Great Life Experiment Podcast

#16 Training 1000 Women for Corporate Boards ft. Michele Ashby

In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with Michele Ashby, a trailblazing executive, board director, and founder of ACE LLC. With over three decades of experience in finance and capital markets, and eight board seats under her belt, Michelle is on a mission to train 1,000 women to step into corporate boardrooms with confidence, clarity, and impact. 
Together, Monique and Michelle dive into the real path to board leadership — from mastering governance and financial acumen to navigating the unspoken dynamics of the good old boys’ network. They also explore the mindset shifts women need to own their value, silence imposter syndrome, and speak the executive vernacular that commands a room. 
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “Could I be doing more?”, this episode is your blueprint for what’s next. Whether you’re an experienced executive, a rising leader, or simply curious about how women can shape the future of corporate governance, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead at the highest level and claim the seat that’s already waiting for you. 
In this episode:
(05:37) - Michelle’s Journey to the Boardroom(08:58) - The Importance of a Unique Value Proposition(10:13) - The Power of Relationships(14:12) - How Visibility Builds Momentum(17:22) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome(21:41) - Beyond Tactical: How Michele’s Program Transforms Identity(24:27) - The Future of Women in the Boardroom(27:23) - Understanding the Transfer of Wealth(34:28) - Core Competencies: What Makes You Board-Ready?(40:33) - The Role of Men in Supporting Women(48:47) - Final Takeaways
Links and Resources:
Michele’s Talk at Oxford | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgdh83r5IZM
Board-Ready Bundle | https://www.acellc.consulting/board-ready-bundle 
Connect with Michelle:
Website | https://www.acellc.consulting/ 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ashbyconsultingenterprises/ 
LinkedIn | http://linkedin.com/in/micheleashby1 
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

#14: High-Powered Love for High-Performance Couples ft. Heather Clark

What happens when two driven, high-achieving people fall in love and try to do life — careers, kids, dreams — together? You get high-powered love, with all the magic and the mess that comes with it. 
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and deeply grounded Heather Clark, a licensed therapist and expert trained in trauma reprocessing and EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She works specifically with high-performing couples who are navigating success, stress, and the sacredness of their relationships. Think of powerhouses who are crushing it at work but are feeling disconnected at home! Heather is the creator of the upcoming High-Powered Love Method, and she’s here to drop some real talk and proven tools to stop putting your relationship on the back burner and actually grow deeper, stronger, and more in sync as life gets fuller. 
Whether you’re running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, raising babies, or all of the above, this episode will hit home, so let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(02:49) - What Is EDMR (and why is it magical)?(05:22) - The Unique Struggles of High-Performance Couples(06:40) - My Love Story: What Ben and I Learned About Keeping Our Relationship Stronger(10:25) - Rituals That Root You Back to Each Other(14:37) - Planning vs Presence: How to Balance It All(18:36) - Creative Staycation & Vacation Hacks (Even with Little Kids)(25:13) - Teamwork Makes the Dream (and Marriage) Work(26:21) - Who Are You Sharing Your Wins With?(30:05) - Why “We’re Fine” Is the Scariest Thing You Can Say(32:47) - Change Can Start With One
Connect with Heather:
Website | https://www.heatherclarktherapy.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/heatherclark_la 
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

#13: After Hours Advice: What to Do When You Are Already Overloaded & Something New Is Added?

Picture this: It’s late. The day’s been a lot, and we’re in post-bedtime haze when big thoughts come out. The ones when something from work is still swirling in your head, and you just need to say it out loud to someone who gets it.
That’s exactly where this episode begins. 
In this episode, you’ll hear a real-time conversation between me and my husband, Ben, as we talk through a super common leadership challenge — what to do when you’re already maxed out and someone adds another priority to your plate? How do you respond when everything is “important”, nothing can wait, and no one wants to make the tough call? 
This episode is real and raw! And it’s for anyone who’s been caught between expectations and capacity. We’re talking strategy, self-advocacy, and what it really looks like to lead when no one else is drawing the line. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(02:13) - Picturing Ben’s Week: Full Plates, Restructures, and Big Deliverables(06:50) - How to Ask Leadership to Prioritize When Everything Feels “Top Priority”(10:27) - Visual Prioritization Framework(14:58) - Weighing the Real Cost of A Task(21:17) - Our Careers Are A Marathon, Not A Sprint(27:20) - The Reality of A Pushback
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:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 

#12: Ask Monique: You’ve Done Everything “Right” But It’s Still Not Working? Let’s Talk Decision-Making

