Michelle Pyan
President & Owner | Commercial Investigations
Saratoga Springs Chapter
What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to start Commercial Investigations by a deep-rooted passion for uncovering the truth and making a positive impact, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable populations. I was determined to develop rigorous procedures that could identify potential threats often overlooked by surface-level background checks. Fueled by that mission, I took the leap to found CI and bring my vision of safeguarding communities to life. My experience playing baseball as the only girl on my high school team had instilled in me a fearless attitude towards challenging norms, which gave me the confidence to venture into the predominantly male industry.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
I had a mentor that significantly shaped my leadership style. He shared plenty of lessons with me, but one in particular has stuck with me since. The valuable lesson involved understanding the importance of reflection before sleep. He shared that thinking about key work-related aspects before bedtime led to waking up with fresh ideas and a clear direction for the day. I found this approach intriguing and applied it to my situation, emphasizing the significance of taking time to reflect on crucial aspects before rest. This practice has not only improved my problem-solving skills but has also helped me maintain a better work-life balance by creating a clear mental boundary between work and personal time.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
As a woman in the traditionally male-dominated investigations field, I've had added pressure to project confidence and leadership in a stereotypically masculine way. Then there’s little things, like being conscientious of cleavage when getting dressed for the office, that are considerations only women have to make. But adversity has only stoked my competitive fire. I view exceeding expectations as a driving force behind my success. I've also faced the challenge of balancing assertiveness with empathy, often walking a fine line between being seen as "too soft" or "too aggressive" in my leadership style.
What lesson have you learned that you can share with other women entrepreneurs?
There's a saying that "success is often one part talent and nine parts perseverance." I live by that. My journey as a woman in business has taught me that the real magic happens when talent is complemented by unwavering perseverance. Talent may open doors, but it's perseverance that keeps those doors from closing. I've also learned the importance of building a strong support network of other women entrepreneurs who understand your unique challenges and can offer advice and encouragement.
In what ways has your membership in WPO impacted your personal or professional life?
My membership in the WPO has been incredibly impactful. Building a true network goes far beyond just collecting business cards. It's about cultivating genuine connections. As a WPO member, I’m able to meet new people, bounce ideas off others, and generate strong business relationships. Some I’ve had going for 10+ years, all because of joining the group. The WPO has also provided me with a safe space to be vulnerable and discuss challenges unique to women in leadership, which has been invaluable for my personal growth and resilience as a business owner.
What are your goals or aspirations moving forward?
First and foremost, I'm deeply committed to preparing the next generation of leadership at Commercial Investigations. We've built something truly special here, and I want to ensure its continued success and growth long into the future. This involves not just identifying potential successors, but actively mentoring and developing them to take on greater responsibilities. It's about creating a robust leadership pipeline that will carry CI's mission and values forward.
On a more personal note, I've set myself the somewhat ambitious challenge of lowering my golf handicap to under 10. I find that setting concrete goals in my personal life helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Plus, it gives me a socially acceptable reason to walk around beautiful landscapes while occasionally shouting words that I'd never use in the office.
Lastly, I want to focus more on celebrating our wins and truly enjoying what we've built together at CI. In the fast-paced world of business, it's easy to always be looking ahead to the next challenge or goal. I believe it's crucial to pause and acknowledge our achievements, both big and small. Within the context of WPO, these goals align nicely. I plan to leverage the network and resources to gain insights from others. I also hope to share my own experiences and learnings with fellow members, contributing to the collective growth of women in leadership positions. By focusing on these aspirations, I believe I can continue to grow both personally and professionally, while also ensuring the long-term success of Commercial Investigations and contributing meaningfully to the WPO community.
About Commercial Investigations:
Commercial Investigations LLC is a Woman-owned, licensed private investigative agency specializing in pre-employment background investigations, differentiated through compliance, customization, and the investigative approach. The Commercial Investigations staff works with clients to customize their background checks, ensuring compliance and easy integration into existing processes. To learn more, visit www.commercialinvestigationsllc.com.