top of page

Hello

I'm Melissa Townsend - thanks for visiting!

I'm an independent transformation and career transition consultant partnering with people and organisations seeking to thrive in this age of Generative AI and the ever-changing, high-tech and complex world of work 

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Picture_edited.jpg

My career journey

Where I Started

I began my career journey as a Business Communication professional, exploring various externally focused roles including government marketing, investor relations consulting, and corporate communications. However, as I gained experience, I realised my true passion lay not in external selling or marketing, but in helping organisations work more effectively and efficiently through their people.

 

Experiences and Learnings

My first significant exposure to transformation work came in 2007 when I was involved in a large-scale change project for the UK central government. This experience was incredibly inspiring and ignited a desire within me to delve deeper into the field of change consulting. Recognising the need for formal education and specialised skills, I embarked on a comprehensive learning journey. I earned a Master's degree in Human Resources, a Prosci practitioner certification and a Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching.

 

While pursuing my studies, I continued to work full-time, gaining practical experience in additional transformation projects. These included significant initiatives for public utilities in Western Australia, such as a head office refurbishment and an HR transformation. Upon completing my studies, I leveraged my enhanced qualifications to elevate my career and transitioned into the corporate world in London. There, I supported the transformation of the HR function for a multinational investment bank, further honing my skills and understanding of complex organisational change.

 

My career continued to evolve as I took on a role with a global mining company, headquartered in London. Here, I led a variety of change initiatives including a Supply Chain transformation, a Corporate Relations change management initiative aimed at embedding change management as a core capability, and a Group Safety project focused on establishing a world-class Safety Academy. This academy was a first for the mining industry and designed to upskill future safety professionals and drive a human-centric approach to safety accountability at operational sites.

​

Where I Am Today

Today, my diverse experience culminates in my current role with a global professional services firm, where I am part of a program aimed at accelerating the use of Generative AI across the globe and embedding a culture of innovation. This position not only aligns with my expertise in change management but also places me at the cutting edge of technological advancements, enabling me to provide unparalleled insights and support to my clients.

 

Looking to the Future

As I continue to navigate my career, I am leveraging my extensive background in change consulting to branch into portfolio career consulting. I am uniquely positioned to assist individuals transitioning to portfolio careers due to my specialised career experience, my growing knowledge of Generative AI technologies, and my personal success in making this transition. My passion, skills, and insights equip me to help others embrace this innovative way of working and thrive in the age of Generative AI.

 

Looking ahead, my goal is to be able to focus increasingly on providing portfolio career consulting. Additionally, I aspire to contribute as a thought leader and course creator, sharing my expertise and insights to empower others to succeed in their career transformations.

Credentials

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Diploma of Personal Performance Coaching, UK Coaching Academy 

  • Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations, University of Western Australia

  • Bachelor of Business Communication, Queensland University of Technology

ACCREDITATIONS AND COURSES

  • Change Management for Generative AI, Vanderbilt University

  • Service Automation:  Technologies and Implementation Course, London School of Economics

  • Prosci Change Management Practitioner certification

  • PRINCE 2 Foundation and Practitioner courses

PRIZES AND AWARDS

  • Brandon Hall Group 2023 HCM Excellence Silver Award:  'Best Learning Program Supporting a Transformation Business Strategy' for an innovative e-learning pathway to help build change management as a core capability at enterprise level

  • University of Western Australia 2014 Equity and Diversity Office Prize in the UWA Business School

Get in Touch

MLT Change Consulting 

I am based in St Albans UK, but able to work remotely with clients anywhere in the world

​

+44 (0) 7444 546 438

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page