Ambition Without Compromise is the space where powerhouse women of color — with a special heart for Black mothers and future mothers — come to redefine success on their own terms. Hosted by Monique R. Shields, executive coach, entrepreneur, and mentor to women at the highest levels of leadership, this podcast dives into the real challenges women face when juggling bold professional pursuits with the responsibilities of being present partners, mothers, and whole, healthy individuals. Through ...
…
continue reading
Monique R Shields Podcasts

1
68 | Becoming the Kind of Leader These Times Require
31:10
31:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:10Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this deeply personal episode, Monique opens up about her recent struggles with visibility, purpose, and the weight of societal turmoil. After a series of engaging guest interviews, she reflects on her own journey, feeling speechless and overwhelmed by the state of the world. Monique share…
…
continue reading

1
67 | More Than Getting By: How I Resourced Myself and Reclaimed My Career
1:11:04
1:11:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:04Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this week's episode, join Monique as she shares her inspiring journey from side hustler to executive coach. Monique takes us on a journey through her recent conversation with Nicaila Matthews Okome on the Side Hustle Pro podcast. Together, they dive into Monique's career trajectory, from …
…
continue reading

1
66 | Why Ambitious Women Are So Lonely — with Danielle Bayard Jackson
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this week's episode, Monique welcomes Danielle Bayard Jackson, a relational health educator, to discuss the complexities of female friendships, particularly for ambitious women of color. Throughout the conversation, they unpack the three affinities that strengthen female friendships: symm…
…
continue reading

1
65 | Reimagining Success from the Inside Out: Personal Style, Presence, and Possibility — with Pamela Shepard
54:00
54:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:00Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! How do you dress for the life and legacy you actually want? In this powerful and personal episode, Monique is joined by costume designer, educator, and style visionary Pamela Shepherd, as they unpack what it really means to show up in your full presence. From dressing bodies to shaping ident…
…
continue reading

1
64 | When the World Hurts, Is It OK to Keep Building?
31:45
31:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:45Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Reflecting on her time at the ROI Millionaire Summit, Monique shares the profound inspiration she gained from connecting with like-minded individuals dedicated to closing the wealth gap for marginalized communities. As she transitions from the empowering atmosphere of the summit back to the …
…
continue reading

1
63 | Healing the Hustle: Finding Freedom in Feminine Wisdom with Dené Logan
58:41
58:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:41Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Tune in as Dené Logan joins Monique to explore the dynamics of feminine and masculine energy and how they impact our relationships and personal growth. They explore how these dynamics shape our identities, relationships, and ambitions in a world that often demands we suppress our true selves…
…
continue reading

1
62 | Why We're Sabotaging Our Future Selves
29:44
29:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:44Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! What if the key to unlocking your future self lies in how you treat her today? In this inspiring episode, Monique introduces the transformative concept of embodying your future self right now. Drawing from a powerful talk by Hal Hirschfeld, she explores the importance of developing a relatio…
…
continue reading

1
61 | Unpacking Uncertainty And Taking Risks
36:14
36:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:14Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this week's episode, Monique tackles the complex relationship between risk and ambition, especially for women of color. Through compelling stories she illustrates the emotional turmoil that can accompany the pursuit of dreams and the importance of acknowledging and processing those feelin…
…
continue reading

1
60 | Too Busy to Dream: When the Work That Made You Successful Starts Holding You Back
30:46
30:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:46Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! What if the version of leadership that got you here is the very thing keeping you stuck? It’s time to grow and expand—not so you can carry more, but so you can finally live out your dream without the weight that’s been holding you back. Join Monique as she speaks directly to high-achieving w…
…
continue reading

1
59 | You Don’t Need More Time — You Need a New Identity
40:36
40:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:36Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! 👆🏾 TEXT ME for more on CLAIMED™ - Group Coaching Experience For Black Mothers in Leadership Feeling overwhelmed by your ambitions? It's time for a mindset shift! Join Monique as she dives into the struggles many ambitious women face as they juggle multiple responsibilities and aspirations. S…
…
continue reading

