The Rewriters

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 4! In this episode, we're goal-planning for a strong close to 2026. I also explain what I mean by Inside-Out Career Change - a holistic approach that flips the script on traditional career change, prioritising who you are and how you want to live over external titles and success markers. I touch on how goal setting activates your brain’s salience network to keep your priorities top-of-mind and walk you through an 11-question mini goal-planning session.Episode Themes & HighlightsThe September Reset Energy: Why September feels like a bonus new year (plus personal updates on The Artist's Way, celebrating 5 years alcohol-free and stepping back from social media).Inside-Out Career Change Explained: Flipping the traditional career change narrative.The Neuroscience of Goals: How setting SMART goals activates your brain's salience network (inspired by Dr. James Doty’s Mind Magic).Mini Goal Planning Session: 11 Questions to help you define your primary non-negotiable target for 31st December 2026 (and how to get there).The 11 Goal-Planning PromptsGrab a notebook, download your free Rewrite Goal Planner and reflect on these questions from the episode:More: What do you want more of in your career right now?Less: What do you want less of?The Destination: Where do you want to be by 31st December 2026?Primary Focus: What is your single most important goal for the next 3 months?The Why: Why is this goal deeply important to you?Success Criteria: How will you know you’ve achieved it?Obstacles: What potential barriers or derailers could get in the way?Mitigation: How will you plan for and navigate those obstacles?Support: Who or what resources do you need to support you?Milestones: What action steps will you take this week, in 2 weeks, in a month?Celebration: How will you celebrate when you achieve this goal?Resources Referenced:DOWNLOAD: Free Rewrite Goal Planner Template (https://rewrite.myflodesk.com/goalplanner)LISTEN: Season 4, Episode 1 – The September Reset and Reimagining Your Career (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s4-ep-1-the-september-reset-and-reimagining-your-career/id1538589146?i=1000787130059)JOIN: The Rewriters Community Membership (https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember)BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (https://juliacameronlive.com/)BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything by Dr. James Doty (https://www.jamesrdotymd.com/mindmagic)PODCAST RECOMMENDATION: No Country For Old Women (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-country-for-old-women/id1882453166) Get Involved & Get In TouchThis podcast is designed to be a career coach and community in your pocket. Here's how to get involved and participate in future episodes:Submit to the Rewrite Clinic: Have a specific, personal career challenge you need to address? Email hello@rewriterewrite.com with pod rewrite clinic in the subject line (Submissions can be anonymised upon request).Suggest a Deep Dive: Want a broader career topic or obstacle covered on the show? Email hello@rewriterewrite.com with pod deep dive in the subject line.Next Episode: Mark your calendar for Tuesday, 29th September for our first audio Monthly Accountability Session and a breakdown of different accountability styles.Become a Member: Want to work with Monique and the community directly? Join other highly empathetic ambitious professional women designing their lives on their terms at their own pace here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember. Join monthly and cancel anytime or join annually and immediately access your 4 free 1:1 coaching interventions with Monique.Get in touch with Monique Shaw:Email: hello@rewriterewrite.comBook a free consult: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/bookWeb: www.rewriterewrite.comLinkedIn: Monique Shaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquelshaw/The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.

