Michelle Natalya Moore: From Big Four to Authentic Business Purpose

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from a high-pressure, Big Four consulting role to building a business aligned with your deepest purpose? With over 25 years in international consulting, including roles as an equity partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, Michelle Natalya Moore experienced firsthand the toll of constant task-switching and overwork on cognitive function.

As someone who helps consultants and coaches build authentic, purpose-driven businesses, I was honored to interview Michelle on my podcast, Consulting Matters. Michelle’s journey from Big Four partner to digital well-being strategist is filled with lessons on overcoming overwhelm, finding purpose, and creating a business that’s truly aligned with your values.

The Pull Toward Purpose

When I first met Michelle, I was struck by how her career was fueled by adventure, a passion for growth, and a genuine desire to make a difference. From studying Russian literature to working in Moscow during its post-Soviet economic transformation, Michelle embraced challenges that many would find daunting. But eventually, the excitement of big projects gave way to a deeper need, a drive to do work that truly served the greater good.

As Michelle shared with me, “I wanted to align everything I do to support and serve the common good. I wanted it to be about positive impact.” . This desire to align her career with a higher purpose ultimately led her to pivot away from the Big Four and forge her own path.

Recognizing Overwhelm and What to Do About It

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was hearing Michelle talk about the overwhelming pace of her previous roles. As high achievers, we often think that stress and overwhelm are just part of the job. But Michelle revealed how this constant overload, especially during COVID, took a toll on her cognitive capacity and well-being.

She described how, at the height of the pandemic, “I literally couldn’t lift my right arm anymore from holding the mouse for so long on Zoom calls.” That experience forced her to confront her own relationship with technology, sparking a journey that now helps her clients, many of whom are also knowledge workers, design healthier relationships with their digital tools.

Signs You’re in Cognitive Overwhelm

Michelle helps her clients recognize the signs of cognitive overload. Here are the five key indicators she shared:

• Loss of Focus: “You can’t focus anymore on the important things.”

• Reactive Culture: “You’re always reacting, never planning.”

• Digital Clutter: “You’re on every platform and you don’t know where your files are.”

• Disorganized Environment: “Your space is just messy—digitally and physically.”

• Lack of Harmony: “You’re out of sync with your values and priorities.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck in analysis paralysis or like your brain is constantly in overdrive, these signs probably resonate with you. Michelle’s work is about helping clients clear that mental clutter so they can get back to doing the meaningful work they’re meant to do.

Creating a Bigger Gas Tank for Your Brain

One of my favorite moments from our conversation was when Michelle described her approach as helping people expand their gas tank. “It’s a bigger gas tank that’s not even polluting more.” She’s not just helping people get back to where they were before burnout. She’s helping them build more capacity to think, create, and innovate. It’s about resilience, not just recovery.

As I reflected on Michelle’s story, I realized that’s exactly what so many of us need. We need not just to bounce back from overwhelm but to build a sustainable way to thrive.

Finding Alignment Between Tech and Purpose

Michelle’s journey also revealed a deeper purpose, helping teams and individuals create intentional relationships with technology. “Whatever this new industry is or this new profession is that some people are calling digital well-being...I can’t not talk about it, and I think that’s where it’s like getting the why.” Michelle founded the Orlando Offline Club, a space for device-free connection, and she’s a passionate advocate for digital well-being. Every time she hosts a session or a retreat, the revenue supports her charitable foundation that helps protect vulnerable youth from the harmful effects of unintentional tech use.

That’s the heart of her business: purpose-driven, impactful, and aligned with her values.

How I Helped Michelle Bring Her Ideas to Life

Throughout Michelle’s transformation, I had the privilege of partnering with her one-on-one to bring her ideas to life. Together, we worked on brand positioning, messaging, visual identity, and website design. From our collaborative sessions on her brand promise to our in-person photo shoot that captured her authentic energy, Michelle’s brand evolved into a powerful reflection of her purpose.

Michelle put it beautifully: “It was about being seen. The camera sees you, and then you see the output of what it’s like to be seen.” Through this process, she moved from confusion and analysis paralysis to confidently embracing her authentic business purpose.

The Power of Iteration

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with Michelle and from my own journey, it’s that building a purpose-driven business isn’t a one-and-done exercise. It’s an iterative process. You put something out there, see how it resonates with your audience and with yourself, and then you refine.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in analysis paralysis, know that you’re not alone. Clarity, alignment, and impact are possible. Michelle’s story is proof that it’s worth the journey.

Ready to Overcome Overwhelm and Find Your Business Purpose?

If you’re a high-achieving consultant or coach who thinks for a living and you’re ready to build a business that aligns with your strengths and purpose, I’d love to help. Head over to my Success Stories page to see how I’ve helped others like Michelle. And if you’re ready to take the next step, let’s connect.

About me: 

Betsy Jordyn is a brand messaging strategist and business mentor for purpose-driven consultants and coaches. With a background in organizational development—including a consulting career with Disney—she helps experts clarify their unique value, position themselves strategically, and build businesses that deliver impact, income, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Betsy Jordyn to clarify your message, elevate your brand, and attract the clients you're meant to serve. Start here → https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services 

More about Michelle: Michelle Natalya Moore is a Capacity Consultant and Digital Wellbeing Advocate dedicated to empowering high-achieving women to reclaim and enhance their creative, intellectual, and mental capacities. With over 25 years in international consulting—including roles as an equity partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young—Michelle experienced firsthand the toll of constant task-switching and overwork on cognitive function. This realization led her to explore and develop strategies for focus and presence, which she now shares through her consulting programs and retreats. Her mission is to help others achieve accomplishment with ease by restoring their mental bandwidth and fostering a healthier relationship with technology. https://www.michellenatalyamoore.com/