1
58 | What Got Me Here: The Real ROI (And Real Costs) Of My Self-Investment Journey
44:53
44:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:53Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this deeply personal episode, Monique shares the behind-the-scenes story of her biggest self-investments—from surprise trips and $15K coaching programs to community spaces that changed everything. She walks us through the fears, mindset shifts, and identity upgrades that come with choosin…
…
continue reading

1
57 | The Less I Do The More I Get Done: Finding Rest As We Work
52:51
52:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:51Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you feeling overwhelmed and overworked? In our latest episode, Monique explores the transformative power of rest and how it can revolutionize your productivity. Drawing inspiration from a recent gathering of high-achieving Black women, she addresses the overwhelming exhaustion that often…
…
continue reading

1
56 | Creating Space For Motherhood As A Leader
35:43
35:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:43Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Motherhood is a transformative journey that ambitious women in leadership find themselves contemplating. For many, the thought of becoming a mother can evoke feelings of fear and uncertainty. How will this new role affect my professional impact? Will I lose my sense of self? These are common…
…
continue reading

1
55 | When You Do The Most But Expect The Least: Letting Go Of Shrinking Yourself
24:37
24:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:37Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! This week's episode dives into self-love and transformation! Join Monique as she discusses the importance of recognizing your worth and embracing your true self. Inspired by a profound coaching conversation with a client, she explores the concept of being "low maintenance" and its detrimenta…
…
continue reading

1
54 | The Giver, The Grinder & The Pleaser: Rethinking Success
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Is the pursuit of success weighing you down? In this episode, Monique uncovers how ambition can sometimes come at the cost of our deepest dreams. Listen in as she shares compelling stories of women balancing leadership, motherhood, and personal fulfillment. Through the lens of the 'Giver,' t…
…
continue reading

1
53 | The Safety Shift: Trusting Yourself in Times of Transformation
37:36
37:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:36Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to conform to a certain image of success can be overwhelming. Many of us are familiar with the archetype of the "4am CEO," a figure that embodies relentless ambition and productivity. But what happens when this pursuit of success starts to overshadow…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you standing at the edge of a new chapter, feeling the pull of transformation, yet held back by invisible barriers? Join Monique as she uncovers the secrets to navigating identity shifts and breaking free from the self-doubt that keeps us stuck. Explore the thought-provoking questions th…
…
continue reading

1
51 | Monique's 2024 Reflections: Money, Motherhood & Mental Health + What's Next!
48:35
48:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:35Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, Monique shares her personal process for annual reflection, offering insights into how she evaluates the past year and sets intentions for the year ahead with clarity and purpose. Tune in to discover how embracing feminine energy and becoming more emotionally available can tr…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Welcome 2025 with us as we celebrate our 50th podcast episode! 🎉 Join Monique as she reflects on the top five episodes—ranked by downloads and impact—exploring themes like embracing change, prioritizing well-being, and balancing humanity with wealth. Monique also shares exciting news about h…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Have you ever felt the pull to close one chapter of your life and start a new one, only to be held back by an invisible ball and chain? This episode tackles the heart of that struggle, exploring how we can make meaningful shifts in how we work, live, and perceive ourselves. Join Monique on t…
…
continue reading

1
48 | Learning How To Choose Instead Of Saying Yes To Everything
37:42
37:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:42Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In a world where success is often defined by external benchmarks and societal expectations, Monique invites us to pause and reflect on the art of intentional living. Tune in as Monique shares her personal framework, "Nature, Nurture, Navigate," guiding us to understand our inherent strengths…
…
continue reading

1
47 | When Ambition Meets Stillness: Finding Strength in Slowing Down
35:03
35:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:03Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you feeling ungrounded or disconnected from your true self? Our latest episode takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery through therapy, journaling, and meditation. Join Monique as she takes us on an unscripted journey, sharing raw and real insights fresh from a therapy se…
…
continue reading

1
46 | Balancing Success and Personal Legacy with Former Blavity.org ED Tamyra Gordon
1:06:57
1:06:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:57Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Join Monique for an enlightening conversation with Tamyra Gordon as she shares her journey of intentional living, homeschooling and legacy building. Tamyra, also known as Tammy, is a public historian whose work serves as a powerful reclamation of Black history, identity, and legacy. With ove…
…
continue reading

