Episode #18: Starting Over Later in Life After Corporate Success with Michelle Hsiao
August 11, 2026
Click to watch on YouTube.
Starting Over After Corporate Success: Building a Business and Identity on Your Own Terms
Episode Summary
After spending decades building a successful corporate career, including 16 years at Macy’s and reaching senior leadership, Michelle Hsiao stepped into entrepreneurship without having everything figured out. Suddenly, the title and company name that once opened doors were gone, and she had to reintroduce herself to the world while figuring out what kind of business she actually wanted to build.
In episode 18 of The Building Well Podcast, Michelle shares what that transition taught her about identity, niching down, networking intentionally, protecting her time, and letting go of work she was capable of doing but did not actually want to do. She also opens up about motherhood, prioritizing her health after realizing her body felt older than she was, and why building a sustainable life sometimes means accepting that you cannot do everything at once.
Michelle also brings more than two decades of retail and product experience to the conversation, sharing how she now helps product-based businesses navigate manufacturing, profitability, pricing, wholesale, and retail growth through Revenue Growth Advisors.
This conversation is a reminder that starting over does not erase everything you built before. Sometimes the next season is about separating who you are from the title you once held, carrying your experience forward, and building something that fits the person you are becoming.
3 Key Takeaways
Your Professional Identity Has to Evolve When You Start Over
After reaching senior leadership in corporate America, Michelle was accustomed to walking into rooms with a title and company name that immediately carried weight. Entrepreneurship required her to reintroduce herself without relying on that external credibility and become comfortable being known for her impact, expertise, relationships, and results instead. That shift helped her begin separating who she was from the title printed on her business card.
Being Capable of Doing Something Does Not Mean It Belongs in Your Business
Early in entrepreneurship, Michelle accepted work outside of her strongest expertise because she felt pressure to generate revenue and make the business work. Eventually, she asked herself what she did better than anyone else and why she was spending so much time doing everything else. Niching down allowed her to stop trying to be everything to everyone, focus on the work she does best, and refer other opportunities to trusted partners instead.
Building Well Requires Making Room for the Rest of Your Life
Michelle is intentional about recognizing that business exists alongside motherhood, marriage, health, relationships, and the need for rest. Her health journey became especially important after she realized she wanted her body to feel healthier and wanted to be present for her daughter for years to come. Rather than expecting every individual day to look perfectly balanced, she looks at the bigger picture and gives herself permission to adjust according to the season she is in.
Guest Bio
Michelle Hsiao is the founder of Revenue Growth Advisors, where she supports product-based businesses across categories including jewelry, apparel, food, toys, and home goods. Her work helps founders navigate the process of bringing physical products to market, including manufacturing, product development, financial strategy, pricing, profitability, wholesale, and retail growth.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Michelle built an extensive career in retail, including approximately 16 years at Macy’s in roles spanning product development and e-commerce. During her time with Macy’s, she was part of the company’s e-commerce growth from approximately $250 million to $10 billion in business. She later held a senior vice president role with another multibillion-dollar organization before launching Revenue Growth Advisors.
Today, Michelle combines her product and retail expertise with an intentional approach to entrepreneurship centered around relationships, focused expertise, and building a business that works alongside the rest of her life.
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
55% off Strategic Advisory Call with Michelle
The Entreprenista League of Founders Community (first community mentioned in the podcast)
Some links above may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from purchases to support this show.
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