Meet Michele Lashley
Midlife women are in their Own Business Era: 25 for 25
For so many reasons, midlife women are in their Own Business Era.
I’m lucky to know many women who’ve left corporate culture, and are now building and scaling their own thing. Trademarking their IP, working solo or employing and contracting others.
During December, I’m publishing an alternative advent calendar featuring women who’ve decided to be the boss of their own careers.
25 for 25 features midlife women on the rise. Behind door one on my alternative advent calendar is Michele Lashley, Renaissance woman and multiple hat-wearer.
Michele Lashley: copywriter, attorney, professor and now solopreneur
So how many hats exactly? Michele has been a copywriter, attorney, professor and solopreneur. How’s that for prolific expertise? She now teaches others how to use storytelling to launch and grow their businesses.
So what does Michele think of AI in her line of work?
“Developing strong storytelling skills is where we — as human beings — should be focusing. Well-told stories guide us, move us and connect us more powerfully than anything else. For solopreneurs who want to stand out in the marketplace, becoming great storytellers for our businesses is non-negotiable.”
Couldn’t agree more.
Michele mainly works with women solopreneurs who are 40+ and looking at their second act in life with curiosity. They want to give themselves and their loved ones options — financially and otherwise — to live how and where they want to live. To achieve this goal, they know that building their own business is the best path forward.
Michele launched The Shorter Runway on Substack because she’s passionate about lifting up women who don't — and won't — accept that their value ceases to exist once they turn 40 (or 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 or 100). She wants to help those women learn to use storytelling to launch new ventures and connect with their audiences in unique and meaningful ways.
Those of us in midlife are better equipped than ever before to start a business. Our years of experience, our hard-earned wisdom, and our finely honed skills make us a formidable force in the entrepreneurial world. We're not just ready; we're primed for success.
Michele Lashley
2025 is for …
Michele is focused on building The Shorter Runway newsletter on Substack and growing her audience in 2025.
She’s also feeding her passion for using AI tools as brainstorming partners for content creation. Michele is convinced that technology will be a game-changer for solopreneurs — but many aren't aware of this yet. Her plan is to build awareness among The Shorter Runway community by teaching ways to incorporate various AI-powered tools to save both time and money.
Inspiration & motivation comes from …
Along the way, Michele says she’s met so many incredibly strong, intelligent, empathetic and driven women of all ages. Each one of them taught her, challenged her and helped her grow. Recently, Michele’s been particularly inspired by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast, Wiser Than Me. Listening to these women’s stories is one of Michele’s favourite parts of the week.
Her motivation comes from the "lightbulb moments" she helps facilitate for her audience - “There's nothing better than seeing the switch flipped from confusing to understanding by something I'm teaching. I love being part of another person's learning journey.”
Michele’s advice for her younger self
“I'd tell myself a LOT of things. But, primarily, I'd say, "Look, Michele — you have something of value to offer to any conversation. So, don't be afraid to speak up. Make sure your voice is heard and don't EVER assume that an idea you have isn't the right one or the best one. Have confidence in yourself and in your abilities. Know that you can always find a solution. And don't get into the habit of waiting for someone to give you permission to do what you need or want to do. Above all, be brave enough to enjoy the adventure — every single step of it."
Like what you hear? Then connect with Michele Lashley
Just arrived at Ink Tank? I’m Sue Moore, Messaging Strategist and Copywriter. I share smart stuff for writers and hot takes on midlife messaging.