Possibility Thinking
Michelle Lequin pushes past societal and self-imposed limitations to find her voice, and emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, mentorship and connection
Michelle and I met over a decade ago when the economic downturn brought us together. We were two of many navigating this difficult time, and we found our way through it, stronger than ever. Since then, Michelle has retired from her 35-year career as a tech writer, and she has fought through self-imposed limitations to find her voice through music.
In our candid discussion, she opens up about her path to finding her voice, pursuing her passions following retirement, and the importance of self-reliance and women supporting women. From following in her father's footsteps with an early interest in mechanical systems to defying her grandmother's notion of acceptable behavior for girls by taking up drumming, Michelle's story is one of pushing ourselves to reach further and consider the question, What if I could?
A Curious Mind
Michelle's fascination with mechanics grew from a spark ignited by her dad, who could fix just about anything. As a young girl, wide-eyed and curious, she helped her father replace a garbage disposal one summer. This early exposure to the inner workings of things planted a seed that would later bloom into her career as a technical writer. Like a puzzle enthusiast who can't resist a good challenge, Michelle found joy in decoding complex systems and translating them into words. Her dad's encouragement to explore and tinker set the stage for Michelle to dive headfirst into a field where she could indulge her mechanical curiosity every day. Watching her dad work his magic led to a fulfilling career path.
Michelle's career as a technical writer in engineering and computer science fields was groundbreaking for her time. Graduating with an English degree in the 1970s, Michelle carved out a successful 35-year career in an environment where women were often the minority, pushing past her shyness to make her way forward. Her wit and creativity even led her to design a greeting card, which became a winning entry for a Hallmark card contest. Michelle’s experience highlights the importance of curiosity, confidence and self-reliance in navigating male-dominated industries.
“I think there were times when I had to be a little more assertive. I think when you’re in a situation where other people have a great deal of academic background in a certain field, and maybe you don’t have as much, you learn to ask questions. I tried to be very thorough and find out as much as I could on my own before I asked other people to provide their input because I wanted them to know that I was making an effort to learn.”
An Unconventional Beat
Michelle's early years were marked by her love for drumming, despite her grandmother's initial shock. With her parents' unwavering support and inspiration from artists like Karen Carpenter and Ringo Starr, Michelle pursued drumming passionately. During our conversation, she shares how playing the drums as a girl ran counter to the conventional wisdom of her day, and describes playing the drums akin to a runner’s high. Her passion for drumming not only provided an outlet for self-expression but taught her the value of challenging preconceived notions and pursuing her interests unapologetically.
“When I was about 11 or 12 years old, I developed my interest in playing the drums. And my grandmother was horrified. But to my parents’ credit, for Christmas one year, they bought me a little drum set from Sears. And they tolerated my closing off a little part of our house so I could just sit there and pound away.”
While Michelle felt comfortable drumming at the back of the stage during performances, singing presented a new challenge that required her to step out from behind the drum kit and into the spotlight. During our conversation, Michelle talks about her journey in moving outside her comfort zone as a drummer to the front of the stage as a singer. This journey wasn’t an easy one. Michelle had to develop a new level of confidence, a consistent theme in her story. She credits her progress to a pivotal mindset shift, beginning with the question: "What if I could?" This simple yet powerful question has allowed her to open new doors to possibility.
“I think we have all put limitations on what we believe we can do. I spent many years saying to myself and to other people, I am not a performer. I think one thing I’ve used is to say to myself, “Okay, you can’t do this. Let’s accept that. But what if you could.” Start with that one question, and then let your mind just go there.”
Crucial Support Systems
It's amazing how parents can shape our journeys, and Michelle and I talked about how our parents significantly shaped our journeys with their unwavering support and encouragement. They fostered an environment where curiosity and diverse interests were celebrated, regardless of gender norms, and they inspired us to follow our passions and reach for the stars. Michelle’s parents created a cozy little corner for her to unleash her inner Ringo Starr, while my own parents set a high bar of their own.
We also talked about the importance of mentorship and connection, especially among women. Mentorship is truly a gift. It's like having a friendly guide through life's twists and turns. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there's something special about the mentor-mentee relationship. Michelle shared her experiences in helping a friend navigate retirement planning. Her approach is not to forcefully direct, but to illuminate possibilities and inspire self-reliance by asking questions, making suggestions and cultivating confidence for others to pave their own way.
“There are many ways for us to connect with each other, but sharing knowledge and information and giving somebody a little bit of a boost up from your own experience and your own mind and heart I think is a wonderful thing.”
Wisdom Shared
Born in the 1950s, Michelle witnessed a profound shift in societal norms during her formative years. "Women who were born in the fifties were part of what later became kind of a vanguard," she reflected. As the 1960s ushered in an era of change and progress, Michelle found inspiration in the many examples of people standing up for their beliefs and ideals. These role models demonstrated the courage to forge new paths, even if it meant defying conventions or risking the disapproval of others.
Through her journey, Michelle has embodied a steadfast commitment to self-reliance. She advises, "It's okay to ask for help, but make sure you know why you need help, and if you can, who you need to ask it of." While this mindset instills a sense of self-sufficiency, it also cultivates respect and appreciation from those we seek guidance from, as they recognize the effort and intention behind our ask.
Michelle also emphasizes the value of self-expression. Her evolution, from the drummer at the back of the stage to the vulnerability of being front and center, was no easy feat. Yet her yearning for creative self-expression drove her to confront her fears and shatter her own confines. Michelle's journey illustrates the power of listening to your innermost callings and courageously giving them voice, even if that voice quavers at first, and she urges that others make space for their own self-expression.
“It’s a form of self-care...some kind of expression that’s really important to you. It’s very hard, I know, especially for people with careers and families to find time...but don’t let it go away.”
Empowering Others
When reflecting on the meaning behind the title, She Lights the Way, Michelle paid tribute to her own guiding light - her mother. A woman of quiet strength and unwavering perseverance, Michelle's mom led by example, charting her own way through life's challenges. She showed her daughters the resilience to pursue their dreams freely, even if it meant deviating from the well-trodden path. Michelle's admiration for her mother reveals the multi-generational impact of bold, trailblazing women. Their stories, their sacrifices, their demonstrated self-belief - these legacies shape the lives of the daughters who follow, like a torch passed from one brave hand to the next.
“My mom was one of those steel Magnolia types, and she showed my sister and me a way that has served us both very well. It wasn’t so much her walking down a path ahead of us as she blazed a trail - she let us understand how we could blaze our own trail.”
You can learn more about Michelle and her work, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Michelle’s story challenges us to re-evaluate our self-imposed limitations and to consider the possibilities that lie beyond our fears. The question "What if I could?" serves as a powerful reminder that the path to self-expression and fulfillment is paved with curiosity and the willingness to imagine what could be. Through her own journey of self-discovery and creative expression, Michelle radiates a brilliant glow for others, reminding us that the trails we blaze today lead towards a brighter future for all of us.
