Michaela Merk is an award-winning speaker, coach, and expert in relational intelligence, dedicated to enhancing customer experience and leadership excellence. With over 20 years in the premium and luxury goods industry, Michaela has inspired and trained audiences across 30+ countries. Her expertise has been featured in TEDx Talks, Forbes, and the Financial Times, and she has delivered presentations for top-tier brands including L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Cartier—brands renowned for their commitment to excellence.
Michaela serves as a leadership expert and trainer for the French Management Association (APM – Association Progrès du Management), a global network of 6,500 managing directors.
Originally from Germany, Michaela has lived in Paris for over 25 years and held senior roles with leading global companies, such as Marketing Director at L’Oréal, Retail Director at Marionnaud, and General Manager at Estée Lauder Companies.
Her research and presentations focus on relational intelligence—a vital skill for strengthening organizational relationships, particularly during transformation. She has published numerous articles and authored the bestselling book Luxury Sales Force Management: Strategies for Winning Over Your Brand Ambassadors.
Michaela’s recent project, Luxury Leadership Talks, is a filmed podcast where she discusses innovation, sustainability, and success with luxury industry CEOs.
Known for her dynamic, interactive style, Michaela customizes her presentations to meet each organization’s unique needs. Fluent in English, French, and German, she has shared her insights with thousands worldwide. In 2020, she became the only woman in France to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association in the USA.
In academia, Michaela holds a PhD in marketing from Sorbonne and HEC. She is a Professor of Marketing and Director of the MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management at Audencia Business School and also teaches at Sciences Po Paris.
Michaela Merk is an award-winning speaker, coach, and expert in relational intelligence, dedicated to enhancing customer experience and leadership excellence. With over 20 years in the premium and luxury goods industry, Michaela has inspired and trained audiences across 30+ countries. Her expertise has been featured in TEDx Talks, Forbes, and the Financial Times, and she has delivered presentations for top-tier brands including L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Cartier—brands renowned for their commitment to excellence.
Michaela serves as a leadership expert and trainer for the French Management Association (APM – Association Progrès du Management), a global network of 6,500 managing directors.
Originally from Germany, Michaela has lived in Paris for over 25 years and held senior roles with leading global companies, such as Marketing Director at L’Oréal, Retail Director at Marionnaud, and General Manager at Estée Lauder Companies.
Her research and presentations focus on relational intelligence—a vital skill for strengthening organizational relationships, particularly during transformation. She has published numerous articles and authored the bestselling book Luxury Sales Force Management: Strategies for Winning Over Your Brand Ambassadors.
Michaela’s recent project, Luxury Leadership Talks, is a filmed podcast where she discusses innovation, sustainability, and success with luxury industry CEOs.
Known for her dynamic, interactive style, Michaela customizes her presentations to meet each organization’s unique needs. Fluent in English, French, and German, she has shared her insights with thousands worldwide. In 2020, she became the only woman in France to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association in the USA.
In academia, Michaela holds a PhD in marketing from Sorbonne and HEC. She is a Professor of Marketing and Director of the MSc in Sustainable Luxury Management at Audencia Business School and also teaches at Sciences Po Paris.
