Episode 40 - Uncovering Family Secrets and Personal Identity with Michelle Scheibner

Have you ever wondered how your family’s history, secrets, or unspoken experiences might shape who you are today?

In this episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by Michelle Scheibner, a thought leader in Personal Brand Strategy and author of Hush, a memoir that explores the intersection of history, culture, beliefs, and genetics to uncover the truth of where our personal identity begins. Michelle has spent over 30 years working with executives, C-suite leaders, and business owners, and she now focuses on how family history and genetics influence our life choices and identity.

Michelle’s career journey took her from education to leadership roles at AMEX UK, where she honed her business development skills. But in recent years, Michelle shifted her focus toward exploring the deep connection between personal identity, family history, and genetics. Her research reveals how our family systems, history, culture, and beliefs shape our identities, often in ways we don’t fully realise.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how your personal brand is not just about your career, but about finding and understanding your essence. Michelle shares how grief can trigger questions about identity, the pivotal role mothers play in shaping our lives, and what epigenetics can teach us about how family influences us. We also explore the importance of understanding your past to unlock your potential for the future.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Personal brand is about finding your essence – Your personal brand, whether for career or personal growth, is a reflection of who you are, not just what you do. Cultivating it starts with understanding yourself at a deeper level.
• Grief can trigger unanswered questions – Grieving not just losses but also unresolved questions about your life’s path can unlock your true identity.
• Epigenetics and the role of family in shaping personal identity – Our genetics and family systems influence not only our decisions and life choices but also our personal identity. Understanding the pivotal role of mothers as our first relationship can reveal the deep impact they have on how we view ourselves and how we show up in the world.
• The importance of understanding your past for your present and future – Investing in understanding your past allows you to use that knowledge to shape your future.

As someone who’s navigated my own journey of understanding identity and the impact of family history—especially through my travels to the UK and Netherlands, where I have heritage—I deeply relate to Michelle’s work. Her insights are eye-opening and will challenge how you view your personal growth and future possibilities.

About the Guest:

Michelle’s commitment to bringing the most current thought leadership to Personal Brand Strategy, led her to an enquiry into the ways family secrets and silence, intergenerational pain and genetics impacts our life choices and personal identity. Michelle’s career began in education before heading to England where she cut her business teeth at the headquarters of AMEX UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Having held management and leadership positions in education, consulting and business development Michelle has spent the last 30 years working with executives including C-Suite, business leaders and high potentials.

Michelle has spent the last four years researching and exploring the proposition that we come into the world with a genetic blueprint integral to the system of our family of origin, which ultimately can impact the decisions and choices we make in life. Her story illustrates the intersection of history, culture, beliefs and genetics to reveal where true identity resides. She has a published TEDx Talk on the validity of personal identity labels.

Show Resources:

Follow Michelle on Instagram - HERE

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn - HERE

Check out Michelle's Website - HERE

Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE

Learn More about Emma's Book, Worthy & Wealthy - HERE

Michelle’s book, Hush, has had a profound impact on me, and I know her message will resonate deeply with you as well. If you're curious about the intersection of family history and identity, I highly recommend checking it out!

If you loved this episode, be sure to share it on your Instagram stories and tag us @emmalagerlow and @the_identity_activator!

Yours in Knowing Your Identity, Emma. X.