What does it really take to make a boss move?

In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie sit down with powerhouse leader Monique Earl to explore what it means to make bold decisions, lead with confidence, and create impact without losing yourself in the process.

With more than two decades of leadership experience across both the public and private sectors, Monique brings a wealth of wisdom on navigating high-level leadership, building meaningful relationships, overcoming fear, and trusting yourself when the next move feels uncertain.

Throughout the conversation, Monique shares lessons from her journey through government leadership, consulting, community service, and personal adversity. She opens up about the pivotal career decision that changed the trajectory of her life, the cancer diagnosis that forced her to reevaluate her priorities, and why betting on yourself is often the biggest boss move of all.

Melissa, Kerri, and Monique also challenge common ideas about leadership, success, and imposter syndrome. Together, they unpack the importance of authenticity, mentorship, capacity, relationship-building, and learning to trust the process even when the path forward isn't completely clear.

Whether you're considering a career change, stepping into a leadership role, navigating a personal transition, or simply wondering what your next move should be, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

In This Episode:

• What "making boss moves" actually means in leadership and life
• Why taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth
• The influence Monique's parents had on her leadership philosophy
• How community impact shapes true leadership
• Why fear doesn't disappear and how to move forward anyway
• Navigating rooms where you may be the only woman or person of colour
• The importance of knowing and owning your superpowers
• Building relationships outside your comfort zone
• Why mentorship remains one of the most valuable career tools
• Understanding the difference between availability and capacity
• Monique's career-changing decision to leave a role she loved
• Lessons learned from navigating a cancer diagnosis and recovery
• Why betting on yourself is one of the biggest boss moves you can make
• Rethinking imposter syndrome and trusting your abilities
• How mistakes become some of our greatest teachers
• Why not every opportunity, promotion, or paycheck is the right one
• The power of showing up as your authentic self
• Why making boss moves is more like playing chess than checkers

About Monique Earl:

Monique is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in financial management, policy development, and infrastructure innovation. She currently serves as a Senior Manager at Accenture LLP, where she leads transportation and infrastructure initiatives across Southern California, helping public sector clients drive modernization, efficiency, and equity in mobility solutions.

Previously, Monique held key leadership roles in the City of Los Angeles, including Deputy Mayor of Budget and Financial Policy, Chief Deputy Controller, and Executive Officer at the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. In these roles, she shaped financial strategy, improved transparency, and advanced transportation planning to better serve Angelenos. At the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, she led Human Resources and spearheaded diversity initiatives in hiring, contracting, and community engagement.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Monique is a proud resident of Leimert Park and remains deeply committed to community engagement. She holds a Master of Public Administration from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.

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Connect with Kerri Harper-Howie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriharperhowie/

Check out Kerri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D9TYFW6N

Connect with Melissa Dumas:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/

Website: https://www.melissadumaz.com/