Great Life Experiment Podcast

Let’s talk about something we all go through — change. Whether it’s a career shift, a relationship ending, a big move, or just stepping into a new season of life, change is inevitable. But here’s the thing: change is not just about the ending or the new beginning — it’s also about the “in-between”, where things feel uncertain, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright chaotic. 

In this episode, I break down what really happens when things shift in our lives and how to move through uncertainty without getting stuck. We’ll talk about why you don’t need to have it all figured out right away, how to recognize when you’re overthinking instead of taking action, and what it actually looks like to move forward, even when you don’t feel ready. 

If you’ve ever felt lost in transition (haven’t we all?), this episode is for you! Let’s dive in!

(01:17) - The Reality of Change

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Life’s a series of plot twists, right? One moment, you’ve got everything figured out, and then you’re wondering what’s next, who’s coming along for the ride, and how to even begin recalibrating. If you’ve ever felt the weight of big life transitions, shifting friendships, or just a need for a reset, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I sit down with my bestie, Sarah Norman, who is also the founder of 4610 Wealth Management, to talk about embracing life’s pivots, making space for personal growth, and keeping friendships and our relationships strong even as everything else shifts. We’re also diving into the magic of quarterly resets — because sometimes, all we need is a structured check-in with ourselves to make sure we’re heading in the right direction.

Get ready for an episode packed with real talk, actionable takeaways, and a whole lot of inspiration to help you step into your next season with clarity and confidence. Let’s dive in!

(03:37) - Reflections on Starting a Business During Economic Uncertainty

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 you’re starting something new, heart pounding, wondering, “Can I actually do this?” Yeah, we’ve been there — on the mat, in life, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

In this episode, I am joined by my Jiu-Jitsu bestie, Chelsea Ottaviano, to talk about what it’s really like to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a woman. Just so we’re clear — we are not experts; we’re just two blue belts figuring it out as we go. But what we do know is what it feels like to push past the fear, the injuries, and the “Am I even cut out for this?” moments. 

So, if you’ve ever been curious about stepping on the mat or even just trying something totally new and outside of your comfort zone, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about the mindset, the challenges, the awkward first rolls, and why finding your training bestie might just be the game-changer you need. Let’s dive in!

(02:56) - Our Journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu + What Made Us Stick to It

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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If we were sitting across from each other right now, you might ask, “How did you get into tech?” And I probably would have laughed because the truth is — I never planned for any of this.

I didn’t dream of working in a billion-dollar company. I didn’t go to school for product management. I didn’t even know this career existed when I was younger. I’ve taken some wild pivots in my career — from dreaming of running an international non-profit to taking six figures in student loans, to finding myself in tech — building products, leading teams, and making decisions that impact hundreds of clients. 

It’s been a ride. And guess what? Every move felt like a massive risk at the time. But I’ve learned that growth isn’t linear and the best opportunities come when you’re willing to bet on yourself. 

So if you’re wondering, “Can I pivot? Can I start over? Can I figure this out as I go?” The answer is YES. And in this episode, I am breaking down every twist and turn in my journey so you can see that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to take the next step. Let’s dive in!

(01:02) - Introduction and Personal Background

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

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Let’s get real — how are you feeling right now? Are you running on caffeine and sheer willpower trying to keep up with work, relationships, family, and maybe—just maybe—your own sanity? Does life feel like a chaotic circus act where you’re juggling responsibilities, dodging curveballs, and hoping something does not crash—trust me, you are not alone. 

I call it the Season of Fullness — those moments when life is brimming with responsibilities, challenges and maybe a little too much chaos. But here’s the kicker: the Season of Fullness isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed. It’s also about growth, transformation, and embracing the bigness of life. 

In this episode, I’m here to help you navigate these seasons with clarity and confidence, because let’s be honest — we can’t do it all, and we definitely can’t do it all perfectly. Together, we’ll unpack what’s actually within your control, let go of unrealistic expectations, and set boundaries like a boss. We’ll talk about what truly deserves your energy, create support systems that actually work, and develop a mindset that helps you not just survive but thrive in the midst of it all. If you’re ready to stop feeling stretched thin and start reclaiming your time, your peace, and your power — this one’s for you!

(00:59) - Welcome to the Season of Fullness

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

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Getting groups of people to work together, especially on big, complex, high-stakes projects, is one of the hardest things in business. And guess what? AI isn’t going to solve this for us. We still have to figure out how to align different personalities, priorities, and working styles to make progress. 

In this episode, we’re diving exactly into that: why group projects get stuck, how to break through the gridlock, and what actually works when leading teams through tough, messy challenges. Whether it’s a cross-functional project at work, a startup team, or even just trying to plan something big with a group. I’ll share real-world lessons from leading large teams in a high-pressure environment, plus practical strategies to make collaboration actually work.

If you’re ready to stop spinning in circles and finally get your team moving forward — tune in now!

(02:35) - Why People Get Stuck

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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Welcome to The Great Life Experiment Podcast! I’m your host, Monique Schafer, and together, we’ll grapple with the messy and beautiful, and ever-changing world of business and life. 

There is no one right way to do life. That’s why we’re here — to test, try, and experiment. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building your own things, or just trying to make sense of all the change happening around you, this is the space where we navigate it all. Expect solo deep dives, dynamic roundtables, and conversations that will challenge your thinking, stretch your perspective, and maybe help you embrace chaos with a little more confidence. 

The first few episodes drop on April 1st— subscribe now so you don’t miss them! And if you’re feeling the vibe, leave us a five-star review, and let’s spread the word!

Let’s experiment together!

(00:59) - Overview of The Great Life Experiment Podcast

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. 

https://forms.gle/iGZv2bVnhBSXbnbc8