Unpolished MBA

On this week's episode of Unpolished MBA, Monique is thrilled to share with listeners the story behind her new venture, Focused Innovation Group. Monique shares some of the anxiety that she has been feeling about being the public face of the group and how the lead-up to launch has emboldened her to find the courage to be confident in leveling up her game and insisting that she “can't stop, won't stop.”

Monique goes on to share the exciting news about her new role and how Focused Innovation Group is looking to acquire and rejuvenate small manufacturing and industrial businesses in and around America's rust belt by transforming their technological, marketing and digital platforms to align with today's standards. Known as FIG for short, Focused Innovation Group will be leveraging Monique’s experience as well as the networks of TPM Focus, TPM Marketing, and beyond to bring greater prosperity, equality, and diversity to one of the hardest hit sectors of the American economy. 

This venture is only getting started and Monique is excited to share with listeners the experience of growing FIG from the ground up while offering some of the lessons, insights, and inevitable roadblocks that she and her team will experience along the way!

Topics Include:

• The Importance of Tenacity in Leadership 
• Announcing the Focused Innovation Group
• Transforming Communities Through Better Jobs 
• The Importance of New Technologies in Manufacturing
• The Reality of Small Manufacturers in America
• The First Steps of a New Business Venture

Coming Soon: FocusedInnovationGroup.com

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

On this week's episode of Unpolished MBA Monique welcomes Marketing Expert Diana Mitchell. Diana is a former VP of Marketing with over a decade of both corporate and freelance experience in the field of marketing, public relations, and creative copy. Diana has consulted and engaged in content work for companies such as Ortega, Ford, and General Motors. 

Currently Diana helms her own consulting company Diana Mitchell Consulting where she helps freelance entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketing leaders/professionals get clear on strategy and content implementation with courses, workbooks, templates, and eBooks that help them supercharge their marketing efforts. Diana also co-hosts The Freelance Entrepreneur Podcast and offers a variety of online courses in marketing strategy and content creation. 

In this conversation Monique and Diana discuss the various trends in both conventional and Social Media Marketing that are being implemented in this current market. Diana guides listeners through the importance of focusing on quality copy and committed content while reminding entrepreneurs of the importance of activating engagement with the communities and networks that surround them both virtually and geographically.

Topics Include:

• Marketing In The Modern Age
• The Importance Of Quality Copy
• Activating Community Engagement
• Examining Social Media Strategies
• Exploring Creative Content Methods 

Follow Diana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamitchell716/

Website: https://dianamitchell.me/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

After a short spring hiatus, Unpolished MBA returns this week by welcoming author, speaker, and stylist Morgan Wider to the podcast. Morgan is a renowned corporate stylist who after studying economics at Georgetown University went on to spend over a decade in the business world working within the corporate offices of some of the best known brands in the world. 

After excelling with companies such as, the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Carters, Inc. Morgan set out on a journey of both entrepreneurial and spiritual discovery when she struck out on her own only to discover how much she needed to learn both about business and herself. After a period that Morgan describes as her wilderness of entrepreneurship, she found her stride by giving people permission to be their authentically appropriate selves. In doing so, Morgan empowers both men and women to express themselves with both the confidence and style that fits a true professional. 

In addition to personal styling and speaking, Morgan is also the author of the book The Worthy Wardrobe: Your Guide to Style, Shopping & Soul, a spiritual and style guide manual perfect for any professional looking to express their personality and spirit through the medium of fashion!

Topics Include:

• The Journey Of Entrepreneurship
• The Joy Of Your Authentic Self
• The True Power Of Perception 
• Gender Dynamics In Corporate America
• How Style Can Reflect Confidence

Follow Morgan:

Style Website: https://widerstyle.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwider

Personal Website: https://morganwider.com/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode of Thursday Thoughts, Monique shares an exciting announcement about her future and the future of the Unpolished MBA podcast. After years of working in industries ranging from semiconductors to power plants, aviation to real estate and software, Monique is taking another bold step and buying a new company. 

Despite the fact that many doubters have questioned this decision, Monique shares how regardless of all of her success and experience over the years, she is actually ready to step up her game in 2022. The experiences and foundations that Monique has laid over the years have equipped her to be even more impactful and innovative in this new position and she is looking forward to bringing listeners along on this journey.

More details about Monique's new venture will be revealed shortly however for the remainder of March both Thursday Thoughts and Unpolished MBA will be on a short break as Monique ramps up to take on this awesome new challenge. She can’t wait to see what it teaches her so she can continue to pass that knowledge on to you, starting in April.

Topics Include:

• Discovering Balance In The Workplace
• How Prioritizing Family Makes You More Strategic
• How A Diversity Of Experiences Prepares Leaders
• Building On The Foundations Of Innovation 
• Amping Up Your Game In 2022

Website: 

https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode Monique welcomes sales supercharger Marcus Chan to The Unpolished MBA. Marcus is a gifted and insightful sales leader who brings an array of knowledge and invaluable tips to this week's show. Monique and Marcus track the progress of Marcus’s career from top flight sales manger to founder of Venli Consulting Group and developer of the Six Figure Sales Academy.

