Possibilities with Monique de Maio

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you build one decision at a time? In this episode of Possibilities, Monique sits down with Mary Alice Duff, fractional COO, entrepreneur, and portfolio careerist, for a grounded and powerful conversation about confidence, self-trust, and what truly changes when women stop waiting for permission. This is not a conversation about moving abroad. It’s a conversation about what makes bold life decisions possible in the first place. Mary Alice shares her unconventional journey from social work to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from building and closing a business, and why self-employment became a tool for designing a life that actually feels good. Together, Monique and Mary Alice unpack why high-performing women fear embarrassment more than failure, how perfectionism keeps women stuck, and what “stop waiting” actually looks like in practice. In this episode, we explore: Why confidence is built, not born What happens when women stop auditioning for approval and start trusting themselves Why high-achieving women struggle more with embarrassment than failure How micro moments and small decisions compound into real confidence Why self-awareness is essential for leadership and entrepreneurship How self-employment and fractional leadership can create agency and flexibility Why patience and perseverance matter more than hustle This episode is a reminder that confidence does not arrive before action. Action builds confidence. If you’ve been feeling stuck, second-guessing yourself, or waiting for the “right moment,” this conversation may be the nudge you need. ABOUT OUR GUESTMary Alice Duff is a fractional COO, entrepreneur, and portfolio careerist who partners with small business owners to build profitable, sustainable companies without burnout. She works closely with founders of experiential and people-driven businesses, helping them gain clarity across operations, finances, and strategy. With a background spanning social work, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, Mary Alice brings a rare blend of operational rigor and human insight to her work. She also coaches experienced professionals who want to transition from traditional employment into confident, sustainable fractional leadership roles. Mary Alice currently lives in the south of France with her family and writes about the messy, joyful reality of self-employment, leadership, and designing a life that aligns with your values. Website: https://www.maryaliceduff.com Mary Alice’s Future Fractional coaching program is currently open for enrollment. This podcast is part of our mission to amplify women who are redefining work, life, and leadership. Follow Monique for More Possibilities Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquedemaio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedemaio Newsletter: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/newsletter-sign-up Explore Strategic Navigator Sessions with Monique: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/strategic-navigator/ Book Monique as a speaker for your next event: https://www.moniquedemaio.com/contact Grab her award-winning, bestselling book The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Creating-Life-You-Love/dp/B0CLHV526G