Great Life Experiment Podcast

In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with Michele Ashby, a trailblazing executive, board director, and founder of ACE LLC. With over three decades of experience in finance and capital markets, and eight board seats under her belt, Michelle is on a mission to train 1,000 women to step into corporate boardrooms with confidence, clarity, and impact. 

Together, Monique and Michelle dive into the real path to board leadership — from mastering governance and financial acumen to navigating the unspoken dynamics of the good old boys’ network. They also explore the mindset shifts women need to own their value, silence imposter syndrome, and speak the executive vernacular that commands a room. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “Could I be doing more?”, this episode is your blueprint for what’s next. Whether you’re an experienced executive, a rising leader, or simply curious about how women can shape the future of corporate governance, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead at the highest level and claim the seat that’s already waiting for you. 

(05:37) - Michelle’s Journey to the Boardroom

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In this first fireside chat, Monique Schafer brings together three dynamic women - Crystal Harvey, Danielle Deanna, and herself - to explore the critical theme of building strong foundations in life. Though their paths and experiences differ, they share a common thread: the importance of intentionality, self-awareness, and purposeful growth across personal, professional, and family domains.

As mothers, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating complex life transitions, they dive deep into how we can create resilient foundations that support us through challenges. From parenting and marriage to business and personal development, this conversation offers raw, honest insights into maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and thriving during seasons of profound change.

Whether you're a parent, professional, or someone seeking to build a more intentional life, this episode provides practical strategies, emotional support, and inspiration for creating a solid foundation that can weather any storm.

(01:56) - Meet Crystal and Danielle

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What happens when two driven, high-achieving people fall in love and try to do life — careers, kids, dreams — together? You get high-powered love, with all the magic and the mess that comes with it. 

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and deeply grounded Heather Clark, a licensed therapist and expert trained in trauma reprocessing and EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She works specifically with high-performing couples who are navigating success, stress, and the sacredness of their relationships. Think of powerhouses who are crushing it at work but are feeling disconnected at home! Heather is the creator of the upcoming High-Powered Love Method, and she’s here to drop some real talk and proven tools to stop putting your relationship on the back burner and actually grow deeper, stronger, and more in sync as life gets fuller. 

Whether you’re running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, raising babies, or all of the above, this episode will hit home, so let’s dive in!

(02:49) - What Is EDMR (and why is it magical)?

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Picture this: It’s late. The day’s been a lot, and we’re in post-bedtime haze when big thoughts come out. The ones when something from work is still swirling in your head, and you just need to say it out loud to someone who gets it.

That’s exactly where this episode begins. 

In this episode, you’ll hear a real-time conversation between me and my husband, Ben, as we talk through a super common leadership challenge — what to do when you’re already maxed out and someone adds another priority to your plate? How do you respond when everything is “important”, nothing can wait, and no one wants to make the tough call? 

This episode is real and raw! And it’s for anyone who’s been caught between expectations and capacity. We’re talking strategy, self-advocacy, and what it really looks like to lead when no one else is drawing the line. Let’s dive in!

(02:13) - Picturing Ben’s Week: Full Plates, Restructures, and Big Deliverables

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

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There are moments in life when you’re doing all the “right” things — you’re showing up, you followed the plan, you played by the rules — and somehow, it’s still not working. It’s frustrating. It’s heartbreaking. And it can leave you questioning everything. 

In this episode, I’m opening up about those exact moments — the ones that test your patience, your plans, and your belief in what’s possible. We’ll also explore what it really takes to make decisions when clarity feels far away, and you’re craving direction but getting silence. Whether it’s showing up in your business, your relationships, or the quiet corners of your own self-worth, this episode is about loosening your grip, reimagining outcomes, and remembering that you are enough, no matter what the results say. Let’s dive in!

