From Yard Games to Global Leadership: Michelle Needles Levels the Playing Field
By: Sandy Frinton, PULSE Editor
As a child growing up, Michelle Needles simply wanted to be part of the neighborhood football game with her older brother’s friends. She repeatedly asked to be part of the team—yet time and again, she was told she couldn’t play.
Now, as a global outsourcing leader and Executive Vice President at Savills, Needles has dedicated her 25-plus-year career to leveling the playing field, championing diversity, and advocating for others, just as her father did for her when she was young.
For her inspiring leadership and transformational impact in outsourcing and commercial real estate, Needles was inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors in the global outsourcing industry, during the IAOP Awards Ceremony at OWS25 in Chicago on April 29.
A Childhood Lesson in Leadership
Needles’ journey to leadership began at age five, when she eagerly tried to join the weekly football game, but the boys wouldn’t let her play. Frustrated but determined, she sought her father’s help.
Instead of dismissing her or telling her to play with her Barbies, her dad offered a different perspective, suggesting she and her dad play against the boys together as a team. Soon, she was on the field, quickly sacking her brother’s friend.
That experience, Needles recalls, taught her everything she needed to know: When doors are closed, successful leaders find another way in. And leadership isn’t a solo act; it’s about sponsorship—standing up for others, lifting voices, and creating opportunities for all.
“I just wanted to play in the game,” she said. “I needed someone to help me do that. My dad didn’t just support me—he sponsored me. He stood up for me when I felt small and helped me feel big. That’s what sponsorship and allyship are about.”
Building Bridges and Breaking Norms
The early lessons shaped Needles into a leader who challenged norms, pushed boundaries, and built bridges across industries and borders. Her career spans guiding global service solutions at Colliers International to spearheading innovative outsourcing strategies at Savills.
But her impact extends beyond business. She is committed to systemic change. She launched initiatives at Colliers International like I.D.E.A.—Innovation through Diversity, Equity, and Allyship—aimed at increasing representation internally and among suppliers, increasing diverse spend objectives with existing clients. She was also a founding member of the Colliers Women’s Networking Program, which has evolved into a comprehensive DEI division, complete with Employee Resource Groups, training, and mentorship opportunities.
A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy
In her role at Savills, Needles leads global outsourcing solutions, partnering with colleagues and clients worldwide to develop innovative commercial real estate strategies. She is renowned for aligning strategic vision with operational excellence across sectors, including automotive, life sciences, banking, technology, and manufacturing.
“Building teams with and for our global partners requires an understanding of local cultures and disciplines,” she says. “Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people. Leading with empathy means that when we are creating opportunities and dismantling barriers, we are ensuring everyone has a voice—especially those who have historically been quieted.”
Mentorship and Community Engagement
Her dedication to mentoring is evident through her work with the Global Mentorship Institute and community organizations, such as Voices for Children CASA. In addition to the IAOP honor, Needles has been recognized with GlobeSt. Women of Influence Awards, HCL’s Red Ladder Unstoppable Women Award, and internal recognitions for service excellence.
Mark Voytek, COP, Founder and Managing Partner of Voytechnology Partners and TCS Strategic Advisor, introduced Needles at the OWS event and welcomed her to the IAOP Leadership Hall of Fame ranks as a fellow member.
“Michelle’s legacy is defined not only by her operational expertise, but also by her passion for people,” Voytek said. “She has led complex global relationships and built high-performing, inclusive teams that thrive under her guidance and leadership.”
Needles approached the stage with humility and warmth, reflecting on the lessons she learned along the way and the importance of leading intentionally, with empathy and authenticity.
“This extraordinary honor,” she concluded, “belongs not just to me, but to everyone who took a chance on me, every team member who challenged me, every leader who believed in collaboration and inclusion. I am proud to stand with all of you—as a leader, a teammate, and, at my core, still that five-year-old girl who just wanted to play in the game.”