
Michelle Mackinven
Principal Consultant
Ph. 021 228 8005
Em. michelle@sproutpeople.co
Michelle combines deep people expertise with operational and commercial acumen, making her a trusted partner for CEOs leading through growth.
With a background spanning startups, corporates, local government, and technical industries, from engineering and insurance to law enforcement, Michelle knows what great leadership looks like in high-pressure, high-accountability environments. She’s operated as a COO in a tech startup, advised boards, and led people strategies for organisations where trust, resilience, and execution matter.
Her coaching isn’t about surface-level development, it’s about creating clarity, alignment, and capability at the top, so the rest of the organisation can follow with confidence. Michelle is known for her strengths based approach, connecting quickly with people, and helping leaders unlock their potential in a way that’s both human and highly effective.
She’s accredited across a suite of psychometric tools (Hogan, Saville, MBTI, CEB Gartner, Strategic Pay), with a strong foundation in Business Psychology. But more importantly, she knows how to translate insight into action, working with leadership teams to shift culture, strengthen leadership behaviours, and design organisations that scale well and feel good to be part of.
“We took a risk on investing in leadership coaching and we have seen a lift in all the individuals” Sam, Founder and CEO, The Pure Food Co
Our people

Brien Keegan
Founder // Managing Director

Pip Spyksma
CEO // Leadership Advisor

Fleur Clough
Head of Recruitment & Employer Brand

Sam Piane
Recruitment & People Partner

Elise Mockett
Senior Consultant

Clara Jensen
Recruitment & People Partner

Tom Bailey
Recruitment and People Partner

Emma Griffiths
Consultant

Ariane Tredrea
Consultant