Meet Michelle Velan from London, England
A visionary leader and Founder & CEO of Wondersource, Michelle Velan is at the forefront of revolutionizing corporate wellness. With a blend of innovation, empathy, and strategic acumen, she continues to inspire change in the business landscape.
The Early Years: Foundations of Ambition
Michelle Velan’s journey from her formative years to her current role as the Founder & CEO of Wondersource is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born with a curiosity-driven spirit and an innate drive for success, Michelle’s early years laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. Growing up in Montreal, Canada, she exhibited an early passion for marketing and communication, setting the stage for her future career trajectory.
Educational Pursuits: Nurturing the Seeds of Leadership
Michelle’s academic journey took shape as she pursued her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing at Concordia University. During this time, she honed her skills in strategic thinking, market analysis, and communication, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors in the corporate world.
Eager to expand her horizons and delve deeper into the intricacies of global business management, Michelle embarked on a transformative journey at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she pursued an Executive Global Masters in Business Management. This experience not only broadened her perspective but also equipped her with the strategic acumen and leadership capabilities essential for navigating the complex dynamics of the global business landscape.
Early Career: Carving Pathways in Marketing and Partnerships
Armed with a robust educational background and a thirst for knowledge, Michelle ventured into the professional realm, eager to make her mark. Her early career saw her assume diverse roles in marketing, business development, and partnerships, where she demonstrated a knack for forging strategic alliances and driving business growth.
From her tenure at esteemed organizations like Conde Nast and Monocle, where she served in marketing and promotions roles, to her stint as Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Mad Street Den, Michelle’s journey was characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to driving innovation.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Pioneering Innovation in Well-Being
Driven by a deep-seated passion for understanding stress and mental health, Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey began to take shape as she embarked on a mission to revolutionize corporate wellness. Drawing from her diverse experiences and insights gained throughout her career, Michelle founded Wondersource—a groundbreaking venture aimed at integrating well-being and performance in the corporate landscape.
As the CEO and Founder of Wondersource, Michelle embarked on a journey marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to driving positive change. Leveraging her expertise in leadership, marketing, and business development, she spearheaded the development of the Mind-Body-Work-Holistic model—a fully integrated ecosystem designed to foster well-being and performance through virtual group programs, coaching, and masterclasses.
Angel Investing and Mentorship: Nurturing Innovation and Talent
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Michelle’s commitment to fostering innovation and talent extended to her roles as an angel investor and mentor. Through strategic investments in startups like FlatPeak, hivelighter Inc., and Mintago, Michelle played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and driving innovation across diverse industries.
Her involvement in organizations like Futurpreneur Canada and Brightside further underscored her dedication to empowering emerging leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Continued Learning and Professional Development
Throughout her journey, Michelle remained committed to continuous learning and professional development, recognizing the importance of staying abreast of emerging trends and industry developments. From completing a Leadership Coaching Strategies certification at Harvard to participating in professional development programs like the Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michelle’s dedication to growth and learning served as a driving force behind her success.
Impact and Legacy: Redefining Corporate Wellness
Michelle Velan’s impact on the corporate landscape extends far beyond the confines of her professional achievements. Through her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to well-being, and dedication to driving positive change, she has redefined the narrative surrounding corporate wellness, empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential and thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.
Her legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers, reminding us of the transformative power of passion, innovation, and resilience in driving meaningful change in the world.
5 Leadership Lessons
- Visionary Leadership: Embrace a bold vision and relentlessly pursue it, even in the face of adversity.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Stay resilient in the face of challenges and remain adaptable to navigate through dynamic environments.
- Empathy and Compassion: Prioritize empathy and compassion in leadership, recognizing the human element in every decision and interaction.
- Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and professional development to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation.
- Purpose-Driven Leadership: Lead with purpose and integrity, aligning actions with values to create meaningful impact and drive positive change.
Editorial Note
Michelle Velan’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to driving positive change in the corporate landscape. We invite fellow executives to share their inspiring stories and insights at executivesdiary.com/blog/submit-biography. Join us in fostering a community of learning, growth, and collaboration all at no cost. Let your voice be heard and inspire others on their own journey to success.
