There’s greatness in each of us.
We’re here to help you find it.

We get out of bed each day – to help you discover your strengths, move beyond your fears, and discover how to truly thrive with confidence as you navigate the highs and lows of life.

as seen in:

Playful and practical is a powerful mix.

Here’s my official story.

As a best-selling author, wellbeing teacher, and playful change activator, I’m passionate about translating cutting-edge research from neuroscience, positive psychology, leadership, and change into practical strategies that build thriving workplaces, flourishing schools, stronger communities, and healthier lives.

For the unofficial version, after growing up in family overwhelmed with mental health challenges, violence, and drug abuse I longed just to be happy. Despite steadily ticking off the realization of a great career, financial security, good friends, a loving family, travelling the world and more, while my life came to look great on paper, I was a stressed-out mess who couldn’t keep up with the life I had created. So, I went back to school to discover the latest science and to seek playful and practical ways to thrive, even in the midst of the struggles we all encounter.

1994

Climbs public relations ranks and becomes youngest general manager for large ad firm – along the way loses 100 sheep in the middle of Melbourne.

2001

Travels the world working for IBM and PwC and becomes global brand director in New York – along the way realizes most efforts to change organizational behavior get compliance, but rarely commitment.

2008

Flies from Melbourne to Philly every 3 weeks to complete Masters of Applied Positive Psychology – loses her passport and still manages to get customs to let her into the country.

2009

Joins PwC Australia’s HR team and uses positive psychology to build a thriving firm culture – teaches accountants and auditors the value of sometimes being optimistic.

2012

Creates The Wellbeing Lab to help people boost thriving and navigate struggle – along the way delivers a workshop to a football stadium filled with workers in America.

2019

Completes her PhD and co-creates The Change Lab to help people embrace the mess and magic of change – along the way talks to positive change leaders all over the world.

2019

Co-creates The Leaders Lab to help leaders build cultures of CARE – along the way creates a new leadership measure.

HERE'S WHAT INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY ABOUT US:

"Michelle's energy and vision lift everyone around her. She is a high-quality person and I recommend her fully."

Professor David Cooperrider, Founder of Appreciative Inquiry

"Michelle offers great insights into how your mindset can turn even the most challenging situations into opportunities."

Professor Carol Dweck, Stanford University

"Michelle is a global leader in using the VIA Survey to boost growth and productivity."

Neal Mayerson, Founder, VIA Institute

"Michelle is one of the world's leaders in designing and implementing positive psychology interventions to workplaces."

Professor Martin Seligman, Founder of Positive Psychology

Even the darkest moments can bring lessons of light if we’re open to them.

My career is founded on over two decades of senior leadership experience in large organizations around the world. I hold a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania with Professor Martin Seligman and a Ph.D. in creating positive change under the supervision of Professor David Cooperrider.

As an honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Graduate School of Education, I blog for Psychology Today, the Huffington Post, and Live Happy. I’m privileged to have my work featured in Forbes, the Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, Boss Magazine, The Age, and more. I’m also honored to host the top-rated podcast, Making Positive Psychology Work, featuring leading researchers and practitioners from around the world.