Empowering
Leaders
Cultivating
Wellbeing
Creating
Meaningful Impact
I bring a unique blend of extensive experience, practical expertise, and deep wisdom to empower individuals, teams, and organisations. View my Services
Why Me?
With over 25 years of experience as a CEO and senior executive, I’ve been in your shoes and understand the challenges leaders face. I combine a proven track record in leadership development, workplace wellbeing, and consulting with an authentic, strengths-based approach that empowers people to thrive. Together, we’ll create results that are not just impactful but sustainable.
My tailored services focus on:
- Supporting middle to senior managers and leaders to build confidence, navigate challenges, and lead with impact.
- Equipping workplaces with actionable strategies to foster wellbeing and mental health.
- Guiding organisations and teams through conflict resolution, strategic planning, and complex projects with clarity and compassion.
- Inspiring change through keynotes, facilitation, and transformational programs.
Michelle's Recommendation:
POWER SESSIONS WITH MICHELLE
90 minutes. Total focus. Real clarity.
This is your shortcut from stuck to sorted.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re carrying the entire damn business on your back? You’re not broken — you’re just too close to it. In a Power Session, we cut through the chaos and build a clear, simple action plan to get you moving again — no jargon, no time-wasting, no sugar-coating.
This is a 90-minute strategic intervention: just you, me, and a full-force focus on whatever’s blocking your next move. You’ll walk away lighter, clearer, and ready to take real action — with a plan you can actually follow (and a recording to replay when you need a refresher).
Ready to stop spinning your wheels and actually move forward?
What clients say
Vibrant instructor who built rapport easily and ensured each person was listened to in a caring manner. Great course and as promised all questions were answered.
Participant
Kempsey Shire Council
Participating in the Elevate program has been a transformative experience for me both personally and professionally. It empowered me to embrace my natural strengths in my leadership, allowing me to navigate challenges with empathy and resilience. The program’s focus on emotional awareness and conflict resolution
…
Participating in the Elevate program has been a transformative experience for me both personally and professionally. It empowered me to embrace my natural strengths in my leadership, allowing me to navigate challenges with empathy and resilience. The program’s focus on emotional awareness and conflict resolution has significantly improved my communication and relationships at work, helping me lead with greater confidence and clarity. Elevate also reinforced the importance of a growth mindset, which I now apply in my daily life, approaching setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. This program has truly enhanced my ability to lead with compassion while achieving meaningful results.
I appreciated Michelle’s facilitation style, particularly her use of personal stories and real-life scenarios. She doesn’t shy away from emotion and handles everything with respect, creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
I appreciated Michelle’s facilitation style, particularly her use of personal stories and real-life scenarios. She doesn’t shy away from emotion and handles everything with respect, creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
Elizabeth Olivieri
Lismore City Council
Michelle ensured every person in the training sessions I attended felt comfortable by creating a collegial environment of trust and support. Her delivery of the material was engaging and she has an authentic and positive energy that inspires you to get involved.
Rowena Sierant
Bellingen Shire Council
Michelle provided us with a structured and thorough response enabling us to quickly move forward across numerous complex projects. Her thorough understanding of our operational environment coupled with strong skills in organisational and project management enabled her to quickly grasp our organisational needs and determine
…
Michelle provided us with a structured and thorough response enabling us to quickly move forward across numerous complex projects. Her thorough understanding of our operational environment coupled with strong skills in organisational and project management enabled her to quickly grasp our organisational needs and determine a structured pathway forward.
Michelle brings a unique combination of skills and experience and is always ready to take on complex challenges. With the ability to approach issues and opportunities with a very open mind, Michelle is not afraid to challenge the status quo and has a unique ability to bring others along in the process. She is an excellent facilitator with the ability to manage multiple perspectives and effortlessly guide groups in these processes. Michelle is responsive, agile and is a pleasure to work with, always delivering to an exceptionally high standard. She comes highly recommended.
