Seven days into her new role as CEO, Michelle Cunningham is already embracing the adventure. “I laugh when people ask what my day looks like because honestly, no two days are alike,” she says.
Michelle joined The Fair Co. in December 2023 as Director of Commercial and Corporate, bringing experience from private enterprise, global FMCG, government and for-purpose. In just two years, she has led everything from corporate governance, collaborative agreements and contractual negotiations, to people and culture, partnerships, pricing strategies and performance. She also played an integral role in The Fair Co.’s major transformation from a funded organisation to an independent for-purpose advisory and secured social enterprise certification along the way.
Now, as CEO, her focus is clear: “Leading our incredible team and making sure they have everything they need to thrive, while engaging with our clients, partners and collaborators to amplify our impact.”
For Michelle, stepping into the for-purpose space felt natural. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been enamoured by the business world, I love doing good business, making things better and doing meaningful work at the same time,” she explains. “The Fair Co. is the perfect mix. We help businesses do business better; partnering with them in strategy and implementation to do things differently when it comes to the way they engage their people and those along the supply chain, particularly in introducing and expanding their use of social enterprises. In turn, this creates some really great outcomes for the business itself, the people in it and the communities they operate in.”
She’s proud of her part in steering The Fair Co. through its evolution. “Moving from a funded model to an independent advisory is a massive move for any organisation. And getting our social enterprise certification shows we have skin in the game. We understand the challenges social enterprises face, and that fuels our passion to help them succeed.”
If Michelle could change one thing about business, it would be to see more businesses genuinely value their people. “Not just saying it, but showing it through pay, professional development, flexibility, wellbeing, whatever matters to them. Listening and really understanding what value means to your people is key.”
When it comes to inspiration, Michelle looks to everyday people. “The ones who level up, the ones who are brave in their pursuits to be and do better; its the first in their family to go to uni, the ones with the entrepreneurial spirit who take the risk that might pay off, the parents juggling multiple jobs so their kids can have the opportunities they never had, that’s what inspires me.”
And here’s something you might not expect…before leading teams, Michelle was leading songs as the vocalist in a pub rock band. She’s also had a few creative hustles along the way, including a stint as a cake baker. “I probably love eating the cake more than baking it,” she laughs.
If The Fair Co. were a band, Michelle would be front and centre with the mic—bringing energy, creativity and a rhythm that keeps everyone moving forward 🎤