1
45 | How To Actually Prioritize Rest: What I've Learned To Do
55:25
55:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:25Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! This episode is a delightful reflection on Monique's recent family trip to Australia and the valuable lessons she learned about balancing ambition with rest. Monique takes us through her journey of stepping away from her solopreneur business to embrace a much-needed break, all while maintain…
…
continue reading

1
44 | Submitting To Hard Changes In A New Season
51:22
51:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:22Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you navigating a season of change? This episode is here to provide inspiration and guidance. Join in as Monique revisits a transformative period in her life, reflecting on a throwback episode from her earlier audio newsletter series, "Letters from Monique." She shares insights from her j…
…
continue reading

1
43 | Rebooting Social Media Boundaries As A Business Owner: What I Had To Do
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, Monique takes us on a journey through her relationship with social media. She dives into an ongoing experiment that is reshaping her life, work, and well-being. Instead of waiting until the end of this process, Monique brings you into the messy middle, sharing her live exper…
…
continue reading

1
42 | Committing To Success That Heals You with Transformational Healer & Coach Marla Teyolia
49:48
49:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:48Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Welcome back, good people! This episode is a special treat as we welcome the inspiring Marla Teyolia, a seasoned transformational coach with over two decades of experience. Marla’s expertise lies in executive presence development, enhancing communication skills, career growth, and team expan…
…
continue reading

1
41 | What to Do When Your Vision Is Changing
46:58
46:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:58Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Have you ever found yourself feeling stuck, even though you've accomplished everything you set out to do? Life is full of subtle shifts and changes that can catch us off guard, leaving us feeling lost or in limbo. As high achievers, we can sometimes be so focused on our goals that we miss th…
…
continue reading

1
40 | Are You Asking Too Much Of Your Team?
34:04
34:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:04Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of this journey of entrepreneurship is people management. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves grappling with delegation and feedback, two crucial elements that can make or break our team dynamics and overall business success. In this episode, I’m div…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this live-recorded episode, we explore the pervasive issue of people-pleasing, its roots, impacts, and the paths to overcoming it. This behavior, often rooted in a desire to be liked and accepted, can have profound impacts on both our personal and professional lives. Join me for personal …
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I pull back the covers on my personal journey as a CEO and entrepreneur sharing my fears, challenges, and breakthroughs. From hiring hurdles to business growth, I get real and raw about the ups and downs of my five-year journey of building my busine…
…
continue reading

1
37 | The Power Of Prioritizing Friendship And Connection
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! As a coach, facilitator, and speaker, I have come to realize that our dreams don't always welcome us with open arms. The journey towards our aligned future can often feel lonely and unwelcoming, especially when we are made to feel isolated. Join me as I share personal stories and revelations…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In today's fast-paced world, the concept of truly resting and enjoying success often feels elusive. Many of us are caught in a cycle of hyper productivity and achievement, constantly striving for the next milestone without pausing to reflect or recharge. Inspired by a friend's sabbatical and…
…
continue reading

1
35 | The Courage To Pursue Peace With Hillarie Maddox of BlackGirlCountryLiving
56:15
56:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:15Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you yearning for a change in your life, especially one that brings you closer to your true self? This episode might just be the nudge you need. In this episode, we unfold the essence of rewilding – a term that transcends its ecological roots to embody a spiritual awakening and connection…
…
continue reading

1
34 | Perfectionism & The Settled Place We're Seeking
44:46
44:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:46Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Have you ever felt like you're constantly chasing a moment of peace, where everything on your to-do list is checked off, and you can finally relax? This pursuit of the 'settled place' might be more ingrained in your daily life than you realize. There's a way to shift from this endless cycle …
…
continue reading

1
33 | Unpacking Trauma And Achievement with Psychologist Andrea Michel
59:23
59:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:23Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, we explore the intricate web of trauma, perfectionism and high achievement with Andrea Michel. As a developmental psychologist, trauma-sensitive leadership coach, and former corporate badass, Andrea peels back the layers of what it means to be a high achiever, how our childh…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Are you waiting for the perfect moment to make a change? In this episode, I am shattering the illusion of the "magical right time" that so many of us are waiting for. The truth is, that moment when you feel entirely ready, when everything is in place, and when you've done enough—it's a myth.…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, I'm tackling a question that is rattling around the corridors of the minds of us highest achievers: "When will it ever be enough?" It's a relentless echo that reverberates in the silence left by our latest triumphs, a whisper that lingers even as we scale the peaks of what I…
…
continue reading

