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

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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

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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

What if the least “qualified” person in the room was exactly the right one for the job?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, marketing mentor and founder of the 10K Email Club, Emily Claire Hughes, shares her story of going from musical theater to marketing maven—building a business that champions authenticity, community, and gutsy self-employment.

You’ll learn:

→ Why “launch before you’re ready” is the advice every entrepreneur needs

→ How a blog on a cruise ship became a thriving business

→ Why your background (yes, even restaurant work) is your advantage

→ The power of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you

→ How women can stop waiting for permission—and bet on themselves instead

If you’ve ever felt like your career pivot was “too risky” or your dream was “too late,” Emily’s story will inspire you to get moving anyway. You don’t have to be ready—you just have to be you.

🎧 Listen now & say yes to your next chapter.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Emily Claire Hughes

02:26 – From Broadway Dreams to Business Goals

05:38 – The “Least Qualified” Job Interview That Changed Everything

08:41 – Networking, Authenticity & Breaking In

12:45 – Living Abroad & Embracing Growth

15:34 – Escaping Toxic Work Culture

18:50 – Going All In on Self-Employment

27:41 – Building the 10K Email Club

31:54 – Women, Community, and Empowerment

36:32 – Celebrating the Wins

41:48 – Career Advice for Risk-Taking Women

46:02 – Choosing Your Niche & Your People

50:40 – Final Thoughts on Building Boldly

Emily Claire Hughes is the founder of the 10K Email Club, a marketing membership for female founders that helps women grow their businesses with authentic, high-ROI email strategies. A former performer turned copywriter and coach, Emily brings personality, passion, and a “launch anyway” mindset to everything she touches.

Website: https://www.emilyclaireand.co/

Instagram: @emilyinhamburg

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

About Emily Claire Hughes:

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

Do you know what your words are actually saying about you?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, sales strategist and communications coach, Liz Wendling, exposes the real reason most professionals struggle to influence, persuade, and connect: weak language.

Liz doesn’t teach scripts. She teaches alignment. Because when your language is congruent with your energy, you stop selling and start leading!

You’ll learn:

→ Why “I’m just checking in…” is a credibility killer

→ How to replace filler phrases with assertive authenticity

→ The mindset shift that transforms selling into serving

→ What it means to trust your inner GPS

→ Why congruence is the ultimate leadership superpower

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever doubted your message, softened your voice, or felt like you had to sound like someone else just to get the job done.

🎧 Tune in and start leading with clarity, confidence, and congruence.

📍Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Liz Wendling and The Sales Clinic

02:15 – Sales Isn’t Sleazy—You’re Just Doing It Wrong

05:00 – Why “It’s Not What You Sell—It’s How You Sell”

08:20 – The Landmine Phrases Killing Your Credibility

13:45 – Eliminating Weak Language for Stronger Leadership

19:20 – The Power of Congruent Communication

22:40 – Aligning Language with Energy

26:00 – Advice to Your 30-Year-Old Self

29:00 – Trusting Your Inner Knowing

About Our Guest:

Liz Wendling is the founder of The Sales Clinic and author of The Heart of Authentic Selling. She teaches sales communication with guts, heart, and integrity—no scripts, no sleaze, no fluff. Learn more: https://www.lizwendling.com

Follow Monique

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

#Sales #Communication #Mindset #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #SalesStrategies #PowerOfWords #SalesCoach #WomenInLeadership

What if the life you wanted was already whispering to you—but you hadn’t said it out loud yet?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, former ad agency CEO turned award-winning author, speaker, and Off-Broadway performer Mary Lou Quinlan shares her story of reinvention—and why the most powerful thing you can do is say what you want out loud.

You’ll learn:

→ Why reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s necessary

→ What happens when you finally stop performing and start creating

→ How Mary Lou transformed grief into a one-woman show, The God Box

→ Why your next chapter doesn’t need permission—just vision

→ The difference between gravitas and real presence

This episode is equal parts masterclass and manifesto for women who are ready to stop shrinking, stop waiting, and start showing up for the life they actually want.

🎧 Listen now & step into your next chapter.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Mary Lou Quinlan

02:15 – Finding Your Voice Beyond the Resume

06:04 – How The God Box Was Born from Grief

10:40 – Reinvention After “Having It All”

14:22 – The Power of Saying It Out Loud

18:30 – Why Grit + Grace > Gravitas

22:15 – Lessons from Off-Broadway to the Boardroom

27:00 – Advice to Women in Midlife: It’s Not Too Late

30:45 – The Role of Mentorship and Vulnerability

34:19 – Final Thoughts: Living with Intention & Impact

About Mary Lou Quinlan:

Mary Lou Quinlan is an Author. Actor. Playwright. Dancer. Women’s Advocate. Force for Good.

