Dr. Michele Mikeska Jaffe

Michele’s deep knowledge in this space is rooted in a diverse background of psychology and design, including her role at the R+D Innovation Lab at The New York Times, which explored emerging technologies in service of helping people understand the world. She has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her doctoral dissertation, “When She Has The Money,” was the first-of-its-kind to dive into the core issues affecting financially diverse marriages, cross-cultural family systems and ultra-high-net-worth individuals due to female inheritance.

Michele’s client-centered approach focuses on empowering each family member to find their voice, feel recognized and uncover their relationship to wealth. She believes that by fostering meaningful participation – ranging from aligning values to business direction to philanthropic and generational planning – the entire family flourishes.

 A sought-after global speaker, peer-reviewed journal contributor and subject matter expert, Michele speaks at conferences, workshops and on podcasts worldwide. She has served as the Executive Director of the Family Business Network, a global community of business-owning families. Currently, she leads the Wisdom Committee of the Purposeful Planning Institute, planning the content and speakers for their annual conference.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Michele is a yoga and nature enthusiast who cherishes good food, good design and good company. She embraces a little healthy competition in family card games and enjoys perusing interior design magazines. Actively engaged in community efforts and philanthropy, Michele addresses mental health and wellness on both local and global levels. She resides in Northern California with her husband and two daughters.