Business and Executive Advisor. Two-Time CEO. Architect of Strategic Alignment.
When Success Isn’t Enough
On paper, I had it all.
A high-powered career. A corner office. Two CEO titles. Successful exits in the US and Australia. A seemingly perfect life.
Over the course of a decade, I rose through the ranks - from Analyst to VP of Analytics to SVP of Corporate Development - turning deep data insights into strategic decisions that shaped high-growth businesses. Later, as a two-time CEO, I led extraordinary teams, drove transformation, and guided two companies through 8- and 9-figure exits by investing in talent, building valuable IP, strengthening brands and systems, and aligning execution with vision and values.
But behind the scenes, I was living in a prison I didn’t even realise I’d built.
I was the breadwinner, yet owned nothing. The leader, yet powerless at home. The provider, yet perpetually depleted.
My success served everyone but me.
When everything finally collapsed, I faced the hardest choice of my life: continue sacrificing myself for a life that wasn’t truly mine - or walk away without a clear roadmap for what came next.
I chose myself.
And in that moment, I discovered the truth that changed everything:
Success without alignment isn’t success at all.
A New Vision of Leadership
Rebuilding my life - and later, my career - taught me that real leadership isn’t about titles, accolades, or appearances.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about building something real - something that restores you, not just consumes you.
It’s about leading from a place of clarity, not chaos.
Across more than 35,000 hours leading, scaling, and transforming organisations - from global enterprises to high-growth startups - I’ve learned that every enduring business transformation has one thing in common:
The leader must transform first.
Why I Created The Cadence Method
The Cadence Method was born from my lived experience - not just my leadership resume.
It’s a strategic framework that helps CEOs, COOs, P&L Owners and Developing Leaders do what I had to learn the hard way:
Shift from overextended operator to aligned, strategic leader
Redesign the business into a scalable, value-creating, legacy worthy asset
Create a business that sustains you and your team
And most importantly, evolve as a leader while the business evolves.
This dual transformation - of the leader and the business - is what creates sustainable success, enduring value, impact, freedom, and a legacy that lasts.
“You are not just building a business. You are building a life. Let’s make sure it’s one you actually want to live.”
How I Help Business Owners Today
Today, I work with executives who have already built something real - but who feel the pull toward something more.
More clarity.
More impact.
More enduring value
Through The Cadence Method, I guide my clients to:
Reconnect with the deeper vision and values behind their leadership
Align teams, systems, and strategy to create freedom, value, and scalability
Evolve into the leader their future business - and future self - needs
Because building a thriving enterprise isn’t just about doing more.
It’s about becoming more.
What I Believe
I believe business should be a force for good - for yourself, your team, and your community. I believe wealth and impact can (and should) grow together. I believe leadership starts with integrity - with being true to yourself first.
And I believe that joy, insight, abundance, connection, success, and impact aren’t side effects of great leadership.
They’re the real goals.
Liz McMillan
Founder, Business & Executive Coach
The Cadence Method
Brisbane, Australia
“Liz is an incredible person and coach. If you are wanting to make big changes in your life and business, Liz is the coach! She will ask brilliant questions to help you dig deep and get beneath the layers of stories we tell ourselves and the limiting beliefs holding us back. She will help you get clear on what truly matters to you, what you really want and where you want to go... but even more so what is holding you back. I highly recommend Liz as an amazing coach if you want to grow and go deep!”