MEET MICHELLE STACY
Board Member Spotlight
We're excited to feature Michelle Stacy as this month’s W Project Placement spotlight. Michelle is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership experience, and our team helped place her on the board of Milton’s in 2022.
Throughout her career, Michelle has held pivotal roles at industry giants like Gillette, Keurig, and iRobot, and now brings her expertise to the boards of companies such as iRobot, Milton’s Bakery, Skull Candy, Bellwether, and Adventure Ready Brands. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and fostering diversity in the boardroom.
We sat down with Michelle to discuss her career, the role of women on boards, and her adventurous spirit. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
Michelle, you’ve had such an impressive career across a range of industries. What motivates you as a board member?
I’ve always been driven by a passion for building great brands and creating consumer delight. As a board member, I get to bring that perspective to the table in a more strategic way, focusing on long-term growth and innovation. I love collaborating with CEOs and leadership teams to guide companies through critical decisions and help them grow sustainably.
You’ve worked with many companies. What’s been your most rewarding board experience so far?
I’ve truly enjoyed my time on the board of Milton’s Bakery. Helping expand their distribution channels and innovate their product line has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s exciting to see the tangible impact we’ve had on the business. Collaborating with the CEO, John, and the rest of the team has been a wonderful partnership.
It’s rewarding to watch a brand evolve and become more accessible to consumers across the country.
You’ve mentioned that women bring unique perspectives to board discussions. Can you expand on that?
Absolutely. I think women often bring a different lens to business problems, particularly when it comes to understanding the consumer and focusing on the human element of leadership. Gender diversity on boards is essential because it ensures we’re looking at problems from multiple angles. Diversity of thought leads to more creative and effective solutions. Informal conversations outside of board meetings often help build collaboration and trust, and women tend to excel in fostering those relationships.
What advice would you give to someone looking to transition from an executive role to board work?
The shift from being a CEO to a board member can be challenging because your role is no longer about direct control but about providing oversight and guidance. It’s important to stay engaged but know when to step back and allow the CEO to lead.
I always focus on how I can add value in a way that supports the leadership team and ensures shareholder success.
Beyond the boardroom, what exciting adventures do you have planned?
Over the years, I’ve done everything from heli-skiing to trekking in Bhutan, and I’ve gone on some amazing backroads biking trips. I’m also a competitive equestrian, so I love athletic challenges. But the most adventurous thing I’m about to do is next week—I’m heading out on a 14-day whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River! No shower, no toilet, completely off the grid. I’m beyond excited for the adventure.
Finally, what are you currently reading, and what lessons are you taking away from it?
Unreasonable Hospitality
I just finished reading Unreasonable Hospitality, and it really resonated with me. The idea of creating exceptional experiences for people, whether they’re customers or team members, is something I try to apply in my work. I believe in giving people ownership and responsibility, which leads to stronger teams and better results.
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