People & Operations Mentoring

Early-stage People and Operations leaders are navigating the challenges of building teams, systems, and processes in fast-growing startups. You're often the first (or only) person in your function, wearing multiple hats, and looking for someone who's been in your shoes before. Maybe you're a first-time Head of People or Ops building credibility and structure, transitioning to leadership, scaling without a playbook, navigating competing priorities, or simply need a sounding board outside your organization.

How I can help

I've spent 15+ years building and leading People and Operations functions in startups from Seed to Exit—across the UK, Europe, North America, and East Africa. I've been the first People hire, scaled teams from 20 to 300+, led through fundraises and acquisitions, built functions from scratch, and learned what works (and what doesn't) the hard way.

  • Building People and Ops functions as the first or only hire

  • Scaling teams rapidly while maintaining culture and performance

  • Earning a seat at the leadership table and partnering with founders

  • Managing limited resources and competing priorities

  • Designing systems that actually work in practice

  • Leading through uncertainty, change, and ambiguity

  • Remote team challenges and international expansion

Let’s chat

If you're looking for support, perspective, and someone who understands what you're going through, I'd love to help.

Book a free 30 minute intro call to see if it feels like the right fit for you. OR send an email inquiry to get more details.

Book a free intro call

Learn More

  • This isn't consulting - I won't do the work for you. Instead, I'll help you think through challenges, develop your own approach, and build the skills and confidence to tackle what comes next. You set the agenda, based on what’s most helpful for you. Sessions might include:

    • Working through real challenges you're facing in your role

    • Thinking through difficult conversations or decisions

    • Pressure-testing your ideas and plans

    • Sharing what's worked (and what hasn't) in similar situations

    • Helping you prioritize when everything feels urgent

    • Developing your leadership presence and stakeholder relationship

  • I remember what it's like to be in your seat - figuring things out, feeling isolated, wondering if you're doing it right. I bring empathy, experience, and practical advice without the jargon. I'll tell you what I really think, share what I've learned, and help you find your own path forward. You don't need someone to tell you what to do. You need someone who's been there, who gets it, and who can help you think more clearly.

  • “I really appreciate Michelle’s flexibility and her quick actionable insights. I couldn't ask for a better mentor.”

    Eliska, Operations Manager

  • “Michelle artfully inspires thoughtful and honest inner reflection which has helped me uncover win-win outcomes and lead with authenticity. I have been able to better lead with influence and inspire others to drive impactful change. I see Michelle as a trusted mentor that can give me honest feedback, redirect me to see things differently, and challenge my assumptions – it’s been a very fulfilling experience working with Michelle!”

    Hiral, People & Culture Leader

  • “I have been so lucky to have Michelle as my mentor. A 30 minutes conversation with Michelle always saves me days of work. With her knowledge and experience, she can easily suggest the right software or process, saving you considerable time in research. Michelle has changed my life so I would highly recommend working with her."

    Clementine, Chief of Staff

  • “Michelle has been incredibly helpful providing mentorship and support to me as a first-time Leadership team member in the realm of People. Michelle has vast experience which she effectively leans on to advise appropriately depending on the company's position, maturity and journey, in my short time working with Michelle she's helped me elevate my thinking and I'm confident she will continue to do so!"

    Zoe, People Leader