We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Hughson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monica , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I have learned that confidence and self-esteem are developed from intrinsic desire to want to get better . Whether it is meditating every day, running a marathon, or accepting an invitation to speak at a leadership conference, I say yes to the challenge in spite of those negative thoughts that replay in my mind. From that yes, when I decide to show up for myself each day to achieve that goal, I feel good. Some days will be better than others and there will be days when I don’t even want to show up. Yet, when I can overcome that and just show up for myself, I feel like I have taken one more step to solidifying a good habit. I define confidence and self-esteem as showing up for me and when I fall, I can pick myself up and keep moving forward.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an entrepreneur, education expert, leadership and transformational coach, public speaker and the founder and CEO of Full-Purpose Coaching. I believe that the pain and suffering that we experience is caused by our attitude towards conflict rather than the conflict itself. Through Full-Purpose Coaching, I’ve created the BRAVE (Bold – Responsible – Agile – Venturesome – Engaged) Program to help people build their resiliency muscles. This program helps people take back control when they feel hijacked by circumstances and situations of life.
My journey towards understanding conflict began when I was sixteen years old. My father died unexpectedly at the age of 46 and my mother fell into deep despair. This circumstance gave me the courage to live in a BRAVE way. My diverse background and the 25+ years of leadership experience on two continents has given me great insight to differing cultures and human commonality.
I am a mother of two teenage girls. I live with my husband and our 4-year old Dorkie (Daschund-Yorkshire Terrier mix) and I split my time between the south of France and New York.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Staying curious helps me ask the right question of myself. Agility gives me the flexibility to take life as it comes.
Responsibility gives me the ability to control what I can.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My children have been incredible teachers. They are my mirror. Becoming a parent was a real wake up call for me. Every stage of their life forces me to recalibrate by learning about myself so that I could be the mother that they need. They taught me that there is no such thing as perfect. I have shown me how to live authentically because they can always see through the bull and the faking. My children have taught me to be grateful for many things great and small. They are my amazing teachers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.full-purposecoaching.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-hughson-ma-cpcc-68207337/
