Episodit
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Sabrina, the founder of ARC, shares her inspiring journey as both a mother and entrepreneur. Her experience with IVF led to the retrieval of 17 eggs, ultimately resulting in one viable embryo. As the creator of ARC, a female-owned company, Sabrina focuses on producing premium headbands designed specifically for mothers. These headbands prioritize clean ingredients, stylish functionality, and everyday comfort.
The Story Behind ARC Headbands
ARC headbands are more than just accessories—they are confidence-boosting essentials designed for busy moms. Sabrina highlights how ARC’s headbands enhance facial features and provide comfort for all-day wear. The brand has consistently sold out due to high demand, prompting expansion plans for 2025, including new product launches and increased inventory.
"We build resilience through challenges—caring for others even when unwell, learning from our children's strength, and discovering our own."
Key Takeaways
Harmonizing Motherhood & Business: Sabrina successfully manages ARC while embracing the challenges of parenting.
Premium Headband Innovation: ARC headbands are designed by women for women, offering both functionality and style.
Entrepreneurial Insights: Sabrina’s journey spans corporate work, IVF, and launching a startup, offering valuable perspectives on work-life balance.
Business Growth & Expansion: ARC is preparing for new product releases in January 2025 and ensuring sufficient stock to meet demand.
Topics Covered:
Motherhood Challenges
Sleep deprivation remains a major hurdle, with frequent night awakenings.
Balancing work and family life, particularly during holidays, is a constant challenge.
Public outings, like visiting an aquarium, can be chaotic and stressful with young children.
Setting expectations and maintaining structure is crucial but difficult to achieve.
IVF Journey
Sabrina underwent IVF while working in the corporate sector, requiring transparency with her employer.
The process involved self-administered hormone injections and frequent medical appointments.
Out of 17 retrieved eggs, only one viable embryo remained after genetic testing.
This experience deepened Sabrina’s gratitude for both the IVF process and her body’s resilience.
ARC Headbands: The Ultimate Accessory for Moms
Marketed as a technology-driven headband, not just an accessory.
Made with premium Italian materials and manufactured by women in New York.
Designed for all-day comfort, eliminating headaches often caused by traditional headbands.
Enhances the wearer’s natural features rather than overpowering their look.
Serves multiple purposes:
Covers unwashed hair effortlessly.
Helps moms feel put together quickly.
Safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Business Growth & Future Plans
ARC has consistently sold out, driving efforts to scale production and meet customer demand.
A new product drop is scheduled for January 2025 with more innovative launches in the pipeline.
Exciting updates will be announced throughout 2025.
The company remains female-led, with recent investor Angela joining the board.
Why ARC Headbands Stand Out
ARC’s mission is to empower busy women by offering stylish, practical, and high-quality headbands. With expansion plans in place, ARC continues to redefine the way moms approach everyday fashion, making beauty effortless and accessible.
Stay Updated
Follow ARC for the latest updates on new product launches, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes insights into the brand’s evolution.
About Sabrina Storozuk:
Sabrina Storozuk is a tech entrepreneur who has made significant strides in modernizing traditional industries through technological innovation. Her expertise lies in identifying and transforming barriers and gaps into powerful opportunities. With a background that includes various tech ventures of her own, solution services as well as tech innovation consulting at PWC, she has led transformative projects in various global markets from small startups to large Fortune 500 firms. Her latest venture, ARC, is a blend of her technological acumen and her commitment to women's hair health.
ARC is pioneering a new approach to headbands, elevating them beyond their conventional use.
Connect with Sabrina:
Instagram: @thesabrinastorozuk
Website: https://www.wear-arc.com/
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/
Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
SEO Keywords: ARC headbands, premium headbands for moms, stylish headbands, comfortable headbands, headbands for busy women, motherhood accessories, women-owned business, IVF success story, work-life balance, female entrepreneurs, Sabrina ARC, ARC 2025 product launch.
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Brie Johnson, an HR strategist and career coach, joins Angela Tait to discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and leadership. From transitioning out of corporate life to embracing entrepreneurship, Brie shares her insights on redefining identity, navigating workplace biases, and leveraging motherhood as a leadership advantage.
“Motherhood prepared me for leadership through dealing with the unexpected. Being able to adapt, adjust, and remain flexible is invaluable in both career and family.”
Key TakeawaysReframe Work-Life Balance: View balance as a shifting pie chart rather than trying to give 100% to every aspect of life.
Motherhood Enhances Leadership Skills: Empathy, adaptability, and prioritization make mothers strong leaders.
Define Your Own Success: Avoid societal pressures and set personal benchmarks for success.
Challenge Workplace Biases: Advocate for flexibility and understanding towards working mothers.
TOPICS: Redefining Work-Life BalanceReject the unrealistic expectation of perfect balance.
View life as a pie chart with priorities shifting over time.
Give yourself permission to focus on different areas depending on life seasons.
Transitioning from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipBrie had a supportive boss during her fertility journey and early parenthood.
Financial analysis revealed that leaving her corporate role saved her $50,000 annually.
Her husband's confidence and support were crucial for a smooth transition.
Entrepreneurship allowed her to create a flexible schedule that aligned with her children's needs.
