About

Dr. MICHELLE MILLIS CHAPPEL is a world-acclaimed musician, keynote speaker, coach, business consultant, and author. She has a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Princeton and was voted “Most Inspirational Professor” at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she taught cognition, creativity, and neuroscience.

MUSIC

Despite being called “crazy” by a few colleagues, she ditched academics to follow her dream to be a rock star. Michelle has won 17 Billboard International Songwriting contests. Her positive tunes have topped European, South African, and U.S. college radio charts, and appeared on ABC, HBO, Encore, and Showtime.

TALKS & COACHING

Michelle has used psychology and music in her TOTAL ROCK STAR program (talks, workshops, and coaching) to help thousands excel in work, school, and life by discovering their unique superpowers and purpose. Her book “The Power of Authenticity” comes out in 2026.

CONSULTING

Michelle also rose in the ranks of the corporate world from user researcher to VP of Consumer Insights. As CEO of Creativity Rock Star Consulting, she leads innovation workshops, user research, and brainstorming sessions for such companies as

“YOUR TRUE CALLING” PODCAST

Listen to Michelle’s interviews with experts and everyday people who found their life calling, and learn how you can uncover your own hidden superpowers and purpose.

PSYCHOLOGY

Michelle is on Psychology Today and the Board for the Oregon Friends of Jung, one of the most respected nonprofits to host world-renowned Jungian analysts and scholars.

Pre-order Michelle’s book “The Power of Authenticity.”

Schedule a Free Session Today to find your superpowers!

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Overcoming Adversity

Born in a small rural village in France, the young Michelle Chappel was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she suffered under the unseen shadow of child abuse. Through sheer determination, she was able to escape to schools in other states by winning scholarships and eventually got a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Princeton.

As a professor, she quickly gained a dedicated following of students who were inspired by her playfully rebellious teaching style. But deep inside she began to hear her long-forgotten melodies calling her on a quest to heal her broken child spirit and recover the crushed blossom of her musical brilliance.

Her songs, workshops, and music videos are a testament to the journey we all must take to shine as our true selves.

Giving Back

Michelle deeply cares about the welfare of others. She has played several benefits to raise awareness about the homeless, rape and sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

She was recognized for “incredible efforts for the homeless community” by the city of San Jose and Project Homeless Connect for her work with the homeless in Northern California. Her music video “No Place Like Home” played at theaters in the San Francisco Bay Area and raised donations for homeless organizations from Atlanta to San Jose.

She also dresses as a superhero to sing with critically ill children at Ronald McDonald Houses around the country.

“It was great having Michelle at the Stanford Ronald McDonald House (RMH) last night! I love how she interacts with the kids. She has a very welcoming presence and shares her joy with everyone! The RMH door will always be open to her!” Virginia Young Becker, founder of the Family Album Project