Possibilities with Monique de Maio Monique de Maio

In this conversation, I interview Kelly Nagel, a former corporate executive, about her experiences in corporate America and the importance of authenticity. We discuss the challenges of not being one's authentic self in the workplace and the impact it can have on mental health. 

We also explore the effects of over-scheduling and not being fully present in one's personal life. Kelly shares her journey of recognizing burnout and making changes to prioritize self-care. Finally, we discuss how Kelly plans to maintain her own agenda and not let a company dictate her life. In this conversation, Kelly Nagel discusses her decision to take a bet on herself and be intentional in her career. She emphasizes the importance of protecting your calendar and prioritizing your most important work. 

Kelly also shares the three D's: do it, defer it, delegate it, as a strategy for managing tasks. The conversation delves into the topic of letting go of ego and finding joy outside of work. Kelly encourages listeners to be clear and intentional in their next chapter and to focus on work-life integration and finding balance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on writing your obituary and defining your legacy, as well as the European perspective on work and life.



00:00 Introduction of Kelly Nagel

09:03 A Day in the Life of Kelly Nagel

13:29 Dealing with Burnout and Making Changes

22:01 Becoming a Reformed Corporate Executive

22:28 Taking a Bet on Yourself

24:08 Protecting Your Calendar

31:19 Being Intentional and Clear in Your Next Chapter

35:30 Work-Life Integration and Finding Balance

40:12 Writing Your Obituary and Defining Your LegacyKelly's career has been centered around the IT industry for nearly 30 years, and she has has worked her way up from sales representative to Regional President of the global leader in professional audio technology.

While at Jabra, she was part of global leadership team promoting a culture that supports and empowers employees through a combination of formal and informal mentorship programs. She also served on their Executive DEI Committee and led the Women's Employee Resource Group. She recently became an Advisory Board member with The WIT Network, working to promote the advancement of women in technology.

Kelly is first and foremost a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend, she is currently taking a career "pause" after many successful years leading various technology organizations.

The conversation is about taking responsibility for our actions and outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of owning our part in miscommunications and conflicts. Monique encourages listeners to control their responses and de-escalate situations. The conversation also touches on the idea of not having regrets and resolving relationship conflicts. The main takeaway is the need to own our shit and take ownership of both the positives and negatives in our lives.

00:00 Owning Our Shit: Taking Responsibility
03:19 Controlling Our Responses: De-escalating Conflicts
05:14 No Regrets: Resolving Conflicts and Building Relationships
06:40 Owning the Positives and Negatives: Taking Ownership

In this episode, I interview Sarah Beane Ricca, a Certified Financial Planner, about women and money. We discuss the reluctance of women to talk about money and the confidence issues that often arise. Sarah shares her journey from management consulting to becoming a financial advisor and highlights the benefits of pivoting in one's career. She emphasizes that being a financial advisor is a great career for women, as it allows flexibility and the opportunity to help others. Sarah also provides advice on managing money and portfolios and encourages women to start planning for their financial future at any age.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:02 Guest's Journey to Becoming a Financial Advisor
12:49 Overcoming Confidence Issues in Money Management
20:17 Key Steps for Women to Manage Their Money
31:12 It's Never Too Late to Start Managing Money

Sarah Beane Ricca is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Sarah offers clients comprehensive financial planning that encompasses virtually every aspect of their financial lives.

Sarah’s passion for all things financial began as a kid, where by the age of 8 she was taught how to balance a checkbook and was asking questions about financial markets at the dinner table. A lifelong student of budgeting, financial planning and the markets, today she shares her knowledge with numerous professional groups, women’s organizations, and not-for-profits, speaking frequently on such topics as Women and Wealth, Financial Planning, Leaving a Legacy, World Financial Markets and the Challenges of Divorce.

A cum laude graduate of Wellesley College with a BA in Economics and American Studies, Sarah began her career as a management consultant for Deloitte Consulting focused on client service in the technology space. She then progressed to several technology firms before realizing she wanted to professionally help people and their families achieve greater financial security.

She chose to join Morgan Stanley in 2009 where she built a practice before partnering with Joe Kennelly to form The Hudson Ridge Group, a planning based team of 8 focused on the financial needs of high-net-worth multigenerational families, and managing over $1 billion in client assets as of August 2021.Sarah is the co-founder of The Bergen County Professional Women’s Network and conducts an executive women’s breakfast program

In life, we often face challenges that make us question our worth and capabilities. Lisa's story is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and the realization that our differences are not weaknesses but unique gifts. Despite growing up with undiagnosed learning disabilities and battling feelings of inadequacy, Lisa discovered her true potential and embraced her strengths. Her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and healing serves as an inspiration for all of us to embrace who we are and rewrite our internal narratives.

