In Conversation with Madelyn Ulrich

Tell us about your background:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the intersection of creativity and problem-solving. With over 17 years in the fashion industry, I’ve built my career as a designer and now serve as a Design Director in the women’s apparel sector. I love bringing ideas to life—translating vision into something tangible, functional, and beautiful. But what many don’t see behind the scenes is the high-pressure, fast-paced nature of the industry.

Like so many ambitious professionals, I poured everything into my work, often at the expense of my well-being. The breaking point came during a period of immense personal and professional stress—navigating career burnout while also processing the loss of my stepfather to chronic disease. That experience shifted my perspective in a profound way. It forced me to reevaluate my own health, stress patterns, and the way we, as high-achievers, push ourselves to the brink.

That realization led me to become a certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in stress management and burnout prevention for high-achieving women. Now, alongside my design career, I help leaders and creatives reclaim their energy, reduce overwhelm, and create a more sustainable approach to success. My goal is to prove that you don’t have to choose between thriving in your career and feeling your best—you can have both.

At my core, I’m still a designer—I build, I refine, and I create solutions. Now, I do that not only through fashion but also by helping women design lives that support both their ambitions and their well-being.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I had known that most people are figuring it out as they go—no one has it all perfectly mapped out. I also wish I had realized earlier that my leadership skills are just as important as my design skills. Being a great designer isn’t just about creativity; it’s about communication, problem-solving, and guiding a vision forward. And lastly, I’ve learned that building relationships isn’t just about the present—it’s about aligning with the people who support your future goals. The right connections can shape your career just as much as your talent does.

Best career advice you've ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep innovating and always focus on solving women’s problems. That mindset has guided me in both design and coaching—whether it’s creating products that make women feel confident and comfortable or helping them build healthier, more sustainable lives. At the core of both, it’s about understanding needs, anticipating challenges, and designing better solutions.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

The leadership qualities that matter most to me are understanding, humility, and the ability to say, ‘I don’t know’—because real growth comes from curiosity, not ego. I also believe that when challenges arise, the focus should be on solutions and continuous improvement, not placing blame. Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where problems are met with innovation and collaboration.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Right now is the biggest challenge of my career. At my design firm, I wear more hats than ever, managing multiple responsibilities with a small support system while working to maintain my team’s morale. At the same time, I recently launched my coaching business, which has been an exciting but demanding new chapter. Juggling these roles means I have less free time than I used to, but it’s also teaching me invaluable lessons in leadership, time management, and resilience.

How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?

I used to define success in my career as having a bigger title and more money. Over time, my definition has evolved. Now, success is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about earning a salary that reflects my experience and expertise, and being valued and respected by those I work with. True success for me is feeling fulfilled in my career—knowing that I’m creating meaningful impact in women’s lives, aligning my work with my values, and making a real, positive difference.

How has networking contributed to your professional growth and success?

I only began actively networking in the last 5-6 years of my career, and I wish I had started earlier. I realize now that with more confidence in myself, I could have leveraged networking opportunities to accelerate my growth. While I’ve made meaningful connections in recent years, I see how much more could have been possible had I started earlier in my journey.

What are your top networking tips for building strong connections in your industry?

My top networking tip is to get involved in industry-specific events, whether it's attending in-person happy hours or joining virtual talks on topics of interest. These are great chances to meet people in your field and build connections. I also try to stay active on LinkedIn by engaging with posts and reaching out to new people. And I’m always up for a virtual coffee or a casual chat—sometimes the best connections happen when you keep things relaxed and just get to know each other.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-m-ulrich/

Website: https://www.madelynulrich.com/

Instagram: @thrive_with_madelyn