Michelle brings a unique combination of skills and experience and is always ready to take on complex challenges. With the ability to approach issues and opportunities with a very open mind, Michelle is not afraid to challenge the status quo and has a unique ability to bring others along in the process. She is an excellent facilitator with the ability to manage multiple perspectives and effortlessly guide groups in these processes. Michelle is responsive, agile and is a pleasure to work with, always delivering to an exceptionally high standard. She comes highly recommended.
Kerry Grace, Director
Regional Development Australia, Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island
I thoroughly enjoyed and got a lot out of the Strengths Profile process. I’ve done a few psychology profiles over my career, but this gave me a different perspective, one that really gave me something tangible to work with. The insights session with Michelle especially
…
I thoroughly enjoyed and got a lot out of the Strengths Profile process. I’ve done a few psychology profiles over my career, but this gave me a different perspective, one that really gave me something tangible to work with. The insights session with Michelle especially made the difference. Michelle was tremendous at helping me uncover the real value in the results and then applying that to my specific situations. She had the experience, insight and understanding that made the difference. I trust and highly recommend Michelle as someone who will really add value to this process.
Read more “She really gave me something tangible to work with”
Dean Besley
Bello Youth Hub
“Michelle McFadyen’s expertise and dedication have had a transformative impact on our team at Forestry Corporation. Her wellbeing sessions, MHFA training, and direct support have significantly improved morale, resilience, and mental health awareness across the organisation. The positive feedback from our Wellbeing Survey highlights the
…
“Michelle McFadyen’s expertise and dedication have had a transformative impact on our team at Forestry Corporation. Her wellbeing sessions, MHFA training, and direct support have significantly improved morale, resilience, and mental health awareness across the organisation. The positive feedback from our Wellbeing Survey highlights the tangible benefits of her work, which has been instrumental in fostering a healthier and more supportive workplace for our fire crews and staff.”
Anshul Chaudhary | Chief Executive Officer
Forestry Corporation of NSW
Michelle McFadyen was a fabulous host for our event. She stepped in at the last minute and managed our event with professionalism, perfectionism, energy and humour. Her personal approach resonated with the audience. Thank you Michelle for keeping us on track.
Zonta Coffs Harbour Inc /BPW Coffs Harbour/Coffs Coast BWN
International Women's Day Coffs Coast Committee
Michelle’s Leadership Mentoring Program has enhanced my personal and professional growth as a Leader. The program has challenged me to reflect on my practice and build confidence in working with my strengths and qualities to lead an effective team. Overarching my communication and decision-making abilities
…
Michelle’s Leadership Mentoring Program has enhanced my personal and professional growth as a Leader. The program has challenged me to reflect on my practice and build confidence in working with my strengths and qualities to lead an effective team. Overarching my communication and decision-making abilities have advanced in both individual and group contexts. I have enjoyed the program and thank Michelle for her professional insight, mentoring and customised approach.
Kerry O'Shea - Coordinator People and Culture
Lismore City Council
“Before Michelle came to our shire as Acting CEO, I was considering whether it was worth continuing as councillor, as I was feeling disheartened by my short experience in the role. Michelle brought clarity, confidence and most importantly stability to not only the CEO role
…
“Before Michelle came to our shire as Acting CEO, I was considering whether it was worth continuing as councillor, as I was feeling disheartened by my short experience in the role. Michelle brought clarity, confidence and most importantly stability to not only the CEO role but to we councillors and ultimately to our shire – our employees and our community at large. After her first few months, comments from the community were consistent, that there had been change and it was overwhelmingly positive. It is hard to imagine that anyone else could have walked in and turned us around so quickly. Grateful would be the word I would use, for what Michelle has done for us all.”
Cr. Francis Murray
Diamantina Shire Council
Thank you so much for your time this week Michelle in sharing your valuable insights and wisdom. This was such a great course to participate in and I believe essential in ensuring people and organisations are equipped to best support each other. In true local
…
Thank you so much for your time this week Michelle in sharing your valuable insights and wisdom. This was such a great course to participate in and I believe essential in ensuring people and organisations are equipped to best support each other. In true local government spirit, it was filled with good stories, personal reflections, practical advice and a bit of good humour throughout. Thanks again, you’re truly an engaging and motivational leader. Hope to see you around these parts again soon.
