Michelle Hill

Michelle Hill

Make your presence known and your absence felt.

Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
5K followers 500+ connections

About

I’m an analyst, an entrepreneur, a creative soul, a story teller - an innovator and strategist at heart. Over the span of my professional career, I have been fortunate enough to have been immersed and exposed to a magnitude of different industries, from the Food, Retail & Hospitality industries to Imports & Exports, Logistics and Training, during the height of the broadband and Voice Over IP global explosion, I spent 4 years in Telecommunications industry in the UK running a successful team of engineers at the age of 23, over the last 5 years I have been involved the Financial Services Sector.

I’m qualified in the Media & Broadcast sector, specializing in Post Production and Live Sound Reinforcement and am currently in the final year of my 2nd tertiary qualification, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Economics. I am able to adapt and improve at the drop of a hat in any situation I find myself in. I have a strong moral compass and know that ethics are vital, I believe in paying your dues in life and business and that hard work will get you where you need to go.

I’m not just a “Fixer” I’m a “teacher” ,“partner” and confidant - I’m dedicated, internally motivated and solutions driven, I get the job done by using out-of the-box thinking, seeking to innovate and disrupt through constantly evolving and developing my own skill set.

I identify vulnerabilities within a business or individual, then help resolve and improve these vulnerabilities by creating realistic tangible solutions, ensuring the implementation is successful. I do this both in a professional and personal capacity, I believe in the idea of teaching a man to fish as opposed to giving a man a fish, we can all be better, do more, have more, want more. My personal mantra: “Make your presence known and your absence felt”

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Experience

  • Zestier Productions Graphic

    Founder

    Zestier Productions

    - Present 13 years 9 months

    Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

    After doing the freelance thing for other companies for a while, I decided to go all in and start flying my own flag as a side project, Zestier Productions was born. We are female owned and operated, offering a range of full-level services at competitive rates.


    Our service offerings include:

    • Marketing Solutions
    • Consulting Services
    • Brand Development & Strategy
    • Online Media Management
    • Content Creation
    • Audio & Video…

    After doing the freelance thing for other companies for a while, I decided to go all in and start flying my own flag as a side project, Zestier Productions was born. We are female owned and operated, offering a range of full-level services at competitive rates.


    Our service offerings include:

    • Marketing Solutions
    • Consulting Services
    • Brand Development & Strategy
    • Online Media Management
    • Content Creation
    • Audio & Video Production
    • Artist Management

    Our staff are fully qualified professionals with relevant industry experience and stellar track records for creating phenomenal original content. Our bespoke range of service solutions means we are truly a 1-stop shop for all of your production needs.

    We understand that all business are unique and therefore create tailored solutions suitable to each client’s specific needs. Enabling you to grow your business or personal portfolio in every possible aspect, developing an online footprint, reaching your target audience and marketing your brand effectively.

  • MHD Consultants Graphic

    Partner - Head of Africa

    MHD Consultants

    - Present 3 years 1 month

    Global

    I have been in the Financial Services Industry specifically Global Wealth Management, for over a decade. I started at the bottom and worked in every single division; Administration, Compliance, Human Resources, Direct Sales, Portfolio Structuring & Management, as well as a lengthy tenure as Global Head of Marketing at a top International Wealth Management firm. During this time I was focused on bespoke financial planning for the Expat, the Ultra High Net Worth & High Net Worth Individual, as…

    I have been in the Financial Services Industry specifically Global Wealth Management, for over a decade. I started at the bottom and worked in every single division; Administration, Compliance, Human Resources, Direct Sales, Portfolio Structuring & Management, as well as a lengthy tenure as Global Head of Marketing at a top International Wealth Management firm. During this time I was focused on bespoke financial planning for the Expat, the Ultra High Net Worth & High Net Worth Individual, as well as Corporate clients globally. I recently made the decision to become fully independent, so I could focus on providing these services to a fuller spectrum of clients, smaller family offices and Independent Consultants, for whom these types of services have not been easily accessible in the past. I pride myself on holistic planning, due diligence, working to tailor services to meet each client’s unique set of needs, brokering deals and providing a conduit to the best opportunities for them, without the corporate red tape. I'm a Partner in the business, heading up the African operations for MHD Consultants, it's an exciting time, we are currently building and expanding our network in the region, amazing opportunities are available for suitable candidates and Family offices throughout the continent. We're not here to sell you, we aim to add value, real value - we provide holistic advice, brokering deals and serving as conduits to bespoke opportunities for individuals, SME's, Corporates and Family Offices globally.

