Michele Richmond: 50 and Stronger than ever | Wise Women: 50 Over 50 Portrait Experience (Vol. 14)
“Beauty is kindness, how you treat others, how healthy you are, and what you do to improve the world around you.”
This quote pretty much sums up much of Michele Richmond’s story. At 50, she’s achieved the best health of her life (thanks to a diagnosis of two separate conditions that prompted a new evaluation of her priorities), been named the CEO of her company, and built a life centered around family, health, and continued career growth.
Enjoy Michele’s story of finding joy in a healthy lifestyle, thriving career, and vibrant family life.
What are some of the most significant lessons you've learned since turning 50?
Age is just a number. I’m healthier, in better shape, and more emotionally balanced at 50 than at any younger age. So I have been thinking, “what does 50 look like?” I guess 50 looks like me and not the image I always had of one of the Golden Girls. My friends in their 50s are also active, in the prime of their careers, and look healthy and happy, so 50 or any age is what you make it.
How has your perspective on life changed as you've gotten older?
Less is more has a different meaning. I have fewer friends but a tight-knit circle of quality friends. I am comfortable with who I am and with the notion that I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s ok. I see the value in talking less and taking in more of the room, situation or experience. And when I reserve myself for things that are really important and speak up then, it tends to have a bigger impact. I am also a homebody more as I age. I used to be very social and on-the-go all the time and would thrive on that and entertaining. I prefer being home with my family or doing things with them, quiet evenings, and am more likely to be working out or relaxing on my couch than at a party.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about women over 50?
We aren’t on the downhill slide but have so much life and career left in us. We are at the seasoned and experienced point in life where we have a quiet confidence and enough wisdom from life’s challenges to have our priorities in order and know what we want and how to get there. And confidence is one of the sexiest things a woman can wear.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this stage in your life?
I have set the example I wanted my daughters to have of what it means to be independent, have a purpose in my life and my career, and that as my daughters become adult women, they are truly the kind of people I choose to be around because I genuinely like them, not just because they are my daughters. I have a successful, intense career and a vibrant family life, and have achieved a work-life balance that allows me to give my career everything and also give my family everything and be there for every major moment. I have spent the last few years focused on being the healthiest version of me possible and am there, but continue to up my game on that front.
What are your hopes or dreams for the years ahead?
I hope to watch my daughters successfully navigate college and their desired post-graduate paths and achieve all of their hopes and dreams. I want to continue to move forward successfully in my career and eventually retire with my husband and truly enjoy life and the family we have built together. At the end of the day, I want to live another 50 years with a healthy body and mind, travel the world, watch my daughters have families of their own and be part of that experience, and eventually look back on the entirety of my life feeling satisfied that it’s been a full life worth every bump in the road and every twist & turn. So far, I wouldn’t change a thing because every success and every failure has taught me something and made me into the person, the businesswoman, the wife, and the mom I am today.
Tell me about a challenge you've faced in your middle or older years and how you overcame it (or how you are in the process of overcoming it, or accepting it).
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and a thyroid disorder 3.5 years ago and had the jolt of asking my doctor if it would affect my life expectancy. Fortunately, neither will, but it really made me take stock of my life and what’s important. That was a turning point in which I became determined to live as healthy as I possibly can. I removed alcohol, sugar, starch, and ultraprocessed food from my life. I spent 10 months learning why my body reached the point it did and how to reverse it. I changed all of the habits I have and overhauled my lifestyle. I dropped nearly 70 pounds, but more importantly, I reversed many of the issues I had, including going from someone who was pre-diabetic and exhausted all the time to someone with incredibly healthy labs who has tons of energy, doesn’t hurt anymore, and was dubbed “a model patient who is doing all the right things” by my doctors. We only get one body and I am determined to treat mine like the sanctuary it is.
How do you define beauty now, compared to when you were younger?
Beauty is kindness, how you treat others, how healthy you are, and what you do to improve the world around you. It’s far from physical at this point, and I have seen so many people who are considered “beautiful” by societal standards but who are just ugly to their core in how they interact with others, how they deal with adversity, and how they navigate life.
What passions or interests have you discovered or rediscovered later in life?
I enjoy working out - who knew?! It used to be a chore that I did because “I have to” for any variety of reasons but most often to justify the crappy things I ate or drink. There is no out working a poor diet and bad habits.
I love to travel! And I am truly blessed to love my job and my family.
Any words of advice or inspiration for younger women?
Worry less about what other people do, have or think of you and focus on being the best version of you possible. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Don’t date the life of the party and for sure don’t marry the life of the party. It’s the person who gets the life of the party home that you want for the long-term. Don’t depend on someone else to provide you the life you want - provide it yourself and no one can take it away from you.
Describe a choice you might have made differently in your younger years, if you'd had the knowledge you have now.
I ignored red flags and married the person anyway. I got my amazing daughters out of it but I also went through a ton of turmoil and so did they. People tell you who they are with their actions - believe them. That goes for everyone, not just romantic relationships. As my husband says, believe half of what you hear and all of what you see.
Who has been the greatest influence on your life, and why?
My dad. He has always been my biggest cheerleader throughout my life and really encouraged me to be independent and be the best I can be in whatever I do. Now in his 80s, he is still very active physically and mentally and I talk to him nearly every day. There were many times over the years that I should have listened to him and didn’t, and I really value his advice and counsel these days.
Thanks for reading Michele’s story!
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Explore more inspiring women from the 50 Over 50 Portrait Series:
Rosalind’s story: Rebuilding confidence and reclaiming her life after a hard marriage
Kim’s story: Choosing positivity and finding peace through the “Let Them” mindset=
Jenna’s story: Resilience, reinvention, and refusing to slow down