Brett Johnson - President of Volunteering Queensland and LGAQ Manager for Member Support & Engagement
LGAQ
I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle for close on 10 years. Michelle brings an authentic and nuanced approach to her work and combines insight and structure as she supports you to do your best work. She comes highly recommended.
Steve Klipin
Bellingen Shire Councilor - 2012 – 2021
I worked with Michelle as part of the executive leadership team at Diamantina Shire Council. As the interim CEO, Michelle made a huge impact on me, a style that I will never forget. Michelle led the team, not only with a strategic and outcome-focussed approach,
…
I worked with Michelle as part of the executive leadership team at Diamantina Shire Council. As the interim CEO, Michelle made a huge impact on me, a style that I will never forget. Michelle led the team, not only with a strategic and outcome-focussed approach, but with genuine community concern. Michelle was able to unite the council, community and workforce, something that few people can do. I felt privileged to work under Michelle. Michelle is 100% genuine and nothing short of inspirational to achieve all that she has achieved in such a short time.
Read more “Michelle made a huge impact on me, a style that I will never forget.”
Vicki Thiel
Diamantina Shire Council
Michelle was an outstanding leader through more than 4 years in the role of CEO of the newly formed Longreach Regional Council – bringing together the Shires of Ilfracombe, Longreach and Isisford as a result of forced amalgamations. It was the most challenging time for
…
Michelle was an outstanding leader through more than 4 years in the role of CEO of the newly formed Longreach Regional Council – bringing together the Shires of Ilfracombe, Longreach and Isisford as a result of forced amalgamations. It was the most challenging time for local government in Queensland for decades, yet Michelle was able to bring together three workforces, three communities and three operations in a way that was inclusive, authentic and effective. Her leadership, drive and initiative were a wonderful example to her team and her peers. With her strategic outlook, and a close eye on the people both of the organisation and in the community, she led Longreach Regional Council through its first 4 years and set up a platform for future growth and success. She truly is an exceptional leader with extensive experience and skills in the sector.
Read more “She truly is an exceptional leader with extensive experience and skills in the sector”
John Palmer
Longreach Regional Council - Mayor 2008-2012
Michelle worked with our team and very quickly built rapport, broke down barriers and fostered honest and generous communication. Our session with Michelle was very productive for the intended goals we had in mind, but the communication outcomes will last well beyond this session. Michelle
…
Michelle worked with our team and very quickly built rapport, broke down barriers and fostered honest and generous communication. Our session with Michelle was very productive for the intended goals we had in mind, but the communication outcomes will last well beyond this session. Michelle is an exceptional facilitator, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services.
Dr Kate Amos
Ethical Dental and Orthodontics
The Strengths based workshop that Michelle McFadyen facilitated as part of the People & Culture Team Development day was insightful, informative and highly engaging. The exercises were great at drawing what the team saw as our individual strengths compared to where we as individuals saw
…
The Strengths based workshop that Michelle McFadyen facilitated as part of the People & Culture Team Development day was insightful, informative and highly engaging. The exercises were great at drawing what the team saw as our individual strengths compared to where we as individuals saw our strength areas. More importantly, understanding those strengths that give us energy and the ones we need to leverage more and the ones that we may tend to overuse so as a whole team we can play to our strengths. The individual coaching session was really valuable. Thanks, Michelle, for an inspiring half day workshop.
Dainne Parker - Coordinator Organisational Development
Lismore City Council
Michelle’s course on overcoming Imposter Syndrome is incredibly empowering. She provides clear information on the topic and created simple, helpful material to apply the learnings and continue our progress beyond the course. I have an action plan, reminders, and many activities I can use moving
…
Michelle’s course on overcoming Imposter Syndrome is incredibly empowering. She provides clear information on the topic and created simple, helpful material to apply the learnings and continue our progress beyond the course. I have an action plan, reminders, and many activities I can use moving forward. I truly understood the role of perfectionism in my occasional feelings of Imposter Syndrome!! Thank you for providing such a complete course Michelle – Highly recommend!
