New Modern Mom Podcast

Running your home like the powerhouse operation it needs to be takes more than shared calendars and crossed fingers — it takes intentional, consistent communication. That’s what we’re tackling in this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast.In this episode, Barbara Mighdoll dives deep into one of the most powerful tools in any working mom’s arsenal: the weekly partner meeting. It’s not just about coordinating calendars or divvying up chores — it’s about transforming your relationship from survival mode into a supportive, intentional partnership that can handle the chaos of career and parenting. Drawing from her own experience and powerful insights from two previous guests, Hitha Palepu and Jeanelle Teves, this episode delivers a proven framework for making your home life feel less reactive and more aligned.Whether you’ve tried weekly check-ins and abandoned them, or you’re just now realizing the shared Google Calendar isn’t cutting it, this episode is packed with concrete steps to help you communicate better, plan smarter, and create a more peaceful rhythm at home. Bonus: You’ll walk away with a full meeting agenda ready to plug-and-play. 🧩 The real reason communication with your partner breaks down — and how weekly meetings solve it: Discover how a structured approach to checking in with your partner can prevent conflict, reduce mental load, and increase mutual empathy.🗂 A 5-point meeting agenda that’s been tested in busy households: Barbara walks through her personal weekly sync structure — from what to ask, how to delegate, and why this cadence can completely change your week.💬 Why emotional check-ins matter just as much as logistics: Learn how making space for emotional connection can stop resentment in its tracks and protect the bond behind your co-parenting efforts.🛠 How to identify the tasks that fall through the cracks and finally solve for them: You’ll get a simple homework assignment that helps surface the recurring "oh crap" moments that sabotage your schedule.📅 How to think bigger than just the week ahead with quarterly and annual planning rituals: Get inspired by rituals like a New Year’s Day goal walk that help couples align on the big picture and stay on the same page throughout the year.This episode isn’t just another chat about communication — it’s a practical blueprint to reduce stress, share the mental load, and feel like you’re truly in this together. Listen now, take notes, and start running your home like the aligned organization it should be.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Hitha:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Jeanelle:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

What if the key to unlocking your next career opportunity isn't in your resume—but in your online presence? On today’s bonus Toolkit Series episode, we’re diving deep into a powerful theme that sparked major interest in Season 1: personal brand building with Jeanelle Teves, Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo and mom of two, who’s redefining what executive leadership looks like in the digital age. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually start building a personal brand while juggling work, motherhood, and a million to-dos, this is the episode for you. You’ll hear real-world strategies from an executive who made the leap from content consumer to creator—and gained new opportunities, confidence, and clarity in the process. Barbara also breaks it all down with a tactical solo strategy session you can do today to map out your own personal brand.📢 The evolution of thought leadership: Discover how thought leadership has moved beyond traditional PR and has shifted to self-driven, multi-platform content creation. 📱 Owning your narrative through social media: Explore how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are opening new doors for executive women to craft brands that reflect who they are—not just where they work.🔁 From scrolling to creating: The Mindset Shift: What sparks the leap from passive content consumer to confident creator? Hear what inspired Jeanelle Teves.🛣️ Building career lanes outside the 9–5: Learn how investing in side passions like mentoring and content creation expanded Jeanelle professional identity and opened unexpected doors.💬 Vulnerability as a leadership advantage: Why realness is rising: a conversation about how showing your human side can build trust and deepen your leadership impact.🗂️ The content creation workflow: Jeanelle shares tactical tips for creating consistent content, including posting cadence and learning from peers.🔂 The power of repetition and content pillars: Discover how repeating key themes builds recognition and strengthens your message.📝 Your solo strategy session playbook: Barbara outlines a step-by-step exercise to map out your personal brand goals, pillars, platform, and plan.Think of this episode as your permission slip to show up online—not to go viral, but to be visible. Whether you’re looking to build influence in your industry, plant the seeds for a future business, or simply share your story in a way that feels aligned, this Toolkit episode gives you everything you need to get started.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Jeanelle:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

