Ep 310: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and guest Michelle Perchuk on hmTv

Ep 310: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and Guest Michelle Perchuk

In this inspiring episode of The Dana Download on hmTv, host Dana Arschin sits down with Michelle Perchuk, founder of MTV Coaching, executive career strategist, and Forbes Coaches Council member. Together, they explore how purpose, mindset, and authenticity can transform not only a person’s career—but their entire life.

Michelle shares her journey from corporate recruiting to building a global coaching company that helps executives rediscover fulfillment, confidence, and meaning in their work. From navigating change to finding spiritual alignment, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to live and lead with intention.

💡 Topics include:

• The link between Judaism, purpose, and personal growth
• How even CEOs need coaching to feel fulfilled
• The transformation from “transactional” to “transformational” work
• Why confidence is the secret currency in career success

To learn more about Michelle’s work, visit mtvcoaching.com
.

🎙️ The Dana Download is produced by hmTv, the podcast platform of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, where stories of resilience, humanity, and hope take center stage.

Transcript

Ep 310: The Dana Download with Dana Arschin and Guest Michelle Perchuk

Dana Arschin:
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for joining us today for The Dana Download. Many of you who’ve been following know that this podcast introduces you to people from all different corners of my life — and from industries that really spark my curiosity.

I’m so excited to be joined today by Michelle Perchuk. Before I introduce her, I’ll say a little more about her because she’s just an incredibly successful woman. She’s the founder of MTV Coaching, a talent acquisition and recruiting expert, a Forbes Coaches Council member, and a career and business progression coach with more than 18 years of experience in the recruiting industry.

She’s also the author of Swimming in the Talent Pool (2016). And honestly, I’m barely scratching the surface — she’s amazing. Michelle, thank you so much for being here.

Michelle Perchuk:
Thank you for inviting me.

Dana:
Of course! And a quick shout-out to my close friend Justine Ray, who told me all about you and said, “You need to get her on your podcast.” I’m so glad she did.

So, I want to start with your company, MTV Coaching. But first — you told me you have a Jewish background and that there’s a connection between the Torah and coaching. Tell me about that.

Michelle’s Journey

Michelle:
My family came to New York when I was eight years old. My parents were young and looking for better opportunities. I grew up in Brooklyn, in the Midwood area, and even though my parents weren’t religious, I always felt drawn to bringing God into my life.

When I was about nine or ten, I had Jewish friends who taught me about prayer and faith — and that curiosity never left. Today, I have my own family, and we practice together. Having that Jewish identity is really meaningful.

Dana:
That’s beautiful. I actually started my career at News12 Brooklyn, so I know Midwood well — Shabbat dinners, tight-knit community, everything.

And now you live in Fort Lee, New Jersey, right? Married with kids?

Michelle:
Yes, two boys — Jeffrey and David.

Dana:
Nice! I have two girls, six and three. Maybe in twenty years, we’ll revisit this conversation for matchmaking.

Founding MTV Coaching

Dana:
Let’s talk about MTV Coaching. Does “MTV” stand for what I think it does?

Michelle:
(Laughs) No, it’s not the TV network! It stands for Michelle The Visionary. My kids actually came up with it when I wrote my book and needed an Instagram name. When I launched my company in 2017, the name stuck.

Dana:
I love that! And it’s catchy — people hear “MTV” and get curious.

So, how did you make the leap from recruiting to coaching?

Michelle:
I worked for huge firms like Adecco and Manpower, recruiting for banks and insurance companies. But over time, it started to feel transactional — filling positions, moving resumes — and I wanted to do something transformational.

In 2020, I became a certified coach to help people align their professional and personal lives. I wanted my work to have meaning, not just volume. That’s how MTV Coaching was born.

Helping Executives Find Fulfillment

Dana:
Who comes to you for coaching?

Michelle:
Mostly executives and C-suite leaders who seem successful on paper but feel stuck inside. They’re leading massive teams, earning great salaries, but something’s missing — fulfillment, visibility, or confidence.

