Michelle is passionate about helping others, she offers healing and empowerment services to adults as well as kids and businesses.
What’s your story?
I grew up in the UK and came to Hong Kong in 1996 as part of a world travelling plan but ended up on an entirely different journey altogether! All my life ‘issues’ I had suppressed for so long came up in full force. I had left the UK following a challenging early life that culminated with the death of my mum (my dad had also passed several years before), and so it was intended to be the “start of my life”- at age 28. Well, it ended up being the start of an intense period of self-healing and awakening. I unexpectedly discovered healing gifts and other abilities that I had buried. My journey became a re-routing of my life to a soul-inspired journey that I have been on ever since! It has completely changed my life, and as I overcame depression, poor self-esteem and mental/emotional health, I created a healing and empowerment business so I could share all that I have discovered from my own journey and through the many clients I have in Hong Kong and worldwide.
What excites you most about your industry?
I love that more and more people are seeking more meaning in their lives and recognising that what they thought would bring lasting happiness, may not after all, and they are asking what can.
I used to work in the corporate field, so I have an understanding of the pressures it can bring. I also found that personally, it didn’t bring me joy and fulfilment; I questioned whether I was doing it for me, or what was ‘expected’. I love that I am now sharing something that feels meaningful to me, that I am making a meaningful contribution to the world and to the lives of others. It fulfils me, and I know I am doing exactly what I am meant to be doing. It touches me deeply to watch women, men, children and teens feel empowered, and to hear how much the sessions or classes have shifted or helped them. I feel a deep peace. It excites me that people are open to embracing more of who they really are – and in particular those who are forging a way forward to create change-for-the-better in our world.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I came to Hong Kong as a dear friend was living here at the time and I only intended to stay a few months to work to support my world travelling funds. But, it seemed my life plan intended to be a bit different. I had been here a year and I was just about to leave for good to travel when I had a knee accident – so I couldn’t leave. Just a few days before, I got together with the man that ended up becoming my husband, and 23 years and a daughter later, we are still here!
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
It has to be in Hong Kong. I love the dynamism and the “I can do it!” energy. It has been a place so dear to my heart as I have experienced so much here – from the depths of despair and challenge to feelings of peace and bliss. It has been a huge part of my healing and transformation. When I first arrived, I found it very hard to be here – it was way too stressful, I found it very overwhelming. But I have learned to appreciate it and understand what a wonderful place it can be, especially for those seeking to grow and develop to their potential.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Keep going and trust yourself’… Just when you feel life is too much, too challenging, or feel there is no way out, trust that there is a solution or answer… I was in the depths of depression, trauma and suffering. But life brought to me exactly the people, the places, the resources, the opportunities and situations that I needed to grow through and come out the other side. Each set back or challenge is here to help you grow stronger and empower you to a deeper level of yourself.
Who inspires you?
Those who are authentic, in their integrity, brave, and live their truth. Those who have stepped forward despite challenge and still come through knowing that it was all part of their life experience. Those people who are willing to step forward to create changes and lead by example.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I was recently invited to take part in a large health & wellness festival in Hong Kong (called IRIS-Your Escape). I had no idea how it would turn out, how many would come, etc. But I felt an inner prompting to say yes and go for it…. Well, it was amazing! Around 100 people came to the healing and empowerment meditation, and from the feedback, I received they loved it.
I learnt that when you follow your inner self promptings (intuition) and take a step into the unknown not knowing how it will unfold, amazing things can open up for you…
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Logically, it’s easy to say that I would ‘love more’…. to cherish moments with those that are in your life, but I feel this understanding and recognition only comes after you go through the experiences, since everything that we experience is all part of our life journey and things unfold to teach us something. My journey so far has taught me so very much and continues to do so. I wouldn’t want to change anything. When we bring an expanded awareness to what’s going on, it brings deeper understanding and helps us realise and fulfil the potential of all experiences – there are no regrets.
How do you unwind?
My home is a sanctuary and my time to be with myself. I love meditation to deepen the inner calm and stillness. I also love spending time with and deepening the connection with my husband, and other like-minded friends/family. And spending time with my daughter, who is always reminding me of the joy and fun of life each and every day. I also love being in nature. I love where I live on Lamma, capturing the magnificent sunsets, and being by the water. A good foot massage is also a special treat!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Anywhere in Thailand. I simply love the openness, simplicity, friendliness, massages, and beaches. I unplug from everything, and my family and I spend days keeping it simple, like swimming, eating, massages, and doing not very much at all! It’s more about being and flowing, rather than ‘doing’ and filling the time with activity.
Everyone in business should read this book:
When I was working in the corporate field, bringing mindful presence is something that would have helped me hugely, had I known then. For this reason, I love Eckhart Tolle’s work – the Power of Now (and also The New Earth). The book basically teaches you to live in the now moment, which brings peace and consciousness. It doesn’t mean things don’t get done or you don’t complete tasks, but that you drop into a deeper acceptance of the moment and an inner stillness – where the stress falls away, and performance, effectiveness and focus are enhanced. The inner battles and conflicts diminish. You open to a greater sense of potential and what is possible – not just at work or in business, but in all areas of your life.
Shameless plug for your business:
My life and career are dedicated to helping people discover their highest human, soul and business potential.
As a healer, empowerment specialist, wellness advocate and entrepreneur, I have pioneered a number of initiatives in Hong Kong and been running my own company called Pure Potential since 2011. I am the founder/creator of a unique healing system that I share worldwide; and the popular signature Empowerment programs for children, teens, women and couples. I also run Corporate Wellness programs and specialised Mindfulness workshops for business. My work, therefore, assists individuals, groups, schools, and organisations; mentoring and guiding many clients internationally to empower themselves to be their best core self. Awarded as one of Hong Kong’s Women Leaders in 2018 in recognition of my work in the field of healing and empowerment, I share what I love to do – inspiring people to empower themselves and know they can do it too.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect to me on Facebook and receive FREE tips, tools, insights and latest information, here: http://www.facebook.com/PurePotentialWorldwide or Instagram: michelle.harris.pure.potential
You are also welcome to Email me to see how I can best help you, your family, your work/ business, or organisation, at [email protected]
*note that Website: www.purepotentialworldwide.com (currently being updated)
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here: twitter.com/laingcallum linkedin.com/in/callumlaing Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