I’m sitting down with Hitha Palepu—CEO, author, speaker, and dynamic mom of 2 boys—who embodies the multi-hyphenate lifestyle. Whether you're juggling a career, personal goals, or family life, Hitha’s journey offers insights on how to thrive in multiple roles without burning out.As the CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals and thought leader across multiple platforms, Hitha’s ability to lead, inspire, and stay true to herself makes her relatable and motivating. Join us for practical strategies to successfully find personal fulfillment in everyday life.In this episode, Hitha shares lesson on:🔑 The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset: Practical advice on balancing different passions and responsibilities without losing sight of personal goals.⌛ Time Management Tips: Sharing strategies to structure your day for maximum productivity and balance between work, family, and self-care.🚫 Setting Boundaries & Saying No: Learn how to set boundaries and confidently say no to protect your time and energy, while staying focused on what matters.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sharing Responsibilities at Home: Tips for effective ways to communicate and split household duties, and maintain weekly check-ins to keep life running smoothly.🧳 Packing Like a Pro: How to streamline your travel packing process with expert tips for the busy, on-the-go lifestyle.💬 Authenticity as a Thought Leader: How to embrace vulnerability and authenticity to build deeper connections and establish a relatable, impactful presence as a thought leader.🚀 Pursuing Your Passions Relentlessly: The secrets to staying motivated and driven, by continually pursuing what fuels your personal and professional growth.This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable tips, and thoughtful reflection. A perfect listen to motivate you to make room for that passion project in your busy life.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Hitha onOn Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

On today’s episode, we’ve got a truly amazing guest, Divya Gugnani. She’s the CEO and Co-founder of Wander Beauty, CEO and Founder of 5 SENS, Founding Partner of Concept to Co, and—wait for it—a mom to two pre-teens AND a newborn. How does she do it all? You’re about to find out!Divya shares so many gems on everything from feeding her family to trusting your intuition, making the most of each day and how she actually accomplishes being present with her kids. She’s refreshingly real about how she manages it all behind the scenes, and I know you’ll walk away with tons of practical advice. Hear Divya’s lessons on…🌟 The power of intuition: How Divya trusted her gut to make pivotal decisions in both her personal life and her business, and how you can do the same.🏃‍♀️ Grit and resilience: The importance of pushing through obstacles, and how Divya stayed motivated when the going got tough—both as a mom and an entrepreneur.💪Raising independent kids: Divya’s older children have developed a great sense of independence by being enabled to make their own choices.🗓️ Time management tips: Tried-and-true strategies for managing time effectively while wearing multiple hats, from business leader to mom.🏡 The reality of support: Divya transparently shares the help she relies on at home and work, and why it’s essential for making her many roles a reality.📣 Marketing yourself effectively: Tips on how to find confidence to better market yourself, whether that’s for a promotion or for a new entrepreneurial journey.🧘‍♀️ Finding presence: Practical advice on how to stay grounded and present in the chaos of life, work, and motherhood.As a mom who’s successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family, Divya’s unfiltered insights are going to inspire and empower you to take on your own challenges - be it at work or at home - with confidence.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Divya:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Ever wonder how power couples juggle big careers and busy family lives without losing their minds? In this episode of The New Modern Mom, we’re chatting with Erin Schaefer, the SVP of Publishing, Go-to-Market and Global Operations at Niantic, who gives us an inside look at how she and her husband, both high-powered execs, keep their home running smoothly while killing it at work. She gets real about the chaos of managing family schedules, the burnout that sneaks up during those crazy times of the year, and why she’s seen moms often end up as the default parent—even when both partners have demanding jobs.She also shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, even at the executive level, and how she’s learned to push through self-doubt. Packed with practical advice and relatable stories, this episode is a must-listen for every working mom out there!In this episode, we dive into:🗓️ The Magic of Family Organization: She shares how Google Sheets, shared calendars, and a solid support system help her manage the chaos of family life.