They’re often unsure how to get unstuck, and that’s where I come in. I help them cross that “bridge” — from where they are now to where they truly want to be.

Dana:
That’s fascinating. Most people think of coaching for beginners, not CEOs. But your clients already at the top must need a different kind of guidance.

Michelle:
Exactly. It’s not about climbing higher; it’s about aligning deeper. Even CEOs need help rediscovering meaning in their work.

The Coaching Process

Dana:
So how does it work? Is it a subscription or a session-based thing?

Michelle:
It’s a six-month program — sometimes shorter — with a flat fee. I do assessments, deep questioning, and tailor everything individually. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Think of it like a doctor for your career.

Transformation takes time. I guide clients to clarity, confidence, and connection — helping them land the role that truly fits who they are.

Dana:
I love that metaphor — you’re a doctor for the professional soul.

Michelle:
Exactly.

A Success Story

Dana:
Can you share one of your success stories?

Michelle:
Sure. One client — I’ll call him “O” — had two PhDs in spatial computing but was stuck in a mid-level role at a translation company. Brilliant man, but unfulfilled.

We worked together for months. His confidence grew, his energy shifted — even his face looked lighter. When the right recruiter called, he was ready. Within two weeks, he landed his dream job as Chief AI Officer.

Dana:
That’s incredible!

Dana’s Story and Shared Inspiration

Dana:
That reminds me — I kind of created my own career, too. I was a TV reporter for News12 and later FOX 5. I started a Holocaust series there, and when I left TV, I pitched myself to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center as their storyteller.

Now I produce documentaries and podcasts here — like this one! It’s fulfilling in a way I didn’t know I was missing. So I really resonate with your message.

Michelle:
That’s wonderful, Dana. I’ve been called a career fairy godmother. People tell me I saved their jobs, their marriages, their confidence. And that’s the power of meaningful work — it ripples into every part of life.

Coaching with Heart

Dana:
You mentioned Forbes — tell me about that.

Michelle:
I’m part of the Forbes Coaches Council, which has several divisions like technology, accounting, and management. I was approved in 2021 to contribute expert content. It’s not paid, but it’s an honor — and it’s grown my business globally. Now I have clients in Europe and beyond.

Future Vision

Dana:
Where do you want MTV Coaching to go next?

Michelle:
Three directions:

1. A program for young professionals just starting out — they need help understanding professionalism and self-marketing.
2. A retreat program for executives — where former clients can connect and recharge.
3. Continuing to expand internationally, building a true community of empowerment.

Dana:
That sounds incredible. Sign me up for the retreat.

Faith and Philosophy

Dana:
Before we close, tell me more about the Torah connection you mentioned earlier.

Michelle:
Sure. Coaching, like Judaism, focuses on forward movement. It’s not about dwelling on the past or your mistakes; it’s about making a conscious decision today to grow, with God in your heart. That alignment is everything.

Dana:
I love that. Do you belong to a synagogue?

Michelle:
Yes — Chabad of Fort Lee.

Dana:
Amazing! I go to Chabad of Port Washington — our rabbis are probably cousins. (laughs) I was even married by a Chabad rabbi. They’re so inclusive and open — it’s one of the most welcoming communities I know.

Closing Reflections

Dana:
So — final question: what’s one moment in your life that changed how you see the world?

Michelle:
When I became a coach. I realized it was my destiny. Through coaching, I learned that every challenge has multiple perspectives — and that there’s always a solution if you keep looking.

Dana:
That’s beautiful. You are such an inspiration.

Before we sign off — how can people find you?

Michelle:
Visit mtvcoaching.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram under my name, Michelle Perchuk.

Dana:
Perfect. Michelle, thank you so much for being here. This has been one of my favorite conversations — and thank you again to Justine Ray for connecting us, and to Mark Sworn, our tech director.

I’m Dana Arschin, and this has been The Dana Download on hmTv. Thanks for listening — and remember, transformation starts when you decide to cross your own bridge.

[End of Episode]