We’re looking forward to introducing you to Monique D. Hayes. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Monique D., thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Definitely my pilates practice. Not only am I able to improve my physical and mental health from consistent practice, but I also find community with other members. I practice both on the mat with Peloton Pilates and locally at Tremble.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi I’m Monique. I am a Miami Native, Author, Attorney, and Start Up Founder. I center my work and practice on wealth preservation and protection. My company, Estates Made Easy, is a platform for wealth strategies. My belief is that wealth is a tool that can and should be used to impact the lives and issues that matter most to you.
I would like readers to know that abundance is their birthright and with the right tools, resources, and advisors, they can thrive in this life.
Through my work, I get to help individuals and families use wills, trusts, and other legacy planning tools to establish family and business legacies that last. I get the benefit of the elder’s wisdom and the future’s aspirations. It’s very rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would have to say Judge Isicoff (United States Bankruptcy Judge). I had the honor of being her first law clerk when she took the bench 20 years ago. She is a brilliant jurist—so naturally I learned to study and apply the law in complex matters. But, more than that I learned from her that having exacting standards for excellence does not require you to disregard kindness, grace, and service. We can all do well and do good.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Early in my career, I experience the loss of both my mother (heart disease) and my brother (gun violence) within a one year period. I was devastating to my family and personally overwhelming to me. Despite being an attorney, I was wholly unprepared for the legal, family, and financial issues that come with an unexpected death. I was eventually able to help my family navigate through those issues but it wasn’t easy. What I found was that most Americans have no will or other estate plan and are tremendously burdened by the loss of a loved one. I founded Estates Made Easy to make legacy and estate planning more accessible. Developing solutions to help my family and others in times of bereavement has in a way empowered me and helped with my healing.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Being nice rarely serves anyone. Niceties are so often linked to agendas and biases. Kindness, on the other hand, reflects genuine care and concern for others and governs the actions of those that share in this value. In my experience, kindness is very rare. But nice people, that do nice things to boost their ego or serve their agenda are plentiful.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will share that I was kind, that I cared enough to see them and listen, even when we disagreed., and that I had a positive impact on their experience. If I can do that, I’d consider it a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.estatesmadeeasy.com
- Instagram: @estatesmadeeasy
- Linkedin: @moniquedhayes and @estatesmadeeasy