⚖️ Splitting Responsibilities at Home: A discussion on how she and her husband navigate dividing up the many tasks of family life, and why she’s noticed that in many families, moms often end up as the default parent.🔄 Handling Burnout and Stress: Her go-to strategies for dealing with burnout, especially during those intense times of the year like the end of the school year, which she calls “Gray May.”🧘‍♀️ Finding Time for You: Creative ideas for squeezing in self-care, whether it’s during the commute, sneaking in a solo walk, or planning intentional date nights.🌱 Building Your Mom Tribe: The evolution of her support network, from local mom groups to lifelong friendships, and how these relationships keep her grounded.🌍 Taking Risks in Your Career: A reflection on the risks she wishes she’d taken earlier in her career and some solid advice for moms thinking about making a big career move.Tune in for practical tips on navigating a demanding career with family life—every working mom needs this!For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Erin on LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Ever thought that the very thing you’re afraid to show at work—your vulnerability—might actually make you a stronger leader? In this episode, I’m talking with Melanie Rosenwasser, the Chief People Officer at Dropbox about how the messy, chaotic world of motherhood can actually boost your career in ways you never imagined.Melanie’s chat is packed with real talk about how she’s managed to set up a remote work life that lets her be there for her kids while still advancing in her career. She opens up about the challenges of returning to work while dealing with postpartum struggles, and how she and her partner split the complicated responsibilities that come with two kids under three years old.In this episode, you'll learn:🎯 Juggling Work and Mom Life: The daily challenge of switching from making big decisions at work to handling chaos at home, and how tough it can be to wear multiple hats.🛠️ Creating a Supportive Home Setup: How she and her husband decided he should take a step-back from his career to be the at-home parent, and how they continue to support each other’s passions.🏡 The Perks of Remote Work: How Dropbox’s remote-first policy reshaped her work-life balance, allowing her to be present with her kids while leading a major company.💼 Taking Turns in Career and Family: The conscious decisions behind whose career takes the lead and how they navigate the give and take between work and family life.🌱 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership: How becoming a mom made her a more empathetic and focused leader, even in an industry where vulnerability isn’t always celebrated.🤹‍♀️ Keeping Up the Energy: The strategies she uses to save energy for her family while managing the demands of her job.🚸 Moving Closer to Family: The decision to move near family after having her first child and its impact on work and personal life.🧠 Dealing with Postpartum Struggles: Her experience with postpartum anxiety and depression, its effect on work, and how she found support.If you’re trying to figure out how to keep pushing forward in your career while navigating the realities of motherhood, Melanie’s insights are a must-hear.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Melanie on LinkedIn here.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.Navigate the episode:[00:00:45] Introduction: Introduction to Melanie Rosenwasser, focusing on her role as Chief People Officer at Dropbox and her journey as a mother.[00:02:22] Juggling Work and Motherhood: Melanie begins discussing the challenge of switching between executive decision-making and handling parenting duties.[00:04:13] The Move Back Home: Melanie talks about the decision to move closer to family after finding out she was pregnant with her first child.[00:07:07] Creating a Supportive Home Setup: The conversation shifts to how Melanie and her husband decided on their roles, with him becoming the primary caregiver.[00:09:02] Transitioning from One to Two Kids: Melanie shares her experience transitioning from having one child to two, and how she felt more prepared the second time around.[00:12:18] The Remote Work Advantage: Melanie describes her home office setup and how Dropbox’s remote-first policy has benefited her work-life balance.[00:15:06] Making the Leap to the C-Suite: The discussion moves to Melanie’s career progression from VP to Chief People Officer, focusing on the skills and experiences that were crucial for her promotion.[00:20:56] Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership: Melanie talks about how becoming a mother has influenced her leadership style, particularly in embracing vulnerability and empathy.[00:27:00] Navigating Postpartum Struggles: Melanie begins discussing her struggles with postpartum anxiety and depression and how she managed these challenges while returning to work.[00:31:12] Redefining Work-Life Balance: The conversation shifts to Melanie’s perspective on work-life balance, emphasizing the concept of work-life harmony and intentional decision-making in career and family life.

