Hi, I’m Michelle.
I’ve spent over 30 years being the person who makes everything run smoothly behind the scenes.
I’ve worked with international corporations and non-profit organizations across multiple countries — environments where precision, discretion, and strong systems weren’t optional. Born in England, I lived in Japan before settling in Cape Town in 2005, and those experiences shaped something I carry into every client partnership: a calm, global perspective and a deep respect for how differently people and businesses operate.
Throughout my career, I saw the same pattern repeat itself: when operations are clear and intentional, businesses thrive. When they’re reactive and fragmented, even the most capable leaders start to feel the strain. Talented, purpose-driven people — quietly overwhelmed. Not because they lacked ability, but because their business infrastructure hadn’t kept up with their growth.
That observation became the foundation of Your Virtual Organizer.
I believe operations should protect a founder’s energy, not deplete it.
Structure should create freedom, not restriction.
And growth should feel sustainable, not chaotic.
Beyond the operational work, I’m a certified #IAmRemarkable facilitator, helping people recognize and articulate their own value — work that closely mirrors my belief in confident, conscious leadership. Earlier in my career I taught English in Japan, which gave me skills I use every day: communicating clearly across cultures, personalities, and contexts.
Outside of work I read voraciously, train at the gym regularly, and find clarity on long walks. I believe strength in business starts with strength in self.
Why Your Virtual Organizer exists.
Your Virtual Organizer was built at a turning point.
After being made redundant from a senior corporate role, I had the rare opportunity to pause — and to look clearly at where my experience could create the most meaningful impact.
What I saw was this: talented, heart-led founders were building exceptional businesses. Serving clients powerfully. Growing their income. Expanding their reach. But behind the scenes, many were carrying an unsustainable load — managing client delivery, administration, systems, and strategy, often entirely alone.
The passion was there. The expertise was unquestionable. But the operational structure needed to support that growth was missing.
I knew that gap. I’d spent decades bridging it for large organizations. And I realized I could bring that same level of operational thinking to the founders who needed it most — but had never had access to it.
That’s why Your Virtual Organizer exists. As a Fractional COO partnership — bringing clarity to complexity, strengthening systems, protecting capacity, and making sure growth feels supported rather than chaotic.
At its core, YVO was founded on three beliefs:
Working with Michelle from My Virtual Organizer has been a complete game changer for my business. Before bringing her on, I was constantly buried in admin, which took valuable time and energy away from what really matters—my clients.
Since she started, my workload has felt lighter, my systems are more organised, and my days run far more efficiently. She handles the behind-the-scenes tasks seamlessly, allowing me to stay focused, present, and fully invested in delivering the best possible service to my clients.
Not only is she reliable and proactive, but she also genuinely cares about the success of my business. Having that level of support has made such a difference—not just professionally, but personally too. I feel more in control, less overwhelmed, and able to grow with clarity and confidence.
I couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone looking to streamline their operations and create more space to focus on what they do best.
Anthea, Personal Trainer, Cape Town