Coach, Michele Partridge has crafted a unique way of coaching her clients to success due to her many years as a business owner, mentor, acting instructor, emcee, and most recently as a politician.

Michele Partridge is an award-winning local business owner, acting instructor, public speaking and media coach, a well-known leader in numerous community groups, and a popular producer and host of much-loved local events such as Canada Day by the Bay, the Re-opening of the Pier, the Peace Walk for Ukraine, and White Rock’s first Annual Family Pride Day. Since moving to the White Rock/South Surrey area with her husband and two children 20 years ago, Michele has devoted herself to her community. She built a successful performing arts business (The Drama Class) that has been recognized by both the SSWR Chamber of Commerce and the Peace’s Arch News Reader’s Choice Awards as the best business in its field.

In 2017, Michele channeled her love of White Rock and the arts beyond her own business and co-founded the Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance, an organization that supports local artists and promotes arts and culture-related businesses and tourism.

In addition to her successful track record in business, Michele has an exceptional record of community service. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees and has brought her considerable energy and talent to organizations supporting residents of all ages. Michele has served on groups and associations including the White Rock Business Improvement Association, Soroptimists International of White Rock, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, and the Economic Development Advisory Committee for the City of White Rock.

For decades, Michele has coached public speaking to a vast clientele with varying backgrounds. Her clients include media personalities, Ted talk speakers, business professionals, and political leaders, to name just a few. Michele was recently elected as a first-term Councillor for the City of White Rock, having been elected to office in October 2022.

If you could give your past self some advice, what would it be?

The advice I would give my past self is “Listen, breathe, think, filter, answer”.

When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made
you start?

I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do, but I knew that whatever I wanted to do, I was going to do it with tons of ambition, some arrogance and 100% passion.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business?

My greatest influence in business comes from a variety of fantastic speakers, politicians, Ted Talk speakers, friends and fellow business coaches. My influences are always changing and I love it!

What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?

My number one priority in my career and daily work is to always be present, be in the moment and positive. You could say this is my mantra as well.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have a few visions of myself in 5 years, but the big one priority for me is health. I’m 55 in March so health is on the top of my list.Not only physically healthy but keeping an eye on my mental and emotional health as well.

What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work? What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?

My favourite thing to do is be with my family. I love what I do so that motivates me. I split my time between being a White Rock City councillor, public speaking coach, volunteer in my community, wife and mother to two young adult women. I’m blessed.