Nicky Jackson Colaco, VP of Public Policy at Roblox, brings over 20 years of tech experience to the table. She shares practical tips on managing kids' screen time and educating them about digital privacy. Nicky dives into the complexities of co-parenting and balancing a demanding career with motherhood. She also discusses the importance of support networks for parents and the transformative power of taking career risks. It's a treasure trove of advice for navigating tech boundaries while nurturing family life!

Today I’m chatting with my neighbor, and friend, Julie Harris, Chief Revenue Officer of Seso and mom to two under 6, with one on the way. Julie’s journey is a masterclass in networking, building community, and investing in a robust support system. Her strategies for finding time for a social life, maintaining 1:1 time with her husband, scheduling self-care, and managing a cross-country move while pregnant—all while driving revenue targets at a high-growth startup—are nothing short of inspiring.Julie has thoughtfully integrated her demanding career with a fulfilling personal life. From moving across the country while pregnant to maintaining a strong social circle, Julie's insights provide valuable lessons for any working mom. Tune in to discover how you can apply her strategies to thrive in both your professional and personal life.In this episode, you'll learn:📋 Project Planning for Life Transitions: Discover how Julie uses project management skills from her career to plan major life changes, like moving across the country while pregnant.💬 Early Conversations with Your Partner: Learn the importance of having early discussions with your partner about career and family goals to ensure alignment and support.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Building and Maintaining a Support System: Julie shares her experiences with childcare and the essential role of a reliable support network in balancing work and family life.📅 Effective Weekly Planning: Find out how Sunday evening planning sessions and shared calendars can reduce friction and ensure smooth weekly schedules.💪 Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Time: Strategies for fitting exercise and self-care into a busy schedule, even as a high-level executive.🍽️ Scheduling Date Nights: The importance of regular date nights to maintain a strong relationship with your partner amidst a hectic schedule.🤝 Expanding Your Social Circle: Tips on building new friendships and social connections, especially after moving to a new city.🌍 Navigating Career Breaks and Consulting: Insights into taking a career hiatus, the benefits of consulting, and how to structure your days for balance and fulfillment.🎒 Making Big Family Decisions: Julie discusses the considerations behind her family's decision to move across the country and the emotional aspects involved.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community Building in New Environments: How Julie plans to establish a new community in Virginia, ensuring a supportive network for her family.Whether you're looking to enhance your support system, build a stronger community, or simply find more balance in your life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Julie on LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.Navigate the episode:[00:02:05] Setting the Stage: Overview of Julie's current life situation.[00:02:38] Project Planning for Life Transitions: Using project management for major life changes.[00:04:09] Early Conversations with Your Partner: Importance of early career and family discussions.[00:06:02] Building and Maintaining a Support System: Childcare and support networks for balance.[00:10:03] Effective Weekly Planning: Sunday planning sessions and shared calendars.[00:12:04] Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Time: Scheduling exercise and self-care into a busy life.[00:15:01] Scheduling Date Nights: Regular date nights to strengthen relationships.[00:17:02] Expanding Your Social Circle: Building friendships and social connections.[00:22:07] Navigating Career Breaks and Consulting: An intentional career hiatus led to consulting opportunities, and eventually her dream role.[00:35:02] Making Big Family Decisions: Considering and planning a cross-country move.

