Take Your Seat — And Keep It

Leadership Lessons from Michelle Livingstone

When Michelle Livingstone talks about leadership, she doesn’t start with business jargon or fancy frameworks. She starts with dinner table conversations and the quiet reminders of a father who made sure she never cut corners.

For over three decades, Michelle carved out a trailblazing career in transportation and supply chain — industries where women still fight for a seat at the table. As Vice President of Transportation at The Home Depot, she not only earned her seat but made sure others had one, too.

In her episode of The Character Effect, Michelle shared the values that guided her — and the advice she wishes she’d heard earlier.‍

“Always have a seat at the table.”

One of Michelle’s biggest lessons for young professionals — especially women — is deceptively simple: Sit at the table. Speak up. Don’t let your ideas linger in your head just because the room feels intimidating.

It’s advice she wishes she’d taken more herself. Looking back, Michelle says there were moments when she could have used her voice more boldly. Now, she encourages new leaders to bring their perspective forward — especially when they see things others don’t.‍

When no one’s watching

Michelle’s dad worked in trucking. He didn’t drive, but he did just about everything else — dispatch, claims, sales, operations. And every weekend, he’d check in: “Are you paying your carriers on time? Are you treating people right?”

‍It left a mark. For Michelle, integrity became less about big moments and more about everyday choices — doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient, even when no one’s watching.‍

Culture is a two-way street

Michelle credits much of her success to working for leaders — like Rich Moeller at Kraft Foods — who were consistent in what they said and did. Even when he wasn’t in the room, Michelle says, “It was like he was still right there, reminding me: This is the right way.”

‍Later, at The Home Depot, she found a culture that matched her own values — servant leadership, respect, accountability. It worked because leaders at every level didn’t just talk about values — they lived them.‍

The ripple effect

Michelle’s story is a reminder that character doesn’t stay contained. It ripples out — through every interaction, every decision, and every person who sees you doing the right thing. It’s a legacy that sticks around long after you’ve left the room.

So, if you’re an aspiring leader, take Michelle’s advice: Take your seat. Keep it. Use your voice. And never underestimate the power of character in the little moments.‍

🎧 Listen to the full episode on *YouTube, *Apple Podcasts, or *Spotify.

🔗 Learn more about The Character Effect at kanny.com.

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