Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted.

Monique Hayward
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Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted. is where real conversations happen—authentic, candid, and always unscripted. Hosted by Monique Hayward, an entrepreneur, marketing exec, author, and speaker, this podcast dives into career moves, personal branding, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and life’s unexpected twists. With inspiring guests and the AMA: Ask Monique Anything segment, you’ll get stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way. Hit play and join the conversation!

Episodes

  1. Feb 6

    Ask Monique Anything: Be Intentional With Your Time, Energy, and Relationships

    In this special solo edition of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique Hayward returns with a new Ask Monique Anything episode focused on intentionality — how we manage our time, our energy, and the relationships that shape our careers. After a brief hiatus, Monique answers listener questions about overcommitment, focus, and authentic networking, sharing candid insights from her entrepreneurial journey and leadership experience. ✨ In this episode, Monique covers: Why growth isn’t linear and how overcommitment can quietly hold us back How to evaluate opportunities using a “return on energy,” not just ROI Why bundling work (instead of scattering it) creates momentum How to network with purpose without feeling transactional The “6-Month Rule” for building meaningful professional relationships Why the strongest networks are nurtured, not harvested 🎧 Listener Questions Featured: Eli (Tempe, AZ): What unproductive habit do you still struggle with as an entrepreneur? Khurmi (Lahore, Pakistan): How do you network authentically and build relationships that lead to real opportunities? 💡 Key takeaway:Intentionality with your time, energy, and relationships is what turns effort into impact.

    6 min

  2. 11/09/2025

    Ask Monique Anything: How to Stand Out and Lift Others Up

    In this special solo edition of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique Hayward answers listener questions about visibility and mentorship — two essential skills for career growth and leadership. Recording from Aiken, South Carolina while visiting her mom, Monique reflects on what it really takes to be seen, heard, and valued in large organizations and how true leaders pay it forward by guiding others to realize their potential. ✨ In this episode: Why doing great work isn’t enough and how storytelling drives visibility How to navigate office politics with integrity and influence The 3-layer stakeholder map every professional should create How to mentor young talent by focusing on potential, not perfection The art of praising publicly and coaching privately Why mentorship is leadership and how it multiplies your impact 🎙 Listener Questions: Neetha from Pleasanton, CA — How do you gain visibility for your work in a large organization? What’s your strategy for navigating internal politics? Ousmane from Geneva, Switzerland — How do you guide or mentor young talent to focus on and realize their potential? 📍 Recorded in Aiken, South Carolina. 🎧 Subscribe and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

    10 min

  3. 08/11/2025

    Gen Z Unfiltered: A Real Talk with My Niece & Nephew About Fear, Hope, and the Future

    Season 2 kicks off with a special family conversation you won’t want to miss. I’m joined by my niece Ashley (18) and nephew Isaiah (15) for a candid, unscripted dialogue about what it’s really like to grow up Gen Z in 2025.We cover everything from:- The fears and hopes that shape their generation- How COVID-19 changed their friendships, health habits, and worldview- The ongoing divide over masking and public health precautions- The challenges and opportunities of being digital natives in the age of misinformation and AI- Their dreams for the future, from art and activism to engineering and space exploration- Why action absorbs anxiety and how they find balance in an overwhelming news cycleAnd in this special “Ask Monique Anything” segment, we flip the script. Ashley and Isaiah put me in the hot seat with their own questions about what's on my mind.Whether you’re curious about Gen Z perspectives or just love honest, cross-generational conversations, this episode is full of insight, humor, and heart.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.00:00: Show Open01:27: Understanding Generation Z's Perspective08:41: Navigating Information Overload10:59: Impact of COVID-1918:33: Visualize the Future22:09: The Impact of AI33:24: Ask Monique Anything: Special Edition38:42: Wrap Up

    40 min

  4. 06/11/2025

    Faith, Friendship, and Finding Your Purpose with Estilita Crumbley

    In this inspiring episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with her god sister and lifelong friend, Estilita Crumbley. Esti opens up about her incredible journey in media, sports, and entertainment—from interning on The Geraldo Show and working with Montel Williams to her current role with the Atlanta Hawks.With over 50 years of shared history, Monique and Esti keep it real about what it means to lead with faith, juggle the responsibilities of the sandwich generation, and stay true to yourself while rising through the ranks. They reflect on mentorship, purpose-driven leadership, and the hilarious, heartfelt memories that shaped who they are today.Plus, Monique answers a listener’s “Ask Monique Anything” question about finding the energy to push through when motivation is low.00:00 Show Open02:12 The Sandwich Generation Experience06:19 Cherished Memories and New York Vibes07:52 Career Beginnings and Influences10:38 The Journey in Media and Paying Dues14:40 Building Trust and Relationships in the Workplace15:43 Effective Communication with Executives22:00 The Atlanta Hawks: A Community Hub30:52 Faith and Family: Core Values34:24 Leadership and Personal Growth36:35 Hope for the Future37:40 AMA: Staying Motivated39:19 Wrap Up