Identity Shifts as a Mother & Career AdvancementWomen often define themselves by relationships, while men are identified by work.
Skills gained through motherhood and volunteering are often undervalued.
Career coaching helps women recognize and articulate transferable skills for professional growth.
Overcoming Biases Against Working MothersBrie faced questions about how family responsibilities would impact her work.
She challenged these biases by questioning whether the same concerns applied to fathers.
Advocated for flexible work environments that recognize the efficiency of working mothers.
Leadership Lessons from MotherhoodAbility to handle unexpected challenges with grace.
Learning to let go of control and focus on impactful tasks.
Empathy towards team members' personal situations.
Reframing urgent deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress.
Advice for New Working MothersDefine personal success rather than conforming to societal standards.
Accept that pausing career progression during key life seasons is okay.
Balance financial, time, and emotional contributions to the family.
Connect with Brie JohnsonInstagram: @bcjinsights
LinkedIn: Brianna Clark Johnson
Website: BCJ Insights HR
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/
Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge** -
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Abby Cornelius, a Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes and a podcast host, discusses balancing her career with motherhood. She has two daughters, a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old, and works a hybrid schedule, with two office days and field visits. Abby emphasizes the importance of finding a work-life balance that suits individual needs, sharing her journey from a career-driven individual to a mother who prioritized family time. She highlights the significance of mentorship, particularly from female leaders, and advocates for flexible work policies to support high achievers. Abby also stresses the importance of recognizing that one can have it all but not do it all, encouraging women to prioritize their personal exchange rate and seek support from their communities.
"I can have it all but I can't do it all"
Key Takeaways
Flexibility and empathy from employers are crucial for working parents' success and retention
Mentorship plays a vital role in women's career advancement and confidence
Work-life integration requires analyzing personal "exchange rates" to prioritize time/energy
Corporate culture shift needed to support diverse employee needs across life stages
Learn More About:
Abby's Career Journey
Transitioned from ambitious corporate career to stay-at-home mom, then back to corporate
Husband became stay-at-home parent to support Abby's career and spend more time with their children
She experienced burnout trying to "do it all" as a new mom in a demanding corporate role
Took 2.5 year break to run her own business and podcast before returning to corporate
Now Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes with flexible, supportive work arrangement and boss
Workplace Flexibility
Abby negotiated a hybrid schedule to minimize commute time to spend more time with her kids and less in the car
Company allows flexibility to attend children's events and make up work later
Empathetic leadership from female boss with similar family situation
Flexibility enables high performers to excel in both work and family roles
Mentorship for Women
Abby's key to finding a mentor: LinkedIn, managers at work, industry events and reaching out to people you look up to and are a few steps ahead of you in life that you admire
Mentors provide career guidance, emotional support, and different perspectives
Women with mentors advance faster and earn more in their careers
Advice: Be vulnerable, share struggles openly to get the most value from your mentor
Work-Life Integration Strategies
Mantra: "I can have it all but I can't do it all"
Analyze personal "exchange rate" - time/energy input vs. outcomes
Focus on high-value activities that bring joy and results (e.g. 20 min quality time with kids)
Let go of pressure to do everything; rely on support system
Avoid comparison to other parents' choices
Corporate Culture Evolution
Need shift from rigid policies to supporting employees across life stages
Providing flexibility often increases loyalty and productivity
Consider costs of turnover vs. accommodating valuable employees' needs
Apply empathy and human-centered approach to people on your team/ in the business
About the Guest:
Abby Cornelius is the Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes, bringing 20 years of experience in homebuilding with experience in new home sales, training, and leadership. A dedicated advocate for women in homebuilding, Abby is passionate about fostering winning teams and cultivating a culture of growth and excellence.
As a people-first leader, she embraces servant leadership, ensuring her teams feel empowered, valued, and equipped for success. Her approach is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and strategic growth, making a meaningful impact on both her colleagues and the industry. She is also the host of The Rise and Shine Podcast, focused on helping women in homebuilding rise professionally and shine personally.
Beyond her professional achievements, Abby is deeply committed to building success in both her career and personal life, striving to be both an impactful leader and a present, engaged mom to her two daughters.
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/
Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge** -
Jenna recently co-authored a national bestseller with Tony Robbins and Jim Britt. She discusses her journey from social work to coaching, balancing motherhood and business, and the importance of adaptability. Jenna emphasizes the transferable skills from motherhood to leadership, such as emotional regulation and creating safe spaces. She also shares her love for reading and tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) as self-care practices. Jenna advises new mothers to embrace adaptability and maintain self-care, highlighting the importance of harmonizing roles rather than balancing them.
