Michael Q. Pugliese on Stewardship, Legacy, and Building Circadia.

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Michael Q. Pugliese is the third-generation CEO of Circadia, a global skincare company built on science, education, and integrity. But before he is a leader, a formulator, or an educator, Michael is the father of two daughters—and much of the work he does today is shaped by the question of what he is building not just for an industry, but for them.

In this conversation, Michael reflects on what it means to carry an esteemed family legacy while still having to earn your place inside it. He speaks candidly about learning the business from the ground up, taking risks without guarantees, and making sacrifices that don’t always come with recognition—time away from family, the pressure of growth, and the emotional discipline required to lead responsibly.

We explore how fatherhood has sharpened his sense of stewardship, how mentorship and education became central to Circadia’s mission, and why legacy is less about what you pass down than the values you model along the way. For Michael, building something enduring means creating a company his children can be proud of—one rooted in integrity, care for people, and long-term thinking.

This episode is a reflection on leadership, responsibility, and the quiet choices that shape both a business and a life.

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