Michelle Diamond, CEO of Elevate Diamond Strategy, a growth strategy and execution advisory and interim executive firm recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, CEO Journal, CFO Magazine, Philadelphia Business Journal, and the Interim Association, has 25+ years’ strategy, general management, marketing, finance, go-to-market, audit, M&A, and operations experience.

She has strong expertise in helping high growth companies scale, scenario planning, and in developing, evaluating, and implementing diverse, yet innovative growth strategies, strategic plans, and go-to-market initiatives for acceleration and long-term value creation, leading mergers and acquisitions (pre and post), identifying where to invest and then capitalizing on market opportunities through competitive advantage and differentiation, and in turnarounds/ restructuring to optimize costs and overall profitability, for both domestic and global organizations.

Michelle is an expert, executive, and entrepreneur who has worked on Board and C-Suite issues for 50+ companies ranging from startup, early/growth stage, small/mid-cap, private equity/venture capital, to Fortune 50 in 25+ industries including CIGNA, Colgate-Palmolive, Elsevier, MetLife, Daimler, DEKRA, NRG, and Club Med – to name a few.

Her industry experience includes Automotive, Broadcasting (Television & Radio), Cable, Chemical, Consulting, Consumer Products, Dental, Distribution, Education, Electronics Distribution, Energy, Event, Financial Services, Food, Government, Health Insurance, Human Resources, Insurance, Medical Device, Music, Nonprofit, Packaging, Pharmaceutical Distribution, Printing, Private Equity/ Venture Capital, Professional Services, Publishing, Renewable Energy, Retail, Software, Technology, Travel, and Vision.

Prior to Elevate Diamond Strategy, Michelle worked for CIGNA, where she was the creator and Head, Competitive Intelligence for the $1B+ Group Insurance Division. Prior to that role, Michelle oversaw CIGNA’s $20M Printing & Distribution business (100+ employees), was Manager of Strategy for Accenture, and in Mergers & Acquisitions and Assurance and Business Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP. She also held various financial roles at Colgate-Palmolive Company and Citibank, and was selected for Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble camps.

Michelle holds an MBA from Duke University, a BS from Morgan State University (Summa Cum Laude), and attended Wharton Executive Education. She is also a nonpracticing Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Michelle is a former Board President of the INROADS Philadelphia Alumni Association, a member of Extraordinary Women on Boards, and has led efforts and volunteered for United Way, March of Dimes, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Habitat for Humanity. She was a speaker and facilitator for the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), and a growth expert on radio shows Accelerating Your Business™ (creator and host), Executive Leaders Radio, and The Marketing of Business.

She is also the author of the book, How to Grow & Expand Your Business in Times of Feast or Famine.

Michelle currently resides in Beverly Hills and enjoys sports, dance, entertaining, and travel.