From Side Hustle to HR Powerhouse: Michelle Kershaw’s Rise with Humantics LLC
There’s something unmistakable about a woman who has decided that the traditional path just isn’t wide enough for her vision. Michelle Kershaw didn’t just take the leap from side hustle to CEO—she rebuilt the entire lane.
A seasoned corporate executive turned founder, Michelle is the CEO of Humantics LLC, a global HR consulting firm dedicated to reimagining workforce strategy. After years of climbing to the highest levels of corporate HR, she found herself in spaces where her presence was often the first of its kind. But instead of conforming, she created a new framework—one where empathy meets infrastructure, and where growth is measured by impact, not just revenue.
“I know what it means to walk into rooms where I’m the ‘first,’ the ‘only,’ or the one they didn’t see coming,” Michelle says. “My journey wasn’t just about business—it was about reclaiming agency and honoring authenticity.”
Humantics isn’t your typical consulting shop. What started as a passion project—offering strategic HR guidance to small teams—quickly expanded into a firm now partnering with global manufacturers and ambitious startups entering the U.S. market. From cultural integration to organizational buildouts, Michelle’s work bridges the gap between vision and execution.
“We don’t just give advice—we build infrastructure, empower teams, and design people-first strategies that fuel sustainable growth,” she explains.
Michelle’s proudest moments include leading the U.S. expansion of eVAC Magnetics and Alpitronics, two global powerhouses that relied on her to build their HR functions from the ground up. But the real breakthrough, she says, came when she stopped trying to mirror the industry’s traditional mold.
“I failed early on by trying to fit my vision into a mold that didn’t align with my values,” she reflects. “Once I embraced my own lane—rooted in strategy, empathy, and lived experience—my business flourished.”
With over 15 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, Michelle’s insight runs deep—but it’s her mindset that sets her apart. She doesn’t define entrepreneurship by flashy metrics. For her, it’s about spaciousness. About giving yourself room to lead, grow, and define your purpose without waiting for outside validation.
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“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about making space. For yourself. For your values. For others to rise.”
Her story is one that resonates with every woman who has questioned whether her version of success is valid—and pushed forward anyway. Michelle’s commitment to helping others build people-first businesses is more than a mission. It’s a movement.
“I’m submitting this piece as a celebration of women who lead with intention, and as a testament to the power of trusting your vision—before the world validates it.”
About the Founder
Michelle Kershaw is the Founder and CEO of Humantics LLC, a global HR consulting firm that helps international manufacturers and startups build thriving U.S. operations. With advanced degrees in Emergency Management, Human Resources, and Law, she blends corporate expertise with human-centered leadership. Michelle played a pivotal role during the historic bankruptcy and acquisition of Westinghouse and has since led U.S. expansion efforts for companies including ES Foundry, Alpitronics, and eVAC Magnetics. She is committed to creating space for others to lead boldly and build beyond boundaries.
