Michelle Hess of Goodyear, AZ on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Hess . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Michelle , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Travel brings me joy. Whether it is a simple day trip to explore something nearby or an international adventure, I love experiencing and seeing places I have never seen before. Discovering new foods, meeting new people with different perspectives, and stepping into unfamiliar cultures.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle Hess, Executive Director of Leadership West, Arizona’s premier leadership development organization. My passion is helping leaders get unstuck, see around corners, and step into their full potential. At Leadership West, I have the privilege of guiding programs that bring together business, government, nonprofit, and military leaders to tackle some of the West Valley’s most critical issues, including water, infrastructure, economic growth, and regional collaboration.What makes our work unique is the ripple effect it creates. When leaders are equipped with the tools, networks, and perspective to lead well, they do more than shape their organizations; they transform entire communities. My background as a former Councilmember for the City of Buckeye has given me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities of fast-growing regions, and I love aligning leadership development with real-world impact.On a personal note, I am the oldest of seven children and grew up singing and playing music. That creative foundation still shapes how I approach leadership today, balancing creativity with strategy to solve complex problems and inspire new ways of thinking. Currently, I am particularly focused on expanding leadership capital across Arizona and helping leaders build connections that transcend any single title or role.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother. Growing up in a large family, it was easy to get lost in the shuffle, especially as the oldest. But when I told my family I was going to run for office, she immediately saw something in me and stood right beside me. She walked the district with me, gathering signatures, meeting neighbors, and proudly telling them why they should vote for me. In those moments, I got to see myself through her eyes. Her belief in me gave me the courage and strength to take each step after that, and it filled me with the confidence to begin the journey of leadership once I was elected. It is an experience I will always treasure.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
When I ran for re-election in 2024, it was a hard time, and I ultimately failed in that arena. It was painful, and there were moments when I wanted to walk away, because the attacks felt so personal.

What I changed my mind about was what it really means to win. Before that experience, I thought the outcome of the race defined success. But losing showed me that real success is about holding on to your character and integrity when it matters most. It taught me that failure is not as devastating as I once feared. A position is temporary, but values are lasting.

That season reshaped my definition of leadership. I no longer see failure as the end, but as a teacher. It clarified for me that leadership is not about titles; it is about the courage to stand firm in your values, even when the cost is high. Failing forward taught me that sometimes you lose the race but still win the lesson that matters most.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Authenticity is one of my core values, so I strive to be the same person in public as I am in private. That does not mean everyone has access to every part of my life, but it does mean I work hard not to live in two versions of myself. To me, duplicity would be exhausting. Instead, I choose to show up as my authentic self in every space, whether I am leading, speaking, or simply living life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
What I would regret is not prioritizing myself and my health. I have always been good at creating processes and plans for work and organizations, and seeing them through; however, for some reason, I have found it almost impossible to apply the same discipline to my own health. Lately, I have come to realize how much this matters, not only for me but also for the people I lead and love. I am working on shifting that mindset, learning to give my health the same level of commitment I give to everything else. It is a work in progress, but one that I know will allow me to show up stronger and more fully for the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leadershipwest.org or www.michellerhess.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-r-hess-76b0801a/

Image Credits
Matt Young