From Hustle to Harmony: Michelle Poole’s Redefinition of Success
Michelle Poole, a seasoned global executive who has spent more than 30 years leading some of the world’s most recognizable footwear and apparel brands, joins Buddy Teaster to discuss navigating the uncertainty of life beyond the boardroom.
In this episode, Michelle shares her journey serving as President of Crocs, helping to transform the company into a global powerhouse. But in 2023, she made the bold decision to step away from the corporate world at the height of her success. She opens up about what led her to that choice, the importance of leaving on the right terms, and how she’s navigating the uncertainty of life beyond the boardroom.
The Tailspin:
For many professionals at the peak of their careers, the decision to walk away from a high-profile leadership role isn’t easy. For Michelle, the realization that it was time for a change didn’t happen overnight.
It was a quiet voice at first—one that she tried to ignore. “I loved what I was doing, but I just started to question, and again, it's just a feeling to begin with and you sort of push it away and ignore it,” Michelle reflects.
As someone who had spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, Michelle found herself reevaluating what success truly meant. Her role at Crocs had been deeply fulfilling, but as she approached her 10-year mark, she started to notice a disconnect between her professional achievements and the personal sacrifices required to sustain them.
“I came to realize that there wasn't a big crossover between the things that I really loved doing and the amount of time I was giving them.” These realizations were compounded by life events that served as stark reminders of time’s fleeting nature.
A series of personal losses, including peers her own age who had passed away, reinforced the urgency of making a change before life dictated it for her. “Those sometimes kind of send for you as little reminders to say, ‘Hey, it's not a given.’” It was clear that if she didn’t take control of her next chapter, Michelle risked staying in a role simply because it was familiar, rather than because it was the right place for her future.
The Work:
Rather than making an impulsive exit, Michelle took a methodical and thoughtful approach to leaving Crocs. She understood that the way she left would shape not just her own next steps, but also the company’s ability to maintain its momentum.
“I feel incredibly fortunate that it went as well as it could have done. It could not have gone better.” She credits this smooth transition to careful planning, an open dialogue with Crocs’ leadership, and a well-structured succession strategy.Unlike many executives who leave in frustration or haste, Michelle ensured her departure was a positive and strategic move. “I got to go out, as you say, on top,” she says. “I got to say all my goodbyes across the world.”
A key part of this process was finding the right successor—someone who could carry on the brand’s success while bringing their own strengths to the role. “Obviously, when you hire from inside the organization, you already know that. You take the guesswork out.”
Beyond ensuring continuity at Crocs, Michelle also had to prepare herself emotionally and mentally for what came next. Stepping away from a leadership position wasn’t just about logistics—it was about identity.
She had to ask herself: Who am I without the title? “I do understand and know that there is some ego tied up in having a big title and people treat you a certain way,” Michelle explains. “It's an uncomfortable space because I'm used to having lots of plans.”
Through this transition, she embraced the idea of deconstruction before reconstruction—giving herself the space to strip away the external validation of her career before deciding what truly came next. Communication and honoring relationships exemplify a leadership style that is both bold and compassionate.
The Tailwind:
Leaving Crocs didn’t mean stepping into another high-powered role immediately. Instead, Michelle chose to embrace the unknown, allowing herself to slow down and be present in ways she hadn’t been before. “This era for me or phase of my life where I’m being and not doing, I knew it was going to be different,” Michelle explains.
With newfound time and flexibility, she’s rediscovering the simple joys of life—driving her son to school, spending time in her garden, and even taking up printmaking.
“I feel like if I rush into the next thing, I haven’t really met my objective of actually stepping away and just trying to, I guess, operate at a different speed setting.”
While she remains open to new professional opportunities, Michelle is determined to be intentional about what comes next. She knows she has the energy, passion, and creativity to contribute, but she’s waiting for the right spark—something that excites her enough to pull her back in.
Looking ahead, she hopes that when she reflects on this period decades from now, she’ll be able to say: “I never lost my lust for life, never lost my desire to keep growing and learning.”
Michelle Poole’s journey from tailspin to tailwind is a testament to the power of self-awareness, intentional transition, and the courage to embrace change. By listening to the quiet signals that it was time for something new, she not only ensured a graceful exit from Crocs but also created the space to rediscover herself beyond her professional identity.
Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about what we build in our careers, but also about knowing when to step away, trust the next chapter, and redefine what fulfillment looks like.
To hear more about Michelle’s inspiring journey, her experiences leading iconic brands, and her insights on balancing professional success with personal fulfillment, tune in to the full episode of re:Purpose with Buddy Teaster.
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