Michele Hart, Mediator, Strategist, Negotiator and Problem Solver   

I met practicing divorce and family lawyer, Michele Hart in the fall of 2014 when she reached out to me to be the keynote speaker for the Women in Business luncheon at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. So, I’d add to Michele’s long and well-earned list of titles (lawyer, mediator, strategist, negotiator, and creative problem solver) the following: planner, leader and organizer extraordinaire, since it was such a pleasure to present before a full house brought together by a superbly organized team.

Michele is also my kind of lawyer (and I can say that from the viewpoint of being one myself). She firmly believes it is far better to stay out of court and for clients to have their issues resolved via an agreement designed to meet their goals for their future. As she grows her legal practice, one of Michele’s short-term goals is to build a network-based community of strategically created connections, knowing that a like-minded team can best maximize value for her clients.

What is your expertise?
Being able to empathize and relate with others. I can also see the “big picture” and solve problems by putting the pieces together like a puzzle.

What do you love?
My family. I also love having deep meaningful conversations and inspiring people to be — and do more — than they believe they are capable of.

What are you curious about?
I read a lot about what drives human behavior.  I am forever curious about what makes people tick.

Who are your heroes?
I would have to say that my husband is my biggest hero. He is incredibly street-smart, with an amazing work ethic. He goes all out 24/7 for our family.  Also, I really admire those who stay the course despite all the odds.

What is your current challenge?
Living fully in each moment.

Greatest achievement?
While it’s always an ongoing work in progress, being the kind of parent that I didn’t have.  I am grateful that my children openly share their thoughts and feelings and turn to me for guidance.

What is your motto?
Never say never.  There is always a way.

Why are you an entrepreneur?
I enjoy the freedom to create meaning for what I do professionally, and the flexibility to be present with my family.

What problem are you solving?
Helping people to communicate effectively and resolve conflict out of court.

What problem would you like solved?
An end to conflict.

Biggest regret?
I don’t believe in having regrets.  I believe that we make our choices based on what we know at the time.

What mobile device do you presently use?
Dell laptop, HTC One 8, and iPad mini.

Essential app(s)?
[Shopping list app] outofmilk.com – it does all but actually go grocery shopping for me!  I also like Evernote.

Best discovery?
Strengthfinders 2.0 by Tom Rath and its accompanying website that helped me identify my top five unique strengths and talents. I was amazed to see that the results were incredibly accurate. It gave me much confidence to discover my concrete natural talents and strengths, which include:

• • • Input – A craving to know more and liking to collect and archive all kinds of information;
    • Relator – Enjoying close relationships with others and finding deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal;
    • Achiever – Having a great deal of stamina, working hard, and taking great satisfaction from being busy and productive;
    • Intellection – Being introspective and appreciating intellectual discussions;
    • Responsibility — Taking psychological ownership of what one says s/he will do, and being  committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.

Advice you wish you’d had (or had followed)?
Mistakes are necessary for teaching us what we need to know.  Also, real joy comes from living fully in the present.

Your pitch in 140 characters?
Solution-oriented family lawyer, mediator, and strategist committed to achieving cost-effective customized resolutions for clients using negotiation, mediation, and creative problem-solving techniques.  [Note: More than 140 characters]

Are you on Twitter? 
Yes —  @MicheleHart2.

Your nails on a chalkboard moment?
Abusive behavior.

The J.O.B. you’d actually like?
The one I have, which continues to evolve.

Biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur?
That it’s all glamorous and exciting.  It’s a lot of trade-offs and hard work, with long hours and second-guessing the decisions that you make.

Inc. or Rolling Stone or…..? Which magazine cover? 
Inc.

What is your must-read?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.  Also, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert B. Cialdini.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Romance movies on the Hallmark channel and chocolate!

Short cut, long route or road less traveled? What’s your roadmap?
There are no short cuts. My roadmap is a series of challenges with the ongoing opportunity for learning and growth.

What makes you LOL?   
Smart women with the courage to laugh at themselves.

Who or what inspires you?
Kindness.

What’s the most important startup/entrepreneurship lesson you’ve learned?
Begin with the end in mind; know where you want to end up and what it takes to get there.

Part of the trick to staying focused?
Keeping a daily task list in order of priority, and blocking out time each day to complete those that have high priority.  And keep your eye on the prize – make choices in line with the ultimate goals you want to achieve.