Mickey Fitch-Collins, Ph.D.
Not Less Uncertain. More Willing.
I'm Mickey Fitch-Collins — a self-efficacy scaffolder, learning strategist, facilitator, and speaker who studies what actually builds a manager's belief in their own capability. My work sits at the intersection of organizational psychology and real-world leadership — grounded in evidence, designed for practice, actualized for real life.
"You don't need to feel ready. You just need to be willing."
From Casting Lines to Shaping Minds
I didn't grow up thinking I'd end up here. I started my career in professional bass fishing — yes, really. That world taught me more about performance under pressure and managing uncertainty than any management textbook has since.
When I moved into higher education, I watched smart, capable managers struggle — not because they lacked skills, but because they didn't believe in their own ability to lead. I became obsessed with understanding why.
From Research Obsession to Daily Practice
The Dissertation
My doctoral research at Northcentral University examined how supervision and professional development shape the self-efficacy of middle managers in higher education — specifically, what builds or erodes a manager's belief in their own capability.
The Practice
Now I bring that research into organizations every day as a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit — a premier learning and development powerhouse who has upskilled over 2mil people over the last 30yrs. The work is about one thing: helping managers build confidence that doesn't depend on certainty.
Credentials at a Glance
Northcentral University
Organizational Leadership
Years Experience
From the frontlines to the C-suite/executive role
Industries
Higher education, edtech, and organizational learning and development
Current Work
I serve as a Human Skills Facilitator at Learnit, working with organizations across varied industries domestically in the U.S. and internationally to build more capable, confident, and equipped managers. Learnit is one of the leading corporate learning and development companies — I'm proud to do my research-backed work in that context.
What This Means
Every workshop we deliver is anchored in peer-reviewed research, best practices, and daily lived experiences. I bring my research mind as well as my best practices to deliver on what actually builds managerial self-efficacy.
What Mickey Brings
Practitioner-Researcher
Academic credentials anchored in real organizational work — not theory alone.
Facilitator & Speaker
150+ workshops delivered annually with warmth, rigor, and practical application.
Self-Efficacy Expert
Specialized focus on what builds — or erodes — a manager's belief in themselves.
Hear the Whole Story
Want to hear how I got here? I told the whole story on the My First Stage podcast — the bass fishing, the research, the work that followed.
Let's Connect
If any of this resonates, I'd love to hear from you.
Speaking & Podcasting
Bring Mickey's research-backed perspective to your next event, podcast, or summit.
Leader Self-Efficacy Coaching
Partner with Mickey to build manager self-efficacy across your leaders.
Consulting & Research
Explore how the science of self-efficacy can shape your L&D strategy.