Michelle was the first person to launch Bumble in Australia, sold her own company Sunroom, and stepped into the role of President of Peanut - all while navigating pregnancy and matrescence.
From growing up in a hyper-competitive household with Olympian parents to building apps for women, by women, Michelle reflects on how her identity has been shaped by ambition and challenged by cultural expectations, tall poppy syndrome, and motherhood.
Michelle discusses:
Tall Poppy Syndrome & Female Visibility: How cultural discomfort with ambitious women shows up as judgement, self-policing, and pressure to stay small - especially in Australia.
Motherhood, Career & the Myth of ‘Having It All’: What pregnancy and postpartum taught Michelle about leadership, resilience, and why motherhood doesn’t weaken ambition - it sharpens it.
Women’s Bodies, Confidence & Control: Why society sexualises women’s bodies but shames their biology - and why reclaiming ownership is an act of leadership.
Why Naivety Can Be a Superpower: Michelle shares the strategies, mistakes, and mindset shifts behind her career.
♡ 01. instant glow ♡
This is my secret weapon when I want people to think I get regular facials. One use and my skin looks rested, bright, and expensive.
♡ 02. smarter reading ♡
I love anything that helps information actually stick. Being able to revisit my highlights has completely changed how I learn and retain ideas.
♡ 03. better priorities ♡
This has taught me how to focus on what truly matters. Asking myself one powerful question each day has been a game changer for productivity and clarity.
♡ 04. glow protection ♡
This is my daily non-negotiable. It protects my skin and doubles as the perfect makeup base for a natural, luminous finish.
♡ 05. women-only community ♡
Having spaces built specifically for women navigating big life stages makes all the difference. Support and shared experience are essential for happiness.
♡ 06. comfort ritual ♡
Evenings in my house are intense with two babies, but slipping into something soft after bath time instantly makes me feel more cared for.
♡ 07. future mindset ♡
This isn’t something you buy, it’s something you decide. My mantra keeps me focused and grounded in the identity I’m stepping into.
♡ 08. small luxury ♡
I love tiny rituals that make me feel put together. Reapplying this throughout the day feels like a quiet act of self-respect.
♡ 09. ten-minute volume ♡
This tool has completely replaced blowouts for me. A few minutes and my hair looks full, polished, and effortless.
♡ 10. evening unwind ♡
Ending the day with something warm and calming helps me process everything. It’s simple, soothing, and makes the night feel a little more special.
♡ Hot, Smart, Rich Tips ♡
♡ Hot Hack ♡
Stay out of the sun. As an Aussie, we’re so well informed of the dangers of skin cancer and sun damage. Nothing is more anti-aging than keeping your face protected as much as possible. But on top of that - your hands - they see the sun just as much (if not more). I apply my face sunscreen to the back of my hands as well as my moisturizers daily.
♡ Smart Hack ♡
Build a brag folder. It’s really difficult to keep track of your achievements & what you’ve done throughout the year (or throughout your career). Whenever something good happens, feedback, results, numbers, press, social wins take a quick screenshot and put it in your personal brag folder. By the time it gets to EOY reviews, you’ll have all your achievements prepared so you can ask for that pay rise or promotion. Also super helpful when interviewing for new roles or building out a personal portfolio.
♡ Rich Tip ♡
Your network is your net worth. Every opportunity I’ve taken that’s led to me unlocking greater financial gains/opportunities for myself has come from my network. Don’t underestimate people and don’t be scared to throw your hat in the ring or ask your network for help/intro’s/advice if you ever feel stuck. You never know who your next boss, co-founder, or investor could be. A line I always lived by when fundraising which can be applied to many other situations is want advice? ask for money. Want money? Ask for advice.
♡ Favorite Part of the Conversation ♡
I loved talking about how motherhood and pregnancy shouldn’t hold you back in any industry. Remember that women aren’t a niche - we’re half the population. And motherhood isn’t a side issue, it’s the most universal human experience. Mothers are everywhere and that means we must be represented at all tables -
not just those in femtech.
♡ Something People Don’t Know About You ♡
People think confidence is something you feel. For me, it’s something I practice - usually after I’m already scared. I’ve learned to act before fear has time to talk me out of things. I’ll ask myself: what’s the worst that could happen, what’s actually most likely, and what would partial success look like?
A lot of life comes down to not being afraid to be seen trying - something I constantly remind myself.
♡ About The Guest ♡
Michelle Battersby - Founder of Sunroom and President of Peanut.
Michelle Battersby is a tech entrepreneur and marketing leader who builds products and platforms that empower women and non‑binary creators. She began her career launching major brands in new markets, including leading Bumble’s expansion across the Asia‑Pacific region and serving as a senior marketing executive in tech. Michelle later co‑founded Sunroom, a creator monetization platform designed to help women and non‑binary people earn directly from their audiences online, scaling it through significant funding and leadership before its acquisition. She now serves as President of Peanut, a global social network for women at every stage of life, where she champions community, support, and connection. Michelle’s journey blends strategic risk‑taking with candid conversations about career, motherhood, and leadership, making her one of the voices shaping how modern founders navigate work and life simultaneously.