    40 min

  5. 05/08/2025

    Unbreakable Bonds: The Journey with My Stepdad, Carl Polite

    In this deeply personal episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique sits down with her beloved stepfather, Carl Polite. Carl shares how he met Monique’s mom and stepped into the role of father figure with strength, heart, and humility. From building a blended family and launching a small business, to overcoming racism and profound personal loss, Carl’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and grace. You’ll hear powerful stories about family traditions, his entrepreneurial life, and the importance of showing up with love. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about balancing a corporate career with entrepreneurship. 00:00 -- Opening 01:47 -- How I Met Your Mother 04:33 -- Building a Blended Family 06:47 -- Navigating Loss and Building Resilience 08.45 -- Reflections on Family and Legacy 09:33 -- Lessons from Grandma Weebie 14:19 -- Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges 16:37 -- Navigating Racism: "Stand Your Ground" 27:32 -- Relationships Endure Even When Life Happens 30:16 -- Lessons from Family and Life Experiences 35:09 -- Looking Ahead: New Beginnings and Opportunities 36:40 -- AMA: Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Careers 39:15 -- Wrap Up

    40 min

  6. 04/03/2025

    From 5th Grade to Forever: A Lifelong Friendship with Stuart Knoop

    In this episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with Stuart Knoop, a longtime friend with a shared history that spans decades. They reminisce about their childhood, first friendships, and their shared connection with New York City. From early crushes to career aspirations, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and reflections on personal growth. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about her decision to close her restaurant and what she learned from the experience. 00:00 – Show Open 01:49 – All the Way Back to the 5th Grade 06:13 – Early Crush and the First Phone Call 10:29 – Getting to the Land of Turnpikes and Tollbooths 15:36 – "Transplant New Yorker" Raising Kids in the City 19:38 – Career Reflections and Aspirations 28:30 – Fondest Memories 32:38 – Ask Monique Anything 35:45 – Wrap Up

    37 min

  7. 03/09/2025

    Go, Cavaliers! Reconnecting with My High School Bestie, Bridgette Rumph

    In this heartfelt episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with her best friend from high school, Bridgette Rumph, after a decade apart. They reminisce about their formative years at Richland Northeast High School (Go, Cavaliers!), share stories of personal and professional growth, and reflect on the power of friendships that stand the test of time. Bridgette opens up about overcoming adversity, navigating life with resilience, and the importance of faith, family, and community. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question on what has kept her entrepreneurial spirit alive through the years. 00:00 – Reconnecting After a Decade03:22 – Life Changes and Challenges05:28 – The Importance of Friends, Family, and Service10:09 – Overcoming Adversity and Finding Joy13:33 – Mentoring the Next Generation20:40 – Reflections on High School Life24:33 – Navigating High School Transitions25:49 – Reunion Reflections and Personal Growth28:37 – Embracing Aging and Life Changes32:37 – Celebrating Our Milestone Birthdays36:46 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything and Wrap-Up

    40 min

  8. 02/03/2025

    From Summer Camp to Lifelong Friendship with Kevin Noble

    In this very first episode of Monique & Friends, Monique Hayward welcomes her childhood best friend, Kevin Noble, to take a nostalgic and insightful journey through their 40+ years of friendship. From meeting as “big city kids” at a summer camp in South Carolina to navigating life’s twists and turns, Monique and Kevin discuss being “blerds” before it was cool, finding new life in fitness and dance, embracing identity, and making bold moves. Plus, Monique introduces her new segment, "Ask Monique Anything (AMA)," where she answers a listener's question about how to professionals can stay relevant in a world where AI is increasingly becoming more capable and sophisticated. Chapters 00:00 – Where It All Began: Summer Camp in South Carolina06:19 – The Original "Blerds": Finding Friendship in Books & Music08:49 – Big City Kids & Southern Cooking (Good & Bad!)13:36 – How a Curve Ball Changed the Life Plan19:50 – Opening Doors in NYC & Finding a New Path in Fitness27:34 – Embracing Identity: Overcoming Fear & Owning Who You Are32:13 – Plans for the Future: “Florida Man” & The Next Chapter35:31 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything & Wrap-Up Follow Monique & Friends on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Got a question for "AMA: Ask Monique Anything"? Send it my way!

    39 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted. is where real conversations happen—authentic, candid, and always unscripted. Hosted by Monique Hayward, an entrepreneur, marketing exec, author, and speaker, this podcast dives into career moves, personal branding, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and life’s unexpected twists. With inspiring guests and the AMA: Ask Monique Anything segment, you’ll get stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way. Hit play and join the conversation!

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