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
66 | Why Ambitious Women Are So Lonely — with Danielle Bayard Jackson
Text 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: symmetry, support, and secrecy. Danielle emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and vulnerability, encouraging listeners to embrace their needs and foster deeper connections. Monique and Danielle also address the impact of competition within friendships and how it can create barriers to intimacy.
If you are an ambitious woman feeling isolated in your friendships, press play to discover how to cultivate deeper connections and break the cycle of loneliness.
GUEST INFO
Danielle Bayard Jackson, Women’s Relational Health Educator and Director of the Women’s Relational Health Institute | Website | Book | Podcast | TikTok | Instagram
GEMS DROPPED
“I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that most of the women I work with are high achieving women. They're not women who don't have social skills or don't know how to have a conversation. These are women who are charismatic, who are extroverted. They have no shortage of social connections, but it's just that they feel so deeply unsatisfied with the connections they have. And of course, this is something that they are harboring secretly because to publicly announce that you are having challenges with what other people think should come so naturally bring some sort of shame. And it also detracts from this image of self-sufficiency that an ambitious woman would like to project.” - Danielle Bayard Jackson
“On one hand, you feel the weight of the expectations that we place on each other. But on the other hand, it's like, yes. And it's partially for really good reason, because there's so much available when we can reach that depth with one another and then navigate the times where inevitably conflict strikes.“ - Monique R. Shields
“There are so many things I think we overlook when it comes to building close relationships. I think we think of sharing secrets and being vulnerable. And that's all true, but it's other surprising things, like navigating healthy conflicts or receiving help. The research finds that that's a prerequisite to platonic intimacy.” - Danielle Bayard Jackson
“You do have to shift your beliefs to shift your behaviors. And if you can get yourself into this practice of checking in on your values. We can all recall a time where we had the good feels for being able to show up for somebody else, and it is robbing your friends of that experience. It's a gift to let somebody give to you.” - Monique R. Shields
STAY IN TOUCH
Come and follow me on Instagram @moniquershields and I would love your feedback so send an email to ambition@moniquershields.com.