20: Michelle McCarthy on Life After… Having it “All”: Leaving corporate, navigating single motherhood, and building a business in Australia
Description
What happens when you finally have everything you thought you wanted, but still feel unfulfilled?
This week, I’m joined by Michelle McCarthy, creative agency founder, brand strategist, solo mum, speaker and all-round powerhouse.
From the outside, Michelle had it all, the high-flying corporate career, relationship, new car, the picture-perfect life. But behind the scenes, she felt stuck, unfulfilled, and ready for change.
Her story takes us from leaving a relationship with a couple of suitcases and walking away from the corporate ladder, to starting a business in Australia as an expat with no safety net, all while navigating the curveball of unexpected single motherhood.
Through it all, Michelle has rebuilt her life and business in a way that truly reflects who she is, proving that success doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s rulebook.
In this episode, we chat about:
- Michelle’s journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneur and brand strategist
- What it’s really like to start a business in a foreign country, with no safety net
- Navigating pregnancy, and single motherhood in Australia, with no family support around
- The identity shifts that come with leaving relationships, careers, and old versions of yourself behind
- Why building a business that feels authentic matters more than following trends
- Lessons in resilience, reinvention, and giving yourself permission to start again
Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that your biggest challenges can also become the foundations for your next chapter.
It’s about trusting yourself, taking bold steps forward, and creating a life and business that truly feels like yours.
Connect with Michelle:
Instagram: @immichellemccarthy
Website: https://michellemccarthy.com.au/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@immichellemccarthy
Our live event is back!
Life After I Left - the live event - is back in Melbourne on 16 Oct for our 4th unforgettable event. 4 brand new speakers sharing 4 raw, powerful stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Early bird tickets are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/life-after-i-left-oct-2025-tickets-1514579691629
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