From CRO to Operating Partner: Embracing Change with Michelle Benfer

Some career moves are planned. Others show up unannounced.

Michelle Benfer wasn’t looking for a job when a recruiter called about an operating partner role in private equity. She had the job—leading revenue for a billion-dollar public company with 500+ people on her team. But something about the opportunity made her pause.

In this episode of Critical Moments, Michelle shares:

✅ How she overcame imposter syndrome to take bigger roles than she ever imagined

✅ Why mentorship and outside perspective helped her weigh a major career decision

✅ How intellectual curiosity—not just compensation—guided her next move

✅ The exact moment she knew she was going to say yes

Key Moments:

[00:01] - Michelle’s background and career trajectory

[01:09] - The unexpected recruiter call

[03:00] - Facing imposter syndrome—even after landing a dream job

[08:00] - How mentorship and outside advice shaped her decision

[16:35] - The moment she knew she was taking the job