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.
Episodes
75 episodes
74 | [Rewind] The Right Time Is Not Coming
This week on Ambition Without Compromise, we’re revisiting a pivotal episode that resonates deeply with our ongoing theme of embracing change. Join Monique as she tackles the elusive concept of the "right time" and how it often keep...
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29:11
73 [Rewind] Being "Worthy" Of The Pivot
We’re bringing back this powerful conversation as a replay because the message is still exactly what you need to hear if you’re feeling called to something more in your career or business. Join Monique as she dives into the art of s...
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42:25
72 | Adhering To Your Dreams: The Secret to Doing What You Say You Want
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and struggling to prioritize your well-being? This struggle is not unique; countless high achieving women share similar experiences of knowing what they should do for their health and happiness...
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46:07
71 | You Can’t Outsmart Overwhelm - Leading Differently in Tight Seasons
👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED? Click this link to j...
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26:44
70 | Inside Our Marriage: Navigating Ambition, Money, and Vision Together
👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED? Click this link to j...
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51:38
69 | Optimizing Your Life For Confidence
👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED? Click this link to join th...
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38:38
68 | Becoming the Kind of Leader These Times Require
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 over...
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31:10
67 | More Than Getting By: How I Resourced Myself and Reclaimed My Career
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...
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1:11:04
66 | Why Ambitious Women Are So Lonely — with Danielle Bayard Jackson
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 t...
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41:01
65 | Reimagining Success from the Inside Out: Personal Style, Presence, and Possibility — with Pamela Shepard
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 you...
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54:00
64 | When the World Hurts, Is It OK to Keep Building?
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 ...
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31:45
63 | Healing the Hustle: Finding Freedom in Feminine Wisdom with Dené Logan
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 worl...
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58:41
62 | Why We're Sabotaging Our Future Selves
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
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29:44
61 | Unpacking Uncertainty And Taking Risks
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 importa...
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36:14
60 | Too Busy to Dream: When the Work That Made You Successful Starts Holding You Back
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.J...
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30:46
59 | You Don’t Need More Time — You Need a New Identity
👆🏾 TEXT ME for more on CLAIMED™ - Group Coaching Experience For Black Mothers in LeadershipFeeling overwhelmed by your ambitions? It's time for a mindset shift! Join Monique as she dives into the struggles many ambiti...
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40:36
58 | What Got Me Here: The Real ROI (And Real Costs) Of My Self-Investment Journey
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 shif...
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44:53
57 | The Less I Do The More I Get Done: Finding Rest As We Work
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...
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52:51
56 | Creating Space For Motherhood As A Leader
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...
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35:43
55 | When You Do The Most But Expect The Least: Letting Go Of Shrinking Yourself
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 explor...
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24:37
54 | The Giver, The Grinder & The Pleaser: Rethinking Success
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 pe...
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36:27
53 | The Safety Shift: Trusting Yourself in Times of Transformation
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 w...
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37:36
52 | Making The Scary Identity Leap
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 tha...
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33:02
51 | Monique's 2024 Reflections: Money, Motherhood & Mental Health + What's Next!
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 energ...
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48:35