Michelle Landman is a leader who transforms organisations from the inside out. As chief financial and operations director at the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) for 13 years, she grew membership from 2,000 to over 8,000, transformed the Tax Indaba into Africa’s largest tax conference, and fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence. Today, as an independent consultant, she helps organisations design systems that promote integrity, growth, and long-term impact. Her leadership philosophy is simple: recognise potential, develop people, and ensure everyone understands not just what they do, but why it matters. “A positive culture is essential to get- ting the job done,” she says. Michelle’s journey has been shaped by resilience and authenticity—once feeling “barefoot” in spaces where others seemed to belong, she learned that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing your uniqueness and helping others find their own “glass slippers.” Beyond work, she channels creativity into storytelling, reflective writing, pole fitness, and music, sharpening focus and balance. Her proudest achievements include completing an MBA while recovering from a brain injury and evolving into a leader who listens, empowers, and holds herself accountable. Guided by the principle, “Always leave the system stronger than you found it,” Michelle’s commitment to driving meaningful impact in people, organisations, and communities is unwavering.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) GIBS (*in progress)
- Completed SAICA Articles (Audit & Accounting)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
- BCom Accounting, University of Johannesburg
- BCom Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg
ACHIEVEMENTS
What I am most proud of is the journey itself. My education, for example, is not simply a list of qualifications but a testament to grit and perseverance. I worked long hours to fund my studies, balanced full-time work with part-time learning, and even completed my MBA while recovering from a brain injury. Each milestone represents resilience and a belief that challenges can be turned into opportunities. In my career, my proudest achievement has been the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Whether building professional structures, leading large-scale initiatives, or guiding teams through uncertainty, I have found strength in problem-solving, creating focus amid complexity, and uniting people around a shared goal. Just as important has been my growth as a leader. I began by thinking leadership was about having all the answers, but over time, I learned it is about listening, empowering others, and holding myself accountable. That evolution in emotional intelligence and compassion is one of the things I value most. What ties it all together is that my achievements are anchored in values — integrity, excellence, accountability, and resilience. They are not abstract principles to me but daily choices that have shaped how I work and lead. Being recognised as a Mail & Guardian Power of Women finalist is an honour, but what matters most is knowing that these values, and the journey behind them, have made a meaningful impact on others.