“Take your time and remember everything will be okay and be adaptable as children's needs constantly change. There's no manual - trust yourself as the expert on your children”
Learn more about: Personal Background and Recent AchievementsJenna is a holistic business, life, and success coach with 3 children (ages 10, 8, 6)
Recently turned 40 and co-authored "Cracking the Rich Code" which hit #1 on international bestseller lists
Transitioned from teaching and case management to coaching, working with her father's company
Balancing Motherhood and EntrepreneurshipDescribes balance as fluid - some days 70/30 business/home, others vice versa
Emphasizes adaptability and being present for both roles
Invites children to participate in self-care activities like reading, tapping, meditation
Leadership and Team ManagementCreates safe spaces by openly declaring intentions and checking in regularly
Uses intuition to sense team members' emotional states and offers support
Provides flexibility for working parents, reminding them to use time off when needed
Self-Care and IdentityEnjoys reading fantasy novels as escapism from professional development material
Practices EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping to manage stress and regulate emotions
Invites children to join in self-care activities, modeling healthy habits
Advice for New Mothers and Aspiring LeadersTake your time and remember everything will be okay
Be adaptable as children's needs constantly change
There's no manual - trust yourself as the expert on your children
You're doing a great job in a challenging role
Connect with Jenna:
Linkedin
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Dr. Angela Buckley, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and founder of Gratitude Leadership Collective, discusses balancing motherhood and a demanding corporate career. She highlights her son's Eagle Scout project, which involves building bike racks for a local mountain biking team. Angela shares her experiences with unpaid maternity leave, the challenges of childcare, and the importance of paternity leave. She emphasizes the significance of gratitude in the workplace, advocating for a culture that values employee contributions and well-being. Angela also discusses her method for deep acknowledgments in the workplace, aiming to reduce turnover and foster a positive work environment.
"I think we all have to admit that you can't have all of the things all of the time, and so understanding that there's an ebb and flow in life." Learn more about: Eagle Scout Project and Family DynamicsDr. Buckley discusses her son's Eagle Scout project, which involves building bike racks for a local mountain biking team.
The project has grown significantly, with a waiting list and strict criteria for coaches to ensure quality.
Dr. Buckley emphasizes the importance of teamwork and individual development in the project.
Angela expresses interest in learning more about the project and its impact on her own experiences with Boy Scouts.
Balancing Corporate Life and MotherhoodDr. Buckley shares her experience of traveling extensively for work and the challenges of unpaid maternity leave.
She highlights the lack of childcare support and the necessity of her husband taking paternity leave to help with the baby.
Angela relates to the difficulties of returning to work shortly after childbirth and the logistical challenges of finding childcare.
Both speakers discuss the broader issues of maternity support and the impact on women's careers.
Challenges in the WorkplaceDr. Buckley talks about the male-dominated environment in her field and the lack of understanding from male colleagues.
She shares anecdotes about being kept out late by colleagues and the challenges of balancing work and family.
Angela discusses the difficulty of advocating for maternity leave and other support systems in a male-dominated leadership team.
Both speakers emphasize the need for better policies to support working mothers and the long-term effects of current policies.
Supporting Women in the WorkforceDr. Buckley discusses the importance of having female role models in the workplace and the challenges of being a token female.
Angela shares her experience of not wanting to advocate for herself and the impact on her leadership role.
Both speakers highlight the importance of supporting other women in the workplace and creating a supportive environment.
Dr. Buckley emphasizes the need for organizations to provide better support systems for working mothers.
Harmonizing Motherhood and Professional LifeDr. Buckley talks about the importance of understanding the ebb and flow of life and balancing multiple commitments.
She shares her experiences of juggling professional and personal life, including her involvement in racing and music.
Angela discusses the challenges of balancing work and family, especially with children involved in multiple activities.
Both speakers emphasize the importance of planning and logistics in managing their busy schedules.
Musical Background and Its Impact on Professional LifeDr. Buckley discusses the importance of a musical background in developing emotional maturity and good listening skills.
She shares her experience of using music as a form of stress relief during her corporate travels.
Angela talks about the challenges of balancing work and music, especially with young children.
Both speakers emphasize the value of music in personal and professional development.
Teaching CEOs About Childcare PickupDr. Buckley shares her experience of teaching a CEO about the challenges of childcare pickup and the impact of late meetings.
She explains the financial and logistical challenges of being late for childcare and the importance of ending meetings on time.
Dr. Buckley implemented a system of fines for late meetings to encourage punctuality and better time management.
The CEO supported the initiative, and it led to a cultural shift in the organization.
Creating a Positive Work EnvironmentDr. Buckley discusses the importance of gratitude and creating a positive work environment to reduce turnover.
She shares her approach of using gratitude as an organizational value to build loyalty and trust among employees.
Dr. Buckley offers leadership development and coaching services to help organizations improve their culture and reduce burnout.
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing employees' contributions and providing a supportive environment.
The Four Perspectives of GratitudeDr. Buckley explains the four perspectives of gratitude: fleeting, affirmative, internal, and reflective.
She discusses the importance of deep acknowledgements and celebrations of employees' work and efforts.
Dr. Buckley shares her method of the Spirit method of acknowledgement to provide meaningful feedback and recognition.
She emphasizes the value of focusing on leading indicators and building a positive work environment.
About the Guest:
Developing the right training and development program is the key to retaining employees and successful employee proficiency. As a proven LTD Executive, I understand and assist clients/customers in developing the optimum training solutions, tailored uniquely to meet each business’ needs. Collaborating with leaders and key stakeholders across business areas to identify issues and opportunities and tie them to Key Performance Indicators, I direct training towards overcoming actual business needs and address underlying performance obstacles. As companies reorganize to gain a competitive edge, a proficient HR Leader plays a key role in helping companies deal with a fast-changing environment and the greater demand for quality employees. As an HR Leader, this is precisely what I wish to bring forth to your company: to be the ‘enabling’ factor.