  • Austen Morris Associates

    Austen Morris Associates

    9 years 7 months

    • Austen Morris Associates Graphic

      Consultant (Independent Global Financial Consultant)

      Austen Morris Associates

      - 1 year 11 months

      South Africa

      I joined Austen Morris Associates in 2013 when we opened our doors in South Africa for the first time. I started as an Executive Assistant to then Africa Regional Manager, working my way up the ranks through the various departments and gaining the necessary qualifications and relevant hands-on industry experience to become a fully fledged Consultant. For the last 3 years I stepped back from my Advisory role to take on Head of Marketing for the Global business with the intention of returning to…

      I joined Austen Morris Associates in 2013 when we opened our doors in South Africa for the first time. I started as an Executive Assistant to then Africa Regional Manager, working my way up the ranks through the various departments and gaining the necessary qualifications and relevant hands-on industry experience to become a fully fledged Consultant. For the last 3 years I stepped back from my Advisory role to take on Head of Marketing for the Global business with the intention of returning to Consulting after laying the ground work for redeveloping our company brand and online presence.

      Over the course of the last 8 years, I have had the privilege of working with the best of the best in the industry, mentors, seasoned Senior Financial Advisors, Regional Managers and Institutional partners who collectively hold well over a 100 Years of experience under their belts.

      This journey has been an absolute honour and privilege, the time spent with these individuals has taught me invaluable lessons both personally and professionally, and has provided me with an amazing skill set, drawing from their vast collective experience. I pride myself in being a well-versed and holistic Financial Adviser, providing the best possible advice to my clients, from Health to Wealth and everything in between, I am the conduit to help you achieve your financial goals.

      Whether you are a first time, risk-averse investor, or a more seasoned and adventurous investor, I will walk the path with you, changing and adapting your financial planning strategies and objectives as you continue to grow and evolve throughout your own personal, career and financial cycles. Advice is based on sound research and stringent due diligence, ensuring that we always find a tailored solution that meets and surpasses your specific needs.

    • Austen Morris Associates Graphic

      Head Of Marketing

      Austen Morris Associates

      - 2 years 9 months

      Johannesburg Area, South Africa

      What's in a name, that which we call a Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet? Building a brand and creating a unique identity is what my role is all about. Storytelling is a skill, a way to evoke emotion and connect through your message, more and more brands globally are comprehending the power of stories to transform their presence and identity.

      Iconic brands globally, have utilized the power of their brand story to build a connection with their audience, we can all relate to…

      What's in a name, that which we call a Rose, by any other name would smell as sweet? Building a brand and creating a unique identity is what my role is all about. Storytelling is a skill, a way to evoke emotion and connect through your message, more and more brands globally are comprehending the power of stories to transform their presence and identity.

      Iconic brands globally, have utilized the power of their brand story to build a connection with their audience, we can all relate to this, think of that one ad you just love! Stories are such powerful tools in human communication, through the research conducted by Psychologists the world over, we have established that the human brain responds to the descriptive power of stories in deeply affecting ways, influencing both the sensory and motor cortex.

      To read, hear or see a story portrayed, is to feel an experience, we use it to synchronize to our minds - building your brand is similar, you continuously develop and tell your story.

      The trick is in conveying the right message to the target audience, to foster and cultivate long-term relationships with your client base.

    • Wealth Planner & Consultant

      Austen Morris Associates

      - 10 months

      Cape Town Area, South Africa

      I have spent the last 4 and a half years immersed in the Financial Services industry, I joined Austen Morris Associates in 2013 when we opened our doors in South Africa for the first time. I started as an Executive Assistant to the Africa Regional Manager, working my way up the ranks through the various departments and gaining the relevant experience to be a fully fledged Consultant. During this time, I have had the privilege of working with the best of the best in the industry, seasoned Senior…

      I have spent the last 4 and a half years immersed in the Financial Services industry, I joined Austen Morris Associates in 2013 when we opened our doors in South Africa for the first time. I started as an Executive Assistant to the Africa Regional Manager, working my way up the ranks through the various departments and gaining the relevant experience to be a fully fledged Consultant. During this time, I have had the privilege of working with the best of the best in the industry, seasoned Senior Financial Advisors, Regional Managers and Institutional partners specializing in both the offshore and onshore space, with collectively over a 100 Years of experience under their belts.

