Michelle Gross Kuhr

Managing Director, Riveron Consulting

40 Under 40 Category: Business Consulting/Turnaround

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Biography:

Michelle Gross Kuhr is a managing director in Riveron’s Chicago office, where she is responsible for developing new clients and expanding Riveron’s presence in the Chicago marketplace. Michelle joined Riveron in 2014 as a deal professional supporting clients through merger integration, IPO preparation, and divestiture activities. In 2016, she moved into a business development role. As part of this transition, Michelle helped grow Riveron’s Lender Services practice nationally. She focuses on fostering a collaborative environment, developing authentic relationships, and being a trusted advisor through all client challenges and successes. A native of St. Louis, Michelle remains loyal to her St. Louis Cardinals in a sea of Chicago Cubs fans. She enjoys spending her free time traveling with her husband, Ben, and son, Ari.  

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it? 

Throughout my career, I’ve had incredible mentors, both formally and informally, whom I often think about as I strive to implement their advice. However, there’s one phrase that has remained with me the most and that I continue to put in to practice almost every day: you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

This advice was given to me when speaking with a highly respected peer at a pivotal crossroads in my career. I was contemplating a career move that would shift my focus from client service to the business development side of our business. The notion of being comfortable in uncomfortable situations has since stuck with me during the many nerve-wracking client presentations, tense board room meetings, stressful pitches, and palm sweating year-end reviews that occur daily in my professional life. In each of these scenarios, no matter how nervous, unsettled, or intimidated I may feel, I remind myself that the people with whom I’m speaking are only human and have been on this side of the table. If I present myself in a strong, confident, and intelligent way, then that is how I will be perceived. This mentality takes practice and internal coaching to hone, but I’ve found that as long as I’m prepared, there’s no situation that I can’t approach in an authentic and intelligent way and leave feeling confident in my abilities, performance, and ultimate outcome.  

How do you define a good leader? 

A good leader is present, mindful, listens first, is approachable by all demographics of their team, and actively supports its members through both challenging and successful times. I’ve been fortunate to be around some fantastic leaders and have acknowledged attributes I want to emulate in my own career. Chief among them is the ability to enhance the successes of the team and recognize individual performers while participating in and supporting improvement initiatives and moments of growth. With heightened success or a big win, there’s no better feeling than knowing your leader or mentor was along for the ride and can share in the journey and ultimate achievement.  

A leader doesn’t have to be the most senior or high-ranking employee on the team. At any level, those around you may look for guidance, support, or affirmation. Being conscious of your interactions, intentions, and impact is important to ascend in your career. I have found that encouraging the success of others, thoughtfully making suggestions, and fostering genuine introductions can be more fulfilling than if I had achieved that goal, new relationship, or win myself.  

How would you encourage young professionals to become more involved in their community or volunteer? How have these activities outside of work helped shape your professional life?

I always encourage young professionals to get involved in external community events, industry specific associations, or volunteer work. These initiatives are not only fun but can lead to accomplishments outside of work and allow you to augment and diversify your personal network. I’ve been grateful to have a vast network through my external activities and have witnessed many friendships develop into powerful professional contacts. You never know the direction your career may take and where your diverse contacts may be most helpful. Similarly, I’m part of numerous professional organizations where I’ve made great professional contacts, many of whom have turned into genuine, life-long friendships.