Why two heads are better than one.
We believe that helping yourself and others to care for wellbeing 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 struggle, move beyond your fears, live authentically, and discover how to truly thrive.
Here’s our official story. As best-selling authors, wellbeing coaches, and playful change activators, Dr. Michelle McQuaid and psychologist Danielle Jacobs are passionate about translating cutting-edge research from neuroscience, positive psychology, and wellbeing, into practical strategies that help amplify levels of wellbeing ability, motivation, and psychological safety to supercharge wellbeing and performance.
After spending more than twenty years in senior roles around the world and seeing the challenges many people face to consistently bring out the best in themselves and others, we were each curious about what the latest research in human behavior might offer to help people care for their wellbeing. Separately, we both embarked on learning adventures with leading scientists – Michelle completed her Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and her Ph.D. in Positive Systems Change, and Danielle completed her psychology study and became a registered psychologist in 2005. Then we teamed up to tackle our greatest challenge – how could we make the science practical, effective, and affordable for even the busiest of people?
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.
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.
2005
Danielle becomes registered as a psychologist. Along the way, she discovers her passion for assisting people with injuries and/or disabilities to re-enter the work force.
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
Danielle commences work at Worksafe Victoria. Along the way, thanks to an altercation with a stubborn lawn mower, she ruptures two disks and develops life-long chronic pain.
2009
Michelle joins PwC Australia’s HR team and uses positive psychology to build a thriving firm culture. Along the way, she teaches thousands of accountants and auditors the value of caring for their wellbeing.
2017
Danielle joins forces with positive psychology giant Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. Along the way, training her rescue dog to be a therapy dog and volunteering in palliative and aged care facilties.
2019
Michelle completes her Ph.D. and co-creates The Wellbeing Lab with Danielle. They create The PERMAH Wellbeing Survey with Dr. Peggy Kern from the University of Melbourne’s Center For Wellbeing Science.
