Ambition Without Compromise

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

December 17, 2025 42 mins

In today's fast-paced world, women often find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with their professional identities and the desire for personal growth. 

In this candid conversation, Monique discusses the societal pressures that often keep women tethered to outdated identities and the necessity of forging authentic connections that foster growth and transformation. Her message serves as a reminder that change is possible, and...

Mark as Played

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 keeps us stuck in a cycle of waiting for the perfect moment to pursue our dreams. She dives straight into the heart of the matter, sharing powerful insights on how we often cling to familiar paths,...

Mark as Played
November 19, 2025 42 mins

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 self-persuasion and the importance of recognizing your inherent worthiness. She challenges you to shift your mindset from external validations to embracing your internal power, urging you to ask yourself:...

Mark as Played

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, but finding it difficult to take action.

In our latest episode, Monique offers insights that can help transform your approach to self-care and ambition. Join in to explore the systemic influ...

Mark as Played

👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED?  Click this link to join the interest list and we will email you the details ASAP.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time? You're not alone! This paradox can be particularly pronounced for women and people of color, who often carry the weight of not just their own responsibilities, but also the expectations of their c...

Mark as Played

👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED?  Click this link to join the interest list and we will email you the details ASAP.

How do you balance ambition with your partner?

In our latest episode, Monique explores the delicate balance of managing personal and shared goals within a relationship. Drawing from her own experiences with her husband, she sheds light on the importance of mutual s...

Mark as Played
September 24, 2025 38 mins

👉🏾 Interested in learning more about Monique's group coaching experience CLAIMED? Click this link to join the interest list and we will email you the details ASAP.

This week's episode is all about confidence! After months of reflection, Monique shares her insights on why we must prioritize optimizing for confidence in a world that often undermines it.

Through relatable scenarios from her coaching practice, Monique illustr...

Mark as Played

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 overwhelmed by the state of the world. Monique shares her experiences of grappling with inner turmoil while maintaining her coaching practice and supporting her family.

As she confronts feelings o...

Mark as Played

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. Together, they dive into Monique's career trajectory, from her time at Spelman College to her evolution as an executive coach, and the lessons learned along the way.

Tune in to gain insights i...

Mark as Played

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 ne...

Mark as Played

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 your full presence. From dressing bodies to shaping identities, Pamela reveals how style becomes a strategy for visibility, authority, and self-reinvention, especially for Black women in leadership.

Tun...

Mark as Played

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 communities. As she transitions from the empowering atmosphere of the summit back to the harsh realities of the world, Monique grapples with feelings of guilt and confusion about her role in the larger scheme of things.

Join in as sh...

Mark as Played

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 world that often demands we suppress our true selves. 

As high-achieving women, we often find ourselves caught between the demands of our professional lives and the yearning for personal fulfillme...

Mark as Played

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 Hal Hirschfeld, she explores the importance of developing a relationship with your future self and how this connection can guide your actions today. Monique challenges the common notion of 'winning tomorro...

Mark as Played

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 importance of acknowledging and processing those feelings. She also emphasizes the power of self-awareness and creativity in overcoming fear and finding clarity in uncertain times. 

Join in to d...

Mark as Played

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.

Join Monique as she speaks directly to high-achieving women like you—navigating the tension between your professional obligations and your personal ambitions. This isn’t about finding another tactic ...

Mark as Played

👆🏾 TEXT ME for more on CLAIMED™ - Group Coaching Experience For Black Mothers in Leadership

Feeling overwhelmed by your ambitions? It's time for a mindset shift! 

Join Monique as she dives into the struggles many ambitious women face as they juggle multiple responsibilities and aspirations.  She explores the metaphor of spinning plates and overflowing buckets to illustrate the challenge of managing multiple identitie...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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, she addresses the overwhelming exhaustion that often accompanies leadership roles, motherhood, and societal pressures. Monique also introduces seven actionable steps to help us combat overwhelm an...

Mark as Played

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? Will I lose my sense of self? These are common concerns, and in this episode, Monique addresses them head-on, offering insights and encouragement for those navigating this complex decision....

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Betrayal: Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.