Michelle Pavone is an accomplished learning and development expert with over 21 years of experience designing and executing training strategies for large companies. She has worked with Fortune 25 companies across various industries, helping to reduce turnover, increase sales and improve employee engagement. Currently, she runs her own consulting firm, providing executive coaching, strategic planning and leadership development.

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Michelle Pavone, M.Ed.
(949) 282-3044 michelle@mariposacoaching.com
Accomplished learning and development expert with the ability to cultivate and execute companywide
training strategies that achieve business goals and financial objectives.
 Equipped with more than 21-years’ experience directing the highest quality education and
development initiatives for Fortune 25 companies and fast-growth organizations in the following
industries: retail, restaurant, distribution, property management, insurance, and financial services.
 Proven ability to train, motivate, coach, and lead successful teams of employees.
 Demonstrated skill evaluating, designing, and delivering a wide variety of learning technologies
for customer-facing employees, supervisors, managers, and executives.
Professional Experience
Grower of People, 2011 - present
Mariposa Coaching and Consulting, Laguna Niguel, CA
 Conducted a comprehensive culture and business needs assessment to identify a national
restaurant chain’s most critical people development needs following a major acquisition.
 Partnered with multiple stakeholders to develop an all-inclusive, multi-phased, national coaching
initiative to successfully develop results oriented leaders who are ready for future challenges.
 Provided ongoing executive communications support, strategic planning, leadership development,
consulting, and coaching for the largest national alcoholic beverage distribution company.
Director, Training and Development, 2007 – 2011
Anna’s Linens, Costa Mesa, California
 Developed, implemented and achieved a 100% completion rate of the Company’s first new hire
training program. This achievement contributed to a 28% reduction in turnover, 35% reduction in
justified customer complaints, higher employee engagement, and increased morale.
 Reduced management turnover by 50% by overhauling and re-deploying the Company’s
Management in Training Program.
 Led a project team to successfully deliver the Company’s annual Manager’s Conference and trade
show for more than 700 managers and vendors.
 Implemented and executed cross-functional training initiatives reflecting the Company’s vision,
strategic plan, and culture objectives resulting in increased employee engagement
 Introduced monthly safety training throughout the chain resulting in a 42% reduction in the
frequency and severity of customer/employee accidents throughout the chain.
 Led a cross-functional team to develop and implement the Company’s first competency model,
which laid the groundwork for a successfulcompetency-based interviewing tool, updated
performance appraisal tool, succession planning process,and monthly training curriculum.
 Introduced the Company’s first sales training program, which contributed to a 21% increase in
customer conversion and 5% increase in average transaction.
 Created, implemented, and executed the Company’s first succession planning initiative.
 Made severalimprovements to key communications mediums including the Company’s Intranet,
Daily Sheet, and annual Manager’s Conference.
 Positively influenced 7 career turnarounds through targeted coaching interventions.
Director, Training and Development, 2006 – 2007
Spectrum Building Services and Property Management, Irvine, California
 Developed and managed a learning team responsible for meeting the diverse internal and external
talent acquisition and development needs of one of the 100 Fastest Growing Companies, as
recognized by the Orange County Business Journal.

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 Pioneered and successfully executed the organization’s first people development strategy using e-
learning to optimize resources and coaching to promote sustainability.
 Strategized and redesigned human resource policies, which included the introduction of a new
orientation program and employment manual, which resulted in 100% compliance.
 Led a companywide process improvement and training effort aimed at leveraging computer
technologies to promote efficiencies, which resulted in a 50% decrease in capital expenditures.
 Consulted with the CEO on an ongoing basis to ensure strategic alignment of company-wide
initiatives and the maximization of employee effectiveness and efficiencies.
Leadership Development Advisor, 1999 – 2006
State Farm Insurance and Financial Services,Irvine, California
 Designed, facilitated, and evaluated hundreds of high-impact training interventions that
maximized employee effectiveness and retention in a Fortune 25 company. Areas of focus
included new employee on boarding, high potential talent development, sales training,
communication skills, performance management, diversity, teambuilding, and mentoring.
 Catapulted employee involvement in voluntary training by 35-45% for 7-years in a row.
 Increased transfer of learning by 74% throughout California by creating and implementing the
“Employee Effectiveness Plan”.
 Consulted with Vice Presidents and Directors on a regular basis to deliver tailored action learning
experiences (“Work Outs”), business management, and project planning support.
 Secured, managed, and evaluated dozens of external vendor relationships in addition to building
strong partnerships with internal resources.
 Created, implemented, and managed two state-wide succession planning and talent review
initiatives involving 600 managers and executives.
 Filled 67 critical leadership vacuums within the organization by collaborating one-on-one with
high-potential talent to provide coaching and performance feedback.
 Three-time recipient of State Farm’s prestigious “Circle of Excellence Award” for leadership
efforts focused on putting the customer first.
 Earned five promotions in addition to the highest possible performance review evaluation 7-years
in a row.
Project Manager, Learning and Development, 1995 – 1999
State Farm Insurance and Financial Services,Costa Mesa, California
 Managed budgetary responsibilities for a project team, which carried out a company-wide 400M
business management software implementation. Created and delivered an extensive technical
training program, which resulted in a smooth and efficient execution.
 Led a transition team responsible for providing internal/external change management and career
development resources to 2,000 employees impacted by the closure of 50 offices.
 Decreased department expenses by 21% throughout California by spearheading strategic and
tactical plans to increase training consistencies and maximize resources.
Sales Trainer and Business Development Specialist, 1992 – 1994
Farmers Insurance Group ofCompanies, Van Nuys, California
 Designed, facilitated, and evaluated agency sales training programs for the launch of 20 property
and casualty insurance products.
 Consistently recognized as the highest sales producer in the Southern CA Division.
Retail Trainer and Senior Customer Service Representative, 1990 – 1992
Robinsons-May Retail Department Store, Woodland Hills, California
 Provided personalized customer service solutions in the home fashion department and achieved
“Diamond Star Status” in appreciation of outstanding training performance.

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Education
 Master’s Degree in Adult Education (Magna Cum Laude): The Pennsylvania State University
 Bachelor’s Degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Communications and Political Science: California
State University, Northridge
 Associate in Information Technology: The Insurance Institute of America
Professional Certifications
 Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities – Franklin Covey
 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator & FIRO-B – Consulting Psychologists Press
 Core Essentials Certified Graduate – Corporate Coach University
 The Coaching Clinic / PersonalCoaching Styles Inventory – Corporate Coach University
 360 by Design & Benchmarks 360 – Center for Creative Leadership
Professional Associations
 Association for Talent Development
 International Coaching Federation
 Professional Coaching and Mentoring Association
 Founding Member – The Leadership Development Think Tank
 Organizational Development Special Interest Group – Brandman University
Board of Directors and Community Service Experience
 Board of Directors Member and Governance Chair: Mariposa Women and Family Center
 Service Experience: Parent Teacher Associations (3), United Way, Junior Achievement, Youth
Motivational Task Force, Working Wardrobes, and Laura’s House