Meet Monique S. Pearson

 

We were lucky to catch up with Monique S. Pearson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Monique S. , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

From a young age, attending a predominantly Caucasian school where less than ten minorities were present taught me how to navigate environments where I didn’t see many people who looked like me. This early experience prepared me for the military, where I often found myself as the only woman in my squad and in the male-dominated munitions field. I realized that I deserved to be in those spaces without seeking permission or validation, and I focused on adding value simply by being present and confident in my abilities.

As I developed my leadership skills, I learned to leverage being the only woman, and often the only person of color, to my advantage—particularly in federal government roles. Serving on hiring panels, I was able to ensure diversity and inclusion were prioritized in employee selection, bringing a fresh perspective to the process. Additionally, I thrived in leadership by emphasizing soft skills, recognizing that true leadership is about more than just achieving tasks; it’s about seeing subordinates as individuals, helping them develop their strengths, improve weaknesses, and achieve personal goals. For me, people always come first.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The inspiration behind my business emerged during a period of intense self-reflection during the pandemic. Confronted with the unprecedented challenges of the global crisis, I realized I was unfulfilled and needed to take control of my own destiny. This led to the launch of SWOLE (Soaring W/O Limits Enterprises), a venture that blends tourism and wellness, along with the creation of Professionista, a charity organization focused on empowering women. Both endeavors were born from a desire to not only transform my own life but to inspire and uplift other women who yearn for more.

What makes SWOLE truly special is its holistic approach to personal growth and empowerment. SWOLE intertwines travel, wellness, mindset coaching, and community support, with the Triple E Tribe at its core—an online community for women navigating male-dominated industries. The Tribe goes beyond being a support group; it’s a space where women can elevate, expand, and explore their potential together. Through the Triple E Tribe, I provide mindset coaching that equips women to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and thrive in spaces where they are often overlooked.

SWOLE also offers specialized retreats for women dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), creating a safe environment for healing and empowerment. My dedication to making a tangible impact, especially in spaces where women are often marginalized, is woven into every aspect of my work. It’s not just about services; it’s about creating a movement that encourages women to own their power and collaborate with others.

In addition to these offerings, I’ve recently launched The Triple E Podcast, a show dedicated to helping women elevate, expand, and explore their lives holistically—mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. Each episode features conversations with thought leaders who share their personal stories and practical tips to inspire our listeners to live their best lives.

Lastly, my upcoming book, Soaring W/O Limits: A Guide to Elevating Your Thoughts and Transforming Your Life, is a culmination of my journey. It serves as a roadmap for anyone struggling with self-doubt, trauma, or feeling lost, providing strategies and insights that helped me shift my mindset and transform my life.

My story is one of resilience and innovation, rooted in the belief that empowered women can change the world. Through SWOLE and the Triple E Tribe, I’m building more than a business—I’m building a movement that will inspire generations of women to embrace their power and soar without limits.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were embracing challenges, stepping outside my comfort zone, and paying it forward. Embracing challenges: I learned early on that growth comes from facing obstacles head-on. Instead of shying away from difficult situations, I welcomed them as opportunities to learn and improve. Each challenge became a stepping stone to greater confidence and competence. My advice for those starting their journey is to see challenges as part of the process. Don’t be afraid of failing—embrace it, learn from it, and use it to build your resilience.

Stepping outside my comfort zone: Many of my biggest successes came when I took a leap of faith and pushed beyond what felt safe or familiar. Whether it was moving to a new country or taking on a leadership role in a male-dominated field, growth always happened outside of my comfort zone. If you’re early in your journey, be willing to take risks and try new things, even if they make you uncomfortable. That’s where true personal and professional growth happens.

Paying it forward: Along the way, I realized the importance of helping others as I climbed. Mentoring and supporting others not only allowed me to give back but also deepened my own sense of purpose and leadership. If you’re just starting out, look for ways to help others, even as you’re learning yourself. The more you give, the more you grow, and building meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities.

These three principles—embracing challenges, stepping outside your comfort zone, and paying it forward—have been the cornerstones of my success. For anyone early in their journey, focus on developing these qualities, and you’ll find that each step forward will bring you closer to your goals.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was having me apply for a summer job when I was just 13 years old. At the time, I didn’t realize how important this would be, but that early experience taught me so much. From then on, I had to buy my own school clothes, supplies, prom dress, and even pay for things like my root canal! I quickly learned the value of a dollar and how to take care of things because I worked hard to afford them.

Working through high school while being a student-athlete taught me time management, responsibility, and the independence that comes with earning your own money. It built my strong work ethic and gave me a sense of pride in what I accomplished. The lessons I learned as a teenager—about resilience, hard work, and managing my own finances—have stuck with me and shaped the person I am today.

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Image Credits

Latonya Photography LLC

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