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13 hours ago
13 hours ago
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!
In this episode:
(02:03) - Navigating a New Learning Environment(04:39) - New at Work or on a Team(06:55) - A Seat at the Table: Using Your Voice in Leadership & Board Roles
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
4 days ago
4 days ago
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!
In this episode:
(03:08) - Career Pivots: Embracing Change(04:13) - Lessons from Early Career Experiences(12:02) - The Call That Wasn’t A Promotion(20:02) - Finding Purpose and Value In Our Work(24:36) - The Importance of Personal Branding Even in the Corporate Space(26:40) - AI and Human-Centric Work: How to Value and Amplify Humans in an AI-Driven World(32:19) - The Power of Collaboration and Seeking Feedback from Colleagues(35:17) - Creating Safe Spaces In Research and Beyond
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(01:33) - Timing and Preparation for Promotion Conversations(02:31) - Scheduling a Dedicated Conversation(04:12) - Framing the Conversation as a Value Exchange(06:24) - Having an Honest Dialogue About Your Desire to Take on a Bigger Role(07:44) - Exploring Different Career Paths(10:30) - Assessing Your Peers and Yourself
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(01:17) - The Reality of Change(03:13) - Phases of Change(04:46) - The “In-Between Phase” and why you get stuck(07:50) - Practical Tips for Managing Transitions(10:23) - Stop overthinking and start experimenting(12:39) - The Learning Space(16:53) - Leading yourself (and others) through change(24:16) - Priorities, Boundaries, and Clarity
Links and Resources:
Book - Transitions by William Bridges | https://a.co/d/cHLRQOg
“The Learning Space” Dr. Becky Kennedy: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside/p/DGbqharBmI9/
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(03:37) - Reflections on Starting a Business During Economic Uncertainty(07:41) - Our Journey of Friendship: Evolving Together(13:45) - The Courage to Take Risks(19:30) - Why Personal Development Is Key(21:12) - Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Professional Growth(23:21) - The Importance of Friendships and Supportive Relationships(27:55) - Building Confidence and Visibility in Leadership(29:32) - Success and Emotional Health(32:01) - Time-Blocking Strategy for Balancing Work, Family, Friendships, and Well-Being(38:52) - The Best Parenting and Lesson We Can Provide Our Children(41:18) - Intentional Financial Planning and Quarterly Resets
Links and Resources:
FortySix10 Wealth Management | https://www.instagram.com/fortysix10_wealthmanagement/
Book - Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD | https://a.co/d/9lq4Wlv
YNAB | https://www.ynab.com/
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Sarah:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsmiller/
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(02:56) - Our Journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu + What Made Us Stick to It(05:49) - Finding Balance vs Setting Priorities(12:27) - What it was like to walk into the gym for the first time(28:20) - Our Very First Competitions (and what we wish we knew beforehand)(32:11) - Learning to Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable(40:49) - The Role of Physical Therapy in Jiu-Jitsu(43:40) - Jiu-Jitsu: A Mirror for Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Links and Resources:
Book - Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less | https://a.co/d/8PxVv4N
Bulletproof for BJJ Podcast | https://bulletproofforbjj.com/podcast
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(02:35) - Why People Get Stuck(05:12) - The Trust Quotient(06:34) - The Role of Intimacy in Building Authentic, Reliable Teams(13:20) - Frameworks for Team Collaboration, Visualization, and Accountability(18:20) - The PAID Model(24:20) - Overcoming Decision-Making Challenges(25:42) - Final Thoughts
Links and Resources:
Opportunity Solution Tree by Teresa Torres | https://www.producttalk.org/2023/12/opportunity-solution-trees/
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(00:59) - Welcome to the Season of Fullness(02:41) - How to own the choices we make without feeling trapped(04:07) - How to shift your mindset when life feels too big(08:06) - Acknowledging the Need for External Help(09:48) - Discovering what truly matters and letting go of guilt(11:43) - Glass Balls vs Rubber Balls(15:43) - How to set boundaries like a boss — why leadership is not about doing it all(17:31) - The Hard Truth About Boundaries
Ask Monique:
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(01:02) - Introduction and Personal Background(10:08) - Career Transition to Tech(13:49) - Embracing Change and Personal Growth(18:58) - Finding Your Purpose and Making an Impact(19:54) - Introduction to The Great Life Experiment Podcast
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
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!
In this episode:
(00:59) - Overview of The Great Life Experiment Podcast(01:18) - The Season of Fullness(02:50) - The Experiment Mindset(03:54) - What to look forward to in each episode of The Great Life Experiment
Ask Monique
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
Connect with Monique:
Instagram - @thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer