Direction beyond the current
We help early stage founders move from reactive decisions to clear strategic choices they can execute. A navigator for the journey ahead.
A home for founders carving their own path.
A home for the dreamers, the doers
and the ones crazy enough to think they can.
This is North of Now. A sanctuary for founders who refuse to follow the well worn path. Where clarity meets courage, and strategy becomes the compass for your next chapter.
How the journey works
Every founder has a current, a route, and a destination. North of Now maps all three.
Where you are: Foggy waters
We start by understanding your real starting point. We look at business maturity, brand position and what the market actually sees when they look at you.
The waters in between: Your route
Then we map the currents, risks and opportunities. What to prioritise now, what to park for later and which reefs to avoid.
Where you are heading: The island
Finally we define a clear vivid destination and a practical route to get there so every choice pulls you in the same direction.
In simple terms, we turn "I am guessing" into a mapped route you can actually sail.
Introducing Northmap™
A first of its kind diagnostic tool designed to take the guesswork out of being a founder.
Northmap™ blends management-level strategic insight with expert brand clarity, finally made accessible to early stage founders.
Business perspective
- Business model
- Product innovation
- Lifecycle phase
- Automation and optimisation
Brand perspective
- Brand love and equity
- Positioning
- Target market connection
- Storytelling
These perspectives create your Northmap. It gives you the clearest picture of where you are, where you're heading and the smartest way to get there.
Who it is for
This is for founders who are not starting from zero, but are not "sorted" either. You have proven something works. Now you need to figure out what comes next.
You have sales, but no clear growth plan.
You are juggling marketing, operations and ideas with no way to prioritise.
You are tired of being sold tactics when you know you need strategy.
You want a strategic partner, not another person asking you for a brief.
How it works
The North of Now system turns confusion into clarity through three connected phases. This is strategy you can execute, not decks that gather dust.
Diagnose
A deep dive into where your business really is. We examine business maturity, brand positioning and innovation potential to find root causes, not just symptoms.
Where we find what is actually happening
Map
Build a clear growth map and prioritised roadmap. This is not a 50 page deck. It is a living document you will actually use to make strategic choices.
Where we chart the route forward
Navigate
Ongoing support and check ins to keep decisions aligned with the map. Strategy only works when you have someone to hold the compass with you.
Where we walk it together
Why North of Now
What makes this different from typical agencies or business coaches.
Built for early stage realities
No corporate politics. No bloated processes. Just the strategic clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
A single strategic brain
Business, brand and innovation are all connected. You do not need three consultants when one navigator understands the whole picture.
A living roadmap
You leave with direction you can execute, not loose ideas in a forgotten PDF. Strategy that actually gets used.
Ways to work together
Choose the level of strategic partnership that fits where you are right now.
Signal Session
A 90 minute deep dive to clarify the real problem and identify your next best moves. Perfect for when you need focused strategic thinking, fast.
BEST FOR:
Founders who need clarity on a specific challenge or decision.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Clarity on your core strategic question
- 2-3 prioritised next actions
- A recording and summary to reference
North Star Sprint
A 3-4 week intensive to build your strategic growth map and priority roadmap. Deep work that gives you direction for the year ahead.
BEST FOR:
Founders ready to stop reacting and start executing with intention.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Complete strategic growth map
- 90 day priority roadmap
- Brand positioning clarity
Ongoing Navigation
Monthly or quarterly strategic partnership for founders who want a long term navigator. Consistent support as your business evolves.
BEST FOR:
Founders who value having a strategic thinking partner on call.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Regular strategic check ins
- Decision support between sessions
- Roadmap reviews and adjustments
Meet the founder
Michelle Labuschagne
Strategic partner to early stage brands and agencies
Builder of the North of Now Strategic Identity System
Known for turning messy ideas into clear, executable direction
With degrees spanning innovation, strategy and advertising, Michelle has spent years studying why some founders break through while others burn out. The answer is rarely about working harder.
She blends business thinking, behavioural insight and storytelling to help founders see their path more clearly. North of Now exists because too many good ideas get lost in the noise.
Her approach is direct, grounded and always focused on what will actually move the needle. No fluff. No jargon. Just the strategic clarity you need to make better decisions.
FAQ
Expect a reply within 2 business days.