Michelle Augenstein

Background

About Michelle Augenstein

I was born a country girl. But I’ve always been a city girl at heart. Growing up in Middle-of-Nowhere, Pennsylvania, I was surrounded by cattle but yearned to be surrounded by city lights. I felt like a city mouse living in a country mouse’s body. A highly-anticipated 10th grade field trip was my opportunity for escape. At least a year out I began plotting my outfit; something that spoke to the potential I longed for someone to see in me. In my fantasy,sophisticated city-dwellers would welcome me to the city and say, “You belong here, honey, don’t get back on that bus!” But back on the bus I did get. In time, freedom came. Off to D.C. I went again—for my first professional job after college. Emulating the successful women of the 90s, I dressed the best I could; suits, pumps and a sharp attaché case. As an intriguing result, I discovered I had credibility beyond my ability. Opportunities came. I moved up the ladder. In the city, moving up in my career—I was finally becoming the real me. It felt wonderful. In California many years later, I became the Executive Director of Wardrobe for Opportunity. They provide professional attire and career-support to low-income jobseekers to help them get jobs, keep them and build careers. As I deepened my understanding of the power of image and executive presence—I knew that helping others look, feel and project their very best was what this former country mouse was called to the city to do. In 2013, I attended the prestigious London Image Institute to further my skills and training and formally launched Corner Office Image: a professional image consulting and executive presence coaching group. The power of a strong professional image proves itself again and again—not only in an individual’s career achievement—but it the betterment of lives. I’ve seen it for thousands of people, and I’ve seen it for myself. Specialties: Professional Image, Executive Presence, Coaching, Public Speaking, Personal Branding