Micro-Credentials Shaped My Journey into Mental Health Leadership

In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential for anyone aiming to create meaningful impact. My journey into advocacy and mental health leadership was shaped significantly by micro-credentials, which offered flexible, targeted learning while I balanced family, work, and lived experience commitments.

Recently featured in Westpac’s article on the growing influence of micro-courses, my story highlights how accessible, skill-specific learning can help people pivot, grow, and establish careers in new fields. The piece reflects how micro-credentials in mental health leadership have become powerful tools for professionals seeking specialised expertise.

Unlike traditional degrees, micro-credentials provide fast-tracked, focused education that supports upskilling and career transition. Coming from a business and finance background, my shift into mental health, suicide prevention, and peer work was far from linear. These courses bridged that gap, equipping me with the knowledge needed to support individuals, influence policy, and contribute to systemic change.

Through Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs), I help individuals and organisations embed lived experience leadership into mental health and community services. Micro-credentials strengthened my ability to do this work. They also offer a valuable model for the sector, encouraging continuous learning in an environment where research, practice, and community needs evolve quickly.

Micro-credentials allowed me to turn lived experience into leadership; ensuring that peer work, suicide prevention advocacy, and systems transformation remain evidence-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-world insight.

Read the full article here: Westpac – Why Micro-Courses Are Catching On

LEXs is Michael Elwan's Perth-based practice, working online across Australia. Services include training and workshops, lived experience consultancy, Social Work Supervision, Lived Experience Leadership Supervision, Frontline Supervision, therapy and keynote speaking. Training and workshops can be commissioned for organisational leaders, practitioners and frontline teams, and carers, families and communities. Explore LEXs services.