MEET THE MAESTRO INTERVIEW

MICHAEL: Product Strategist & UX Director

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At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In our “Meet the Maestro” series, we peek beyond the CV to discover what makes our Maestros tick.

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Michael applies Human-Centered Design and behavioural insights to shape how people experience and interact with digital products, systems and services. It’s a role that blends creativity with strategy and requires endless curiosity, exploration and a learning mindset. Michael’s superpower is listening - really listening. He turns what he hears into meaningful, outcome-focused insights ready to drive solutions that make a real impact. In this interview, we hear how Michael’s built a fascinating and purposeful life by consistently blending his skills with his interests.

1. Tell us about a career highlight to date…

Picking just one career highlight is tough because I’ve been fortunate to work with so many incredible brands and projects. Early in my career, I tracked adventurer Steve Fossett on his daring exploits, and since then, I’ve worked across industries - from helping the Royal Academy of Arts in London shape its digital presence to building an English language learning platform for Bangladeshis with BBC Media Action, and many others along the way.

More recently, I’ve been focused on climate, developing carbon and biodiversity accounting tools. But one project that really stands out is my work with the NSW Museums of History. I led the strategy to bring deeper insight into audience needs, helping the institution reframe how it engages with the public. By uncovering key behavioural patterns and expectations, we created a more human-centered approach to their digital and in-person experiences. It was a powerful example of how thoughtful strategy and design can transform how organizations connect with people.

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way…

Throughout my career, I’ve always prioritized opportunities to learn, even if it meant stepping into unfamiliar territory, whether that was exploring new subject matter, industries, or ways of working. In that sense, I’ve consistently made unusual career choices, moving across five cities in four countries and working with a diverse range of organizations and teams. Rather than following a conventional path, I’ve embraced the challenge of navigating different contexts, which has ultimately shaped my ability to adapt, translate complexity into clarity, and bring fresh perspectives to every project.‍

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?‍

I grew up on a farm in a semi-arid savannah, where being close to nature was all I knew for much of my early life. Naturally, I wanted to become a game ranger.‍

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

Life is busy with a young family, but I make time for my passions when I can. I love spending time in my garden, landscaping and creating an integrated food and native garden. And when possible, I recharge with an overnight hike or camping trip.

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

I've always admired the skill and talent of artists, illustrators, and sign writers. While I’ve dabbled in linocut, I’d love to have the ability to bring ideas and images to life through art.

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

Curiosity is a value that shapes both my work and my life. I believe that asking the right questions, listening deeply, and staying open to new perspectives leads to better decisions and more meaningful connections. It’s what drives me to take on diverse challenges, explore different industries, and continuously learn from the people and environments around me.

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

One of my biggest challenges has been finding a sense of self in the midst of a transient life. My curiosity and willingness to explore new places have taken me across countries and cultures, meaning I’ve had to continuously reconnect with who I am in different contexts and life stages. That process has evolved even further with family, navigating identities shaped by both adopted and immigrant cultures. It’s been a challenge, but also a gift, as it’s given me a deep appreciation for adaptability, belonging, and the richness of diverse perspectives.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years time?

Artificial intelligence has already transformed the way we work, and with the soon-to-come power of quantum computing, our interactions with technology will continue to evolve at an exponential rate. One of the biggest challenges society will face is adapting to these rapid changes.

While it’s hard to predict exactly what my job will look like in 10 years, one thing won’t change: the need to deeply understand people. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the key to addressing customer and user needs will always be the same - listen, take stock, and respond.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

I would travel to the Okavango Delta in Botswana in a heartbeat. I love how nature fully commands its own domain there, and the sheer presence of it is profound. It’s a powerful reminder of how beautiful and self-sustaining the natural world is, and why we should be doing everything in our power to protect it.

10. What does success look like to you?

Success comes in many forms, and it’s important to take pride in both the small wins and the big achievements.

For me, success is about helping people see problems differently, guiding them toward solutions that simplify complexity and bring clarity and purpose to whatever we’re working on. More than anything, it’s about creating lasting impact, whether through the work itself or the way it empowers others.

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