1
30 | How I Became A Podcaster - 1 Year Anniversary Episode!
42:48
42:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:48Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In today's episode, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ambition Without Compromise, a testament to the power of persistence and the beauty of evolution. Join me as I take a reflective journey down memory lane, recounting the origins of this podcast, born from a desire to connect authen…
…
continue reading

1
29 | Betting On My Wellbeing: Sharing My Practices
48:28
48:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:28Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this heart-to-heart episode, I'm peeling back the curtain on my personal journey of self-investment and well-being. As I navigate the ebbs and flows of life, I've come to realize that to manifest the life I aspire to, I must over-invest in my well-being. Join me as I share the strategies …
…
continue reading

1
28 | Beneath The Struggle To Ask For Help
30:55
30:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:55Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Often, we tell ourselves that the key to expanding our leadership is merely becoming better at asking for help or refining our delegation skills. But what I've unearthed in my work as a coach to CEOs and leaders is that the challenge goes deeper than tactics and tips. It's not just about opt…
…
continue reading

1
27 | Scaling Your Humanity With Your Wealth
34:31
34:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:31Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! I've been reflecting on my self-discovery journey, facing challenges and pondering profound questions this season. Recent conversations, especially those delving into my middle school experiences, have revealed personal truths and beliefs related to my sense of belonging. Sharing these exper…
…
continue reading

1
26 | When Achievement Is No Longer The Goal
23:44
23:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:44Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Today's episode focuses on a crucial perspective shift for high achievers who have hit all the targets and are now facing brand new questions and a career crossroads. Listen in as we explore the significance of introspection, identifying our true passions, and the value of taking small steps…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Reflection season is here, and I'm delving into the experiences of the past year, contemplating what truly matters. In today's episode, we uncover the layers of self-discovery and transformation, emphasizing the importance of doing the real work we often avoid. Join me on this deep dive as w…
…
continue reading

1
24 | 7 Gifts Of Coaching For High Powered Women
34:08
34:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:08Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! I'm buzzing with excitement after leading an incredible retreat with a group of amazing black woman CEOs. Now, I'm ready to dive into a topic that's been on my mind for a year: coaching. It's a tricky thing to explain because there are a million different types of coaches out there and the t…
…
continue reading

1
23 | Fighting Against Living Your Own Dream
34:09
34:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:09Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Over the past few weeks, I've been actively exploring a concept that's been alive in me, sparked by conversations with others and introspection. I've reached a point where I need to share it publicly and grapple with it out loud. So today we are going to do some wayfinding. Listen in as I ex…
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, I explore the concept of desiring change and the realization that to truly experience change, we must be willing to be changed ourselves. I share insights from coaching conversations and my personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating rituals and safe spaces …
…
continue reading
Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! Picture yourself playing at a new professional level; the stakes are higher, your scope of responsibility is broader, and the pressure is palpable. It's a unique blend of excitement and nerves, especially for people of color, who are navigating spaces that might not always feel welcoming. Th…
…
continue reading

1
20 | Experiencing Peace While Building Big Scary Things
24:25
24:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:25Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, I explore a powerful and often overlooked aspect of achieving success and finding peace while working hard. Drawing on my own experiences and insights, I highlight the complex dynamics that women, particularly women of color, face in their professional journeys. I challenge …
…
continue reading

1
19 | Liberated Business Building with Sabia Wade (aka The Black Doula)
1:08:33
1:08:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:33Text Monique directly! Share thoughts, feels or feedback! In this episode, we dive deep into the experiences and wisdom of Sabia Wade, a remarkable Black Queer CEO, Investor, Educator, and Author who's been making waves in the world of birthing and beyond. We reminisce about her childhood and her early concept of "Black luxury." From there, we jour…
…
continue reading