#16 Training 1000 Women for Corporate Boards ft. Michele Ashby

In this episode, Monique Schafer sits down with Michele Ashby, a trailblazing executive, board director, and founder of ACE LLC. With over three decades of experience in finance and capital markets, and eight board seats under her belt, Michelle is on a mission to train 1,000 women to step into corporate boardrooms with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Together, Monique and Michelle dive into the real path to board leadership — from mastering governance and financial acumen to navigating the unspoken dynamics of the good old boys’ network. They also explore the mindset shifts women need to own their value, silence imposter syndrome, and speak the executive vernacular that commands a room.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “Could I be doing more?”, this episode is your blueprint for what’s next. Whether you’re an experienced executive, a rising leader, or simply curious about how women can shape the future of corporate governance, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead at the highest level and claim the seat that’s already waiting for you.

In this episode:

(05:37) - Michelle’s Journey to the Boardroom (08:58) - The Importance of a Unique Value Proposition (10:13) - The Power of Relationships (14:12) - How Visibility Builds Momentum (17:22) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (21:41) - Beyond Tactical: How Michele’s Program Transforms Identity (24:27) - The Future of Women in the Boardroom (27:23) - Understanding the Transfer of Wealth (34:28) - Core Competencies: What Makes You Board-Ready? (40:33) - The Role of Men in Supporting Women (48:47) - Final Takeaways

Links and Resources:

• Michele’s Talk at Oxford | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgdh83r5IZM
• Board-Ready Bundle | https://www.acellc.consulting/board-ready-bundle

Connect with Michelle:

• Website | https://www.acellc.consulting/
• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ashbyconsultingenterprises/
• LinkedIn | http://linkedin.com/in/micheleashby1

Connect with Monique:

• Website | https://www.thegreatlifeexperimentpodcast.com/
• Instagram - thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast | https://www.instagram.com/thegreatlifeexperiment_podcast
• Instagram - @itsmoniqueschafer | https://www.instagram.com/itsmoniqueschafer
• YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@GreatLifeExperiment

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