We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Edgar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what do you want people to remember about you?
I strive to live a life of purpose and service. As a builder and creator, my mission is to connect with others and make the world a better place. I seek sustainable solutions that create opportunities and enhance access, all while driving innovation and technology forward.

My passion lies in serving my community and clients, making a tangible difference and fostering systemic change. As a change agent, I take calculated risks to pave new pathways, always delivering on my promises—and then some. I lead by example and embody integrity, hoping that people will remember the imprint I leave on my community and culture, as well as the hearts I’ve touched along the way.

Strategically and intentionally, I push the boundaries and challenge the status quo, maximizing every moment of each day. My job is more than just work; it’s a commitment that never stops, extending from day to night. Whether I’m brainstorming solutions in the boardroom or being present in the community, I am always thinking about how to create positive change.

I consider myself a lifelong learner, continually acquiring knowledge and skills to innovate and be an unstoppable force in business. I aim to inspire others to live their best lives and demonstrate that it’s never too late to pivot. Whether it was graduating law school at 40 or taking up competitive sprinting during COVID and placing 6th nationally, I believe anything is possible once you commit to it.

This past year, I made a meaningful pivot by becoming an adjunct professor at Northwestern Law, advocating for resources and funding in the Compton Unified School District, and attending Harvard Business School to study disruptive business models in entertainment, sports, and media. I believe one of our most valuable assets is time—so why wait? Just live it!

Living a life of service is not just a choice; it’s a calling, often guided by a higher purpose. I create magic through collaboration, fostering community, and bringing innovative ideas to life at the intersection of entertainment, sports, and culture. I am committed to making a positive impact and helping others feel valued by simply giving my time and advice, which ultimately brings joy to our shared journey.

As Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote encapsulates my belief in the power of connection and the lasting impact we can have on each other.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Living a life of service has always been the foundation of my journey. My passion for providing access and opportunities—whether through education or enriching experiences—drives me. At my core, I seek to make a difference on both micro and macro levels and am dedicated to creating community through the people I serve. Ultimately, I aspire to leave behind a legacy that reflects the rich tapestry of culture that Los Angeles has to offer as a vibrant epicenter.

Throughout my career, no matter the position I have held, I have consistently sought ways to give back and make a meaningful impact. I’m always thinking of how to improve the lives of those around me. My philanthropic and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work began over 15 years ago with the nonprofit organization Music Unites, and later I founded a women-in-leadership platform called The XX Project. Both organizations empower individuals to tap into their potential and excel personally and professionally. Additionally, I produce a monthly event series at The Viceroy Santa Monica called Community Collective, which celebrates collaboration and cultivation among leaders in the community.

As a strategic builder, I thrive on creating, producing, and connecting the dots to help others. After an amazing 20+ year career at the intersection of entertainment and sports, I now serve as the Senior Director of School and Business Partnerships at the Compton Unified School District, focusing on building educational programs and opportunities for our students.

What sets me apart is my growth mindset. I actively seek knowledge and continuously challenge myself to acquire new skills—whether in law or business school—learning from best-in-class leaders and mentors.

I’ve embraced several pivotal moments in my career—I’m on what I call ME 4.0—and I’m always evolving, inspiring others to realize it’s never too late to become the best version of yourself. If the light within dims, it’s never too late to pivot toward your purpose.

Once I set my mind to something, I go for it—no matter the obstacles. Back in college, I would perform an hour-long recital at Northwestern to advance in my piano performance degree. In the music industry, I made myself indispensable to my clients, from artists to brand marketers, and worked tirelessly to ensure their success. In athletics, I discovered the art of running while healing from personal challenges. My coach played a crucial role in that journey, and I achieved extraordinary results by dedicating up to four hours a day to training. I understand the importance of hard work, research, and living your passion. I have made significant professional pivots throughout my career.

From my classical music training at Northwestern as a concert pianist to my role as a journalist and editor at WWD—prompted by my boss who advised me to “Follow the Music”—I ventured into the music business at Warner Records and pursued my dreams in Hollywood as an agent. Working for one of the most powerful women in music, Sylvia Rhone, at Epic Records, and navigating the COVID pivot to UCLA Law has led me to a new path in sports and policy, culminating in my involvement with LeBron’s SpringHill.

As we approach the World Cup in 2026 and the LA28 Olympics, I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to a legacy that impacts our city and resonates around the globe. These monumental events offer a platform for collaboration and innovation, and I hope to leverage them to drive positive change. The recent Olympics opened my eyes to the global change I can influence, and as we enter a critical election year, I am eager to see how I can contribute to the future of our country. My goal is to leverage public and private partnerships to provide scalable, sustainable solutions that stand the test of time, ensuring that the benefits of these events are felt by everyone in our community and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s my itinerary for a week-long trip showcasing the best of the area, including fun, interesting activities and dining options balancing an active lifestyle with cultural experiences and local favorites,

Westside Week-Long Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Santa Monica Stroll

Lunch: Kick off the trip with lunch at The Lobster, offering stunning ocean views and delicious seafood right by the Santa Monica Pier.
Activity: Take a leisurely walk along the iconic Santa Monica Pier and enjoy some classic carnival games with a private tour by Jim Harris, Executive Director of Santa Monica Pier followed by a stroll along the Santa Monica Promenade.
Dinner: Enjoy a farm-fresh meal at Tar & Roses, known for its wood-fired dishes.
Evening: Grab drinks at The Bungalow, an atmospheric spot with a laid-back vibe and lively crowd.

