In this special solo edition of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique Hayward answers listener questions about visibility and mentorship — two essential skills for career growth and leadership.

Recording from Aiken, South Carolina while visiting her mom, Monique reflects on what it really takes to be seen, heard, and valued in large organizations and how true leaders pay it forward by guiding others to realize their potential.

✨ In this episode:

• Why doing great work isn’t enough and how storytelling drives visibility

• How to navigate office politics with integrity and influence

• The 3-layer stakeholder map every professional should create

• How to mentor young talent by focusing on potential, not perfection

• The art of praising publicly and coaching privately

• Why mentorship is leadership and how it multiplies your impact

🎙 Listener Questions:

• Neetha from Pleasanton, CA — How do you gain visibility for your work in a large organization? What’s your strategy for navigating internal politics?

• Ousmane from Geneva, Switzerland — How do you guide or mentor young talent to focus on and realize their potential?

📍 Recorded in Aiken, South Carolina.

🎧 Subscribe and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Season 2 kicks off with a special family conversation you won’t want to miss. I’m joined by my niece Ashley (18) and nephew Isaiah (15) for a candid, unscripted dialogue about what it’s really like to grow up Gen Z in 2025.We cover everything from:- The fears and hopes that shape their generation- How COVID-19 changed their friendships, health habits, and worldview- The ongoing divide over masking and public health precautions- The challenges and opportunities of being digital natives in the age of misinformation and AI- Their dreams for the future, from art and activism to engineering and space exploration- Why action absorbs anxiety and how they find balance in an overwhelming news cycleAnd in this special “Ask Monique Anything” segment, we flip the script. Ashley and Isaiah put me in the hot seat with their own questions about what's on my mind.Whether you’re curious about Gen Z perspectives or just love honest, cross-generational conversations, this episode is full of insight, humor, and heart.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.00:00: Show Open01:27: Understanding Generation Z's Perspective08:41: Navigating Information Overload10:59: Impact of COVID-1918:33: Visualize the Future22:09: The Impact of AI33:24: Ask Monique Anything: Special Edition38:42: Wrap Up

In this inspiring episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with her god sister and lifelong friend, Estilita Crumbley. Esti opens up about her incredible journey in media, sports, and entertainment—from interning on The Geraldo Show and working with Montel Williams to her current role with the Atlanta Hawks.With over 50 years of shared history, Monique and Esti keep it real about what it means to lead with faith, juggle the responsibilities of the sandwich generation, and stay true to yourself while rising through the ranks. They reflect on mentorship, purpose-driven leadership, and the hilarious, heartfelt memories that shaped who they are today.Plus, Monique answers a listener’s “Ask Monique Anything” question about finding the energy to push through when motivation is low.00:00 Show Open02:12 The Sandwich Generation Experience06:19 Cherished Memories and New York Vibes07:52 Career Beginnings and Influences10:38 The Journey in Media and Paying Dues14:40 Building Trust and Relationships in the Workplace15:43 Effective Communication with Executives22:00 The Atlanta Hawks: A Community Hub30:52 Faith and Family: Core Values34:24 Leadership and Personal Growth36:35 Hope for the Future37:40 AMA: Staying Motivated39:19 Wrap Up

In this deeply personal episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique sits down with her beloved stepfather, Carl Polite. Carl shares how he met Monique’s mom and stepped into the role of father figure with strength, heart, and humility. From building a blended family and launching a small business, to overcoming racism and profound personal loss, Carl’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and grace. You’ll hear powerful stories about family traditions, his entrepreneurial life, and the importance of showing up with love. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about balancing a corporate career with entrepreneurship.

00:00 -- Opening

01:47 -- How I Met Your Mother

04:33 -- Building a Blended Family

06:47 -- Navigating Loss and Building Resilience

08.45 -- Reflections on Family and Legacy

09:33 -- Lessons from Grandma Weebie

14:19 -- Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

16:37 -- Navigating Racism: "Stand Your Ground"

27:32 -- Relationships Endure Even When Life Happens

30:16 -- Lessons from Family and Life Experiences

35:09 -- Looking Ahead: New Beginnings and Opportunities

36:40 -- AMA: Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Careers

39:15 -- Wrap Up

In this episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with Stuart Knoop, a longtime friend with a shared history that spans decades. They reminisce about their childhood, first friendships, and their shared connection with New York City. From early crushes to career aspirations, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and reflections on personal growth. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about her decision to close her restaurant and what she learned from the experience.

00:00 – Show Open
01:49 – All the Way Back to the 5th Grade
06:13 – Early Crush and the First Phone Call
10:29 – Getting to the Land of Turnpikes and Tollbooths
15:36 – "Transplant New Yorker" Raising Kids in the City
19:38 – Career Reflections and Aspirations
28:30 – Fondest Memories
32:38 – Ask Monique Anything
35:45 – Wrap Up

In this heartfelt episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with her best friend from high school, Bridgette Rumph, after a decade apart. They reminisce about their formative years at Richland Northeast High School (Go, Cavaliers!), share stories of personal and professional growth, and reflect on the power of friendships that stand the test of time. Bridgette opens up about overcoming adversity, navigating life with resilience, and the importance of faith, family, and community. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question on what has kept her entrepreneurial spirit alive through the years.

00:00 – Reconnecting After a Decade
03:22 – Life Changes and Challenges
05:28 – The Importance of Friends, Family, and Service
10:09 – Overcoming Adversity and Finding Joy
13:33 – Mentoring the Next Generation
20:40 – Reflections on High School Life
24:33 – Navigating High School Transitions
25:49 – Reunion Reflections and Personal Growth
28:37 – Embracing Aging and Life Changes
32:37 – Celebrating Our Milestone Birthdays
36:46 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything and Wrap-Up

In this very first episode of Monique & Friends, Monique Hayward welcomes her childhood best friend, Kevin Noble, to take a nostalgic and insightful journey through their 40+ years of friendship. From meeting as “big city kids” at a summer camp in South Carolina to navigating life’s twists and turns, Monique and Kevin discuss being “blerds” before it was cool, finding new life in fitness and dance, embracing identity, and making bold moves. Plus, Monique introduces her new segment, "Ask Monique Anything (AMA)," where she answers a listener's question about how to professionals can stay relevant in a world where AI is increasingly becoming more capable and sophisticated.

Chapters

00:00 – Where It All Began: Summer Camp in South Carolina
06:19 – The Original "Blerds": Finding Friendship in Books & Music
08:49 – Big City Kids & Southern Cooking (Good & Bad!)
13:36 – How a Curve Ball Changed the Life Plan
19:50 – Opening Doors in NYC & Finding a New Path in Fitness
27:34 – Embracing Identity: Overcoming Fear & Owning Who You Are
32:13 – Plans for the Future: “Florida Man” & The Next Chapter
35:31 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything & Wrap-Up