Hello and welcome to a brand new season of The Rewriters!This episode is filled with ‘September Reset’ energy to help you lay the foundation for a career and life built on your own terms.After wrapping up Season 3 for the Summer, I am back with a brand new format designed to be an audio experience of my private membership, ‘The Rewriters Community’. Whether you want to change jobs, rethink how you work or find more fulfilment, this season is intended to act as a career coach and community in your pocket.What to expect: This season I’m introducing several new core elements that reflect the structure of ‘The Rewriters Community’, with bi-weekly episodes running until the start of next European SummerMonthly Accountability Sessions: We are introducing a new monthly accountability segment to help you keep your goals fresh, alive, and visible. We will review where you are and where you are headed, with our first accountability segment scheduled for Tuesday 29th September 2026.Rewrite Clinics: Acting as a 1:1 coaching intervention, this segment will unpack listener’s specific career challenges. I’ll provide coaching questions, observations and insights, as well as relevant resources.From Inside The Community (Deep Dives): We will dive into key career themes and obstacles that emerge directly from within the membership, the zeitgeist, and online – and from listeners.Rewriter Spotlight: Expect special guests and stories from other people who have rewritten their stories – including actual community members.In this episode: We’re kicking things off with some Pre-Goal Planning. Before we dive into identifying some solid and tangible goals in our next episode, we are doing some essential pre-planning to help you reconnect with what you want and open your mind up to possibilities. Grab yourself a pen and some paper for these two foundational exercises...Exercise 1: Visioning & Big Picture Thinking: Take time to imagine what your ideal career and life would look like, without limitations. We explore everything from your work setup and location to your home life, social activities and creative endeavours.Exercise 2: The Sacred Circle: Draw a large circle and define your absolute top 3-5 "must-haves" inside it. Place your top 3-5 "must-not-haves" outside of the circle. Through this exercise you’ll gain clarity on what needs to be prioritised and protected in your life.Get involved: I would LOVE your active participation this season! Here is how you can get involved and get the most out of the podcast…Submit Your Challenges: Want to be featured in a Rewrite Clinic? Email your career challenges to hello@rewriterewrite.com with 'pod rewrite clinic' in the subject line. For broader career obstacles you want covered, use 'pod deep dive' in the subject line.Support the Pod: Create your own rewrite accountability group with your friends or colleagues, share this episode and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts so other rewriters can find me.Download your resources: Keep an eye on the shownotes each episode so you don’t miss any free resources. Next episode be sure to download your free Rewrite Goal Planner and Accountability Tracker to help you prepare for our upcoming accountability segments and track your progress.Become a Member: Want to work with Monique and the membership directly? Join other highly empathetic ambitious professional women designing their lives on their terms at their own pace here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember. Join monthly and cancel anytime or join annually and immediately access your 4 free 1:1 coaching interventions with Monique.Get in touch with Monique Shaw:Email: hello@rewriterewrite.comBook a free consult: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/bookWeb: www.rewriterewrite.comLinkedIn: Monique ShawThe Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.

Welcome to How to Rewrite Your Story From The Inside-OutThis episode is the essence of ALL of the work I do – it brings it all together. If I could describe in a sentence what my business Rewrite does: it’s that – it’s rewriting stories from the inside-out.If you feel like there is a disconnect between who you are and the work that you do, this one is for you. We’re going to close the gap between your inside story and your outside story to create more meaning, fulfilment and impact in work and in life.The episode is broken down as follows:Background & Context – Why bother rewriting your story AND What the research saysRewriting Your Inside Story – Getting to know yourself AND Knowing what you wantRewriting Your Outside Story – Connecting to others AND Creating what you needSelf-Coaching Questions – A framework for rewriting your own story from the inside-out  Work with Monique:Join 'The Rewriters Community'. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamemberSpeak to Monique about your next Workshop or Talk: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/workshops Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com For more tips, tools and stories, subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/get-the-weekly-rewrite Get in touch with Monique Shaw:Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contactInstagram: @the_rewritersLinkedIn: Monique Shaw Resources referenced:‘The Rewrite Framework’ by Monique Shaw. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/coaching-servicesFree Career Resources by Monique Shaw. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/free-resources ‘How to Stop Being a People Pleaser’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Podcast (2026). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s3-ep-8-how-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser-without/id1538589146?i=1000765153767‘How to Befriend Your Inner Critic’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Podcast (2026). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s3-ep-4-how-to-befriend-your-inner-critic-stop-fighting/id1538589146?i=1000743388781‘How to Quit Your Job’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Podcast (2025). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s3-ep-1-how-to-quit-your-job/id1538589146?i=1000724326293‘Owning Your Personal Brand At Work’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Podcast (Re-released 2025). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/re-release-owning-your-personal-brand-at-work/id1538589146?i=1000722494484 ‘How to Maximise and Conserve Your Time’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Podcast (Re-released 2025). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/re-release-how-to-maximise-and-conserve-your-time/id1538589146?i=1000721478914‘Authenticity’ by Lehman et al, from Academy of Management Annals (2019). Source: https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/annals.2017.0047Amy Edmundson profile, from Harvard Business School (2026). Source: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6451‘The Authenticity Paradox’ by Herminia Ibarra (2014). Source: https://herminiaibarra.com/the-authenticity-paradox/ ‘Five Reasons For NOT Bringing Your Whole Self To Work’ by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (2025). Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomaspremuzic/2025/11/17/five-reasons-for-not-bringing-your-whole-self-to-work/ ‘How to Encourage Authenticity at Work’ by Cynthia S Wang (2025). Source: https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/how-to-encourage-authenticity-at-work‘Brené and Adam on What They Will Never Agree On’ on ‘The Curiosity Shop’ (2026). Source: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/bren%C3%A9-and-adam-on-what-they-will-never-agree-on/id1730985049?i=1000756103720 The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.

