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Michele Bray
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Professional Background
Michele Bray is a distinguished executive known for her commitment to leveraging business for positive social impact, embodying the principle of 'profit for purpose.' With over 12 years of experience, Michele has effectively guided numerous organizations through transformative growth, focusing on strategic direction, operations, organizational culture, board engagement, and management reporting. Her extensive background spans various sectors, noticeably in innovative start-ups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within Australia.
Most recently, Michele served as the Chief Executive Officer of One Disease, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Indigenous health. Under her leadership, the organization championed the vision that no Australian should succumb to preventable diseases. Throughout her impressive seven-year tenure at One Disease, Michele orchestrated the recruitment and management of a dedicated team that excelled in fundraising initiatives, successfully eradicating a neglected and debilitating disease affecting remote Indigenous communities in Australia. Her effective leadership and results-driven strategies have established her as an influential figure in the nonprofit sector.
Prior to her influential role at One Disease, Michele significantly impacted the marketing landscape of Australia as the CEO of the country’s first dedicated word-of-mouth marketing agency. Her vision was to democratize the marketing process, empowering consumers to have a voice and influence in how brands engage with them. Under Michele’s strategic guidance, the agency cultivated a community of over 150,000 members. This impressive achievement helped the agency to earn recognition as one of BRW’s Top 50 Fast Starters. Additionally, it was honored with the prestigious People's Choice Award at the Telstra Business Awards, and recognized as the Social Media and Advocacy Agency of the Year by its peers, solidifying Michele’s reputation as a leader in innovative marketing approaches.
Education and Achievements
Michele Bray pursued her formative education at Queenwood School for Girls, where she completed her Higher School Certificate, laying the groundwork for her future academic and professional pursuits. She later attended the University of Technology, Sydney, where she studied for a Bachelor of Communications with a focus on Communication and Media Studies. Notably, Michele achieved distinction grades during her studies, reflecting her dedication and capability.
Throughout her career, Michele has engaged with numerous reputable organizations, accruing valuable experience and skills that reflect a consistent trajectory of growth and accomplishment. Some of her notable roles include:
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Purpose Consultant at Afterpay
In her role as a Purpose Consultant, Michele applies her extensive knowledge and a strong understanding of marketing trends and consumer behavior to support Afterpay in establishing meaningful engagement strategies. -
Co-Founder of The Weekly Drop
This innovative venture showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create platforms that resonate with contemporary audiences. -
Director of Communications & Development at One Disease
Michele's earlier role at One Disease set the foundation for her later appointment as CEO, where she leveraged her communications expertise to build partnerships and broaden the organization’s impact. -
Strategy & Marketing Consultant at Zambrero
Michele's strategic insights shaped marketing initiatives that aligned with Zambrero's mission to impact local communities positively. -
Client Services Director and General Manager at Social Soup (Australia & NZ)
In her tenure at Social Soup, Michele excelled in driving innovative marketing strategies as both Client Services Director and General Manager, reinforcing her reputation as a leading figure in audience engagement and word-of-mouth marketing. -
Director of Communications at Gold Coast Tourism Corporation
Michele's contributions at Gold Coast Tourism Corporation demonstrated her capacity to manage communication strategies effectively and promote the region as a premier tourist destination. -
Senior Account Manager at Fallon London and Business Manager at Leo Burnett, Sydney
These positions allowed Michele to hone her client management and business development skills in competitive environments, preparing her for the leadership roles she would undertake later in her career.
Achievements
Michele Bray's career is marked by remarkable achievements that highlight her leadership capabilities and innovative approaches to business and marketing.
- Eradication of Preventable Diseases: Under her guidance at One Disease, Michele played a pivotal role in the elimination of a preventable disease affecting Indigenous communities, a significant milestone in public health and social equity in Australia.
- Recognition in Marketing: Michele’s previous marketing agency not only thrived under her leadership but received multiple awards, including recognition as a Top 50 Fast Starter by BRW and the People’s Choice Award at the Telstra Business Awards, showcasing her acute business insights and industry impact.
- Growth in Community Engagement: The agency's expansion to over 150,000 members speaks to Michele’s ability to foster a community-driven approach that empowered consumers and altered traditional marketing dynamics.
- Strategic Leadership Roles: Through various roles in notable organizations, Michele has continuously influenced strategic directions that resulted in heightened visibility and success for respective brands.
Michele Bray represents the dual commitment to professional excellence and community service, proving that effective leadership can bring about lasting change. In every role, she has demonstrated an unwavering passion for driving social impact and innovating marketing strategies, making her a valued leader in both corporate and philanthropic spheres. As she continues to advocate for 'profit for purpose,' her journey stands as an inspiring example of how business acumen can be harnessed to effect positive social change.