Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Schmidt
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If you’d told me 25 years ago that I’d be standing where I am today—running my own business, helping individuals and leaders grow, and working with companies across so many industries—I might have laughed nervously and said, “We’ll see!” But looking back, I realize this path was a perfect fit from the start.
My love for understanding people and what makes them tick led me to earn a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by how people show up at work, how they grow, and how organizations can truly bring out the best in their teams. I didn’t know it at the time, but that curiosity would become the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
Early in my career, I found myself drawn to roles where I could build something from scratch—taking ideas and turning them into thriving programs that made a real impact. Whether it was creating leadership development initiatives or launching entire learning and organizational development departments, I discovered a deep satisfaction in solving challenges and helping others shine.
For nearly 20 years, I worked in-house, leading Talent and Leadership Development for several growth companies. These weren’t cookie-cutter roles; each one taught me something new about adapting to different industries and cultures. From the iconic Hotel del Coronado to the high-energy Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, from e-commerce companies like Provide-Commerce to global finance leaders like Encore Capital Group, I learned how to balance strategy with the human side of business.
But something kept nudging at me—a desire to do things differently. Over time, I noticed that many organizations were craving solutions tailored to them—not just off-the-shelf programs, but strategies that aligned with their culture, people, and goals. That realization planted the seed for something bigger.
In 2017, I took the leap and launched Monarch Training & Consulting. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but I knew it was time to step out on my own. Since then, I’ve partnered with companies across the country to create customized programs that drive real growth. Whether I’m coaching a senior executive, leading a team workshop, or helping a company navigate change, my focus is always on designing practical, no-fluff solutions that stick.
What I love most about this work is the people. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching thousands of individuals—from first-time managers finding their footing to seasoned leaders navigating complex challenges. Seeing that “aha” moment when someone realizes their potential or uncovers a new strength? That’s the good stuff.
I’m also a firm believer in bringing energy and heart to every interaction. Whether I’m facilitating a workshop or speaking at an event, I like to make it engaging, authentic, and even a little fun. Life’s too short for boring training sessions!
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in San Diego with my husband, two teenagers, and our Mini Golden Retriever. Between their antics and my consulting schedule, life is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel so lucky to do work that lights me up every day. Looking ahead, I’m as excited as ever to continue partnering with organizations to help their people thrive, tackle big challenges, and create cultures where everyone can succeed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Not exactly. But then again, I think the bumps and detours are what make the journey so rewarding.
When I started Monarch Training & Consulting, I was driven by my passion for helping people and organizations grow. What I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was that running a business means wearing all the hats—not just the ones you love. Overnight, I became the head of finance, the sales manager, the bookkeeper, and even the IT department! Learning to balance these roles so I could focus on what I truly love—coaching, facilitating, and creating transformative programs—was a steep learning curve.
Another challenge I didn’t see coming? Battling my own mindset about work. One of my biggest drivers for going out on my own was autonomy. I wanted the freedom to work on my own terms. And yet, I found myself falling into the same rigid 8-to-5 mentality I’d had in traditional roles. It’s an ongoing process to remind myself that I am the boss and that flexibility is a strength, not something to feel guilty about.
Of course, the biggest challenge came during COVID. Like so many others, my world turned upside down almost overnight. The majority of my work at the time involved large, in-person training events, which suddenly came to a halt. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t daunting at first. But looking back, it was one of the most transformative periods of my career.
Forced to rethink and restrategize, I leaned into virtual training—something I’d dabbled in before but hadn’t fully embraced. I challenged myself to reimagine how to create impactful, high-value experiences online. Not only did this pivot keep my business afloat during an uncertain time, but it expanded my reach to clients across the country—and even globally. It also taught me that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. Now, virtual training is a core part of what I do, and it’s opened up opportunities I never would have imagined.
So, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every challenge has taught me something new, pushed me to grow, and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the heart of what I do is a deep passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. My work spans a wide range of areas, including leadership development, talent development, organizational culture, executive coaching, 360 feedback, and more. Whether it’s designing a leadership program, building an entire Learning & Development function from the ground up, or creating strategies to align talent with business goals, I thrive on finding solutions that drive real, lasting impact.
What sets my work apart is the truly customized approach I bring to every client. Many consulting companies offer programs they’ve designed to scale, with minor tweaks to fit your needs. While these programs can be great, they often feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. My philosophy is different. I take the time to deeply understand your organization—your culture, your goals, and your unique challenges—and build solutions specifically for you.
That might mean creating a fully bespoke leadership program, helping define and embed core values into your organization, or designing a strategy to elevate your talent development function. Of course, I also offer ready-to-go programs that can be tailored to suit your needs. But at the end of the day, I see myself as an extension of your team—someone who’s just as invested in your success as you are.
I’m known for my ability to connect with hearts and minds in a way that inspires real change. My programs and strategies are practical, in-depth, and free of fluff, and my facilitation style is engaging, energetic, authentic, and even humorous. Applying my expertise in psychology, I focus on reframing mindsets, creating those “aha” moments that lead to long-lasting growth for individuals and organizations alike.
I’m proud of the lasting partnerships I’ve built with clients over the years. Helping organizations move faster and achieve their goals isn’t just about delivering a program—it’s about becoming a trusted partner who understands the bigger picture and can adapt as their needs evolve. It’s this personalized, curated approach that I believe sets me apart.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on people—coaching leaders to uncover strengths they didn’t know they had, helping teams work better together, and seeing organizations transform as their people grow. Every project is an opportunity to make a difference, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that I love and that makes a meaningful impact.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually quite a bit more reserved than I am today. I was the kid who spent way too much time worrying about what others thought of me—sometimes to the point of holding myself back. Over time, though, I grew more comfortable in my own skin and started coming out of my shell. It’s been a journey, but somewhere along the way, I transformed into the extrovert you see today.
Looking back, it’s funny how much my childhood interests foreshadowed what I do now. Like most kids, I loved imaginary play, but my go-to wasn’t pretending to be a superhero or a doctor—it was playing “teacher.” And not just occasionally; I was dedicated to my imaginary classroom, complete with a chalkboard, worksheets, and “students.” I probably played “teacher” far longer than most kids, but I couldn’t help it—I loved the idea of sharing knowledge and guiding others.
When it came time to declare a major in college, my first thought was education, but a well-meaning (but ultimately misguided) counselor convinced me to explore other options. I ended up majoring in psychology, and while it wasn’t my original plan, it turned out to be the perfect foundation for the work I do today.
In a way, I’ve come full circle. While I may not be teaching in a traditional classroom, I’ve found my way back to what I love—teaching and guiding others—but with a twist. Now, I help adults in the workplace learn, grow, and unlock their potential. And that psychology degree? It’s my secret weapon. Understanding how people think, feel, and behave has been invaluable in helping individuals and teams thrive both personally and professionally.
So, while the path wasn’t exactly linear, I like to think the little girl “teaching” in her bedroom would be pretty proud of where I ended up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monarch-consulting.com
Image Credits
Brand You Photo
Joie de Vivre Photography