Through the years, I have accumulated expertise in steering multi-functional domains with highly reputed business establishments. With in-depth knowledge of Training & Development, my areas of expertise revolve around delivering efficient Human Resource solutions. I possess outstanding people skills in managing personnel and ensure that human resources programs and initiatives are effective, efficient, and aligned to overall business objectives.
I look forward to discussing delivering high-impact HR solutions through my dedication to handling multiple functions and activities under high-pressure environments & tight deadlines.
Connect with Dr. Buckley:
Linkedin
E-mail me: [email protected]
Free Spirit Workbook:
Free Burnout Assessment Likeable Leadership Reflection Journal 1 Likeable Leadership Reflection Journal 2
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Diana discusses balancing her career at a tech company with motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of connection with her kids, communication with her co-parent, and leaning on her community for support. Diana highlights the challenges of managing a busy schedule with two young boys, including coordinating childcare and maintaining work-life balance. She shares practical tips like using meal kits and planning family activities. Diana also stresses the significance of self-care and the support from her employer, which offers generous family leave and flexible work policies.
"It's not selfish to take time for yourself. Invest in yourself so that you can give your family the best of you and not just what's left over."
Learn more about: Balancing Priorities and Juggling ResponsibilitiesDiana discusses the importance of prioritizing activities and recognizing that it's impossible to do everything.
Emphasizes the need to differentiate between "rubber balls" (less important tasks) and "glass" (critical responsibilities).
Highlights the importance of health, career, marriage, and quality time with kids.
Acknowledges that some hobbies and activities may need to be put on hold temporarily.
Diana's Journey and Balancing LifeDiana congratulates Angela on her podcast and expresses pride in her friend's achievements.
Angela and Diana discuss the challenges of being a working mom and the importance of support from each other.
Diana shares her approach to balancing life, emphasizing connection with kids, communication with co-parents, and leaning on the community.
She describes "magic Mom-Me time" and the importance of quality time with kids, especially when traveling for work.
Creating Special Moments and One-on-One TimeDiana talks about making everyday moments special by asking interesting questions and engaging with kids.
Angela shares her experience of having "Mom-Me dates" with her son, Oliver, and the importance of one-on-one time.
They discuss the book "Family Boardroom" and its recommendation of dedicating four hours a quarter to one child for special experiences.
Diana emphasizes the importance of building connections and creating safe spaces for kids.
Communication and Role ClarityDiana highlights the importance of communication in balancing work and family life.
They discuss the challenges of managing schedules and the benefits of having a shared family calendar.
Angela and Diana talk about the importance of role clarity and how they manage responsibilities at home and work.
Diana mentions the concept of scoring daily contributions to the household and how it helps in managing expectations.
Planning and Outsourcing to Simplify LifeDiana shares tips on meal planning and outsourcing to simplify life, including using meal kits and doing meal prep.
They discuss the benefits of scheduling school drop-offs and coordinating work schedules.
Angela and Diana talk about the challenges of working from home with kids and the importance of setting boundaries.
Diana emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding ways to stay productive and healthy.
Supportive Work Environments and Maternity LeaveDiana praises her current tech company for its supportive work environment and generous maternity leave policies.
They discuss the importance of men taking paternity leave to support women and reduce discrimination.
Angela shares her experience of working up until delivery and the challenges of adjusting to new motherhood.
Diana advises new moms to give themselves grace and not to expect immediate success after returning to work.
Balancing Work and Personal LifeDiana talks about the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing family time.
They discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life and the importance of self-care.
Angela and Diana share their experiences of managing work and family responsibilities and the importance of support from partners and communities.
Diana emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and finding ways to recharge.
Community and Support SystemsDiana highlights the importance of leaning on community and support systems for self-care.
They discuss the benefits of joining new mom groups and participating in community activities.
Angela and Diana talk about the importance of having a support network and how it helps in managing the challenges of motherhood.
Diana shares her experiences of participating in groups like New Mom School and Bloom, and how they provided valuable support and education.
About the Guest:
Diana Sausser is an Account Director in enterprise software sales, specializing in solving complex business problems and delivering high-value software solutions to large organizations. With over a decade of experience in technology sales at some of the largest software companies in the US, Diana has honed her expertise in digital customer experience and enterprise resource planning solutions.
A Southern California native, Diana is also a dedicated wife and mom to two energetic boys, aged 3 and 5. When she's not adventuring with her boys or navigating the dynamic world of tech sales, she loves traveling, being outdoors, practicing pilates, singing, and indulging in interior design projects. Diana is passionate about supporting women in tech and the community of working moms.
Connect with Diana:
LinkedIn
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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In the last episode of the year of the Mom-Me podcast, host Angela Tait celebrates reaching 10 episodes and 10 ratings, reflecting on the journey of connecting working mothers. Key lessons include the importance of calibration over balance, the power of community, and embracing imperfections. Angela emphasizes that ambition is not selfish but models resilience for children. She encourages listeners to reflect on 2024, share wins, and set intentions for 2025, focusing on growth, harmony, and celebrating small victories. Angela invites feedback and engagement, aiming to continue fostering a supportive community for working mothers.
