Name: Kathi Szabo
Company or Organization: Lake Michigan College / Eclectic Well-Being
What is your job or role there? LMC – Career Development Specialist Eclectic Well-Being – Owner and Mindset/Life Coach
Where do you live? Bainbridge Township
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
Being bold is being authentic. Bold women know who they are, what they believe, and where they want to go. They take action aligned with their values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Their decisions serve the greater good, not just the bottom line. In my work, whether helping clients through Eclectic Well-Being find joy and purpose, or guiding students at Lake Michigan College toward career paths where they will be successful, I see boldness as the courage to grow, adapt, and lead with heart. True boldness is having the vision to see what could be and the grace to help others see it too.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. What top three would say most exemplify your personality?
Confident
Bright
Distinctive
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
It’s hard to choose just one example, as I strive to give my best every time I work with a student or client. But one moment that stands out occurred during my first year in Career Services at Lake Michigan College. I was helping a student apply for an Earn & Learn Internship. She had never applied for an internship before and was understandably nervous and unsure of herself. I encouraged her to visit the Inn at Harbor Shores, the employer she hoped to work for. I advised her to simply observe: the atmosphere, the guests, and the way the staff interacted. I suggested she imagine herself in that environment and think about how she could contribute to the team. She took my advice, visited the property, and struck up a conversation with the manager, who was so impressed that she offered her the position on the spot, before any formal interview. That experience reminds me how powerful it can be to guide someone just a little outside their comfort zone. Her success not only launched her professional growth but also gave her a lasting sense of confidence in her own abilities. Moments like that are when I know I’m truly at my best.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
One of the funniest and most memorable moments on my road to success was when I decided to live out my dream of being an entertainer and choreographed a flash mob at one of Nautica’s Store Manager Meetings. These meetings were designed to build belonging and brand pride, and since we were in Texas, I thought, “What’s more perfect than a little Country flair?” I chose Brad Paisley’s Water. a nod to Nautica’s nautical roots, and created a line dance for the corporate leadership team. As we waited for the buses to take everyone to dinner, the music started, and our team jumped into the dance right there in the hotel lobby. The store managers were caught completely off guard. First surprised, then cheering, and finally joining in! Someone recorded it, and every time that Facebook Memory pops up, it still makes me smile. More than just a fun moment, it’s a reminder me that joy and connection are at the heart of great leadership.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
My greatest inspiration has always been my children. When they were young, they motivated me to work hard so I could provide them with a life filled with joy, stability, and opportunity. Now that they’re adults, I’m inspired to show them that life is meant to be fully lived: to pursue what we love, to follow our purpose, and to find gratitude in every experience. To show them that success isn’t about just achievement, it’s about being human. Being able to meet our own needs while also giving back. Creating a ripple effect, like a stone thrown into the lake, extending our impact beyond our own lives.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Define success on your terms. It’s easy to measure ourselves against others. Do we make more or less money? Do we let our title define us? How many followers do we have? None of those define success. True success comes when life and work align with our values. Stay curious, invest in relationships, and don’t shy away from reinvention. I’ve done it multiple times on my career journey. Whether you’re launching a business or shifting careers, trust that your path will unfold. Be intentional. Don’t let failure stop you. Instead, turn every setback into a learning opportunity. And most importantly, be grateful. Gratitude truly changes everything.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
It’s both humbling and heartwarming. I don’t know who nominated me, but I’m deeply grateful. This recognition affirms that living and leading with purpose makes an impact. I am so grateful to be doing what I love. Being named among the Bold Women of Business is an honor that reminds me why I do this work: to help others see what’s possible, to encourage them to dream boldly, and to create lives filled with meaning and joy!
