Michelle de Havilland

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Michelle de Havilland is a Cambridge University-certified executive and transformational coach, a seasoned global real estate leader, and an accredited member of the Association for Coaching. With three decades of corporate experience spanning international property development, asset investment, and portfolio management, she currently serves as Chair and CEO of BlackGate, offering a rare blend of active C-suite leadership and dedicated coaching expertise.

Her career began in the high-stakes world of real estate investment and capital markets, defined by complex transactions, relentless deadlines, and dynamic global teams. Having operated at the zenith of corporate achievement—from overseeing billion-dollar projects to advising in elite boardrooms—Michelle gained a profound insight: beyond the metrics and deals, the most persistent challenges leaders face are often human. The pressure to perform, the weight of provision, and the isolation inherent in leadership can undermine even the most accomplished individuals.

This recognition led to the founding of MD Coach. Moving beyond conventional strategy sessions, Michelle’s practice is built on a holistic model that integrates commercial clarity, psychological resilience, and purposeful growth. Her methodology synthesizes boardroom acumen with evidence-based psychological insight, grounded in lived experience, academic rigour, and a track record of commercial excellence.

She has guided founders through IPOs, supported CEOs in times of crisis, and partnered with high-achievers seeking to reconnect with their core identity beyond their professional title. A consistent principle underpins this work: when you support the individual, you unlock the transformative leader.

Michelle holds a university degree in Psychology and Mass Communications, a postgraduate Certification in Business Administration, and a Professional Certification in Coaching from Cambridge University. She is currently advancing her studies toward an MSt at Cambridge. Additionally, she is a certified American Fitness Professional, reflecting her commitment to the integral connection between leadership sustainability and personal wellbeing.

As a Transformational and Executive Advisor, she designs personalised programmes that address the distinct objectives and challenges of each client. Her approach is insightful, results-focused, and engaging—founded on the belief that empowerment stems from heightened self-awareness, fortified confidence, and actionable strategy. With an emphasis on realistic goal-setting, accountability, and a constructive perspective, Michelle partners with clients to cultivate a professional and personal life defined by impact, inspiration, and enduring legacy.

Our unique approach to coaching is called "co-active coaching." Co-active coaching is a client-centred approach that views the coach and the client as equal partners in the coaching relationship. This approach recognises that the client is the expert on their own life and leadership journey, and the coach's role is to help them unlock their own potential and find their own solutions.

In co-active coaching, the coach and the client work collaboratively to set goals and identify areas for growth and development. The coach uses active listening and powerful questioning techniques to help the client gain clarity and insight into their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The coach also provides support, accountability, and encouragement as the client works towards achieving their goals.

One of the unique aspects of co-active coaching is the emphasis on the client's whole life, not just their professional life. Co-active coaches recognise that a person's personal life can impact their professional life, and vice versa. Therefore, they take a holistic approach to coaching, helping the client integrate all aspects of their life and leadership journey.

Another unique aspect of co-active coaching is the emphasis on the present moment. Co-active coaches focus on what is happening in the client's life right now, and help them create a vision for their future based on their current reality. This approach helps clients stay grounded in the present moment, while also working towards their future goals.

Overall, co-active coaching offers a unique and powerful approach to leadership coaching that focuses on the client's whole life and emphasises the present moment. This approach can help leaders unlock their full potential and achieve their goals in a way that feels authentic and aligned with their values and purpose.