Success often feels like a moving target, especially for high-net-worth individuals managing businesses, investments, and the demands of leadership. Yet, the principles of true success remain timeless, even amidst the complexities of wealth and responsibility. Gary Michels, host of the Turn It Up A Notch Podcast and a trusted advisor to leaders across industries, has spent over three decades helping high achievers refine their approach to life and work.
Through his work with organizations like Bellagio, Ameriprise Financial, and the Arizona Coyotes, Gary has shaped leadership strategies that drive results and inspire change. His philosophy? It’s not just about achieving more, it’s about achieving with purpose. The following explores how Gary’s insights can help high-net-worth individuals turn up the volume on their leadership and legacy.
1. Define What Success Means to You
For many high-net-worth individuals, success can sometimes feel like an endless pursuit of more — more wealth, more influence, more accolades. But Gary encourages leaders to pause and reflect. “Success isn’t just what you achieve,” he says. “It’s about alignment, living and working in a way that reflects your values and priorities.”
Start by asking yourself: What does success mean to me beyond the numbers? Whether it’s mentoring future leaders, building a lasting legacy, or finding time for personal growth, clarity in your goals is key.
2. Promote Leadership Through Gratitude
In Gary’s work with industry leaders, he’s seen how gratitude can transform teams and organizations. “Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating what you have,” he explains. “It’s about creating an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration that drives results.”
High-net-worth leaders can use gratitude as a leadership tool by acknowledging their team’s contributions, celebrating wins, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Gary’s advice? Make gratitude a daily habit. It’s a simple shift with profound results.
3. Confidence Inspires Confidence
Confidence isn’t just an internal quality, it’s contagious. Gary has trained executives and teams at some of the nation’s top companies, and one lesson stands out: when leaders exude confidence, they empower those around them to do the same.
“Confidence starts with preparation,” Gary says. “Know your strengths, communicate your vision clearly, and lead by example.” For high-net-worth individuals, this might mean confidently navigating investment decisions, leading a team through uncertain times, or setting the tone for a high-stakes negotiation.
4. Embrace Change as an Opportunity
One of the hallmarks of great leadership is the ability to adapt. Whether it’s shifting markets, technological advancements, or unexpected challenges, change is inevitable — but it’s also an opportunity.
Gary’s approach to change is simple yet powerful: view it as a chance to innovate, grow, and lead. By embracing flexibility and encouraging creative problem-solving, high-net-worth leaders can stay ahead of the curve and turn challenges into advantages.
5. Balance Drives Sustainable Success
For many high-net-worth individuals, the demands of leadership can overshadow the need for balance. But Gary reminds anyone seeking success that balance isn’t just about personal well-being but a cornerstone of sustainable success.
“Leaders who invest in their personal lives — whether through family, hobbies, or simply taking time to recharge — show up stronger in their professional lives,” he says. Building boundaries and prioritizing balance allows leaders to lead with clarity and purpose, ensuring they’re in it for the long haul.
6. Legacy: The Ultimate Measure of Leadership
At the core of Gary’s teachings is the idea of legacy. For high-net-worth individuals, this extends beyond financial wealth. It’s about the impact they leave behind. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation of leaders, giving back to the community, or building a company that stands the test of time, legacy is the ultimate measure of leadership.
“Your legacy isn’t just what you achieve,” Gary says. “It’s who you inspire and how you make others feel.” Reflecting on this can provide clarity and motivation, ensuring every decision aligns with the leader you want to be remembered as.
A Leader’s Call to Action
Gary Michels’ work is a testament to the power of intentional leadership. For high-net-worth individuals, his advice is clear: turn it up a notch, not just in your achievements, but in the way you lead, inspire, and live.
Take a moment today to reflect on your goals, embrace gratitude, and lead with confidence. Because success isn’t just about hitting milestones, it’s about creating a life and legacy that truly matter.
