Michelle Lau
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATEBusiness Development at Cohesys
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
Business Development at Cohesys
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
A highly adaptable and entrepreneurial CPA with 15+ years of progressive experience across finance, early-stage startups, strategic operations, and business development. Adept at learning on the fly, building processes from scratch, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. Known for a relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence, with a proven track record of contributing to fundraising success, enhancing operational workflows, and supporting growth initiatives in early-stage startups.
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
Chartered Accountant
January 1, 2009 – January 1, 2012
University of Waterloo
Master's Degree, Accounting and Finance
January 1, 2005 – January 1, 2010
Cohesys
Business Development
June 1, 2019 – Present
Toronto, Canada Area
Creative Destruction Lab
Venture Manager, Health
June 1, 2018 – June 1, 2019
Creative Destruction Lab
Venture Manager, Artificial Intelligence
May 1, 2017 – June 1, 2018
Lannick
Assistant Manager, Recruitment Services, Finance & Accounting
July 1, 2016 – April 1, 2017
Toronto, Canada Area
Lannick
Senior Associate, Recruitment Services, Finance & Accounting
June 1, 2015 – July 1, 2016
Toronto, Canada Area
CGI
Senior Financial Analyst
October 1, 2012 – June 1, 2015
Markham, Ontario
KPMG Canada
Senior Accountant, Consumer Markets
October 1, 2010 – September 1, 2012
Toronto, Canada Area
KPMG Canada
Staff Accountant, Consumer Markets
January 1, 2007 – August 1, 2009
Toronto, Canada Area
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's experience with Creative Destruction Lab and Cohesys indicates a strong preference and fit for innovative, early-stage, and fast-paced environments. Their background in venture management and supporting startups aligns well with a culture focused on growth, entrepreneurship, and strategic development. The shift from finance/recruitment to business development shows adaptability and a proactive approach to career alignment.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate demonstrates strong leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills. Their experience in managing cross-functional efforts and driving process in dynamic environments suggests a good operational fit for roles requiring initiative and adaptability. Communication and negotiation skills are also highlighted in previous recruitment roles.