She has evolved from NYC advertising agency CEO to award-winning women’s marketer to New York Times bestselling author, columnist and speaker on women’s issues to Off-Broadway actor and playwright, competitive ballroom dancer and force for good.

More than a career, a journey of the heart.

See her LIVE in NYC: The God Box – May 6 @ The Sheen Center → https://www.sheencenter.org

Learn more at: https://www.marylouq.com

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

📚 Grab her bestselling book: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Creating-Life-You-Love/dp/B0CLHV526G

#SayItOutLoud #TheGodBox #MaryLouQuinlan #WomenWhoLead #MidlifeReinvention #BoldMoves #PossibilitiesPodcast #LifeAfterSuccess #LeadershipWithHeart #VoiceAndVision #ReinventionStory

What if the real prescription isn’t medicine—it’s movement, belonging, and connection?

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, journalist Julia Hotz joins us to explore the power of social prescribing: a revolutionary approach that’s helping people feel better by prescribing nature, service, art, movement, and community instead of pills.

You’ll learn:

→ Why chronic loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

→ How movement, creativity, and purpose literally rewire your brain

→ What “social prescribing” is—and how it’s changing healthcare globally

→ The neuroscience behind why belonging reduces pain and improves health

→ Small steps to reconnect when you feel burned out or disconnected

Julia’s research is compelling, inspiring, and actionable—and it’s exactly the kind of wisdom we need right now. If you’ve been feeling “off” and can’t quite explain it, this might be the connection cure you’ve been missing.

🎧 Listen now and start building your own prescription for wellness.

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Julia Hotz and Social Prescribing

02:41 – What Is the Connection Cure?

05:08 – Why Loneliness Is a Public Health Crisis

07:59 – Movement as a Mood Booster

10:34 – Art, Creativity & Expressive Healing

14:02 – Community & Belonging as Medicine

17:10 – Altruism, Service & Purpose

20:25 – Nature’s Role in Mental Health

24:14 – Reinventing Healthcare Around Connection

28:30 – Small Actions That Make a Big Difference

31:56 – Final Thoughts from Julia & Monique

About Julia Hotz:

Julia Hotz is a journalist, speaker, and author of The Connection Cure. She reports on global health innovation for outlets like The New York Times, Scientific American, and BBC. Her work focuses on how human connection, policy shifts, and community-based interventions can transform lives. 📘 Grab Julia’s book: The Connection Cure

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🎤 Book Monique to speak at your next event: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/contact

📚 Grab the book: https://https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Creating-Life-You-Love/dp/B0CLHV526G

#SocialPrescribing #TheConnectionCure #LonelinessCrisis #WomenInLeadership #MentalWellness #BelongingHeals #ConnectionIsMedicine #NatureHeals #ArtAsTherapy #Possibilities #Podcast

Want to move abroad—but don’t know where to start?

This episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio features Cepee Tabibian, founder of She Hit Refresh, a global community and platform that empowers women 30 and up to take the leap and build lives abroad.

Whether you're craving freedom, sick of burnout culture, or just tired of being told “you’re too old” to start over—this conversation is your permission slip.

You’ll learn:

→ The first mindset shift that makes moving abroad actually possible

→ The most common fears women face (and how to overcome them)

→ Financial, logistical, and emotional prep you actually need

→ How to travel with intention, not just escapism

→ Why moving abroad is sometimes less about the place—and more about the reset

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to stop waiting for someday—and start planning your next chapter.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Cepee Tabibian: The Story Behind She Hit Refresh

02:42 – The Realities of Moving Abroad in Your 30s and 40s

05:45 – What Holds Women Back from Making a Big Leap?

09:11 – How to Plan, Prepare, and Protect Your Dream Abroad

14:03 – Solo Travel, Community, and Intentional Living

17:44 – The Difference Between Vacationing and Living Abroad

22:15 – Advice for the Woman Who’s Waiting for the “Right Time”

About Cepee Tabibian: At the age of 35, Cepee upended her entire life by selling her belongings and moving from the US to Europe—and has never looked back. Since then, she’s been on a mission to help other women do the same through her community-based business, She Hit Refresh: a global community of over 17,000 women age 30+ who want to move abroad.

Cepee is also the author of I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe—featured in Forbes— an in-depth guide for understanding the many visa options for Europe.

As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before becoming an immigrant herself in Spain. Through her work, she’s proven that it’s never too late to hit refresh on your life.

➡️ Follow Monique for More

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🎤 Want Monique to speak at your next women’s leadership event or retreat?Book her for keynotes, workshops, and real talk that moves the room: Inquire Here

💡 Need a reset? Grab Monique’s bestselling book The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love, now on Amazon and Audible

#SheHitRefresh #WomenWhoWander #MoveAbroadMindset #MidlifeReinvention #PossibilitiesPodcast #PassportToPossibility #SoloTravelCommunity #ResetYourLife