What if "part-time" didn’t mean part-impactful?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, we sit down with Elizabeth Willetts—founder of Investing in Women, champion of flexible work, and author of Flex—to challenge everything you think you know about career, confidence, and what success really looks like.

Elizabeth shares her own journey from high-billing recruiter to entrepreneur, the surprising power of part-time work, and how to stop apologizing for career gaps or pivots. We talk about perfectionism, the confidence gap, and why documenting your wins is non-negotiable.

You’ll learn:

→ Why part-time doesn’t mean part-skilled

→ How to stop hiding (and start owning) your achievements → The mindset shift that changes everything about job hunting

→ Why “just do it” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a career strategy

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career or worried you were “falling behind,” this conversation will give you the permission slip (and the push) to bet on yourself.

🎧 Listen now and start building a career on your terms.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Elizabeth Willetts

02:50 – The Impact of COVID on Work Flexibility

06:00 – From Recruitment to Founding Investing in Women

11:52 – Employer Mindset Shifts on Part-Time

16:00 – Breaking Down the Confidence Gap

21:00 – Career Gaps & Why They Don’t Define You

23:45 – Strategic Job Searching vs. Spray-and-Pray

27:00 – The Power of Documenting Your Wins

32:00 – Embracing Authenticity in Work & Life

36:00 – Resilience, Risk & Redefining Success

About Elizabeth WillettsElizabeth Willetts is the Founder of Investing in Women—a female-empowering job board and community helping family-friendly and forward-thinking employers hire professionals looking for fulfilling flexible and part-time work.

She is an experienced recruiter with over 17 years of experience—both in-house at one of the Big 4 and at one of the UK’s largest recruitment agencies. Elizabeth is also a mum to two daughters, Emily and Annabelle (plus a Labradoodle called Dougal). She is a passionate believer in the power of part-time and flexible work to retain women in the workplace and close the gender pay gap.

Her debut book, Flex—a dynamic guide for anyone wanting to build a successful career on their terms—came out in January 2025.

• Website: https://investinginwomen.co.uk/

• Order Elizabeth’s book Flex: https://amzn.eu/d/8VpsKUK

• Sign up for her FREE CV template: Investing in Women CV Resource

• Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: Elizabeth Willetts
  

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#FlexibleWork #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #InvestingInWomen #PossibilitiesPodcast #CareerConfidence

What does it really mean to be “strong”?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, we’re flipping the script on strength, success, and the myth of “having it all.” Emmy-winning ESPN broadcaster Jenn Hildreth and FOX Sports SVP of Talent Relations Aimee Leone sit down with Monique for a conversation that’s equal parts grit, humor, and truth.

These two powerhouse moms aren’t here to sugarcoat it—they’re here to get real about ambition, vulnerability, and the mental load women carry on and off the field.

You’ll hear:

→ How working in male-dominated fields shaped their leadership styles

→ What youth sports and parenting can teach us about perseverance

→ The truth behind burnout and breaking points

→ Why showing emotion is actually a sign of strength

→ How community helps women carry the heavy stuff

If you’ve ever felt like you were supposed to “do it all and smile through it,” this conversation will make you feel seen—and remind you that being tough doesn’t mean going it alone.

🎧 Listen now and join the huddle of strong, messy, brilliant women making it happen.

📍Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Jenn & Aimee

03:15 – Working Moms in High-Performance Roles

09:44 – Youth Sports, Pressure & Perspective

15:03 – Defining Strength on Your Own Terms

20:38 – The Power of Emotional Honesty

25:50 – Why Community Keeps Us Going

32:11 – What They Wish They Knew Sooner

37:40 – Final Words of Wisdom

About the Guests:
Aimee Leone is the SVP of Talent Relations at FOX Sports, bringing over 25 years of experience in sports media. She specializes in talent management, brand strategy, and fostering strong on-air partnerships across the network.

Jenn Hildreth is an Emmy-winning sports broadcaster and play-by-play commentator for ESPN, known for her dynamic coverage of NCAA championships and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Together, they co-host the Tough as a Mother podcast, spotlighting the real, raw stories behind ambitious women balancing it all.

🔗 Follow the guests:

Instagram: @toughasamother_pod

Website: https://www.toughasamotherpodcast.com

Follow Monique

Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/moniquedemaio⁠

LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedemaio⁠

Newsletter:⁠ https://www.moniquedemaio.com/newsletter-sign-up⁠

Get the Book on Amazon & Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Creating-Life-You-Love/dp/B0CLHV526G

• #WomenInSports

• #WorkingMoms

• #LeadershipForWomen

• #ToughAsAMother

What if writing a book wasn’t about being a “writer”—but about owning your voice?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, we’re joined by book strategist and founder of The Written Legacy, Danielle Hutchinson, for a no-BS conversation about storytelling, authorship, and the courage to go from “maybe someday” to “manuscript submitted.”

You’ll learn:

→ Why writing a book isn’t about literary perfection—it’s about leadership

→ The hidden ROI of becoming a published author (hint: it’s not just book sales)

→ Why “I don’t have time” is code for “I’m scared”

→ The difference between being an expert and being a thought leader

→ How to clarify your message and turn ideas into a real book (without ghostwriters or gimmicks)If you’ve ever said “I want to write a book someday,” this episode is your wake-up call. Your story won’t tell itself.

🎧 Listen now and start building your legacy.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Danielle Hutchinson

02:32 – The Real Reason People Don’t Write Books

05:50 – From Editor to Entrepreneur

09:41 – What Leaders Get Wrong About “Thought Leadership”

14:20 – How the Publishing Game Has Changed

17:18 – Shifting from Doubt to Direction

22:03 – Legacy, Impact, and the Long Game

27:15 – Danielle’s Advice for First-Time Authors

31:46 – Final Thoughts on Finding Your Voice

About Danielle Hutchinson:

Danielle Hutchinson is the founder of The Written Legacy, a boutique strategy firm helping experts and executives write books that make a difference.

Known for her strategic clarity and sharp editorial eye, Danielle has guided countless leaders to move from vague ideas to books that grow influence, income, and impact.

Website: https://thewrittenlegacy.com

Instagram: @writtenlegacy

➡️ Follow Monique for More: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquedemaio

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Book Monique for your next keynote: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/contact

Grab her bestselling book “7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership”: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Creating-Life-You-Love/dp/B0CLHV526G

#womeninleadership #podcaster #femalefounders