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
➡️ Follow Monique de Maio for More:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquedemaio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedemaio
Newsletter: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/newsletter-sign-up
🎤 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
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