What we do
We help leaders grow their performance by growing the way they think. Our coaching blends commercial insight, practical guidance, data-driven insights, and proven tools to build real capability across two core domains.
This isn’t about theory or inspiration — it’s about shifting from knowing more to delivering more.
Business Acumen
Coaching
Strategic, commercial, and performance -based skills
Leadership
Coaching
Self-leadership, team development & Influence
Lead from the
inside out
Sharpen the thinking, presence, and influence required to lead through complexity.
Strategic self-awareness and mindset
Influencing up, across and down
Navigating pressure, uncertainty, and change
Building execution confidence and clarity
Because leadership impact is how you think and what you do.
Business acumen isn’t a buzzword
Many leaders are promoted for their technical or interpersonal strengths. Lacking the skills to successfully meet new challenges to move the team and the organisation forward.
It’s not just knowing the business — it’s what you need to grow it.
Using the Business Acumen diagnostic and program, we help leaders
Define the drivers of commercial success
Diagnose where to focus for greater impact
Develop capabilites to optimise performance
Helping HR step beyond partnering to lead with commercial confidence
Most HR development focuses on soft skills. We go further.
Designed for HR people who want to elevate their business impact and future proof their career.
Our HR Business Acumen (HRBA) development program helps HR professionals
Understand the business drivers behind workforce decisions
Build credibility through commercial conversations
Connect people initiatives to strategic outcomes
Real leaders. Real change
“I had a lightbulb moment in my leadership journey. Melissa helped me change my mindset and become a stronger manager — which led to meaningful changes across our operations.”
Brian
— Head of Operations
“Melissa had the knowledge and experience to support me through my first executive role. The tools and techniques were practical and easy to implement — many I still use today.”
Kasie
— Digital Marketing Executive
“Melissa blends real-world experience with practical coaching. Her support helped me grow both personally and professionally in today’s hectic world. I’m applying what I learned every day.”
Angela
— Chief Marketing Officer
“Melissa has a deep understanding of executive realities and engages with empathy. Her simple, practical frameworks moved me from insight to action — fast. They're now a core part of my toolkit.”
Phillip
— Supply Chain Leader
“Melissa helped me understand my leadership strengths and grow my team. The impact? Lower turnover, more diversity, and a clear uplift in financial performance.”
John
— General Manager
“Melissa's coaching style blends commercial expertise, boardroom insights with the real-life tensions facing leaders expertise, boardroom insights with the real-life ”
Jo
— Planning Director
Meet
Melissa MacGowan
Executive Coach | Commercial Strategist | Business Acumen Specialist
I coach leaders who want to think more clearly, lead more effectively, and deliver real outcomes — especially under pressure.
With 20+ years of experience across global commercial environments, I understand the complexity and pace leaders face today. From the boardroom to the frontline, I’ve helped senior leaders and HR professionals navigate growth, change, and challenge with clarity and confidence.
Before launching Go to Grow, I held senior leadership roles within a Fortune 200 company, overseeing large teams and commercial results. Today, I draw on this experience — plus neuroscience, business acumen diagnostics, and evidence-based coaching — to help clients:
Develop commercial confidence
Lead with clarity in uncertain times
Align strategy, people, and execution
Build resilience and high-performance habits
Credentials
ICF-accredited Coach
Business Acumen Accredited
Neuroscience-Informed
Bachelor of Applied Science
Postgraduate in Business and HR
“My goal is simple: to help leaders think better so they can lead better.”
Growth Partners
