Michel E. Spruance is a dynamic executive leader, coach, and learning and development practitioner with over 30 years of experience in business operations, organizational strategy, and talent development. As a founder, CEO, and nonprofit co-director, Michel has consistently brought visionary leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and human-centered systems design to both for-profit and mission-driven organizations. She is deeply committed to creating cultures of clarity, care, and continuous learning that uplift people, places, and the planet.

Michel currently serves as the CEO of Badass Happy Human, a leadership development and coaching consultancy she founded in 2021. Through this work, she has partnered with global organizations including Amazon, Wayfair, and Centric Brands to deliver high-impact training, executive coaching, and organizational design strategies that enhance engagement, effectiveness, and ease of operation. Her approach blends neuroscience, positive psychology, and operational excellence to help clients reach their goals with purpose and sustainability.

Previously, Michel led Be Luminous Yoga as CEO for more than a decade, growing it into a premier wellness center offering 80 classes weekly and accredited adult learning programs. In this role, she served as the de facto COO and CPO, overseeing HR, payroll, compliance, marketing, business development, customer service, and finance. Michel designed and facilitated the organization’s acclaimed 200-hour Leadership Through Yoga training and secured licensure from the Workforce Training Board—demonstrating her ability to turn visionary ideas into scalable, impactful programs.

Michel’s nonprofit leadership is equally compelling. As co-founder and co-executive director of Space Between, she helped establish a values-driven organization focused on educator well-being, mental health, and school transformation. She led business development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising while co-creating powerful professional learning experiences for school communities. Over 90% of educators requested recurring engagements—a testament to the trust and impact Michel fosters. She later served as Board Co-President, deepening the organization’s commitment to antiracist governance and strategic growth.

Most recently, Michel served as Program Manager and Executive Coach with the Flow Research Collective, where she oversaw the High Flow Coaching Program, managed international operations, led engagement survey redesign, and collaborated closely with the COO to craft standard operating procedures that improved client experiences and internal alignment.

Michel holds a Master’s in Education and is an ICF-certified coach (ACC), with additional certifications in mindfulness, mediation, and organizational communication. Her training includes Seattle Coach (ICF-accredited), Shift Positive 360, and Lightyear Leadership. She is also certified through the National Coalition Building Institute and the Earthstewards Network as a peacemaking facilitator.

Known for her deep listening, strategic insight, and calm leadership presence, Michel is now seeking board roles where she can contribute her expertise, collaborate with visionary leaders, and support organizations that align with her core values. Her areas of interest include climate tech, fintech, and banking, and she brings particular strength in business operations, conflict resolution, HR systems, and organizational performance. Michel is open to working with organizations of all sizes and stages of growth and is especially energized by opportunities to foster systemic impact.

Outside of work, Michel finds joy in skiing, backpacking, and connecting with nature. Her guiding mission is simple yet powerful: to uplift people, places, and the planet.

Character: Michel is a purpose-driven, human-centered leader who leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to uplifting people and communities.

Knowledge: She brings over 30 years of experience in business operations, leadership development, and organizational strategy across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Strategic: Michel is a visionary systems thinker who designs and implements scalable, values-aligned strategies that improve performance and culture.

Communication: An exceptional communicator and coach, she fosters trust through clarity, active listening, and facilitation that inspires growth and collaboration.