There are moments in life when you’re doing all the “right” things — you’re showing up, you followed the plan, you played by the rules — and somehow, it’s still not working. It’s frustrating. It’s heartbreaking. And it can leave you questioning everything. 
In this episode, I’m opening up about those exact moments — the ones that test your patience, your plans, and your belief in what’s possible. We’ll also explore what it really takes to make decisions when clarity feels far away, and you’re craving direction but getting silence. Whether it’s showing up in your business, your relationships, or the quiet corners of your own self-worth, this episode is about loosening your grip, reimagining outcomes, and remembering that you are enough, no matter what the results say. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(02:04) - You’ve Done Everything Right, But It’s Still Not Working(04:03) - You Are Enough — Even When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned(05:25) - How to Bounce Back When External Circumstances Disrupt Your Plans(06:48) - Creating Space to Reimagine(08:50) - Practical Framework for Decision-Making(13:50) - One-way Decision vs Two-Way Decision(15:38) - Blast Radius Decisions(19:12) - Navigating Life’s Big Choices: Making Decisions About Money, Home, and Security
Links and Resources:
Previous Episode - #06: Change Happened… Now What? | https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WH7hnztKDGazK7HwDvZ0a?si=265de9b5049e491d
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:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 

#11: Ask Monique: Top 5 Human Skills for the Future in the Age of AI

Let’s be real: AI is here, and it’s flipping the script on how we work, lead, and connect. But here’s the thing they don’t tell you — the most valuable thing in the age of AI is still YOU. Your humanness, your intuition, your vibe, and your ability to make meaning out of a mess. 
In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on the top 5 human skills that research says will actually matter as AI continues to evolve. These are not just fluffy soft skills. These are power tools for your career, your creativity, your leadership, and your peace of mind. 
I’m breaking it down with real talk, backed by reports from Microsoft, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum. So whether you’re pivoting careers, leading a team, or just trying to stay sane in the swirl of it all, this episode is your field guide to staying irreplaceable. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(03:58) - The Importance of Analytical Thinking(07:44) - Resiliency, Flexibility, and Agility(10:52) - Practical Tips to Build Resiliency and Agility(13:56) - Developing Strategies to Handle Stress(15:33) - Leadership and Social Influence(16:47) - Why Leadership Is All About Orchestration(18:02) - Empathy and Active Listening(22:21) - Curiosity and Lifelong Learning(26:18) - How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Links and Resources
Economic Forum Report | https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
McKinsey Report | https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work 
Microsoft Work Trend Index | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index
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:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
 

#10: Navigating Life's Flow: Tools for Clarity ft. Cathy Hawk

You know that moment when something feels “off” — you can’t quite name it, but you know you’re not where you’re meant to be? Maybe you’re over-functioning. Maybe you’re burned out. Or maybe life just feels muddy, and you’re ready to gain clarity, lit up, and be aligned again. 
Today, I’m joined by my mentor and one of the original voices in the coaching space, Cathy Hawk. Cathy is the founding director of Clarity International™ and the co-creator of the groundbreaking Choice Point Map and Clarity River frameworks that have helped thousands reconnect with their gifts, get clear on their purpose, and live what she calls a “lights on” life. 
In this episode, we dive deep into how to notice, nurture, and navigate your inner light, especially when the world feels loud, overwhelming, or dim. You’re going to walk away with mindset tools, visual frameworks, and real-life strategies to help you tune into clarity, even during chaos. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this really how I want to live?” — this episode is your permission slip to explore what else is possible. Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(04:34) - How Passion Is Physiological(10:06) - The Soul’s Journey: Why Purpose Isn’t Optional(14:25) - The Choice Point Map: A Guide for Your Inner World(17:16) - Self-Gossip, Confusion, and the Fastest Way to Recalibrate(19:39) - Life As A Movie: Writing Your Own Story(21:47) - Energy Leadership In Action(24:46) - The Power of “I Choose”(31:44) - The Near Field & Remote Field: Managing Energy in a Loud World(35:44) - Thoughts As Waves: Influencing the World with Intention(41:15) - The Journey on the River: Flowing Through Transition
Links and Resources:
GET CLARITY® Choice Point & Attention Guide | https://www.getclarity.com/product/get-clarity-choice-point-and-attention-guide/ 
River Journey Map | https://www.getclarity.com/product/get-clarity-journey-map-pdf/ 
Shift Course: https://www.getclarity.com/shift-course/
Clarity Cards: https://www.getclarity.com/product/get-clarity-card-deck/
Connect with Cathy
Website | https://www.getclarity.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhawk/ 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/getclaritytoday 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/getclaritynow
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/livelightson 
Connect with Monique:
Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/ 
Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer 
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

#09: Ask Monique: How Do You Make Your Voice Heard When You're the New Person?

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 

#08: Career Pivots, Purposeful Work, and Human-Centered Research — Real Talk with Chelsea Ottaviano

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

#07: Ask Monique: How to Talk to Your Boss About a Promotion

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 

#06: Change Happened... Now What?

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