Day 2: Active Adventures

Morning Workout: Start the day with a run along the beach
Late Morning: Attend a Hot 8 Yoga (Hot Power Fusion) session to rejuvenate.
Lunch: Refuel with healthy bowls at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica.
Afternoon: Go for a 30-mile bike ride down to Manhattan Beach.
Dinner: Unwind with dinner at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern overlooking the water.
Evening: Experience live music at Casa Del Mar Jazz for a relaxing end to the day.

Day 3: Music & Culture

Brunch: Enjoy brunch at The Fairmont for a delightful buffet with ocean views.
Day Activity: Visit Bergamot Station, the arts district, where you can explore contemporary art galleries with lunch at Birdie’s.
Sunset: Santa Monica Pier’s Local’s Night (3rd Thursday each month) with Salsa Way at the Westend of the Pier
Evening: Head to The Georgian (downstaris) for intimate live piano music for some Sinatra.
Dinner: Wrap up the day dining at Baltaire, a spot beloved by locals for its upscale ambiance and great food.

Day 4: Exploring Local Favorites

Morning Activity: Take a relaxing beach walk or jog before breakfast at Shutters.
Afternoon: Head to the Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday or Saturday) for fresh local produce and artisanal goods.
Dinner: Visit Wally’s for wine tasting and local brews, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Evening: Catch a classic film or live performance at The BroadStage.

Day 5: Art and Relaxation

Morning: Go for a morning run along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail.
Brunch: Have brunch at Bergamot’s Le Great Outdoors Restaurant, known for its healthy options and inviting patio.
Afternoon Activity: Visit The Getty Center for stunning art collections and breathtaking views.
Evening: Visit The Broad followed by The Music Center, where art and music merge in a special event, and dancing under the stars at Music Center.

Day 6: Weekend Getaway (SANTA BARBARA or LAGUNA)

Day Trip: Take a drive to Santa Barbara for a day of adventure visiting the Santa Barbara Bowl for a concert or Laguna Beach to enjoy Pageant of the Masters, a unique art show like no other.

Day 7: Wind Down

Morning: Start the day with a final workout session at Barry’s Bootcamp newest location in Santa Monica.
Brunch: Visit Margo’s for a delicious farewell brunch.
Afternoon: Explore Venice Beach, enjoying the fun shops and street performers.
Dinner & Drinks: Celebrate the end of the week with a dinner at Little Beach House with my favorite sunset views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Last December marked a significant turning point for me as I transitioned into the public sector from a career in entertainment and sports. My desire to serve and impact education at the fundamental ground level led me to join my city as an arts commissioner. Helping to reshape the educational landscape at the Compton Unified School District was a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor, one that felt more like a calling than just a job. This work was something I had always been passionate about throughout my career.

Starting this new journey wasn’t easy; I had to adapt significantly to a new lifestyle. Shifting from an office job 5 days a week to commuting 10 hours and covering 8,500 miles a year required a recalibration of my life. It was during these moments of reflection that I discovered my true drive to serve.

I have always embraced a growth mindset, yearning for knowledge and improvement. For five years, attending Professor Anita Elberse’s course at Harvard Business School on the “Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports” was on my bucket list. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as I sought to rekindle my inner fire and connect with like-minded leaders striving to push their industries forward. This experience opened my eyes to new possibilities and introduced me to an incredible community of people committed to disruptive growth.

My recent trip to the Paris Olympics highlighted the power of this community—not just colleagues, but true friendships. Each person genuinely has each other’s backs with no ulterior motives other than wanting to help one another succeed. Such support is invaluable, especially at this stage in our careers.

I want to credit Professor Elberse for her infectious energy and her curation of a program that fosters this community. I’ve never encountered someone who radiates more joy in teaching, going above and beyond to understand how she can best support her students, both in and out of the classroom. Earlier this year, I experienced teaching at Northwestern Law and am excited to take what I experienced and apply it to teaching.

I carried this feeling of connection and growth back into my everyday life, striving to embody the same mindset. A dear friend, Sara Zapp, recommended Dr. Carol Dweck’s book – but told me I didn’t need to read it because it’s innately what I am all about, but of course I read it, Mindset resonated with me. I hadn’t realized until I read it that the way we perceive our talents and abilities significantly influences any human endeavor. I reflected on how the fundamental skills I developed as a concert pianist shaped my academic pursuits and my newfound passions in sports, education, and policy.

This journey has taught me that having a supportive community is essential for personal and professional growth. We need our tribe to help us climb to the next level—holding hands to reach new heights. And when we look back, it’s crucial to bring those who supported us along for the journey. As we learn and grow together, even the toughest moments become easier with the right people by our side. My friends push me forward and empower me to continue to BE IT and LIVE IT.

Website: https://thexxproject.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michme12/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-edgar-86b5ba1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.edgar.31

Other: https://michelleedgar.substack.com/

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