(02:04) - You’ve Done Everything Right, But It’s Still Not Working

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Let’s be real: AI is here, and it’s flipping the script on how we work, lead, and connect. But here’s the thing they don’t tell you — the most valuable thing in the age of AI is still YOU. Your humanness, your intuition, your vibe, and your ability to make meaning out of a mess. 

In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on the top 5 human skills that research says will actually matter as AI continues to evolve. These are not just fluffy soft skills. These are power tools for your career, your creativity, your leadership, and your peace of mind. 

I’m breaking it down with real talk, backed by reports from Microsoft, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum. So whether you’re pivoting careers, leading a team, or just trying to stay sane in the swirl of it all, this episode is your field guide to staying irreplaceable. Let’s dive in!

(03:58) - The Importance of Analytical Thinking

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

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You know that moment when something feels “off” — you can’t quite name it, but you know you’re not where you’re meant to be? Maybe you’re over-functioning. Maybe you’re burned out. Or maybe life just feels muddy, and you’re ready to gain clarity, lit up, and be aligned again. 

Today, I’m joined by my mentor and one of the original voices in the coaching space, Cathy Hawk. Cathy is the founding director of Clarity International™ and the co-creator of the groundbreaking Choice Point Map and Clarity River frameworks that have helped thousands reconnect with their gifts, get clear on their purpose, and live what she calls a “lights on” life. 

In this episode, we dive deep into how to notice, nurture, and navigate your inner light, especially when the world feels loud, overwhelming, or dim. You’re going to walk away with mindset tools, visual frameworks, and real-life strategies to help you tune into clarity, even during chaos. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this really how I want to live?” — this episode is your permission slip to explore what else is possible. Let’s dive in!

(04:34) - How Passion Is Physiological

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

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Ever walked into a room, a new team, a class, or a board meeting and thought, “Should I say something? Or just listen and blend in? Yeah, me too.

In this episode of Ask Monique, I’m sharing the conversations I’ve had with real friends and clients who were navigating those few uncertain steps in new spaces. Whether you’re stepping into a new job, joining a leadership team, or just trying to figure out your role in a new community, this one’s for you!

Because here’s the truth: your voice matters. So let’s talk about how to bring your voice forward with confidence and wisdom without feeling like you’re overstepping or underplaying your brilliance. Let’s dive in!

(02:03) - Navigating a New Learning Environment

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

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What if the thing that breaks you is also the thing that builds you? 

In this episode, I sit down with my jiu-jitsu training bestie, Chelsea Ottaviano, to talk about career pivots, job loss, and what really happens when your career path doesn’t go as planned. 

If you’ve ever felt blindsided by your career, sat in your Banana Republic slacks questioning your purpose, or wondered how to actually show up human in a world inching toward AI — this episode is a must-listen. 

Chelsea shares her evolution from a deeply unfulfilled techie at a pharma company to a fierce advocate for human-first research, and we get personal about burnout, being laid off, rediscovering purpose, and why your identity is so much more than your job title. Let’s dive in!

(03:08) - Career Pivots: Embracing Change

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

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Hello everyone! Today, I’m so excited to bring you the very first episode of the “Ask Monique” series here on The Great Life Experiment Podcast — this is where I take your real questions—the messy, nuanced, “what do I even say or do right now?” kind of moments—and give you practical tools, honest language, and a little pep talk so you can show up with confidence in your work and life.

And we’re kicking this off with a big one: How do I talk to my boss about a promotion? 

Not in a vague, wishful way but in a clear, thoughtful, strategic way that makes it crystal clear that you’re ready to grow, you’re bringing value, and you want your role and title to match the work you’re actually doing. This is not just about a raise. This is about understanding your value, aligning it with business needs, and knowing when (and how) to make your move. Let’s dive in!

(01:33) - Timing and Preparation for Promotion Conversations

Got a question that's keeping you up at night? Need a new way to look at a problem? 

'Ask Monique' is your chance to get personalized insights. Submit your questions about business, professional life, or personal development, and let's dive into the messy, beautiful, and ever-changing world together. 

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