Service Design Expert 

Michelle Cabanela is a senior strategy and design leader with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of people, policy, and systems. Michele leads the ThinkPlaceX Sydney studio. With a deep commitment to public value, she brings a human-centred and systems-oriented approach to solving complex challenges across aged care, education, environment, utilities, and government service delivery. 

Michelle has led the design and delivery of high-priority initiatives supporting disaster response, economic recovery, and cost-of-living measures. She bridges the disciplines of service design, policy, and digital transformation—working closely with senior leaders and frontline teams to reimagine how public services are delivered and experienced. 

Known for her ability to align strategy with delivery, Michelle uses evidence-based methods, systems thinking, and foresight to shape inclusive, scalable, and future-ready solutions. She is recognised for building high-performing, cross-functional teams and delivering measurable, meaningful outcomes. 

Michelle holds an Executive MBA from UNSW and is a Certified Scrum Master with a strong foundation in agile, product management, and people leadership. As NSW Market Lead, she partners with executives to set strategic direction and navigate complexity, always with a focus on impact, equity, and community outcomes.