“Mama, you are doing an amazing job. You are enough, and every step you take, no matter how small, is building the life you want for yourself and your family.”
Learn more about: Celebrating Milestones and Reflecting on 2024Angela expresses gratitude to listeners for their support and acknowledges the podcast's growth from a passion project to a meaningful community.
The episode marks the 10th episode and 10 ratings, symbolizing a significant milestone as the year ends.
Angela reflects on the journey of connecting with other working moms and the importance of community support.
The focus of the episode is on celebrating lessons learned, reflecting on 2024, and looking ahead to 2025 with hope and intention.
Calibrating Work and Home DemandsAngela discusses the concept of balancing ambition with motherhood, emphasizing that balance is hard to achieve and suggesting the term "calibration" instead.
The idea of calibration is likened to a scale, where different aspects of life are balanced but not necessarily equal at all times.
Angela shares personal struggles with guilt when pursuing career goals while being a mother and the importance of community support.
The lesson emphasizes that ambition is not selfish but models resilience and drive for children, and it's okay to focus on both motherhood and career.
The Power of CommunityAngela highlights the importance of building a community, especially for new moms and those with toddlers, teenagers, or adult children.
Different life stages present unique challenges, but a supportive community is crucial for navigating them.
The podcast has provided a platform for connecting with other moms and sharing stories, which has been beneficial for Angela.
The lesson reinforces the idea that we are stronger together and the value of having a support system.
Embracing ImperfectionsAngela talks about the unrealistic expectation of perfection and the importance of embracing imperfections.
The concept of practice making progress rather than striving for perfection is introduced.
Angela shares a personal anecdote about discussing perfection with her son and the realization that it sets one up for failure.
The lesson encourages learning from challenges and reframing negative experiences to find positives.
Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Forward to 2025Angela invites listeners to reflect on their wins and lessons from 2024 and share them for mutual learning.
The "stop, start, continue" model is introduced as a tool for setting intentions for the new year.
Angela expresses a desire to continue the podcast in 2025, appreciating the stories and connections made through it.
The focus for 2025 is on growth, harmony, and prioritizing what truly matters, with three guiding principles: prioritizing what matters, celebrating small wins, and staying connected.
Setting Intentions for 2025Angela shares personal intentions for 2025, including stepping into the next level of growth and harmony.
The importance of prioritizing what truly matters and leaving behind guilt is emphasized.
Celebrating small wins and staying connected with the community are highlighted as key strategies for 2025.
Angela encourages listeners to set their own intentions and join her in setting goals for the new year.
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Nicole Bowyer, Founder of Coco on the Go, shares her journey as a stepmom to four children and a mom to Kingston. She discusses the opportunities of calibrating her business alongside motherhood, she reflects on the dynamics of supporting her four stepchildren and her only son, while navigating the physical, mental, and emotional journey of IVF. Nicole recounts the instability caused by her husband's professional gambling career and the impact of being raided. Despite these setbacks, she highlights her resilience and the growth of her business, which now has over 300 retail stores. Nicole emphasizes the importance of a supportive team and personal strength in navigating life's challenges.
“I don’t think anyone could say anything to prepare you for the amount of sleep deprivation, and still trying to be career driven and chase your dreams and still be an amazing mom to your babies and raise them better than you were raised, and give them more than you were given."
Learn more about: Stepmotherhood and Early Motherhood Challenges Nicole opens up about her challenging relationship with her stepmother and how it shaped her own parenting style. She shares the emotional experience of how becoming a mother brought up memories of past childhood abuse and the moments of breakdown that came with it. Nicole reflects on her ongoing journey through therapy and personal growth, highlighting the importance of healing and self-discovery. Navigating Step-ParentingNicole shares her initial approach of being a friend to avoid making the same mistakes as her own step-parents.
She recounts the difficulties of dealing with attitude and attitude from her step-daughters.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of earning the trust of her step-children and maintaining a balance.
Balancing Step-Parenting and Personal RelationshipsNicole discusses the complexities of being a step-parent and maintaining a relationship with her husband.
She shares a story about her step-daughter's attitude and the need to remind herself that she is the adult.
Nicole talks about the supportive role her husband's ex-wife played in her step-parenting journey.
They discuss the importance of co-parenting and not letting personal conflicts affect the children.
Journey to Motherhood and IVF ProcessNicole shares her husband's decision to undergo a vasectomy reversal to have a child.
They discuss the challenges and emotional toll of the IVF process.
Nicole recounts her own experience with the IVF process, including the physical and emotional challenges.
They talk about the importance of having a supportive team to manage the business during maternity leave.
Building Coco on the GoNicole shares the origin of Coco on the Go and its mission to empower women through confidence.
She discusses the sourcing of fabrics from South America and the brand's focus on athleisure.
Nicole talks about the early days of running the business while working full-time and waitressing.
They discuss the importance of building a strong team to support business growth.
Impact of Professional Gambling on Family LifeNicole discusses her husband's career as a professional gambler and its impact on their family.
She shares her initial admiration for his charisma and work ethic, but later resentment due to instability.
Nicole talks about the challenges of balancing her career with supporting her husband's unpredictable income.
They discuss the emotional toll of the raid on their home and its impact on their family.
