Michelle Kay is an award-winning Learning & People Development executive and strategic advisor with 20+ years of experience transforming how people grow at work. As former Chief Learning Officer for Albertsons Companies and Global Head of L&D at Taco Bell, she’s led enterprise-wide initiatives that reached over 300,000 employees that helped streamline operations and scale development.

Now, she brings that real-world expertise to organizations of all sizes through her consulting firm, Side Door, helping companies modernize the learning experience, build capability at all levels, and align people strategy to business outcomes.

Michelle’s background spans retail, CPG, food service/QSR, and construction, supporting iconic brands like Albertsons, Taco Bell, Yum Brands, and more. She works directly with CHROs and senior leaders to design people strategies that are both practical and transformative.

Known for bold ideas and practical tools, Michelle is passionate about shaping the future of work. Her philosophy is simple: develop people, build culture, and drive results.
She lives in Orange County, CA with her husband, two teenage sons, and their Goldendoodle. She runs on coffee, curiosity, and true crime podcasts.