Ambition Without Compromise
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 honest conversations and powerful stories, you’ll gain insights on:
- Balancing ambition and freedom without burnout
- Crafting sustainable work-life integration
- Protecting your mental and emotional well-being
- Building intentional communities and seeking mentorship for growth
Whether you're scaling your business, stepping into a higher leadership role, or simply seeking clarity about what success means now, this show offers the tools and stories to help you thrive without compromise.
Follow Monique wherever you listen to podcasts and step into a world where ambition and joy can coexist.
Ambition Without Compromise
58 | What Got Me Here: The Real ROI (And Real Costs) Of My Self-Investment Journey
Text 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 choosing yourself.
As busy ambitious women, we don't have time to piece together every self-help book and DIY our way to transformation. You don’t have to do this alone. Monique is spilling all the tea as she discusses the financial aspects of her investments, the importance of mentorship, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
This conversation is your reminder that betting on yourself isn’t just bold—it’s necessary.
GEMS DROPPED
“I want to be a solution to isolation. Self-investment is one less thing that you need to figure out and DIY—to let someone else hold you. This is how I have been held and continue to find ways to make sure that I am held, and I'm making sure that I take my skills and offer it to y'all.”
“I have a firm belief that if you are not willing to invest in the thing that you are offering to other people—then what are you doing in that profession?"
“The networks we were building a decade ago may not serve the vision we’re trying to live out now. It's a lot more efficient and it's a lot more effective to be in community with, in council with someone or some group that gets it, that is trying to do the same or very similar things that you are trying to do.”
“I know many of y'all listening are good students. You're like, ‘I can learn anything. You can put me in front of a stack of books, baby, and I will read the research papers. I will watch all the videos and the documentaries. I know how to learn things’. It is not the same thing as forming a whole new self -concept. That requires relationship, that requires a new environment, it requires challenging limiting beliefs and somebody that can help you see your blind spots. If you want to do that with speed and not isolated, it's available to you.”
STAY IN TOUCH
Come and follow me on Instagram @moniquershields and I would love your feedback so send an email to ambition@moniquershields.com.
CLAIMED is a 6-month group coaching experience for Black mother in senior leadership ready to stop performing and start becoming. This is for the woman who’s done everything “right” on paper—but knows a deeper version of success is calling. If you're craving real support, expert guidance, and a powerful circle of women who get it, you're in the right place.
Text me your name and email via the link in the show notes to get details and apply.