Hello again!

The Disability Paradox

Non-disabled people often assume that life with a disability is all about limitations and suffering. In reality, research shows that disabled people report similar levels of happiness and life satisfaction as the non-disabled population.

Yes, there can be a period of adjustment when someone first becomes disabled — new barriers can be difficult to face. But once those barriers are understood and managed, we are just as talented, resourceful, and fulfilled as anyone else.

I share my personal story here to show how someone can live with a complex mix of medical conditions and still build a career and business that are meaningful and rewarding.

Lived Experience

I acquired my disability 14 years ago through an undiagnosed virus that permanently damaged my autonomic nervous system and the nerves in my blood vessels. As a result, my heart has to work harder to circulate blood. I live with the heartbeat of a runner when standing, and the heartbeat of someone standing when I am sitting down. This means I use more energy to do everyday things and manage a host of symptoms that are invisible to others. Pacing how I live and work is now key to my day-to-day.

This condition also revealed a dormant genetic condition that had previously been masked by my very active and sporting lifestyle. Later came Stage 3 breast cancer — which, thankfully, I have now been in remission from for nine years — leaving me with a few additional chronic conditions to manage. More recently, I also received a late diagnosis of AuDHD, giving me yet another lens on how people think, live, and work differently.

Driven To Succeed

My life’s motto has always been to dream big and work hard to achieve it. I was the first in my family to get into University, and had a very successful career in the highly competitive media industry; a News & Current Affairs Talk Radio Producer in Australia, and later a Picture Editor at the Financial Times in London.

Irrespective of my conditions, dreaming big and working hard is still absolutely who I am. I just needed to learn how to adapt and develop new skills and strategies for success.

Fuelled by a passion for strategy

I believe that informed, strategic action is the key to success. That’s why my coaching is grounded in evidence-based models, built on psychological and behavioural science, and delivered through a non-directive approach. This combination develops decision-making skills and the ability to plan and take sustainable actions. It’s so powerful — and I want to bring it to as many people as I can.

I am a member of the EMCC:

I adhere to The European Mentoring and Coaching Council Core Competencies Framework and their Global Code of Ethics. This sets the standards for high-quality, evidence-based coaching.

Portraits of Michelle, taken in 2025, by Carla Watkins @catalystcarla