Michelle Hamer
Michelle Hamer is a productivity specialist and experienced Microsoft trainer who helps people learn and quickly master the tips, tricks and shortcuts of the Office suite of apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.
Michelle established Smart Learning in 2009 to develop and share a range of practical, online training programs for professionals and small business owners to help them save time, improve productivity and generally make life easier.
Smart Learning is an extension of Michelle’s original businesses, Smart Advice and PC Smart, which she founded in 1994. For almost 30 years, Michelle has provided IT education and guidance to a diverse range of clients in three main sectors: professional services law firms, government and hospitality. She has continuously upskilled over the years to refresh and update her knowledge.
Smart Learning is the perfect synergy between Michelle’s considerable experience and expertise, her generosity as a mentor, her global network of corporate connections and her business, education and information technology skills.
Known for her sensible, patient and down-to-earth approach, Michelle is an active volunteer in her local business community and a highly-regarded mentor, especially in the start-up and not-for-profit sectors. She is passionate about empowering others to embrace useful change that adds lasting value.
Professional background
Before establishing her own Smart suite of businesses in 1994, Michelle worked with Perpetual Trustees, where she delivered training in Lotus LearningSpace to 600 staff across Australia with a small team of trainers.
When IBM/Lotus Corporation learnt of Michelle’s knowledge in education, technology and Lotus LearningSpace they engaged her to complete projects for James Cook University (Medical Faculty), Suncorp Metway and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Michelle’s work during this time included:
- determining readiness to embrace online learning (reviews of staff, technical infrastructure, and the learning and development team readiness)
- evaluating topics currently being offered through traditional delivery methods that could be delivered more effectively through online learning or a hybrid mix
- project managing outsourced development of web pages and digital content
- quality assurance to match the learning product against the learning objectives.
Between 2000 and 2011, Michelle lectured at the University of the Sunshine Coast in International E-Marketing Strategy, Management and Organisational Skills and Strategic Management. In 2005, Michelle lectured at the University of Shanghai in the MBA program on behalf of USC.
Since starting her Smart suite of businesses in the mid-90s, Michelle has worked with the following companies:
- Australian Bureau of Statistics,
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council,
- Sheraton Hotel Group,
- Hamilton Island Enterprises,
- Collins Food Group,
- Minter Ellison,
- Dentons,
- King & Wood Mallesons,
- Fox & Thomas,
- Australian Government Solicitors, and
- ICON Group (Asia/Pacific team with more than 3000 employees)
Michelle’s qualifications
- 2012: Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (TAE40110)
- 2011: Microsoft Office Specialist for Office 2010 (Outlook, Word, Excel PowerPoint)
- 2010: Certificate IV in Financial Services (FNS40207)
- 2006: Masters of (Online) Education, University of Southern Qld
- 2001: Graduate Diploma, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- 2001: Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
- 1989: Certificate - Trust Administration, Executor and Trustee Institute
- 1981: Associate Diploma in Business (major - computing), Qld Institute of Technology
Community involvement
Aside from being a successful businesswoman in her own right, Michelle dedicates 20% of her time to community activities and an array of organisations across the region, including:- Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (2021 – present) Chair of Judging Panel
- Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (2017 – 2021) Board Member/ Company Secretary
- #SCRIPT (2017 – 2020) Advisory Panel Member
- Generation Innovation (2014 – 2016) Board Member
- University of the Sunshine Coast (2006 – 2013) Foundation Board Member
- Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast (2009 - 2011) Board Member and Treasurer
- Sunshine Coast Lifeline Council (2006 – 2010) Regional Council Member
- Sunshine Coast Area Consultative Committee Inc (2000 - 2009) Board Member and Treasurer
- Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre (2002 – 2003) Member of Business Incubator Advisory Network
- Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (2003 – 2012) Chair of Judging Panel
- Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (2000 – 2003) President
- Excellence in Business (1997 - 2001) Chair of Judging Panel
Media clippings
- Nov 2012 - Strong connections translate to business success.
- Nov 2023 - Celebrating 25 years of SCBWN.