Great Life Experiment Podcast

#26 Ask Me Anything: Navigating Transitions, Leading Without Authority, and Change Management

What do you do when change is happening and you’re not in charge?
In this candid AMA-style conversation, Monique sits down with her husband and long-time tech leader, Ben Schafer to unpack what it means to lead through change, especially when you’re not in a formal leadership role. 
Monique shares real stories from her own career pivots - from consultant to product leader to director, and breaks down what most people miss about internal transitions, leadership identity, and decision-making during moments of uncertainty. From soft power and emotional intelligence to tactical frameworks, this is the conversation most people wish they had earlier in their leadership journey. 
If you’re ever found yourself asking: Why does this feel off? Am I outgrowing something? Am I still valuable here? This one’s for you.
In this episode:
(02:57) - Defining and recognizing transitions(05:04) - The importance of the in-between period(08:17) - Monique’s real-life example of the true inner work of every career pivot(11:54) - How to lead when you’re not in a position of leadership(15:01) - Example of leadership in consulting(18:49) - Grounding people in the business objective(22:23) - Leadership is all about empowering people(24:09) - Decision-making frameworks that move teams forward(26:15) - Reconciling personal beliefs and emotions about change(35:52) - Navigating resistance and shutdowns with compassion (and boundaries)
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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

#25 From Wall Street to Tech to Angel Investing: A Journey to Impact ft. Natalie Levy, Founder of She’s Independent

You don’t need millions to start investing. You just need curiosity, intention, and the willingness to begin before you feel ready. 
In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with Natalie Levy, founder of She’s Independent, to explore how angel investing becomes a pathway not just to financial returns, but also to confidence and leadership. 
Natalie shares how her journey, from Wall Street to values-aligned investing, was never about having it all figured out. It was about starting scared, taking intentional steps, and letting each decision deepen her sense of self and purpose. Together, they explore how wealth, influence, and impact can begin with something as simple as curiosity, and how the act of investing (even in small amounts) can unlock success, board opportunities, and belief. 
This episode is not just about money. It’s about reclaiming power, building the muscle of confidence through action, and choosing a life that aligns with who you truly are.
In this episode:
(01:36) - Introducing Natalie Levy & the story behind She’s Independent(06:07) - Breaking into Wall Street: early pushback, grit, and finding her voice(08:10) - Mindset shifts that changed everything: how Natalie made bold pivots(12:24) - Confidence isn’t a pre-requisite. It’s a by-product of action(14:47) - Redefining risk and unpacking your money story(17:23) - Why mission and values belong at the core of your investing decisions(21:01) - The illusion of financial freedom without fulfillment(22:27) - Natalie’s investing journey(27:16) - How to start investing as a corporate employee(31:45) - Skills that companies are looking for in advisory and board members(34:25) - How pitch days help you refine your edge (and build your voice)(37:17) - Resources, next steps, and Natalie’s upcoming book
Links and Resources:
She’s Independent | https://shesindependent.com/ 
YouTube - She’s Independent | https://www.youtube.com/@ShesIndependent 
Connect with Natalie:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nattygram_and_b 
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedlevy/ 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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
 

#24 Returning to Work After a Break - How to Keep Thriving and Not Start All Over

You’ve returned to work after a necessary break—maybe it was for your health, family, or just life. But now you’re wondering… why does it feel like you’re starting from scratch?
In this episode, Monique offers a grounded, strategic take on what it really looks like to return to work after a career pause and the quiet courage it takes to advocate for yourself in the process. Drawing from a real-life conversation, she shares the story of a professional who came back to work only to feel like she had lost her place. 
Through thoughtful guidance and practical insight, Monique unpacks how to re-establish visibility, align with leadership, and position yourself as a strategic asset, not a problem to solve. This episode is a permission slip to stop waiting for recognition and start initiating the conversations that will move your career forward.
At its core, it’s not just about getting your old projects back. It’s about owning your worth, communicating with clarity, and building the future you’re still deeply called to lead. 
In this episode:
(02:00) - Returning to work after a break(03:45) - “I’m back… but everything I built moved on without me”(05:10) - Clarity with leadership around your role and the current business needs(06:30) - How to express readiness without overexplaining(07:11) - Offering solutions - why framing matters(11:04) - What to do when your manager isn’t a natural advocate(12:41) - Advocating for yourself is leadership in motion
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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

