Episode 1: Art, Ambition, and the Motherhood Penalty with Margaret Kelsey

And we are back after four-year hiatus; it's the second season of the Review Diaries! Today, I sit down with Margaret Kelsey, a marketer, artist, and mom deeply committed to intentionality and creativity in work and life. This conversation dives into the motherhood penalty, the art of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment, and how Margaret's artistic practices have helped her reconnect with herself during challenging times. If you've ever wondered how to stay ambitious without losing sight of the joys and challenges of the present, or if you're curious about how art can serve as therapy and exploration, this episode is packed with insights. Margaret shares candid reflections on navigating bias in the workplace, finding balance as a single parent, and redefining success on her own terms. Let's dive in! Top Takeaways Navigating the Motherhood Penalty: Margaret thoughtfully breaks down the subtle and overt workplace biases that women—especially mothers—face. She shares actionable advice on evaluating potential employers for supportive cultures, emphasizing the importance of finding workplaces that align with personal values and family needs. The Power of Artistic Expression: Margaret’s art, from cyanotypes to deconstructed Polaroids, isn't just about creating beautiful pieces—it’s a way to process emotions, explore personal narratives, and reconnect with herself. Her approach highlights the importance of having a creative outlet that is not tied to external validation or monetary success. Defining and Revisiting Values: Margaret’s commitment to her core values—curiosity, creativity, balance, and audacity—guides her decisions in work, art, and life. She shares her practice of revisiting these values regularly, offering a powerful framework for others looking to align their goals with their deeper purpose. A New Take on Ambition: Margaret describes her relationship with ambition as fluid—something she engages with intentionally rather than letting it consume her identity. She reminds us of the importance of honoring the seasons of life, where settling can sometimes be the right move to recharge and refocus. The Long View on Growth: Success isn't about constant acceleration; it's about the long arc of growth. Margaret’s quarterly goal-setting process, rooted in personal values and a vision for the future, is a powerful tool for staying grounded while still striving. My conversation with Margaret reminds us that ambition, creativity, and balance don’t have to exist in conflict. They can coexist if approached with intention. Whether you’re navigating bias in the workplace, managing burnout, or simply trying to survive while pursuing your goals, this episode offers a roadmap for doing so with grace, authenticity, and purpose.

If this conversation resonated with you, check out Margaret’s art on Instagram at @MargaretKelseyArt or on her website at margaretkelsey.art. And don’t forget to reflect on your values—what drives you, and how can you ensure that your goals align with the life you want to live?

Thank you for tuning in to The Revenue Diaries. Until next time, remember to seek balance, nurture curiosity, and never stop growing.