Our Founder Michelle Polin

Michelle founded CULTIVATURE in 2011 after achieving success in driving people performance within complex business environments for many years. Her extensive background includes overseeing Human Resources departments for major corporate firms and global multinationals across the Asia Pacific region, based in Sydney.

Her extensive background includes overseeing Human Resources departments for major corporate firms and global multinationals across the Asia Pacific region, based in Sydney.

Michelle is dedicated to supporting individuals in delivering their best, fostering leadership capability, and cultivating a values-driven workplace culture. Her wealth of experience has taught her that the right mindset is the crucial catalyst for achieving success. Drawing from her diverse cultural and professional background leading HR teams, Michelle intuitively knows when to adopt a coaching versus mentoring approach.

One of Michelle's favourite words is "WHY," recognising its incredible power. This fundamental question encourages exploration, understanding, and critical thinking. In her view, "WHY" serves as a powerful tool to question actions or decisions, leading to deeper understanding and uncovering underlying assumptions and biases.

Inherently inquisitive, Michelle has always questioned the "why" behind established methods, consistently seeking ways to enhance existing practices. Problem-solving and crisis management are natural strengths for her, and she is determined to make a meaningful impact on others, utilising her experiences as a guiding framework.

Michelle holds accreditation as a Coach from the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI).

our story

Michelle is a accomplished leader who has steered companies to greater success in her corporate career as Chief Human Resources Officer across diverse sectors, including financial services, property, technology, human capital, and media.

With over 25 years of experience in business management, strategic planning, organisational development, and Human Resources leadership, Michelle possesses a unique ability to merge business acumen with a perceptive talent for identifying ways to develop individuals, teams, and organisations to achieve their highest potential.

As an integral part of executive management teams overseeing the People & Culture function, Michelle brings specialised expertise in people and capability, culture transformation, talent management, employee engagement, mergers and acquisitions in mature and emerging markets, effective risk management, and the development and execution of local and global strategic initiatives.

Recognised as a trusted adviser to CEOs and senior executives, Michelle is finely attuned to corporate governance and risk, demonstrating a unique talent for translating business plans into effective people strategies. Driven by a commitment to giving back, she aims to help individuals and organisations to become the best versions of themselves, sharing her wisdom and knowledge to assist other leaders in realising their dreams.

Michelle possesses an inherently entrepreneurial spirit, comprehensive financial acumen, exceptional management skills, a genuine interest in people capability, and a steadfast dedication to the continuous improvement of business operations.

With a passion for coaching and mentoring, prior C-level experience with individual P&L responsibility, expertise in leading high-performing teams, an ability to listen to and respectfully challenge CEOs and senior executives, Michelle is determined to help executives accelerate their success.

In her role as an executive coach, consultant and mentor, she focuses on driving business outcomes through people, placing a fundamental emphasis on systems and processes while collaborating with key individuals to enhance capability across organisations.

Our Founder Michelle Polin

our story

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