“I Became the Manager My Team Needed”: How Oxygen Helped One Nonprofit Leader Build Trust, Ownership, and Stronger Team Dynamics
Manager Success Spotlight: Michelle Gulino, Director of Legal & Programs at HRF
Key Takeaways
Even experienced managers benefit from structured training that provides clear frameworks and peer support
Feedback tools and communication strategies helped Michelle reduce tensions and improve trust within her team
Quarterly one-on-one check-ins created space for honest conversations about workload, growth, and well-being
Oxygen’s safe learning environment helped Michelle apply practical tools in real time and adapt them to her unique team structure
Investing in manager development boosts confidence, team morale, and organizational alignment
Management Without Formal Training Is Common, But Costly
When Michelle Gulino joined the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) nearly seven years ago, she was not yet leading direct reports across teams but eventually moved into management, though without prior formal management training.
“When I received the e-mail saying I was selected for this program, I was excited — it felt like a real investment in my growth,” Michelle shared.
The Human Rights Foundation recognized the importance of equipping their managers with the tools, structure, and support to lead effectively, and made a meaningful investment in Michelle’s development.
Michelle’s story reflects a common challenge wherein organizations’ top performers may enter management without prior formal management training. Over time, the utility of frameworks and new tools and structures to lead effectively, becomes evident.
Learning the Tools to Lead with Confidence
Michelle had already been managing direct reports and interns across departments when she joined Oxygen’s Management Essentials program. Her team was growing, her responsibilities were expanding, and she was navigating increasingly complex interpersonal dynamics.
The program introduced her to practical frameworks that could be adapted to fit her team’s reality. These included strategies for giving constructive feedback, resolving interdepartmental tension, and creating more consistent communication habits.
“There were parts of the program that didn’t directly apply to our context, but the frameworks were still very helpful. I just adapted them to fit our world.”
Feedback, Trust, and Real-Time Application
One of Michelle’s biggest takeaways was how to structure feedback so it builds trust rather than create defensiveness. She applied this immediately to address conflict between departments and to support individual team members during times of stress.
She also began holding quarterly temperature checks with her direct reports. These conversations provided space to talk about workload, stress levels, role clarity, and professional growth.
“I feel more like a mentor and advocate for my team, unlocking a new level of impact. And I think my team members have felt this elevated leadership, too. Communication improved. Trust grew. And we started to feel even more like a unit.”
These changes had a visible impact. The team became more aligned. Tensions eased. And Michelle felt more confident in how she showed up as a leader.
Management Training Is Not Just for New Managers
Although Michelle had already been in a management role for several years, the training helped her elevate her leadership in new ways. The experience gave her more structure, consistency, and confidence — three things every team needs from their manager.
“Knowing our leadership believed in me enough to invest in this, made a difference. It legitimized the importance of process, communication, and well-being — beyond just outputs.”
Why Every Manager Deserves the Right Tools
Michelle’s journey is a powerful reminder that great managers are developed, not discovered. When given the right tools and support, even experienced managers can unlock a new level of impact.
Oxygen’s Management Essentials program helped Michelle become the kind of manager her team needed: clear, compassionate, and confident.
Want to help your managers lead with more intention?
Explore our Management Essentials program or get in touch to learn how Oxygen helps managers grow at every stage of their career.