Welcome to How to Stop People Pleasing (Without Being A D!ck About It)In 2016 I was a happily-pregnant work-addicted people pleaser in a job I loved with pretty much exclusively externalised self-worth. I didn’t set out to get over my people pleasing tendencies and poor boundaries (although I was very aware they were an issue) – but I did need to deal with the logistics of my boundary-less, work-addicted life post-baby. What I set out to do then was get a handle on my time… where I ended up was letting go of my multi-decade tenure as a people pleaser and finally learning how to say NO.”Today’s episode outlines how I did it and how you can too. Along the way I delve into the psychology of the people pleaser and share some self-coaching questions to help you interrogate (and transcend) own relationship with people pleasing.The episode is broken down as follows:The psychology of people pleasingMy people pleasing recovery journey How you can quit people pleasing tooSelf-coaching questions for people pleasers Resources & References:  ‘How To Maximise And Conserve Your Time’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/re-release-how-to-maximise-and-conserve-your-time/id1538589146?i=1000721478914‘Two Questions That Will Change Your Life’ with Monique Shaw on The Rewriters Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s2-ep-8-two-questions-that-will-change-your-life/id1538589146?i=1000561748881 ‘Make The Same Impact At Work In Half The Time’ by Monique Shaw on rewriterewrite.com: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/blog/make-the-same-impact-in-half-the-time'Links between unmitigated communion, interpersonal behaviours and wellbeing’ by Helgeson et al on Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275058320_Links_between_unmitigated_communion_interpersonal_behaviors_and_well-being_A_daily_diary_approach'Fawning as a trauma response’ by Grace Ogren on Recovery.com: https://recovery.com/resources/fawning-as-a-trauma-response/'Breaking the cycle of people pleasing’ by Michelle Quirk on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/your-emotional-meter/202401/breaking-the-cycle-of-people-pleasing‘The Psychology Behind People Pleasing’ by Marissa Moore on PsychCentral: https://psychcentral.com/health/the-need-to-please-the-psychology-of-people-pleasingThe 24-hour rule from Boundary Theory (Ashforth, 2000) – no linkWork with Monique:Join 'The Rewriters Community’. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamemberSpeak to Monique about your next Workshop or Talk: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/workshops Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com For more tips, tools and stories subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/get-the-weekly-rewrite Get in touch with Monique:Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contactInstagram: @the_rewritersLinkedIn: Monique Shaw The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.

Welcome to How to Present Like a Pro: Speaking with Courage & Impact.Today’s episode will be broken down as follows:1) WHY Present Like a Pro?2) HOW to Present Like a Pro:MINDSETTHE STORYDELIVERYTHE DECK3) Common Presentation Fears (and how to deal with them)4) Self-Coaching Question to help you Present like a ProWork with Monique:Join 'The Rewriters Community'. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamemberSpeak to Monique about your next Workshop or Talk: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/workshops Explore ‘Rewrite Your Brand Story’: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/rewrite-your-brand-story Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com For more tips, tools and stories, subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/get-the-weekly-rewrite Watch this Barack Obama presenting masterclass: https://youtu.be/y7hddyiR47k Get in touch with Monique Shaw:Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contactInstagram: @the_rewritersLinkedIn: Monique Shaw The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon. 

