This time, let’s spotlight the remarkable journey of Michelle Zhang, an accomplished technopreneur and the CEO and Founder of MUSE. Originally from China but now based in Australia, Michelle is a true enthusiast of technology, harnessing cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, virtual reality (VR), and blockchain to revolutionize the world of online shopping, turning it into a dynamic social experience that has taken the industry by storm. What truly distinguishes Michelle is her unwavering passion for technology and her commitment to using it as a tool to address global challenges.
Michelle firmly believes that to change the world, one must combine unwavering passion with the right technological tools. She is a force in the corporate world, driven by results and equipped with the expertise to deliver technological solutions that align perfectly with organizational needs.
Our conversation with Michelle unveiled a fearless female leader who possesses agility and a remarkable ability to conceive and implement innovative solutions. Her track record demonstrates her talent for driving innovation and progress. She is also recognized for fostering significant diversity and inclusivity, which has transformed organizational practices and opened up new opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in technology.
From her early days in investment banking to her current role as a global entrepreneur, Michelle’s story is one of determination, innovation, and boundless ambition. Born into a family of businesspeople in China, she inherited her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and went on to achieve remarkable success in the business world. After earning her Master’s degree in Australia, she began her career in investment banking, accumulating over 16 years of experience in various industries, including technology, energy, fashion, and manufacturing.
Michelle’s expertise and leadership skills led her to play pivotal roles in numerous commercial cooperation projects, including a significant project worth over 1.5 billion RMB for an SPM park in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Her investment in the energy industry in Spain in 2013 marked a significant milestone in her career, as the client firm was recognized as one of the world’s most innovative clean-tech companies.
In 2017, Michelle joined DONGTIAN Holding, the first beauty business to be listed on China’s stock market, where she served on a global scale. Under her leadership, the company underwent a transformation from a traditional business into a global brand, catering to Generation Z through cosmetic products and clinics with high profit margins. Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas propelled her to the forefront of the global business landscape.
MUSE: Pioneering High-Value Collectibles Michelle identified the need for innovation and progress in the realm of high-value collectibles. She embarked on a journey to create a revolutionary platform that would bring security, trust, and sustainability to this market. Thus, MUSE Technology Pty Limited and MUSE & Partners Pty Ltd were born in 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With Michelle at the helm, MUSE Technology is poised to transform the collectibles market and provide collectors with a platform that truly reflects their passion and expertise.
MUSE Technology is a game-changing, AI-powered data analytics decentralized application (DApp) specializing in collectibles. This unique platform harnesses the latest advancements in AI, data, and blockchain technology to offer collectors a streamlined and secure means of buying and selling high-value items.
One of MUSE Technology’s standout features is its precise and up-to-date valuation of collectibles. This powerful tool empowers users with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about buying and selling. By integrating blockchain technology into the application, MUSE ensures that all transactions are safe, secure, and authentic. This instills confidence in both buyers and sellers, as they know their information is protected, and their collectibles are genuine, while also enhancing market transparency and deterring fraud or price manipulation.
Moreover, MUSE transcends being a mere marketplace; it fosters a community that connects like-minded individuals who share a passion for high-value items and collectibles. It nurtures a community of collectors, enthusiasts, experts, and influencers, offering a platform for anyone passionate about these items and the stories behind them. MUSE provides a unique method for minting NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), enabling users to preserve the legacy of their valuable items and collectibles.
Championing a Luxury Ecosystem At MUSE, the mantra “We are giving luxury a new life” is not just a slogan; it’s a mission. The community is dedicated to making a difference in the world of luxury by promoting sustainable practices. MUSE’s team not only advocates for the resale and reuse of high-value slow fashion items but also champions the circular economy. Their commitment to promoting a circular economy and ethical consumption is both financially and socially responsible. Through their platform, they empower individuals to repurpose luxury items that would otherwise go to waste.
MUSE also leads by example in sustainable practices by adopting eco-friendly operations and minimizing its carbon footprint. Their community of collectors and enthusiasts, who value sustainability and ethical consumption, shares these values and contributes to making a positive impact in the fashion industry.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation The culture at MUSE is steeped in values as elegant and sophisticated as the platform itself. Their core values of reliability, integrity, innovation, collaboration, transparency, accountability, and sustainability are the driving forces behind their endeavors. They firmly believe that there is no greater luxury than sustainability.