Pivoting to a Stable Business ModelNicole shares how the raid forced her to take control of their financial situation.
She discusses the steps she took to ramp up her business and secure new accounts.
Nicole talks about the stress and challenges of the past year but also the growth and resilience it brought.
They discuss the importance of finding silver linings and reframing negative experiences.
Personal Growth and Emotional HealingNicole reflects on the emotional challenges of the past year and the importance of processing her feelings.
She shares her experience of breaking down in front of friends and the need to release pent-up emotions.
Nicole talks about the ongoing nature of healing and personal growth.
They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces to talk about emotions and being vulnerable.
Connect with Nicole:
Coco On The Go | Instagram
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Angela interviews Jaymina Patel, a Clinical Director and therapist in Arizona, about harmonizing motherhood and career. Jaymina emphasizes the importance of community, self-care, and flexibility in leadership. She discusses the challenges of motherhood, including the need for self-compassion and realistic expectations. Jaymina highlights the shift from a rigid leadership style to one that values human connection and empathy. She advises aspiring leaders to seek mentorship and prioritize authenticity and connection. Both agree on the value of setting intentions over goals to navigate the complexities of motherhood and professional life.
"After becoming a mom, I realized there's really no black and white way to do it. There's a lot of gray area in life and the struggles that we go through as human beings, as moms, it's very gray. It's extremely gray. There's no right or wrong answer. Every child is different. The solution to the problem is different for each child."
Learn more about:
Harmonizing Motherhood and CareerJaymina discusses the concept of balance, emphasizing the importance of community and leaning into a support system.
Angela and Jaymina agree on the necessity of time management and boundaries to balance multiple roles.
Jaymina stresses the importance of self-care, including physical and mental health, to be the best parent and professional.
Evolution of Identity Post-MotherhoodAngela asks Jaymina about her identity before and after becoming a mother.
Jaymina reflects on how motherhood changes a person, making them more organized and responsible.
Angela shares her own experience of becoming more planned and structured as a mother.
Jaymina talks about the challenge of redefining her identity and balancing old and new aspects of herself.
Prioritizing Connection and Self-CareJaymina expresses her goal to slow down, connect with her community, and cultivate hobbies in 2025.
Jaymina enjoys running and walking her dog, and she aims to include her children in her self-care activities.
Angela shares her experience of hiking with her children and the benefits of spending time in nature.
Both agree on the importance of nature for mental and physical well-being.
Leadership and VulnerabilityAngela asks Jaymina about the impact of motherhood on her leadership style.
Jaymina explains how motherhood has made her more flexible and understanding, recognizing the gray areas in life.
Jaymina shares an example of supporting a team member through personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of validation and empathy.
Angela relates this to the importance of validating children's emotions and being present for them.
Mentorship and Professional GrowthJaymina advises aspiring leaders to be realistic about their goals and seek mentorship and support.
Angela shares experiences of women stepping back from leadership roles due to the demands of motherhood.
Jaymina emphasizes the importance of having a support system, including mentors and role models.
Both discuss the value of continuous learning and growth in their professions.
Navigating Challenges and Setting IntentionsJaymina reflects on the challenges of motherhood and the importance of self-compassion.
Angela and Jaymina discuss the importance of setting intentions rather than goals to manage expectations.
Jaymina shares her mantra of taking things one day at a time.
About the Guest:
Jaymina Patel was born in Chicago Illinois and grew a love for learning about what makes people tick, what motivates them and what we can do when we are stuck. As a Psychology Major at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she completed research with tenured professors including Susan Goldman and later in graduate school, she pursued more research and assistance on Roberto Swazo’s The Bilingual Counselor’s Guide to Spanish. During her graduate years pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Jaymina spent time in Guatemala providing service learnings to various populations and psychoeducation in schools around Antigua, Guatemala.
Jaymina had worked as a family therapist in Georgia, providing community mental health services to the Spanish speaking population and later grew to work with children facing adversity and taking on further leadership roles supervising new graduates. During her time in Arizona, Jaymina has worked predominantly in private practice for the past four years, helping children and their families work through anxiety, depression, blended family adjustments, life transitions, trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Currently Jaymina runs her own private practice online where she assists clients overcome stressors via teletherapy and provides consulting for Wellness Homes of Arizona, a Residential Behavioral Health Facility in which clients are recovering from chronic mental health issues and addictions.
Jaymina’s therapeutic approaches consist of culturally sensitive, trauma informed care in which she provides Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy to allow clients to become more mindful of their strengths and build a toolbox of coping skills they can access during times of distress. These tools are bound to lead us to a victor mindset over a victim mindset.
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**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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In this episode, Angela is with guest, Diana Lunzer, a two-time founder and mother of three boys under 10, about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Diana emphasizes the importance of systems and automation in managing her businesses, which help her achieve a state of "calibration" rather than balance. She shares her corporate journey, highlighting the challenges of climbing the ladder while raising a family, and the impact of a difficult boss on her decision to start her own business. Diana discusses the benefits of empathy and organization from motherhood, and her upcoming membership launch in early 2025 aimed at helping others with productivity and organization.
"Going through motherhood gave me a different perspective and just more empathy to support and show up stronger for my team, because everybody's got things going on."