#23 Roots and Rediscovery: Reconnecting with Familiar Spaces

Do you ever feel a mix of emotions when revisiting places connected to your family history? Whether it's a relative's home, a cherished childhood vacation spot, or a community where you spent a lot of time steeped in memories, sometimes these "family spaces" can feel complicated. We evolve, these places change, and the history can be heavy. But what if these complicated places offered an unexpected opportunity for personal growth and creating new, meaningful connections?
In this personal episode, Monique shares her journey back to her family's farm in the rural Midwest. This isn't where she grew up, but it's a 'family space' that forms a rich part of her family's roots, steeped in generations of stories, transformations, and memories. Monique unpacks the emotional nuances of returning to spaces with mixed feelings and reveals how she chose to see familiar places, create new experiences, and make new meaning for this next generation. 
This episode is your invitation to acknowledge that more than one truth can exist simultaneously. You don't have to have it all figured out, and it's okay for things to feel uncertain. Learn how to create new, positive associations and memories in places that once felt fraught. It's time to embrace the art of rediscovery: redefining your relationship with these spaces, fostering new peace, and deepening your connection to your roots, all on your own terms.
In this episode:
(01:11) - A quiet pause in the Midwest(02:30) - The emotional nuance of returning to “happy” places with mixed memories(05:10) - A new home on old land(07:18) - Rediscovering like a tourist(08:58) - When the middle of nowhere becomes peace(09:36) - Becoming a tourist in your own town(10:49) - A love for both the city and the quiet country(12:31) - Appreciating your roots while choosing new rhythms
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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

#22 Case Study: Using Google NotebookLM to Catch Up on The Great Life Experiment Podcast

In this special case study episode, Monique takes listeners inside an experiment of her own — using Google’s AI tool, Google NotebookLM, to analyze the first 20 episodes of this podcast. 
Part recap, part reflection, this episode blends AI with insight and gently explores how technology can help us see our evolution more clearly. Monique shares surprising themes that emerged and offers a simple invitation: What might you discover if you used a tool like this on your work… or your own life?
Whether you’re new to this podcast or have been here from the start, this is the perfect moment to catch up and maybe see your own story with fresh eyes. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(01:40) - Exploring NotebookLM: An AI Tool for Summarization(04:14) - Insights and Limitations of AI Summarization(06:04) - Themes of Resilience and Human Skills in a Changing World(07:28) - Engagement and Feedback from Listeners
NotebookLM - AI Generated Audio Overview
(09:46) - Navigating the Nonlinear Journey(14:25) - Cultivating a Resilient Mindset for Growth(18:09) - Practical Frameworks for Sustainable Progress(21:41) -  Building a Supportive Ecosystem
Links and Resources:
NotebookLM | https://notebooklm.google/ 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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
 

#21 The Internal Struggle with Social Media: A Conversation with Mary Robb, Social Practice CEO

What if your next professional breakthrough isn’t about doing more but showing up differently?
In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and social media strategist, Mary Robb. As the founder and CEO of Social Practice, Mary brings the kind of clarity and warmth that cuts through the noise and reminds us what social media was always meant to be: connection, storytelling, and service.
Together, Mary and Monique unpack the messy, beautiful, and often emotional process of showing up online, not just as a business, but as a whole human. They talk about the difference between business and personal branding (and how to do both without losing your mind), why values should lead your content, and how to create boundaries that protect your mental health while still building real influence.
This one’s for the multi-passionate leader, who’s been silently asking: How do I put myself out there without losing myself? For the high-achiever who’s built a career but hasn’t quite figured out how to bring their voice forward. And for anyone who just knows it’s time to start using her voice with intention — imperfectly, honestly, and on purpose. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(05:00) - Business Brand vs Personal Brand: What’s the Difference?(07:31) - Know Your Values, Know Your Voice(13:24) - Creating a Personal Brand with Intention(09:46) - The Identity Beyond the Job Title(14:07) - Showing Up Before You’re Polished(17:49) - Why Boundaries Are a Brand Strategy(23:18) - Creating Before Consuming(24:13) - Rethinking Vulnerability Online(29:40) - Attracting Talent Through Social Media(30:45) - Why Developing Your Personal Brand Is Key in This New Era of Work(36:26) - Two Questions to Get You Started(41:22) - You’re Not a Resume — You’re a Story(42:47) - Getting Over Yourself and Posting It Anyway
Links and Resources:
Social Practice | https://social-practicetx.com/ 
Book - The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins | https://a.co/d/5FSHIck 
FORDIFY with Emily Ford | https://www.instagram.com/fordifymybrand/ 
Connect with Mary:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/maryelizabethrobb 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/socialpracticeus/ 
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryerobb/ 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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
 

#20 It's OK to Feel Quiet & Still For Awhile

This episode is a little different. No guest. No perfectly mapped-out lesson. Just me — showing up in the middle of a quiet, in-between season.
You know those times when the words don’t come? When everything feels a little slower, a little foggier… and you’re not quite sure what’s next, but you know you’re not where you used to be? That’s where I’ve been. 
Today, I’m inviting you into the pause. The space between clarity and action. The soft unraveling that happens when you finally let your nervous system breathe. This isn’t an episode with big “aha” moments — it’s one that meets you exactly where you are, especially if you’ve been craving permission to slow down, feel more, and do a little less. 
If you’re in a season of reflection, reset, or just needing a little more quiet in a loud world — you are not alone. 
In this episode:
(01:33) - Reflections on a Week of Uncertainty(02:51) - The In-Between Season(03:53) - There Is Power in Not Knowing Yet(05:00) - Embracing the Stillness(05:36) - Finding Clarity and Wisdom in Waiting
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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

