S2 Episode 16. BYOB with Andrew Ford - Michelle Letho

In this episode of the Build Your Own Business podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the effervescent and insightful Michelle Letho - someone who first stood out to me at a networking event for her warmth, curiosity and a knack for making meaningful connections.

Michelle isn’t your typical corporate escapee. She’s had a fascinating career across major companies like Mars and Simplot, but what really piqued my interest was her recent pivot into the tech space - joining a startup called Willyama Together, an Indigenous-owned Atlassian Solutions Partner. It’s a business with a purpose, helping organisations implement their Reconciliation Action Plans through tech services. But more than the role itself, Michelle’s approach to work and life is what makes her remarkable.

We dug deep into her background, from pumping petrol at 14 in her family’s small-town garage to studying economics by correspondence because her school didn’t offer it. That drive, that desire for independence, and the grounding influence of her beloved grandmother Rita really shaped her outlook on life.

Michelle talks about the power of curiosity, the importance of listening (really listening), and how networking isn’t just about collecting business cards - it’s about connecting with people, being helpful without expectation, and playing the long game. She shares brilliant insights into how to approach networking with generosity and purpose, and why it helped her land her current role without even applying for a single job online.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a meaningful professional network or make a career shift later in life. Michelle’s wisdom is real, practical, and generously given.

Hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.

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