
OUR FOUNDER
Michelle Irving is a speaker, visionary, and founder of Chronic Illness At Work.
Michelle was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition at the age of 35 while on a successful career path. Despite the challenges of managing her health and work commitments, Michelle developed a unique approach that not only helped her flourish professionally but also inspired others. Known for her chronic confidence and transparency, she became a trusted adviser for colleagues navigating similar challenges, offering practical advice on how to balance their careers with chronic illness.
With over 18 years of personal and professional experience, Michelle founded Chronic Illness At Work to address the growing need for a practical approach to managing chronic conditions in the workplace.
Her programs equip both employees and people leaders with the skills, language, and tools to create dynamic, supportive work environments where everyone can flourish. Through her work, Michelle is transforming how organisations understand and integrate chronic illness into their everyday operations, ensuring that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
MICHELLE IRVING
FOUNDER, CHRONIC ILLNESS AT WORK
FROM THE FOUNDER: HOW CHRONIC ILLNESS AT WORK WAS FOUNDED

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
When I was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition at 35, in the midst of my dream career, I had no idea how to approach it at work. I didn’t want anyone to know—it felt like my problem to solve, even though I was told the condition was incurable and required lifelong treatment. I carried a sense of shame, feeling torn between my ambition and the impact of treatment on my health.

Navigating Career and Chronic Illness
Over the years, as my career advanced, I experienced two periods where I had to take significant time off. Returning to work, I started slowly—sometimes working as little as five hours a week. Eventually, I regained my capacity and continued to perform, but the anxiety and feeling I needed to prove I was doing everything to be well, haunted me.

Hiding to Leading with Confidence
As my confidence grew, I became more transparent about my condition. I found myself leading not only my work but also guiding managers on how best to support me. This approach eased the journey for everyone involved. My openness led to others confidentially reaching out to me for advice—how to talk to their managers, manage their workload, and, most importantly, avoid feeling ostracised for their health challenges. No one wants to be seen as the ‘sick person’ at work.

The Desire for Authentic Connection
The truth is, many of us are managing our conditions in silence, wanting authentic connections and recognition for the incredible work we are doing despite our health experience. Chronic illness isn’t just about managing the condition; it’s about managing the stress of doing it all alone, while trying to maintain a career.

Building a New Approach to Work and Chronic Illness
Over 18 years, I figured out what I needed—how to communicate it, manage fluctuations in my energy, and get my work done in ways that respected both my productivity and my body. After years of working with executives and professionals navigating these challenges, I knew it was time to create something bigger. That’s why I developed Chronic Illness At Work—a comprehensive programme that equips both employees and people leaders with the tools, understanding, and shared language to make navigating chronic illness in the workplace easier.
EXECUTIVE COACHING CLIENTS: IN THEIR OWN WORDS

"Michelle is a wonderfully effective executive coach - in professional matters while living with chronic conditions.
Eschewing the cliched inspirational taglines and templates Michelle's profound insights come from actually listening to her clients.
Her gentle manner belies a very firm resolve to help others exercise self-compassion, and bring out the best in their working and family lives."
— Barbara, Canberra. Australia

Working with Michelle I've learned what I need to fully take care of myself professionally and personally.
Previously, I saw my chronic illness as something to overcome. I thought I wouldn't be able to live a full life until I got my health to a certain point.
I've found myself in a senior role and company that's better than I could have imagined.
— Jenn, Washington D.C. USA.

“I compartmentalised my health and career thinking I had to leave my chronic illness at the door when entering the workplace.
Working with Michelle helped me to understand that chronic illness is not something to leave behind but an integral part of my life that needs to be embraced and managed holistically.
I now feel empowered to operate confidently within my limits while still working towards big dreams. Michelle has taught me that living with a chronic illness and pursuing career ambitions can coexist harmoniously with the right tools and mindset.
— Lisa, Sydney Australia.

“Michelle taught me to first accept myself as I am today, not the person I was before I became physically disabled and chronically ill.
.She taught me to look at myself in a new and different way with the power of clarity to focus on the things I could do, instead of the things I couldn’t. This lesson was so important to me because I spent many years filled with anger and frustration over my chronic illness and disability.
I feel more control over my life than I have in years. Finally, my life purpose is clearer. I am forever grateful, much happier, and less emotionally burdened.
— Charon, NYC, USA.