In case you missed it, Michelle Obama is going to be closing the WorkHuman Conference! She’ll be interviewed on stage – in the same room that I will be in (along with hundreds of other business leaders). As excited as I was already, because I know that Globoforce hosts a top quality event full of inspiration and action, this pushed me over the top!

I can’t think of anyone more inspiring than our the former first lady. She always demonstrated poise, respect and a lot of humanity. Plus, she can get down!

Wondering what Michelle Obama will have to say about Working Human? She has a lot to say!  Here are just a few quotes that are extremely relevant to the business world and the WorkHuman movement.

Honesty and integrity are core to true success.

“We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.”

In our constantly changing world, resilience is essential.

“Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you. Let them make you even hungrier to succeed.

One of the simplest leadership lessons on hiring.

“Find people who will make you better.”

The most successful organizations have purpose, not just profit. As Michelle said:

Everybody has potential.

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.”

Leaders have a responsibility to develop others.

“We’ve got a responsibility to live up to the legacy of those who came before us by doing all that we can to help those who come after us.”

Your relationships (at work and elsewhere) affect who you are.

“Walk away from ‘friendships’ that make you feel small and insecure, and seek out people who inspire you and support you.”

Don’t get caught up with negativity and haters.

“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.”

Fear is the enemy of trust and innovation in organizations.

Women leaders need to support other women leaders.

“As women, we must stand up for ourselves. We must stand up for each other. We must stand up for justice for all.”

And of course, perhaps the most famous Michelle Obama quote of all – one that is useful in so many situations…

“When they go low, we go high.”

Join us at WorkHuman! It’s in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 29, 30, and June 1. Use promocode: WH17INF-PRO for $500 off! You can register here.

I’ll see you there – I’ll be the one being held back from rushing the stage to speak with Michelle Obama!