      This has been an absolute honour and privilege, the time spent with these individuals has taught me invaluable lessons both personally and professionally and has provided me with an amazing skill set, drawing from their vast collective experience. I pride myself in providing the best possible advice based on sound research and stringent due diligence, whether you are a first time, risk-averse investor, or a more seasoned and adventurous investor, I will find the perfect solution for you.

      Austen Morris Associates is an international Financial Planning and Wealth Management firm, we take a holistic approach at financial planning, by considering all aspects of your life, we tailor-make a solution that meets your individual needs. Our international operations were founded in 1994 on the principles of trust, professionalism and partnership.

      We offer a wealth of experience, from local investments, life cover, health insurance, medical aid to offshore investment structures for your short, medium and long term financial needs, ensuring longevity and financial security. Our commitment to client confidentiality, guarantees security and peace of mind while utilizing tax efficient jurisdictions around the world.

    • Austen Morris Associates Graphic

      Client Services Account Manager & Wealth Planner

      Austen Morris Associates

      - 1 year 9 months

      Cape Town Area, South Africa

      We are still growing our South African operations, so our team is still small and as such I am involved in many aspects of the business. My duties range from, handling general Cape Town office operations, phones, internet, courier services, sundries, etc. On the other side of the spectrum I am assisting our Senior Consultant in preparing prospective client reports, following up on prospect meetings, handling all new business processing, whilst ensuring that we are strictly adhering to…

      We are still growing our South African operations, so our team is still small and as such I am involved in many aspects of the business. My duties range from, handling general Cape Town office operations, phones, internet, courier services, sundries, etc. On the other side of the spectrum I am assisting our Senior Consultant in preparing prospective client reports, following up on prospect meetings, handling all new business processing, whilst ensuring that we are strictly adhering to compliance regulations,

      I assist our KI in the maintenance and updating of compliance documents and registers for staff and clients. Continuous updating of Institutional fund bulletins, liaising with our various institutional partners ensuring we have all the new and relevant institutional documents, brochures and other marketing materials.

      Full-level service to our existing clients both locally and abroad, taking pride in ensuring their needs are always met promptly and professionally. I also work closely with our Shanghai based marketing team and handle all marketing related activities in Africa, from the project planning stages right through to the on site event management. I am involved in all aspects, from tweaking presentations, selecting menus to the social media and marketing campaigns. I also write the content for all our African events, like Choc Cancer Charity Golf Fundraisers etc, these are shared on our company website and social media platforms regularly.

      I also play a role in new business development, sourcing new clients through various methods, helping to grow our diverse client base, both here in South Africa and across the African continent.

      When it comes to our clients and client servicing, I will always go the extra mile towards helping them reach all their financial goals and attaining financial freedom. No matter the task big or small I am always available to lend a hand.

    • Austen Morris Associates Graphic

      Executive Assistant to Africa Regional Manager

      Austen Morris Associates

      - 3 years 2 months

      Johannesburg Area, South Africa

      As Executive Assistant(or as I prefer right-hand "man"​) to Africa Regional Manager & Senior Partner, Wade Dawson I am involved in every aspect of the African operations. My duties range from, handling their respective schedules and attending to all of their prospects and individual clients needs. I work closely with our Shanghai based marketing team and handle all marketing related activities in Africa, from the project planning stages right through to the on site event management, I am…

      As Executive Assistant(or as I prefer right-hand "man"​) to Africa Regional Manager & Senior Partner, Wade Dawson I am involved in every aspect of the African operations. My duties range from, handling their respective schedules and attending to all of their prospects and individual clients needs. I work closely with our Shanghai based marketing team and handle all marketing related activities in Africa, from the project planning stages right through to the on site event management, I am involved in all aspects, from venue bookings, tweaking presentations, selecting menus right through to creating the content for social media, and marketing campaigns.

      I also play a role in new business development, helping to grow our diverse client base. I am involved in the internal training and compliance procedures for new employees and as for the day-to-day operations my focus is on management of our client portfolios, processing new applications, fund research, switches and claims as well as general client servicing, no matter the task big or small I am always available to lend a hand.

