Monica Earley

Monica Earley has invested the majority of her adult life teaching relationship skills and etiquette. That is a simplified explanation, of course, but as a valuable contributor to Wisdom Harbour, she is the most qualified expert in that field we’ve ever come across!

Monica is the recently retired Chief of Protocol for Air Force Special Operations. In that role, she was directly responsible for protocol support of dignitaries and distinguished visitors from Congress, the Department of Defense, private industry, and international allies. With the U. S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, she led numerous joint itineraries, ceremonies and events.

Monica was a key expert in the development and validation of the accredited Air Force Protocol Fundamentals Course, the only program of its kind in the government today. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a diploma from the US Air Force Air War College, Monica is certified in International Protocol and as a Corporate Etiquette Consultant. She is also certified as a Children’s Etiquette Consultant by the Etiquette and Leadership Institute.

Monica lives in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and is a huge asset for Wisdom Harbour’s school, corporate, and family subscribers. After all, if generals are required to learn from Monica…what might our children become with her instruction?

Content from Monica

Power Skills: The Career Edge Gen Z Didn’t Know They Were Missing

Power Skills: The Career Edge Gen Z Didn’t Know They Were Missing

The pandemic changed everything about how young professionals entered the workforce—hired over Zoom, working remotely, never observing the unspoken rules that previous generations absorbed naturally. Now that everyone’s back in the office, a critical gap has emerged, and it’s costing careers. In this Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley reveals why changing just one word could transform how we think about professional success.

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Being Intentional in Your Professional Life

Being Intentional in Your Professional Life

In this Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley explores what it really means to be intentional in your professional life—whether you’re heading into an office, a classroom, a meeting, or simply interacting with others throughout the day. Small choices, thoughtful habits, and purposeful behavior often make the biggest difference, even when no one is keeping score. In conversation with Andy Andrews, Monica breaks down how intention shows up through manners, kindness, gratitude, and perspective. Together, they reveal how understanding the why behind what we do transforms simple actions into lasting influence—and how being intentional can quietly set you apart in every season of life.

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Proper Introductions

Proper Introductions

In this Protocol Conversation, Chief of Protocol Monica Earley joins Andy Andrews to discuss the right way to address professional and elected officials — from mayors and generals to senators and more. Drawing from the respected reference Honor and Respect by Robert Hickey, Monica explains how proper introductions, titles, and written correspondence can reflect character, courtesy, and confidence in any setting.

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Everyday Courtesies That Make a Big Difference

Everyday Courtesies That Make a Big Difference

In this Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley shares a practical list of everyday courtesies that are easy to overlook but make all the difference in how we treat—and are treated by—others. From holding the door to tucking away your phone at the dinner table or respecting people’s time, these small acts of kindness and respect create a lasting impression. With plenty of laughs and real-life stories, Andy and Monica show that manners aren’t just old-fashioned niceties—they’re powerful tools for building relationships, earning respect, and opening doors in life.

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Protocol Quiz: A Year In Review

Protocol Quiz: A Year In Review

Monica Earley, Wisdom Harbour’s Chief Protocol Officer, is back with another hilarious and enlightening year-end recap! In this special Protocol Conversation, she puts Andy Andrews to the test—quizzing him on everything from tipping etiquette and thank-you notes to diplomatic disagreements and destination weddings. Can Andy recall a year’s worth of lessons in manners and civility? Expect thoughtful insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and a few stories you won’t believe are true.

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How to Be a Good American When Traveling Overseas

How to Be a Good American When Traveling Overseas

From cultural customs and clothing choices to what not to do with your phone in public, this lighthearted but insightful episode of Protocol Conversations will make you rethink how you represent yourself—and your country—when traveling. Former Chief of Protocol for Air Force Special Operations Monica Earley shares practical tips (and a few eye-opening stories) for being respectful and prepared wherever your passport takes you. Whether you’re heading overseas or just out of state, this is a conversation worth carrying with you.

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Intentionally Quiet

Intentionally Quiet

Silence might not sound like much of a topic…until you realize how little of it we actually allow into our lives. In this engaging and refreshingly funny Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley shares simple, practical ways to build intentional quiet into your day—and why it matters more than you think. From car rides without the radio to beachside sunrises, these small shifts can reset your mind, refocus your energy, and yes…you may find yourself looking for more time just like it.

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The Lost Art of Diplomacy

The Lost Art of Diplomacy

In this Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley and Andy Andrews tackle a skill that seems to be fading fast—diplomacy. From historic brawls in Congress to modern-day political clashes, they explore what it really means to communicate with tact, negotiate effectively, and resolve conflicts without hostility. Can we bring diplomacy back into our conversations at home, in the workplace, and even in our government? Tune in for real-world examples, practical advice, and a few entertaining stories that will have you rethinking the way you handle disagreements.

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Tipping Etiquette

Tipping Etiquette

In this Protocol Conversation, Monica Earley and Andy Andrews dive into the world of tipping etiquette—when to tip, how much to tip, and when it’s perfectly okay not to tip. From the origins of the word “tip” to modern tipping customs, they cover everything from restaurant waitstaff to Uber drivers, hotel valets, and beyond. Packed with practical advice and a few funny stories, this conversation will have you rethinking your tipping habits and ready to navigate the unwritten rules with confidence.

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