LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Monique Farmer

Confronting the Unknown with Monique Farmer Guest: Monique Farmer, PR Consultant and Creator of Anvil Ready Episode Introduction In today’s episode, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Monique Farmer, founder of Avant Solutions and creator of Anvil Ready, an online communication strategy builder. Monique shares her journey from a well-paid government job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and professor. She discusses her passion for teaching, challenges in starting her business, and the importance of seizing opportunities. Key Takeaways Transition to Entrepreneurship: Monique left her full-time role in public service just months before the pandemic to pursue a better work-life balance and dedicate more time to her PR firm.Courage to Confront Fear: Her decision to leave academia and fully commit to her PR firm felt like “jumping off a cliff,” but it opened doors to growth.Self-Care and Balance: Monique emphasizes the importance of nurturing oneself and dedicating time to personal growth.Mindset Shifts: The power of vulnerability and courage in confronting challenges, as well as the necessity of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Discussion Highlights Monique's Defining Moment Monique transitioned out of a communication strategy role for Nebraska's largest school district to reclaim a healthier work-life balance. She reflects on how this bold move, made just before the pandemic, shaped her future career path. The Leap into Full-Time Entrepreneurship Leaving her teaching position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to run her firm full-time was a daunting task. Monique shares how it felt like stepping into the unknown and overcoming fear. Life Lessons and Mental Shifts Dr. Lycka and Monique discuss the concept that life begins at the edge of the "discomfort zone." Monique shares insights on learning to embrace discomfort and seize new opportunities for growth. Vulnerability and Growth Monique highlights the importance of self-reflection and nurturing oneself. She shares a powerful exercise from her coach, Julie Landy, that changed her perspective on personal and professional development. Notable Quotes "Life begins at the edge of your discomfort zone." – Dr. Allen Lycka"You must give yourself permission. No one else is going to do that for you." – Monique Farmer"You have more power than you think to control certain things in your life." – Monique Farmer Resources Mentioned Monique Farmer’s Book: Chart Your Path (featuring a nine-step method for overcoming challenges)Anvil Ready: Monique’s online communication strategy builderWebsite: Avant SolutionsLinkedIn: Monique Farmer on LinkedIn Call to Action Subscribe to Dr. Allen Lycka’s newsletter, Golden Pearls, for a chance to win a vacation and get regular doses of positivity delivered to your inbox. Visit Dr. Allen Lycka’s Website for more information on his speaking engagements and to explore how to live a fantastic life. BIO: Monique Farmer, APR, runs a PR/Communication Consultancy, Avant Solutions, and is the creator of Anvil Ready, an online communication strategy builder that aids the communication professional in creating communication plans. She teaches at the University of Texas at Austin. Farmer previously served in the federal government for 12 years, then as the director of communications for Nebraska’s largest school district and in corporate communications for ConAgra Foods (now ConAgra Brands).  Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-farmer-apr-and-award-winning-author-89188828/https://www.facebook.com/monique.h.farmer/X - @TweetiRed