" Success means gratification and recognition . I push myself to be the best I can be ."
I first met Michelle Davis at a Multicultural Networking Breakfast Forum for professional and businesswomen in Brisbane . While listening to her speak about several career and personal reinventions , her sparky , self-assured personality caught my eye .
Not only she is a very driven , busy businesswoman , she has been a Rotarian for many years and she is very proud of her achievements as a fundraiser for worthy , humanitarian causes .
At age 69 , Michelle is far from slowing down or retiring . She is now the Managing Director of Medical Laser Pty Ltd , an international company which offers a wide range of products for wound healing and pain relief , a venture she undertook two years ago , after six other major career changes .
In the late 70s , after graduating in Early Childhood Education , Michelle set up the first pilot program in Family Day Care , in Sydney , where she lived for ten years . After that , she completely changed direction .
“ One day , I realised I was living someone else ’ s life and I decided to take a leap ,” she tells me , over a cup of coffee . We are in the beautiful house where she lives with her female partner of 30 years , in a hilly inner suburb of Brisbane .
“ I have an education background and after doing my post graduate studies , I became an advisor in the government , and later a lecturer at a university . Then one day I realised I was not happy with my life and career . I was offered a job in sales and loved it , and became one of the two top sales people in IT in Queensland .
“ Unfortunately , the two companies I worked for went into liquidation so they made the decision to leave for me ! I feel for those who are made redundant , like me , as it does knock your self-confidence .
“ That was the catalyst we needed , so my partner and I set off for two years in our 40s to travel around Australia in our motor home . When we got to Cairns I was looking for a challenge and wanted to work , and we were offered the lease of a very large cafe . We had never done anything like that before but we jumped into it and made it a great success .
“ I am not afraid of taking risks . I have always looked for a challenge since I was a teenager , and was expelled from a private college with four other girls .”
Michelle talks with candour and passion about her personal and professional life . Having experienced a tough upbringing at home and at school , she has become a bit obsessed about getting to the top and , indeed , she has succeeded in all areas of endeavour as she possesses a positive attitude , she believes in herself and she is open to change .
“ When I put my energy into something and I believe in my capabilities , things start happening .” Michelle ’ s enthusiasm is refreshing and contagious .
12 HONESTLY WOMAN MAGAZINE - SUBSCRIBE NOW