#19 Transform Your Leadership, Network, and Influence One Intentional Step at a Time ft. Katie Kruger

In this episode, Monique Schafer welcomes powerhouse executive Katie Kruger for a raw, riveting, and deeply relatable conversation on transformation, grit, and redefining what success looks like. 
Raised in rural Alaska, dreaming of skyscrapers while hauling firewood and joining an exclusive male workforce in the oil fields, Katie now leads in the C-suite of a $35B company and has become a sought-after policy influencer and mentor. Her story is a masterclass in reinvention — not the loud, flashy kind, but the kind that happens when no one is watching, when you say “yes” to growth, over and over again, even when it’s hard. 
She shares what it was like being one of the only women in the oil fields, how she taught herself policy in a coffee shop, and why her version of success has nothing to do with titles — and everything to do with relationships, service, and staying grounded.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a version of yourself that no longer fits, if you think you’re too late to pivot, or that your past defines your ceiling, you need to hear this one.
In this episode:
(08:38) - Katie’s Early Years in Rural Alaska(10:46) - Incremental Transformation(11:11) - Strategic Career Pivots: Katie’s Journey to Becoming a Policy Expert(12:27) - Katie’s Rigorous Self-Study Routine(15:55) - The Power of Building Relationships and Adding Value to Others(27:09) - The ROI of Giving Without Expecting(35:57) - Balancing Work and Personal Life, Especially for Working Parents(40:56) - The Importance of Taking Risks and Being Curious in Personal & Professional Growth(41:25) - The Role of Policy in Supporting Working Parents(43:48) - Believing You Can Become Something New
Connect with Katie:
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kruger-colorado/ 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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
 

#18 Pivoting with Purpose: From Marketing Leader to Stay-at-Home-Mom to Fractional CMO and then Franchise Owner ft. Kelsey Murray ft. Kelsey Murray

Monique reconnects with her college roommate and lifelong friend, Kelsey Murray, a former ad agency director with a deep background in marketing and digital strategy. After more than a decade climbing the corporate ladder, she made the bold decision to step away in pursuit of motherhood and a more intentional way of living.
Her career journey has included becoming a stay-at-home mom, launching a photography business, consulting as a fractional CMO, and ultimately stepping into franchise ownership. Each pivot was less about chasing titles and more about rediscovering what truly lights her up. 
Together, Monique and Kelsey explore how ambition can evolve, how motherhood can feel both sacred and stifling, and how we can integrate every season of our lives into a more whole version of who we are becoming. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a season that was supposed to fulfill you or if you’re currently navigating a pivot, this episode will remind you that it’s not too late to begin again. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
((05:19) - Kelsey’s Unexpected Pivot(07:00) - Motherhood and the Guilt That No One Talks About(10:20) - Finding Community and the Power of Shared Experiences(13:04) - The Season of Self-Discovery(21:33) - Beyond the Resume: Redefining Your Personal Brand(22:43) - Legacy, Family, and the Story Behind Kelley Blue Book(29:19) - Releasing the Need for Perfection and External Validation(32:45) - The Importance of Staying Open to What’s Next(34:14) - God Whispers and Soul Alignment
Links and Resources:
Book - The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav | https://a.co/d/byYJUm9 
Connect with Kelsey:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mrsmurray923/ 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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

#17 Legit Overwhelm vs. Lifestyle Overwhelm—And What to Do About It

In this insightful episode, Monique expands on one of the key themes from Episode 15, Foundation Not Fumes, diving deeper into the nuanced and often misunderstood topic of overwhelm. More importantly, the critical difference between legitimate temporary overwhelm and lifestyle overwhelm. 
Drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins and her own lived experience as a parent and a business leader, Monique provides listeners clear, actionable strategies for regaining clarity, presence, and momentum in both life and business. 
Whether you’re managing a business, a household, or both, this episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for reclaiming mental clarity and capacity amidst chaos. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(01:15) - The Inspiration Behind This Impromptu Mini-Episode(02:40) - Legit Temporary Overwhelm(04:14) - Lifestyle Overwhelm(05:55) - Reclaiming Clarity: The Power of a Brain Dump(07:03) - Identifying Your Top 3 Priorities(08:21) - Making It Easy to Begin and Giving Yourself Grace
Links and Resources:
Mel Robbins Podcast | https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-50/
The Great Life Experiment Podcast Ep. 15 | https://youtu.be/bKrc0VXcJiI?si=CmdZ7nimtaqInfuI 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment 
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