Read more “Michelle’s course on overcoming Imposter Syndrome is incredibly empowering.”
Sophie Anderson - Wellness Coach
Sophie Anderson Wellness Coaching
We recently engaged Michelle to conduct the Personal Leadership Masterclass – Navigate Nurture Lead – for all of our senior leaders, and found the content and delivery to be well suited to our leadership group. Mental health is on ongoing concern for all employers and
…
We recently engaged Michelle to conduct the Personal Leadership Masterclass – Navigate Nurture Lead – for all of our senior leaders, and found the content and delivery to be well suited to our leadership group. Mental health is on ongoing concern for all employers and this Masterclass provided an excellent understanding of mental illness and the right balance of self-care for leaders and how leaders can best support their team. The session on Masterful 1:1 was not only informative, but it also left our team with practical templates and strategies to improve in this area. I would commend this class to anyone interested in supporting leaders to address mental health in the workplace.
Leanne Matheson - Head of People and Culture
Local Government Association of Queensland
Michelle came to Diamantina Shire Council as interim CEO for approximately 6 months during recruitment of a permanent CEO. Michelle’s experience was a godsend for Diamantina Shire as among other things, we were in the middle of our tourism season which included the Simpson Desert
…
Michelle came to Diamantina Shire Council as interim CEO for approximately 6 months during recruitment of a permanent CEO. Michelle’s experience was a godsend for Diamantina Shire as among other things, we were in the middle of our tourism season which included the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival of Betoota, Birdsville & Bedourie, of which the council plays a major part.
Diamantina Shire faced many challenges at the time. Michelle’s energy, experience, teamwork, communication skills and her eagerness to provide a harmonious workplace and engagement of staff and communities has been exceptional. I have never been so positive and happy to be a part of the future of the Diamantina Shire Council, I believe we are at the beginning of a successful, engaging period thanks to the groundwork set by Michelle.
Thank you, Michelle. You have delivered exactly what we needed at precisely the right time. You have been a whirlwind of fresh direction.
Diamantina Shire faced many challenges at the time. Michelle’s energy, experience, teamwork, communication skills and her eagerness to provide a harmonious workplace and engagement of staff and communities has been exceptional. I have never been so positive and happy to be a part of the future of the Diamantina Shire Council, I believe we are at the beginning of a successful, engaging period thanks to the groundwork set by Michelle.
Thank you, Michelle. You have delivered exactly what we needed at precisely the right time. You have been a whirlwind of fresh direction.
Mayor Rob Dare
Diamantina Shire Council
Participating in the Elevate program is a highlight of my 12 years at Lismore City Council. Meeting and sharing experiences with my colleagues who work in different areas of Council was a highlight. Sharing this experience of exploration into our mindset, wellbeing, values, strengths and
…
Participating in the Elevate program is a highlight of my 12 years at Lismore City Council. Meeting and sharing experiences with my colleagues who work in different areas of Council was a highlight. Sharing this experience of exploration into our mindset, wellbeing, values, strengths and positive transitions cannot be recommended highly enough, Michelle is the greatest!
Wendy Bakker
Lismore City Council
Let's Work together
- Leadership Development Solutions
- Workplace Wellbeing Solutions
- Strategic Consulting and Projects
- Speaking and Facilitation
Meet Michelle
Welcome! Thanks for visiting.
With over 25 years of experience as a CEO and senior executive in Local Governments across Queensland and New South Wales, I have navigated complex challenges, led diverse teams, and delivered transformative outcomes—bringing that wealth of experience directly to you.
At my core, I’m driven by a passion for people -empowering them, supporting their growth, and unlocking their potential. My journey has been defined by bold leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact. Stepping out of the executive world, I now offer a unique portfolio of services that reflect my expertise, wisdom, and passion for leadership and wellbeing.
When we work together, you’re not just hiring a service – you’re partnering with someone who deeply understands what it takes to lead, grow, and succeed. I am here to help you and your organisation thrive, navigate challenges with confidence, and achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
Get in Touch
To book Michelle’s services or arrange a time to have a chat, please reach out on the form below, or give Michelle a call.