In this episode I’m talking about perfectionism and it’s very cosy bedfellow procrastination.I work primarily with objectively successful professional women (I work with men too, but over 90% of my clients are women who hold senior positions in their company or run their own businesses – sometimes both) – and a trait that comes up time and time again for these women is perfectionism – their constant and relentless pursuit of perfection. It can be a loud and urgent pursuit, but it can also be a low and constant hum.So many incredible, talented and ambitious women are shackled by their perfectionism because more often than not, it’s not helping them to reach greater heights, it’s holding them back. It’s keeping them smaller and more muted than their talents, passions and skills deserve to be.So today I want to tackle it and provide some ways you can finally break free from the perfectionism/procrastination cycle.The episode is broken down as follows:The Perfectionism-Procrastination Cycle explained – what perfectionism is, what procrastination is and how the two are linked.We’ll unpack The myths, lies, harms and excuses of perfectionism We’ll get practical and explore how to move From perfectionism into action – including The Intentional Procrastination Method Self-Coaching Questions for you to interrogate your own relationship with perfectionism and procrastination Resources referenced:‘How the Modern Epidemic of Perfectionism is Impacting Our Health with Will Storr’ on The Feel Better, Live More podcast by Rangan Chaterjee: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feel-better-live-more-with-dr-rangan-chatterjee/id1333552422?i=1000648081242‘Children with ADHD Avoid Failure and Punishment More Than Others, Study Says’ by Devon Frye on AttitudeMag: https://www.additudemag.com/children-with-adhd-avoid-failure-punishment/‘Why procrastination isn’t laziness – it’s rigid thinking that your brain can unlearn’ by Annemieke Apergis-Schoute on The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/why-procrastination-isnt-laziness-its-rigid-thinking-that-your-brain-can-unlearn-270838 'How to Befriend Your Inner Critic' by Monique Shaw on The Rewriters podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s3-ep-4-how-to-befriend-your-inner-critic/id1538589146?i=1000743388781 Further ReadingPerfectionism is adaptive and maladaptive, but what is the combined effect?' by Joachim Stober, Daniel J Madigan, Lazaros Gonidis on Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/perfectionism ‘Perfectionism’ (no author) on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/perfectionism#:~:text=Perfectionists%20set%20unrealistically%20high%20expectations,life%20for%20approval%20and%20validation. Work with Monique:Join 'The Rewriters Community'. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com For more tips, tools and stories, subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/get-the-weekly-rewrite Get in touch with Monique Shaw:Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contactInstagram: @the_rewritersLinkedIn: Monique Shaw The Rewriters is written, researched, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon. 

In this episode, we’ll explore why the common advice to "silence" or "erase" your inner critic is destined to fail. Instead, we’ll dive into the transformative power of listening to, learning from, befriending – and ultimately transcending – that critical inner voice. Whether you're struggling with confidence, imposter syndrome or negative self-talk, this episode provides guidance and techniques to turn your harshest critic into your greatest ally.You'll learn:The psychology of the inner critic: What it actually is and why it’s trying to protect you.Identifying limiting beliefs: How to spot the hidden assumptions holding you back.Actionable tools & techniques: Methods for managing the inner critic in-the-moment and longer-term.A deep-dive case study: A real-life look at someone’s personal experience with their inner critic.Self-coaching framework: Questions to help you befriend and move beyond your critic, starting today.Stop fighting your mind and start leading it. Resources referenced:‘Decoding the inner critic’s origins and purpose’ by Dr. Nelda Andersone: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/human-inner-dynamics/202312/decoding-the-inner-critics-origins-and-purposeDr Kristin Neff’s exercise for changing your critical self-talk: https://self-compassion.org/exercises/exercise-5-changing-your-critical-self-talk/The Rewriters Podcast - 'Grow confidence and overcome imposter syndrome’: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/re-release-how-to-grow-confidence-and-overcome/id1538589146?i=1000720570445Work with Monique:·     Join 'The Rewriters Community'. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember·     Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com ·     For more tips, tools and stories, subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter Get in touch with Monique Shaw:·     Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contact·     Instagram: @the_rewriters·     LinkedIn: Monique Shaw The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.

Welcome to HOW TO SURVIVE REDUNDANCY…Like any big career transition – redundancy may end up being the most transformative thing that has ever happened in your career.In this episode I aim to provide clarity and support for those experiencing redundancy. I share a 4-point framework for not just surviving redundancy but thriving after it.The episode is broken up into the 4 points of the framework:FORTIFYING – What does it mean to fortify during redundancy?CONTROL – Controlling the controllableCONNECT –The importance of sharing the loadACT – Taking some time to breath and then taking ACTION!Resources referenced:In the UK, seek support and legal advice from your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau as well as ACAS: https://www.acas.org.uk/If you’re pregnant or post-partum in the UK, you can seek support form https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/ Work with Monique:·     Join 'The Rewriters Community'. Explore here: https://www.rewriterewrite.com/becomeamember·     Visit: www.rewriterewrite.com ·     For more tips, tools and stories, subscribe to The Rewrite Newsletter Get in touch with Monique Shaw:·     Web: www.rewriterewrite.com/contact·     Instagram: @the_rewriters·     LinkedIn: Monique Shaw The Rewriters is written, produced and presented by Monique Shaw. Original music by DJ Cinnamon.