The world has become her oyster – and now she yearns to share it with everyone else. Described by one friend as a "5-foot, 4-inch powerhouse," Michelle Fournier is small in stature and huge on Attitude.
Compassion, determination, and unbound motivation are hallmarks of Michelle’s personality that came from an unlikely source: a two-decade career in the United States Army as a critical care nurse. A retired Colonel Select in the Army Nurse Corps, her military accomplishment is consummated by less than 1% of all men and women in the U.S.
Affectionately known as "Spice" in her ROTC program because of her spunk, Michelle takes her military experiences, to include parachuting out of airplanes and working predominantly in a 'man's world', and couples it with her vast nursing, teaching, and leadership experience to demonstrate the powerful results of a positive attitude.
The 47-year old sparkplug is still trying to figure out why so many people refuse to "let it all go and allow their inner motivation to get them what they want in life." Since leaving the military, Michelle has started 2 successful businesses and works out of her own home in Colorado.
"There is so much opportunity out there that just goes to waste," Michelle says. "The universe is vast and abundant. People fear competition, but there is no such thing. There is room for all of us to prosper; there is room for everyone to succeed. Why not go out and create it?"
Realizing the search isn’t always easy, especially for women challenged by the many hurdles along the way, she established A Choice Above to blaze a trail for women to obtain personal fulfillment and the countless rewards that come with it.
Michelle’s self-motivation teaching and speaking experience come to life on her website in the form of various tools that prove commitment and attainment of individual greatness is simply, A Choice Above. "Dare to step into your greatness," Michelle encourages, "after all, the world awaits!"
Those who browse the website will have access to Michelle’s up-to-date newsletter and a demo of the CD she recently recorded at a two day seminar hosted by the Denver chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Her talk focuses on "Attitude, Balance and Choice" – the A, B and C steps that form the foundation for her A to Z Roadmap to Success. Sara Clark, the president of the Denver AACN Chapter, said this of Michelle’s presentation:
"What a hit! When you ask speakers to represent a conference, you always hope for the best. I had high aspirations to keep the energy up for the 100 critical care nurses in attendance. After Michelle presented her motivational thoughts and vision, they couldn't stop talking about her. Empowerment, personal spirituality, motivation, personal recollection and fun all come to mind when I think of Michelle and what she provided for AACN nurses in the Denver area . . . You have made a difference in our lives! . . . I turned 40 this year and your thoughts came just in time. Life is just BEGINNING!"
The site also addresses individual concerns and solutions in areas such as relationship building and stress management that can often limit us from unleashing the motivational energy that is often bottled up and stored away within.
In addition, previews of Michelle’s upcoming motivational and critical care speaking engagements at local and national events such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) 2005 National Teaching Institute in New Orleans will also appear.
Michelle is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience; she holds a Master’s Degree and is nationally certified in critical care nursing (CCRN). She credits her background as a nursing leader in the military and critical care as a guiding light that led her to embrace the contributions women make in every setting. Michelle’s vision is women empowered by their choices and contributions to create a positive difference in the world.
"In critical care nursing, I was constantly worrying about nurturing others; there finally came a time as a nurse manager when I realized I wasn’t nurturing myself or my staff" Michelle explains. "Sometimes that’s what it’s all about: nurturing ourselves. We cannot adequately care for others if we don’t take time to care for ourselves."
Frank Passanante, an established realtor and business owner in Colorado Springs, recently heard Michelle as a keynote speaker for the Women’s Council of Realtors that provided him with "instant energy I carry with me to work everyday." He wrote, "Thank you for sharing so many positive ideas and providing instant inspiration that I carry with me every day." Additionally, Frank submits that "Seeing the future as an opportunity to fulfill my life's potential has given me the edge I needed to maintain . . . confidence."
For Michelle, it was just another step forward in her boundless effort to reach out to those willing to change and make choices that will get them what they truly want in life.
After all, the sky is the limit when the world is your oyster.