Technology is another cornerstone value at MUSE. They understand that success hinges on understanding where you’ve been and where you’re headed. They refuse to settle for the ordinary, firmly believing that being extraordinary is the only way to stand out. MUSE also recognizes that there is no finish line in innovation and is dedicated to continuously pushing boundaries and improving.
MUSE’s culture and identity reflect their unwavering commitment to values. They prioritize exceeding client expectations by delivering high-quality, customized solutions that cater to unique needs. Building long-term relationships with clients is paramount, and they work closely with them to understand preferences and develop tailored solutions.
Overcoming Adversity and Leading with Vision Michelle, a mother and accomplished leader, has faced numerous challenges on her path to success. She understands that the journey to the top can be arduous, especially for women in male-dominated fields. However, she has persevered, surmounting every obstacle in her way.
She has experienced pain and adversity but remained true to herself, emerging as a strong and resilient leader. She appreciates the difficulties she has encountered in life and how they have strengthened her. To Michelle, problems are no longer obstacles but valuable experiences to learn from.
As the founder and CEO of MUSE, Michelle fulfills a diverse range of roles and responsibilities that contribute to the startup’s success. Her primary duties encompass shaping MUSE’s vision, culture, and strategy, setting objectives, and charting the company’s course. She draws from her life experiences to inspire and motivate her team, contractors, clients, and collaborators.
Beyond her visionary role, Michelle manages day-to-day operations, financial matters, stakeholder relations, and business development. She places great emphasis on upholding MUSE’s positive reputation, recognizing its pivotal role in the company’s success.
Combatting Gender Discrimination in Tech In the tech industry, promoting diversity and inclusivity is imperative, and Michelle is taking concrete steps to effect positive change. She acknowledges that addressing gender disparity in technology is a multifaceted challenge that demands attention and effort. As a female leader, she also understands the struggle of balancing professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments, which can lead to burnout and setbacks. Nonetheless, she overcame these obstacles through the development of confidence, relationships, and networking. She actively encourages and supports women to pursue careers in tech, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integral to technological development.
Under Michelle’s leadership, MUSE is fostering an environment where women feel valued and included in decision-making processes. She is dedicated to promoting equality and providing support and opportunities. She is nurturing a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, offers equal opportunities and support, and encourages respect and open communication. Michelle recognizes the significance of offering flexible work arrangements, especially in a post-COVID world.
Tech Trends to Watch Michelle identifies three major trends that will shape the future of technology, significantly impacting the industry, its customers, and the world at large. Firstly, artificial intelligence (AI) has made substantial advancements in recent years and is poised to play an even more prominent role in the future.
Secondly, as the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, sustainability-focused technology is gaining increasing importance. There is growing demand for technology solutions that address issues such as climate change and resource depletion, encompassing sustainable energy production and consumption, efficient transportation, and environmentally friendly manufacturing and agriculture.
Lastly, the internet of things (IoT) involves the interconnectivity of various devices and objects through the internet. IoT is being increasingly integrated into diverse industries, spanning healthcare, retail, agriculture, and manufacturing, as smart devices become more prevalent.
According to Michelle, MUSE is committed to creating innovative products and services that align with these trends to meet evolving customer needs.
Balancing Work and Motherhood As a mother of two, Michelle is known for her distinctive approach to work. She believes in single-tasking, dedicating her full attention to one task at a time. This approach has enabled her to excel in her work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As a busy professional, Michelle emphasizes the importance of setting specific times for work and personal life and adhering to them. Despite her frequent travels, she never misses her children’s school events. She reserves the month of January for a family ski holiday, where she disconnects from her phone while enjoying quality time with her children in Zermatt.
Michelle Zhang, Founder & CEO of MUSE, stands as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a deep commitment to using technology for positive change. Her journey from investment banking to global entrepreneurship, her dedication to sustainability and diversity, and her vision for the future of technology make her a remarkable technopreneur and leader.