Marcus shares war stories from the difficult and degrading days of his early sales experience reminding us of the importance of resilience and research when tackling challenges in high pressure sales environments. Monique and Marcus also bond over the difficulties of developing their own business and reminisce about the early days of e-book authorship and developing internet business courses.

In this interview, Marcus combines his unparalleled knowledge, infectious energy, storytelling approach,  and life in sales into an inspirational episode that reminds us all that a bit of tenacity coupled with an unfailing sense of self-belief can take us far in life while also equipping us with the tools to help others along the way! 

Topics Include:

• The Secrets Of Consistent Sales Growth
• Building Internet Courses From Scratch
• The Importance Of Asking The Right Questions
• Perseverance In The Face Of Rejection Or Failure
• The Generationally Transformative Power Of Success

Follow Marcus:

Website: https://www.sixfiguresalesacademy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuschanmba

Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realb2bsales

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode of Thursday Thoughts, Monique shares her opinions on the new three-part Netflix documentary chronicling the meteoric rise of Kanye West from small-time Chicago music producer to global icon. 

Monique uses Kanye’s musical journey to illustrate the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of constant rejection and ridicule. By examining Kanye’s life we can see that even the most talented visionaries face immense roadblocks, humiliation, and doubt on their path to success. 

Oftentimes new innovators and founders believe that their sheer talent or breakthrough ideas will automatically open doors to wealth and prestige. Kanye’s story just serves to remind us that immense talent is nothing without persistent work ethic and unstoppable self-belief. Only when we truly believe in our ideas and ideals in the face of heartbreak or rejection will we truly be able to transform industries!

Topics Include:

• Never Taking No For An Answer
• Manifesting Your Own Destiny
• How Persistence Produces Performance
• Resilience In The Face Of Rejection
• Transforming The Norms Of An Industry 

Website: 

https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode Monique welcomes franchising expert and consultant Chris Wilson. Chris breaks down his journey from the corporate world to the exciting and challenging world of franchisee and operator of two pilates studios in Orlando, Florida. 

In addition to being an experienced franchise operator, Chris is also a consultant and coach for individuals looking to take on a franchise in a host of business categories and services including food and beverage, fitness and exercise, retail, and more.

In this wide ranging conversation, Chris breaks down the pros and cons of franchising and offers listeners tips on everything from securing financing for your franchise endeavor to ensuring that the business venture you undertake fits the lifestyle, workload, and realistic financial return you are looking for!

Topics Include:

• Understanding The Basics Of Franchising 
• The Pros And Cons Of Franchising A Business
• Financing Options For Franchises
• How Franchising Offers Flexibility
• The Importance Of Seeking Guidance When Franchising

Follow Chris:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvwilson

Legacy Franchise Ventures Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacyfv?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode, Monique is finally able to tell the story of how her husband and son beat out thousands of competitors to make it to the final round of Top Chef Jr. After signing an NDA with the show’s producers that has now expired, Monique can now properly brag about the two special men in her life and the journey they took from a long shot Atlanta audition to the heart of Hollywood. 

This story is meant to inspire listeners who may feel that they don't have the expertise or training in a given field to make an impact or breakthrough. By reflecting on this amazing experience, Monique shows that a little resilience coupled with a healthy dose of self-belief can take you so far in life and that today should be the day you start taking a chance on yourself!

 Topics Include:

• How Expertise Is Not Synonymous With Innovation 
• Learning Innovation Through Experience
• The Importance of Resilience
• Believing in Yourself Despite the Odds

Website: 

https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode, Monique is pleased to welcome Renee Purdie to the show. Renee is a multi-talented publisher, graphic designer, marketing guru, and academic with two master's degrees and she also plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Education. 

Renee looks back on her entrepreneurial journey while sharing stories and experiences gathered during her years as an independent publisher, cooking aficionado, and designer. Renee also shares how having all the fanciest software or latest computer tools does not guarantee a high-quality product, but knowing your target market and focusing on clean, legible consistency can take your product further than splashy design gimmicks. 

Monique and Renee also share creative ideas and social media strategies for bringing attention to your latest book, product, or endeavor. 

Topics Include:

• The Basics of Self Publishing
• The Importance of Quality Design
• How the Product Is Marketing
• Transforming Passions Into Paying Gigs 
• Creative Cooking as Content

Follow Renee:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneepurdie

Website: https://msrisingstar.com/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

In this episode of Thursday Thoughts, Monique unpacks the relatively recent trend of employers offering unlimited PTO to employees and why the seemingly too good to be true offer is linked to some basic accounting practices and business expenses. 

Using General Electric as a corporate example, listeners will learn about how traditional 2-3 week paid time off periods can become a financial liability for companies throughout a fiscal year. By offering unlimited paid time off, companies can free their books from this liability allowing them to decrease their financial risk and operate from a place of greater liquidity even in lean times. 

Topics Include:

• Defining Basic Business Models
• Unpacking Unlimited Paid Time Off
• How PTO Effects a Companies Bottom Line
• The Correlation Between Pensions and PTO

Website: 

https://unpolishedmba.com/