Michelle Van Tol
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When she was 17, Michelle picked up a book her Dad had been reading. The book was the bestselling personal development book – How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Michelle devoured the book, sparking her love of the genre and leading her down her own path of personal development. Michelle brings her passion for growth and change to others through her coaching.
Michelle is a senior business executive with over 30 years’ experience in multiple industries including technology, professional services, construction and family-owned businesses. She has garnered her experience by working as a CFO and trusted senior advisor to CEOs in entrepreneurial organizations. As an integral member of these companies, she has a deep understanding of how entrepreneur-led businesses function on both an individual and systemic level.
Michelle created her consulting company, Cashia Consulting Corp., to provide virtual CFO services and later became a founding partner of Van Tol Kelly. During this time, she also focused on mentoring the next generation of businesspeople through teaching in the MBA program at the University of Ottawa and working as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Invest Ottawa. Inspired by the coaching aspects of her previous positions, Michelle made the decision to pursue her newest venture – MVT Coaching and Leadership Development.
Energetic, driven and thorough, Michelle brings her personality to every project she tackles. Her coaching style is direct and analytical while still warm and full of enthusiasm. Michelle is passionate about self-development. Having first taken an interest in the area in the beginning of her career, she remains proficient in the literature and research to date. She continuously applies her learning to both her own life and the lives of her clients, making her an especially engaged coach.
A Chartered Professional Accountant, Michelle also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Carleton University, an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Ottawa as well as her Personal and Professional Coaching Certificate from Concordia University and is a certified coach through The International Coaching Federation.
“I’ve been working with Michelle for about two years. The impact on my business, personal wealth plan and overall well being is very positive. She helped me break down long-standing business issues and take action. It’s Michelle’s combination of financial expertise, general business savvy and her ability to ask tough questions that is invaluable... and hard to find. I would recommend her without reservation.”
“By working with Michelle I was able to gain clarity. She helped me identify and consider creative solutions to address both challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for our business. She really helps you peel back the layers of the onion to get at the core issues that need to be addressed; she looks at the root causes of the problems – not just the symptoms. Michelle asks the tough questions that you might be afraid to ask yourself, and challenges your point of view so that you consider all options. She has helped me paint a stronger vision of the future, and contributed substantially to the financial success that The Delphi Group has had. I am very happy to say that we finalized many deals with Michelle’s calm support during high-stress times.”
“Michelle has been instrumental in helping me to shift my mindset from working in the business, to working on the business. She helps me think through my longer term business goals and how they relate to my vision for myself out of the business at some point in the future. Michelle also holds me accountable for delivering on what I say I will deliver so that I continue to push my personal and business strategy forward.”
“I began working with Michelle 6 years ago as we were looking for ways to improve our growing Benefits and Insurance practice. I grew up playing sports and always had a coach, this is where I learned the habits you needed to form, that would lead to success. In business there is no road map for this and this is the value Michelle brought to the table. Her ability to really dig in, understand my business and to ask the tough questions that only someone from the outside looking in can see. Anyone looking to improve their business and family life, I would highly recommend her services.”
“Michelle has been my coach for over 5 years. She has played an important role in my success in not only my professional life but my personal life as well. We all get so mired in our day to day that it is easy to forget that one of the things that is most in common with highly successful people is that they have a coach. I guess that means if you are looking to be successful you should have a coach. If you believe then that you do need a coach then your choice absolutely must be Michelle.”