Learn more about:
Challenges of Juggling Motherhood and EntrepreneurshipDiana explains that she hates the term "balance" and prefers "calibration," comparing it to old-school scales that need constant adjustment.
She attributes her success to having systems in place, including automations and delegation of tasks.
Diana's business helps other founders implement custom systems to become more productive and organized.
Angela Tait and Diana discuss the importance of automating tasks to save time and be more efficient, especially for moms.
Diana's Corporate Career and MotherhoodAngela Tait inquires about Diana's journey into motherhood and how her corporate career evolved with each child.
Diana shares that she had all three boys while in corporate America, with each child making it more challenging to balance career and family.
She describes the support she received from her bosses during her first two children but faced challenges with her third child under a new boss.
Diana's experience with a bad boss led her to leave her corporate job and start her own business, seeking a more fulfilling and supportive environment.
Transition to Entrepreneurship and Personal GrowthDiana reflects on the positive impact of her bad boss, as it pushed her to create her own business and pursue her own vision.
Angela Tait and Diana discuss the flexibility and freedom of being an entrepreneur, allowing for more time with family and personal interests.
Diana emphasizes the importance of finding joy and rediscovering personal interests, such as tennis and spa days, to maintain balance and happiness.
Angela Tait shares her own experience with the peloton and the importance of taking time for personal well-being.
Balancing Motherhood and CareerDiana talks about the difficulty of balancing motherhood and career, especially during the first year postpartum with each child.
She shares her strategy of creating a "joy list" to rediscover what brings her joy and prioritizing those activities.
Journaling has been a crucial tool for Diana to reconnect with herself and her emotions, especially during her corporate days.
Angela Tait and Diana discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations and giving oneself grace in the journey of self-discovery.
Navigating Workplace Biases and ExpectationsDiana discusses the biases and expectations women face in the workplace, especially during their childbearing years.
She shares her internal struggle with pursuing a leadership role while planning to have another child and the challenges of balancing career growth with family responsibilities.
Diana emphasizes the importance of calibration and prioritizing what is most important in each season of life.
Angela Tait and Diana discuss the flexibility and support needed in the workplace to accommodate both career and family responsibilities.
Empathy and Leadership in the WorkplaceDiana highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace, especially for mothers.
She shares how her experience as a mother has helped her be more empathetic and supportive of her team members.
Diana discusses the challenges of proving oneself in the workplace while balancing family responsibilities and the importance of creating a supportive environment.
Angela Tait and Diana agree on the need for psychological safety and empathy in the workplace to support mental health and productivity.
About the Guest:
Productivity & Systems Expert // Certified Notion Consultant
Diana turns founders into productive powerhouses, so they can create their 7-figure empire.
She is a 2x founder, on a mission to help fellow ambitious business owners who feel overwhelmed as they scale their companies.Diana is passionate about helping founders and their teams get organized and spend their time more intentionally, to scale and make more money, while enjoying the ride!
She specializes in identifying where your business is leaking time and money. Diana uncovers your productivity gaps and system inefficiencies, then uses tools like Notion, Zapier, and Manychat to help your business scale with more organization, peace, and profit.
Connect with Diana:Instagram: @DianaLunzer
For longer form Notion how-to’s subscribe to my YouTube
Subscribe to my Founder’s Flow newsletter
Visit the Flow State website
Connect with Angela:Book a Meeting
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Check out my Website**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Melissa Dean, a midwife and founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in Los Gatos, California, discussed her journey from corporate America to becoming a doula and midwife. She emphasized the importance of preconception care, addressing postpartum depletion, and integrating functional medicine. Melissa highlighted the challenges of balancing motherhood, running a business, and maintaining a strong marriage. She stressed the significance of teaching children self-sufficiency and fostering a supportive family environment. Melissa's center was voted the best birth center in the Bay Area in 2024, reflecting her dedication to holistic care and client relationships.
"Being a mom is a lot. It requires so much of our attention and every minute. It's very easy for moms to be overlooked, and they don't focus on taking care of themselves."
Learn more about:
Melissa's Journey into MidwiferyStarted as a doula when her youngest child was 2 years old (25 years ago)
Worked as a doula for 10 years before becoming a midwife
Motivated to become a midwife after witnessing avoidable issues in hospital births
Went back to school in her 40s to study midwifery
Traveled to the Philippines for hands-on experience in managing birth complications
Work-Life Balance and Parenting
Left corporate job 3 months after returning from maternity leave with first child
Homeschooled her children, which provided flexibility for her work as a doula
Taught children to be self-sufficient from a young age (e.g., cooking, laundry by age 10)
Encouraged children to have adventures and build confidence without constant supervision
Maintained a "no phone at the table" rule to foster genuine connection during family time
Functional Medicine and Postpartum Care
Pursued functional medicine to better serve clients with underlying health issues
Focuses on preconception care, pregnancy nutrition, and postpartum depletion
Aims to prevent pregnancy complications and improve long-term maternal health
Provides virtual consultations for postpartum care beyond the Bay Area
Family Traditions and Maintaining Connections
Rents a house for family gatherings to accommodate grown children and their partners
Celebrates holidays flexibly based on everyone's availability
Focuses on experiences and activities rather than material gifts
Encourages each couple to plan an activity and prepare a meal during family gatherings
Prioritizes outdoor activities and games over TV watching during family time
Marriage and Relationship Maintenance
Consistently prioritized relationship with husband above all else
Unified parenting approach to prevent children from playing parents against each other
Made time for regular getaways as a couple, even when finances were tight
Demonstrated to children the importance of putting the marital relationship first
About the Guest:
Melissa Dean is a midwife and the founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center, located in Los Gatos, California. In 2024, Casa Natal was voted the Best birth center in the Bay Area by Bay Area Parents. As a functional and integrative medicine practitioner, Melissa combines her expertise in women's health with her midwife practice. She provides care with an emphasis on preconception, childbirth, postpartum depletion syndrome.Melissa’s expertise has been featured in leading publications such as The Bump, Today’s Parent, Patient, InHealth and The CheckUp. She has been a featured guest on leading podcasts such as Dear Doula, Sparking Wholeness, The Hypnobirthing Podcast, Papaya Health, The Freely Rooted Mama.