From the outside, it seems like Sharifa Murdock does it all—being the Chief Impact Officer at Kith, the founder of ENVSN Festival, a mentor, and a supporter of numerous causes while being a loving mother to a two year old boy. In this episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll sits down with Sharifa to find out how the heck she does it behind the scenes. Sharifa shares her journey of embracing the transformation that comes with motherhood, revealing how she maintains confidence and balance. Sharifa candidly discusses her daily routine, from her early 4 AM starts to her meticulous organization of her son’s schedule. She also delves into the importance of her support system. As a powerhouse in the business world and a dedicated mom, Sharifa's candid insights and strategies offer invaluable guidance for finding confidence amidst the chaos.Tune in to hear Sharifa’s lessons on…🔍 Discovering True Self-IdentitySharifa discusses how motherhood redefined her values and revealed her authentic self, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Building a Reliable Support System"It takes a village" – Sharifa elaborates on the significance of leaning on her support network, including family members and her sister-in-law’s daycare, to navigate the complexities of childcare.📝 Mastering DelegationLearn how Sharifa effectively delegates tasks and prepares meticulously, ensuring that her child’s needs are met while maintaining her own standards.📅 Creating a Structured Daily RoutineSharifa walks us through her disciplined daily schedule, starting at 4 AM, balancing workout time, professional responsibilities, and quality family time.💆‍♀️ Prioritizing Self-Care ConsistentlyFrom monthly massages to regular nail appointments, Sharifa shares her non-negotiable self-care routines that keep her grounded and rejuvenated.🚫 Setting Boundaries and Saying NoUnderstand Sharifa’s approach to setting boundaries and confidently saying no to non-priority activities, ensuring her focus remains on what truly matters.🗣️ Transparent Communication in the WorkplaceSharifa highlights the importance of transparency with her team and the support she received during her maternity leave, fostering a positive and understanding work environment.💖 Empathy as a SuperpowerEmpathy plays a pivotal role in Sharifa’s professional and personal life. She discusses how this quality helps her connect deeply with colleagues and family members, enriching her interactions.Sharifa is an inspiring role model for anyone looking to fill their life with passion, purpose, and presence. Tune in to hear her wisdom, tools, and systems for achieving work-life fulfillment.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Sharifa:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode I sit down with an incredible guest, the former CMO of Facebook at Meta, and mom to two, Samantha Wu. A powerhouse marketing executive, Sam has a rich background spanning multiple continents with roles at tech and financial giants like Meta, Amex, and Visa. Not to mention, she even took a detour to attend culinary school, adding a unique flavor to her already impressive background. During our chat, she opens up about what pushed her to take a step back from her fast-paced career, and shares how an intentional pause is giving her a much needed break to reset and focus on herself. Tune in to hear Sam’s take on…🌟 The Catalyst for Taking a Pause: Sam discusses the personal and professional experiences that led her to take an intentional break from her career, including the impact of the pandemic, family losses, and the need for a reset after years of nonstop work.🧘‍♀️ Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: She shares how this pause allowed her to focus on her physical health, reconnect with old friends, and explore new interests, highlighting the importance of investing in oneself.💡 Lessons from Culinary School: Hear about her decision to attend culinary school amidst her marketing career, and how this seemingly unrelated experience enriched her professional life with new perspectives on leadership, organization, and creativity.🏡 Necessity of Support Systems: Discussion on the necessity of robust support networks, including childcare strategies like the au pair system, and how these support structures are crucial for managing a demanding career and family life.🤝 Redefining Success and Career Goals: Sam talks about how motherhood has reshaped her career ambitions, shifting her focus from external validation to personal growth, learning, and making meaningful contributions.🗣️ Effective Communication and Advocacy: Tips on how to communicate career transitions and personal needs confidently, both to oneself and to others, including the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors.🔄 Navigating Career Transitions: Practical advice on making career pauses and transitions work in your favor, including being realistic about the challenges and trade-offs involved, and planning for a smooth reentry into the workforce.🏆 The Impermanence of Challenges: A powerful reminder that all challenges are temporary and that time will always bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth.Whether you're contemplating a career break or looking to realign your priorities, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights from a seasoned executive who has successfully navigated these waters. Tune in for a candid conversation about the realities of balancing a high-powered role with personal fulfillment and family life.Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode – it might just be the nudge you need to take that intentional pause and discover a renewed sense of purpose in your career and life.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Sam on LinkedIn here.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.