      We go the extra mile towards helping you reach all your financial goals and attaining financial freedom.Austen Morris Associates is an international financial planning and wealth management company who have recently expanded into Africa. Our international operations were founded in 1994 on the principles of trust, professionalism and partnership.

      Our advisors offer a wealth of experience, from offshore investment structures for your long term financial security, portfolio management, wealth protection to private equity and venture capital funds, providing the full spectrum of unbiased financial advice. Commitment to client confidentiality guarantees security and peace of mind while utilizing tax efficient jurisdictions around the world. By focusing on your needs as an individual, we tailor plans to reach your specific financial goals and maximize the benefits you are entitled to.

  • Freelance Sound Engineer

    Sound Corporation

    - 2 years 5 months

    South-Africa

    Freelance Sound Engineer for several festivals : KKNK, Innibos, Aardklop. Set up and break down of stages, running cables,patching etc also acting as FOH Mixing engineer for the smaller stages and theatre productions.

  • Freelance Sound Engineer

    Sound GP

    - less than a year

    Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    2010 FIFA Kick Off Celebration -Production Crew Term; July 2010
    Job description Sound Engineer - Set-up of stage, monitor's, FOH, Patching, Running Cables etc. I was part of the team in charge of 3 M7's underneath stage, setting up gain structures etc for the live recording – these recorded the show using 9 Dante cards and logik as DAW system with 2 Mac pro's connected through a network. Sound GP did the broadcast mix and Brittania Row, did the mix during show. The production set up and…

    2010 FIFA Kick Off Celebration -Production Crew Term; July 2010
    Job description Sound Engineer - Set-up of stage, monitor's, FOH, Patching, Running Cables etc. I was part of the team in charge of 3 M7's underneath stage, setting up gain structures etc for the live recording – these recorded the show using 9 Dante cards and logik as DAW system with 2 Mac pro's connected through a network. Sound GP did the broadcast mix and Brittania Row, did the mix during show. The production set up and breakdown was at Orlando stadium for approximately a week.

  • Sales Agent

    P.J Tosen Promotions T/A XTL

    - 10 months

    Pretoria Area, South Africa

    Sales agent for Ozone related Healthcare products in and around South-Africa. Liasing with clients, Booking appointments, Surveying for potential clients,
    Administrative duties for all sales : sales report, target graphs, monthly planning sheets etc.

  • Gearhouse SA Group Graphic

    Intern/Junior Sound Engineer

    Gearhouse SA Group

    - less than a year

    Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    Junior unpaid sound engineer, stage crew, workshop at HQ - At events: general stage set up and break down, patching, cabling, etc At Workshop: All the ins and outs of Live Sound Reinforcement. Gained valuable experience here.

  • 5G Communications Graphic

    Engineering Manager

    5G Communications

    - 3 years

    Buckinghamshire

    As a naive 18 year-old in a foreign country I took a chance and started as a Helpdesk call centre operator in a British Telecommuncations company called Universal Telecom. Little did I know that 2 years later I would've worked my way up the ladder(Faults, Billing, Processing Departments) to having been given the opportunity to finally manage a new division within the business. Boom! 5G Communications was launched, partnering with Gamma Telecom at the time we took on the challenge of bringing…

    As a naive 18 year-old in a foreign country I took a chance and started as a Helpdesk call centre operator in a British Telecommuncations company called Universal Telecom. Little did I know that 2 years later I would've worked my way up the ladder(Faults, Billing, Processing Departments) to having been given the opportunity to finally manage a new division within the business. Boom! 5G Communications was launched, partnering with Gamma Telecom at the time we took on the challenge of bringing Voice Over IP communications to the British Business World. I was fortunate enough to be given the chance work primarily on the installation and conversion to these new VOIP systems. I was involved in all aspects of this new system. My primary duties were the organisation and control of VOIP Engineers, Administrative duties: Compiling the work orders, processed the contracts brought in by sales, processed and applied for the new line installations with BT. Liaised with clients, set up site surveys and processed these surveys, ordered the physical equipment, kept track of stock an supply. Daily productivity figures, data capturing, Booking Appointments, Fault Management, Daily control sheets -figures graphs on productivity, Internal Sales as well as
    telesales. I was also directly involved with the interviewing process and provided training for new engineers.
    Unfortunately my Visa was declined and I had to leave the company and return to South-Africa.

