Meet Michele Herlein
Culture Expert, Leader, Innovator, Philanthropist, and Passionate Advocate for Work-Life Balance
Culture Expert
With over two decades of experience, I specialize in transforming organizations through intentional culture building. As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Barge Design Solutions, I led cultural initiatives that resulted in a sevenfold increase in profits, while keeping turnover rates well below industry standards. My previous work at Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Bandag, Inc. further solidified my reputation for turning culture into a strategic asset that drives business success.
As the founder and CEO of CultureMax, I help organizations design cultures that foster high performance, collaboration, and growth. My proven methodology of aligning both the horizontal and vertical aspects of an organization ensures that culture is integrated into every facet of the business. My efforts have earned me recognition as HR Executive of the Year, and I take pride in helping my clients consistently outperform industry standards in both employee satisfaction and financial results.
Leader and Innovator
Beyond my consulting work, I’m deeply passionate about advancing the field of organizational culture. I hold a doctorate in business administration with a focus on organizational development, merging real-world insights with academic rigor. This combination allows me to lead my clients through lasting change, ensuring that cultural transformation isn’t just a buzzword but a powerful, sustainable driver of success.
Community Advocate
Outside of my work with CultureMax, I’m committed to giving back through Impact100 Nashville, the nonprofit I co-founded. Together, our members have awarded more than $1.2 million to local organizations, empowering women to combine their financial and philanthropic power to create meaningful social change in our community. Being part of this collective impact has been deeply rewarding, as we continue to support initiatives that strengthen and uplift Nashville.
Family Driven
Family is at the heart of everything I do—the first and most important institution to which we belong, and the culture that shapes us for life. Time with my husband, children, and grandchildren brings joy, purpose, and grounding, and I strive to honor that culture in every aspect of my life. I believe that nurturing strong families lays the foundation not only for personal fulfillment but also for professional success and thriving communities.
Mindful About Wellness
When I’m not leading cultural transformations, you’ll find me practicing yoga OR on a sunrise paddle. I have done both together and it is not easy. These activities allow me to recharge, find balance, and stay centered, which ultimately enhances my ability to show up as my best self for my clients, my family, and my community. I believe that maintaining a healthy balance between body, mind, and spirit is crucial for sustaining long-term success in any endeavor.