A curious, entrepreneurial, and motivational product design leader.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or book me as a Mentor.

MentorCruise

I'm a product design principal, manager and mentor, with over 11 years of experience in building high-performing teams, and shipping products in B2C and B2B domains.

Open to chat on all things product, UX, design advocacy, team leadership and career growth

As a leader

I play a key design leadership role in business, helping global enterprises connect design with customer value, activation, and retention. I’ve led design teams of all shapes and sizes; from VC-backed startups, scale ups to Inc.5000 companies.

As a manager

I’m known for my motivational leadership style, and have a proven track record in building product design teams that feel empowered, transparent and collaborative. I invest in creating a team environment that is diverse in skillset and culture.

As a design partner

I’m an outcome-driven, holistic thinker who fosters a product culture for experimentation and learning. I value progress over perfection, and have shipped impactful software products to market for companies including Picsart, Curio and King.com.

On the side

I’m growing a global network in product design, research and tech

From navigating tough times, building design influence, becoming effective in leadership to acquiring a growth mindset, I have helped 50+ product design individuals upskill and achieve new career heights in over a decade.

Product Design Mentor at MentorCruise
Product Design Mentor at ADPList

Focused skills

Areas I specialise in

I’m driven to build great things with great people, and have worked with some of the most influential leaders in the industry (including ex-Twitter, Microsoft, Meta, Skyscanner, Monzo).

Product Design | B2C and B2B SaaS | Growth Strategy | Design Leadership | Team Management | Mentoring & Coaching

Testimonials

Some good words from people I’ve been lucky to work with

I went into my first session not quite knowing what I even wanted to get out of it, but Michelle took everything I put out and gave it structure and direction. I followed up with an insightful portfolio review with so many great actions I could take on immediately. I’ve been in the industry almost a decade and haven’t gotten feedback as constructive as Michelle’s. 10/10 Would recommend!

★★★★★
Jamie, Sr. Product Designer

Michelle is a true professional with a keen ear. She is a warm, encouraging, and patient teacher. I only wish we had more time together on the mentorship programme. I would recommend her to anyone who is getting started with product development because she will definitely help you find structure and give you good advice for any roadblocks in your path.

★★★★★
Jonathan, Product Designer

Michelle is very professional and has a systemic and actionable approach to help me progress in my career. She has broad experience and always has good advice for all of my obstacles on the way. I’m happy to have her support through this journey!

★★★★★
Martina, Product Designer

Quick as lightning in embracing challenges and transforming them into opportunities to grow, she set exceptionally high standards by exemplifying her incredible design craft in everyday tasks. A true role model. A great leader and mentor full of compassion and empathy.

★★★★★
Agaté, Product Designer

A supportive and empathetic manager, who prioritized the needs of our team members and created a positive work culture where everyone felt valued. She spearheaded a mentorship program that not only allowed team members to upskill but also provided opportunities for mentorship, fostering and growing product design talent within the organization.

★★★★★
Katie, Sr. Product Designer

Michelle is a designer that ticks all boxes of a great leader in a product design environment: the best team player attitude, combined with a structured and informed approach to deliver world class products, while caring for team development and progression.

★★★★★
Luiz, Director, Product Design

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Achievements

Honours & awards achieved
and work I’ve been a part of

ADPList
Recognised as a Top 1% Mentor in Design
MentorCruise
Ranked among the Top 8% of Mentors

Curio
Editors Choice on the App Store (Apple)
App Of The Day (Apple)
News Apps We Love (Apple)
Featured amongst hottest apps in the UK

Love Home Swap
World’s Best Home Exchange Platform 2021 (1st annual World Travel Tech Awards)
Best Home Exchange Site Award (The Shortyz 2021)

Launchbase
Holiday Swap – Best New Mobile App Winner (The Best Mobile App Awards 2018)
Over 1M+ users in 185 countries
Secured a $15M investment round, achieving $400M valuation in 2023

PINK SQUID INC.
No7 – Best Integrated Campaign Nomination (RAD Awards 2018)
Vodafone – Best Digital Creative Winner (RAD Awards 2018)
Vodafone – Best Website Nomination (s1jobs Recruitment Awards 2018)
wagamama – Best Website Winner (s1jobs Recruitment Awards 2018)
wagamama – Best Website Nomination (RAD Awards 2018)