  • Waitress

    Mugg & Bean

    - 2 years 1 month

    Pretoria

    Living the life as a teenage coffee waitress - oh the tips!

  • Administrator

    JF Jordaan Inc

    - 1 year

    Pretoria

    Part-time administrator and Girl Friday at Attorney's offices. Filing, typing,data capturing, switchboard operation and other general administrative duties.

  • Cashier

    8 Till Late

    - 1 year

    Pretoria Area, South Africa

    Cashier, general retail duties - stock taking, etc etc.

Education

  • UNISA

    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Economics,Psychology

    -

  • Academy of Sound Engineering

    Diploma In Sound Engineering Post Production & Live Sound Reinforcement

    -

    Activities and Societies: SRC - Student Representative Council 2009

    The Academy of Sound Engineering has rapidly become South Africa's premier sound engineering school, the only Pro Tools Certified operating Training Centre in Africa!

    Fantastic lecturers with real industry experience. Nick Matzukis(CEO) Charles Tagg(Post Production) Cristo Hatting(Live) Peter Pearlson(Production) are pure genius.


    Housed at the SABC, South Africa's broadcast hub, and the centre of Africa's technical audio industry, ASE is ideally located to train the true…

    The Academy of Sound Engineering has rapidly become South Africa's premier sound engineering school, the only Pro Tools Certified operating Training Centre in Africa!

    Fantastic lecturers with real industry experience. Nick Matzukis(CEO) Charles Tagg(Post Production) Cristo Hatting(Live) Peter Pearlson(Production) are pure genius.


    Housed at the SABC, South Africa's broadcast hub, and the centre of Africa's technical audio industry, ASE is ideally located to train the true potential audio professional. ASE students are directly exposed to the entertainment industry from their first day on campus. Daily interaction with industry professionals is almost unavoidable, and students are immediately absorbed, by their very presence, into this exciting world.

  • Hoerskool Overkruin

    -

    -

Licenses & Certifications

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, Part 1

    Ernst & Young

    Issued
  • First Level Regulatory Examination: Representatives Graphic

    First Level Regulatory Examination: Representatives

    Financial Services Board

    Issued
    Credential ID 185818
  • FICA Awareness Training Certificate

    Moonstone

    Issued

Volunteer Experience

  • Carer

    Florida Baby House

    - 1 year 1 month

    Children

    Florida Baby House is a safe-house and functions, by law, under the auspices of the AFM Executive Welfare Council (uMephi).

    UMephi is a government subsidized Children's Village and has been in existence since 1977. It's a radical departure from the old institutional / dormitory concept. House parents care for the children in houses or baby units in different areas of South Africa. Each home is specially equipped to give the special care every child needs.



    The Florida…

    Florida Baby House is a safe-house and functions, by law, under the auspices of the AFM Executive Welfare Council (uMephi).

    UMephi is a government subsidized Children's Village and has been in existence since 1977. It's a radical departure from the old institutional / dormitory concept. House parents care for the children in houses or baby units in different areas of South Africa. Each home is specially equipped to give the special care every child needs.



    The Florida Baby Home opened its doors 7 years ago and is under the care of dedicated house parents, supported by a team of 8 trained baby care givers. This means that at any time, there are at least two baby care givers on duty.
    Our baby home offers a safe accommodation and a loving environment to babies found abandoned affected and/or infected with HIV/AIDS.
    The babies receive holistic care, ensuring their emotional, medical, educational, nutritional and social needs are met completely.
    Theye believe that the 1st prize for every child is to grow up with his or her biological parents or family therefore our in-house social worker ensures that everything possible is done to allocate these families and reunite them.
    Their Ultimate Focus is to find FOREVER FAMILIES for our very special babies.
    Theye are very dependent on the assistance from our local community and volunteers to help make life a little easier for these little ones.
    The home has been running at full capacity for the past 3 years; securing the safety of 50 babies, including 22 International adoptions, 1 national adoption and 5 babies moving to toddler homes.

    I have spent time, as a volunteer at this centre, duties ranging from feeding, bathing and playing with these adorable HIV positive babies. The work that this Centre does is absolutely amazing, we definitely need more of these places of safety for our orphaned children.

Languages

  • English

    Native or bilingual proficiency

  • Afrikaans

    Native or bilingual proficiency

  • French

    Elementary proficiency

  • Spanish

    Elementary proficiency

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