0:00 Intro and becoming an author
7:00 Inherited Ancestral Trauma and Belief Systems
15:00 Alternative Healing Modalities: Hypnosis and Energy Medicine
20:00 Empowerment Journey/Mindset Shift
30:00 Self Reflection

With over two decades of experience as a dynamic leader, Lisa is an author of the bestselling book, “In Every Belief is a Lie”, an award-winning speaker and emcee at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Columbia University.
She is featured in the upcoming movie, “Zero Limits,” alongside Dr. Joe Vitale, set for release in the fall of 2024. Her pursuit of excellence extended to sports psychology, where she trained in the “Winners Mindset” with Bob Reese, former head trainer for the NY Jets.
She played a pivotal role in guiding a professional golfer to the title of Golfer of the Year. Lisa was V.P. of Business Development for a groundbreaking virtual reality startup, enhancing the lives of clients dealing with pain, memory loss, and stress. As a Certified Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Lisa empowers individuals to overcome blocks, embrace their truths, and fearlessly step into their authentic selves. As a trained Certified Why Coach, aligning with Simon Sinek's philosophy in "Know Your Why" she helps individuals discover their purpose, the Why behind businesses, teams, and branding strategies.
Lisa combines wisdom, experience, and a passion for unlocking human potential, leaving an indelible mark on every audience she engages.

In this conversation, Monique discusses time hacks and ways to optimize our schedules. She emphasizes the importance of setting up a clean and uncluttered workspace for increased productivity. Monique also suggests using the 'do not disturb' feature on our devices and designating a day of the week for no meetings. She advises color-coding our calendars and blocking out time for our own projects. 

In terms of food and nutrition, Monique recommends eating whole foods, eliminating processed foods, and being mindful of the ingredients in our meals. She shares the benefits of batch cooking and having pre-prepared meals and snacks. Monique concludes by encouraging listeners to take control of their time and make decisions that lead to a more fulfilling and productive day.

Looking for my book ‘The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership’ on Amazon? Here it is… https://a.co/d/cot9lJA

Join us on "Balancing Acts," as we explore the inspiring journey of Megan Crokos, Former Senior Vice President of Product Development at a renowned retail company. Dive deep into the narrative of a woman who has mastered the art of blending leadership, career growth, family life, and positive work culture. Discover how Megan navigates the challenges of a high-powered position while maintaining a rich and fulfilling personal life. Gain insights into her unique approach to leadership, characterized by empathy, strategic planning, and a continual quest for learning.

In this episode, Megan shares her strategies for success, her experiences in transforming workplace culture, and her wisdom on balancing professional aspirations with personal commitments. Perfect for aspiring leaders, working parents, and anyone looking to enrich their professional and personal lives. Tune in for an enriching conversation filled with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and leadership lessons from a top industry executive.

0:00 Intro to Megan and Early Career/Passion for retail
7:00 Achievement and Impact
13:00 Women In Leadership
26:00 Strategies for Balance
37:00 Vision Boards/Career Advice

Megan's journey at Bath & Body Works began in 2007 when she assumed the role of Director of Creative Product Innovations. Her strong leadership and contributions led to her promotion to Assistant Vice President (AVP) in 2009. In 2012, her responsibilities expanded further as she took charge of Creative Fragrance and Innovations within Product Development. Her ascent continued in 2013 when she was promoted to Vice President and culminated in her elevation to Senior Vice President in 2019.

In recognition of her talents and accomplishments, Megan was honored with the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Top Talent Award in 2019 and in the same year became a member of Chief, an exclusive network dedicated to connecting and empowering women leaders. In 2022, she was celebrated as the Women in Flavors and Fragrance Commerce Gala Honoree.

Before her tenure at Bath & Body Works, Megan amassed over two decades of experience in creating and marketing a wide range of products, including color cosmetics, facial skincare, fragrant body care, and home products, while working with prestigious brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Jo Malone, La Mer, L'Oréal/Lancôme, Calvin Klein Beauty, and Revlon. Her career began at the ground level, and through her leadership, she rose to the position of Executive Director of Global Product Development.

Megan's academic achievements include earning an MBA earned from Fordham University in New York City, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American College in London, England, where she graduated Cum Laude.

In her personal life, Megan, alongside her husband, Alexander, resides in New Jersey with their rescue greyhound, Shay. Their daughters, Ava and Ariana, have embarked on their own professional journeys, with Ava working in economics and Ariana pursuing a career in graphic design in New York.