Michelle Shirtcliffe

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Publica, a thought-led brand and digital agency based in Ōtautahi, Michelle is dedicated to positioning Ōtautahi as a cornerstone in New Zealand’s tech landscape, attracting top talent to its vibrant community. Over the past 15 years, Michelle has led a dedicated team of 25 professionals at Publica, overseeing diverse projects in branding, website and app development, strategic marketing, and digital communications.

With a background in finance and accounting, combined with a passion for innovation, Michelle has shaped a leadership style that prioritizes people and fosters a collaborative environment. She believes that meaningful connections and understanding clients’ unique stories are essential for success. Constantly exploring emerging trends, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of crypto and blockchain, Michelle ensures that Publica stays ahead of the curve.

Michelle’s leadership approach centers on building a community of professionals who are not only delivering solutions but also contributing to the narrative of their clients’ success. Guided by the belief that numbers tell stories, she is dedicated to helping clients articulate their achievements through meaningful relationships and impactful storytelling.