Michelle Li

Forging a path from the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech scene to the forefront of the climate movement, she brings a founder’s mindset and a disruptor’s energy to one of the most critical challenges of our time. Her journey from building software for giants like Salesforce and DocuSign to building a sustainable future is a masterclass in purpose-driven transformation.

At the core of Michelle’s work is a powerful, unshakeable belief: “A carbon-literate society will accelerate action and create better solutions at the speed and scale required for a thriving planet.” She diagnosed a key problem: the climate conversation was often too complex, too exclusive, and too intimidating for the average person. Her solution? To demystify climate action and make it accessible, engaging, and even joyful.

This mission ignited the creation of clever carbon, a start-up that transforms carbon footprint literacy from a dry statistic into a vibrant, interactive experience. By making learning “hip and fun,” Michelle has empowered thousands to understand their impact and become confident agents of change.

Recognising that action flourishes in community, she founded Women and Climate, a global non-profit that galvanizes a powerful network of women to connect, learn, and lead. It’s more than a community; it’s an incubator for collaboration and a testament to her commitment to inclusive, collective action.

Michelle’s magnetic energy and visionary approach have made her a sought-after voice on the world’s most influential stages, including TEDx, SXSW, Bloomberg, COP, and the United Nations. As the convener of the Carbon Newbie Summit during NYC Climate Week, she brought together titans like Mastercard, Allbirds, the NBA, and Mubadala to break down barriers to climate knowledge. Her insights are regularly featured by major media outlets such as ABC, CBS, FOX, Inc.com, and Politico, solidifying her role as a defining voice in the sustainability movement.

As a speaker, Michelle doesn’t just present; she connects and catalyses. Whether keynoting, moderating, or serving as MC for the world’s leading brands, she has a rare ability to translate complex ideas into actionable inspiration. As Alissa Schipper, Google Senior Industry Manager, notes, “Michelle Li’s powerful keynote, “A brief history: Carbon Footprint Edition,” at Google’s Sustainability Summit in Berlin, was rated the best by attendees. What truly set her presentation apart was its fun, light, and unexpectedly different approach, making a complex topic engaging and memorable.”

Michelle Li is the rare leader who bridges two worlds – the relentless innovation of tech and the urgent, human-centred mission of climate action. She isn’t just talking about a better future; she is actively building the tools and communities to create it.