Let’s talk about that sinking feeling you get on Sunday night…the one where your stomach tightens, your brain starts spiraling, and the thought of Monday makes you want to cry into your wine glass. Yeah, that. Emily Claire Hughes felt it too. And instead of pushing it down, numbing it out, or blaming herself for […]

Let’s be real: most people hear the word sales and immediately cringe. Cue the sleazy tactics, cheesy scripts, and awkward follow-ups that make your skin crawl. I get it. But after sitting down with Liz Wendling—founder of The Sales Clinic and author of The Heart of Authentic Selling—I’m here to tell you this: sales done […]

You don’t need another vision board. You need a moment of gutsy, unapologetic clarity. And Mary Lou Quinlan? She’s the proof. At the height of her career, CEO of a major ad agency and award-winning marketer, Mary Lou stepped away from “success” as the world defined it. She wanted more. More meaning. More creativity. More […]

Let’s be blunt: loneliness is making us sick—and the real cure probably isn’t in your medicine cabinet. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, chronic loneliness has the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Read that again. In a world obsessed with biohacking and productivity, we’ve forgotten one of the most […]

Let’s just start here: how many of us dream of writing novels… and then actually do it? Yeah, exactly. Meet Jacqueline Friedland—lawyer-turned-bestselling-author, mom of four, and proof that yes, you can leave the high-status career and still win. In this week’s episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, we dive into Jacqueline’s journey from commercial […]

“Done is better than perfect.” That’s the mantra that changed my life. And if you’re stuck waiting for the perfect moment to start something—whether it’s a health goal, a career move, or a life change—it’s time for a reality check. Because perfection is a lie. And worse? It’s a stalling tactic. In my latest Consider […]

I had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker for the Newark Academy 2025 Women’s Summit, where alumnae, parents, students, faculty, and staff came together to engage in thought-provoking discussions on women’s health, wellness, and leadership. It was an empowering afternoon filled with authentic conversations, personal insights, and actionable strategies for creating a life […]

Let’s get real for a second: Your life isn’t happening to you—you’re designing it with every single decision you make. 👉 How you spend your time? That’s a reflection of your priorities.👉 Where your energy goes? That’s what you’re valuing.👉 Where your money goes? That’s what you’re betting your future on. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, […]

Confidence isn’t about being loud. It’s not about having all the answers. And it sure as hell isn’t about being perfect. It’s about CLARITY. When you’re clear on who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re working toward, confidence follows naturally. But without that clarity? You hesitate, overthink, and second-guess yourself into oblivion. […]

Are You Your Own Worst Clarity Killer? Let’s Fix That. If you feel like you’re running in circles, second-guessing every decision, and constantly wondering why you’re not where you want to be, let’s cut to the chase—you might be sabotaging your own clarity. Clarity is power. When you’re clear on what you want and where […]