MICHELLE sULLIVAN

As a child I was delighted when my parents hosted dinner parties. I adored the process of gradual preparation throughout the day, assisting with the cooking, preparing the table and serving the cocktails. I make a delicious Brandy Alexander. My favorite part was being allowed to stay at the table after the meal was complete and coffee had been served. While the other children went off to play - I loved listening to the adults talk. I appreciated their stories, questions, and heated discussion on ideas. Laughter about things that they did or might do. I cherished silently watching, as they talked about far off places and drew diagrams on napkins. The art of conversation. 

I am often asked how I became an executive and leadership coach. The answer is that it was a long road of staying curious. In essence, I have talked a lot, with many people, in different countries and across contrasting scenarios. At the intersection of knowledge, skill, experience and discipline - I have learned a lot about people, what they can do and their capacity to evolve and achieve their goals. 

My upbringing in Australia and my global travels play a direct role in my presence and how I coach. I have a deep sense of empathy, patience, compassion - and fun!

Growing up in Australia, we were often outside and in nature. I studied classical piano at the Australian Institute of Music and regularly performed solo and as part of our chamber ensemble. My internship was at Miss Saigon. 

At the University of Sydney I received a Bachelor of Economics with First Class Honours. My dissertation explored a qualitative study of the leadership style of Australian Female CEOs. The foundation of my research drew on the work of Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking insights on Emotional Intelligence. 

After graduating, I dedicated a year to work around the pubs of inner Sydney. I began my career in the corporate world as a day trader at Commonwealth Securities. Then moving into an advisory role at The Australian Federation of Employers and Industries. I coached and advised our members across matters relating to Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, OHS&E, Discrimination and also worked as part of larger teams on enterprise bargaining. A chance encounter at The ARIA awards initiated a career detour into the music industry. This began with a manager role at Michael Chugg Management and progressed within the company. I subsequently opened a small artist management business that expanded into specialist consulting services.

In 2011 I relocated to London and co-founded an independent media start up called The Manifesto. The mission of the business was to deliver smart independent storytelling and journalism to the music industry. Between 2012 - 2016 we operated a digital platform, published and sold out three limited edition books and launched the podcast series titled “Between Us”. Together with our family of sponsors and partners, we presented a series of community building dinners, talks, breakfasts and gallery exhibitions between New York City, Los Angeles and London. 

After relocating to New York City in 2014, I built Swan Feather - an integrative coaching and consulting practice. As an executive and leadership coach, my portfolio is the music industry, creative professionals, entrepreneurship and finance. I help my clients understand who they are at their best. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and every question holds the power to shift us into a new reality.

I am a certified coach with the Neuroleadership Institute and I hold EQ certifications with 6Seconds.  

In my minds eye, I see each of us as holding a blueprint. A unique set of possible pathways and questions that we can unlock and that open up to our most vibrant selves. Our evolved potential. My job is to help my client unlock their blueprint.  When we are in benefit to this potential, in our fullest self-expression, in service to each other and solving problems - our community and the world is a better place. This is the world I want to live in. 

In both my personal and professional life I am very community-oriented. This value has driven the development of Swan Feather dinners in New York City and Los Angeles. Our team believes in the power of dinner parties as transformational experiences and we have gathered a strong network of remarkable guests and presenting sponsors across both coasts.  I hope to see you at one soon. 

e : michelle@swanfeather.co