Why two heads are better than one.
We believe that leading others is one of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities you can be given. But who knew just how hard it could be some days? It’s why we show up each day – to help you navigate complexity, move beyond your fears, lead authentically, and discover how to truly thrive – even in the midst of uncertainty.
Here’s our official story. As best-selling authors, leadership coaches, and playful change activators, Drs. Paige Williams and Michelle McQuaid are passionate about translating cutting-edge research from neuroscience, positive psychology, leadership, and change, into practical strategies that help leaders amplify their thriving mindset and build cultures of care that supercharge wellbeing and performance.
After spending more than twenty years in senior leadership roles around the world and seeing the challenges many leaders face to consistently bring out the best in their teams, we were each curious about what the latest research in human behavior might offer to help leaders supercharge wellbeing and performance. Separately, we each embarked on learning adventures with leading scientists – Michelle completed her Masters In Applied Positive Psychology and her Ph.D. in Positive Systems Change, and Paige completed post-graduate studies in Organizational Change and her Ph.D. in Positive Organizational Psychology. Then we teamed up to tackle our greatest challenge – how could we make the science practical and effective for even the busiest and most challenged leaders?
Highlights of our work:
1994
Michelle climbs public relations ranks and becomes the youngest general manager for a large advertising firm. Along the way, she loses 100 sheep in the middle of Melbourne.
1997
Paige is heading up a ski operation in Europe that spans seven countries, 14 hotels, and 400 staff. Along the way, she narrowly avoids a concussion after an altercation with a ski lift.
2001
Michelle travels the world working for IBM and PwC and becomes global brand director in New York. She realizes most efforts to change people’s behavior get compliance, but rarely commitment.
2002
Paige comes to Australia to lead communications for the Geelong Grammar School. Along the way, she loses a box with her wedding album somewhere across the Atlantic.
2008
Michelle flies from Melbourne to Philly every three weeks to complete a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree. Along the way, she loses her passport but still manages to convince customs to let her into the country.
2008
Paige helps establish Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School and trains with Martin Seligman to become a Master Trainer. Along the way, she learns that the voices in her head are normal and that she doesn’t have to listen to them.
2009
Michelle joins PwC Australia’s HR team and uses positive psychology to build a thriving firm culture. Along the way, she teaches accountants and auditors the value of being optimistic.
2009
Paige leads the Positive Institution Project at Geelong Grammar and embeds her Ph.D. research within it. Along the way, she sings in a band and runs two half-marathons.
2017
Paige receives her Ph.D. from the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. Along the way, she embraces the benefits of sweating through Bikram Yoga.
2019
Michelle completes her Ph.D. and co-creates The Leaders Lab with Paige to help leaders build cultures of CARE. Along the way, they create a new measure of thriving leadership.
2020
Paige co-creates The Leading to Thrive program with Michelle to help leaders foster mindsets that THRIVE through uncertainty. Along the way, they uncover the AMPlifiers for thriving leaders.