Connect with Melissa
Connect on LinkedIn
Website
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Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge** -
The episode features a conversation with Jeannie Culbertson, a single mother of 6 children who owns two businesses - an editing business and an insurance agency. Jeannie shares her journey into motherhood, including having her first child unexpectedly while planning to join the Air Force, and raising a son with a congenital heart defect. She discusses how martial arts and church helped provide discipline and community for her large family. Jeannie also talks about transitioning from truck driving to building successful editing and insurance businesses that allow her the flexibility to be present for her children. The conversation explores how Jeannie's experience as a mother has prepared her for the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership.
"I fortunately have only had one or two people get angry with me, but having dealt with children and learning that it's not about you, you're the one who's in charge. So you learn to take control of a situation. You have the confidence to handle the situation."
Learn more about:
Unexpected journey into single motherhood
Leveraged martial arts, church, and flexibility to manage large family
Pivoted careers from truck driving to editing and insurance
Parenting skills translated to valuable business leadership abilities
Prioritized work-life harmony through boundaries, delegation, and self-care
And so much more!
Connect with Jeanie:
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Angela emphasized the importance of flexibility in the workplace, particularly for working mothers, as it allows them to better manage their professional and personal responsibilities, reducing stress and burnout. She highlighted the benefits of hybrid and remote work options, customized schedules, and flexible locations, which can attract and retain top talent. Angela encouraged business owners and leaders to consider these factors when shaping their company culture and policies.
“Hybrid and remote work options is huge, because offering that remote or hybrid schedule allows moms to save time on commuting and be more present at home while staying productive at work. Being a mom working from home, I can put in a quick load of laundry, I can start the dishwasher. It just helps create peace of mind that like some things that need to be done in the house, again, sometimes this doesn't always fall on the the mom, but a lot of times it does, and so that is why I am trying to advocate to clients that I'm working with. If they want more women in their company, they need to be thinking about these options.”
Learn more about
Angela to share stories and feedback from working moms on how flexibility in work schedules and culture has positively impacted their productivity, dedication, and retention in their roles.
Business owners and leaders to consider offering flexible schedules, remote or hybrid work options, and customized schedules to attract and retain top talent, especially working moms.
Angela to continue advocating for the importance of flexibility in the workforce and its impact on attracting and retaining talent, particularly working moms.
And so much more!
Resources:
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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I recount my unexpected journey into motherhood while balancing my career as a virtual life coach and consultant. When I became pregnant with my first child, Henry, I faced significant challenges—no health insurance, a limited support network in Arizona, and a relationship with my partner, Ryan, that was still uncertain. Despite these difficulties, I made the decision to keep the pregnancy and eventually returned to work to secure health benefits. After delivery, I managed my new responsibilities as a mother while working full-time, dealing with sleep deprivation, and figuring out childcare arrangements. This experience has taught me the resilience and strength it takes to be a working mother, and I now aim to raise awareness and provide support for others through my podcast.
Learn more about:
Unexpected Pregnancy and Initial Challenges
Decision to Keep the Baby and Career Concerns
Balancing Work and Motherhood
Returning to Work and Childcare Challenges
Emotional and Relationship Struggles
Empowerment and Future Aspirations
Resources:
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
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Gina, an experienced employment attorney based in Phoenix, discusses her career trajectory in employment law, her approach to balancing professional responsibilities with motherhood, and the specific challenges encountered by working mothers. She underscores the importance of organization, transparency, and establishing clear boundaries within the workplace. Gina also highlights significant recent legislation, such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Act, which mandate reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. She shares practical strategies for achieving work-life balance, including incorporating regular walks with her spouse and prioritizing exercise. Gina advocates for employers to exceed basic legal requirements to more fully support working mothers and strengthen talent retention.
Learn more about:
Introduction and Background of Gina
Balancing Work and Family Life
Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood in the Workplace
Biases and Misconceptions in the Workplace
Supporting Working Mothers in Leadership Roles
Recent Laws and Legal Protections for Pregnant Workers
And so much more
Resources:
Connect with Gina:
Connect with Angela:
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Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge** -
Hello and welcome to the very first episode of Mom-Me Podcast. I am Angela, your host, a mother and business owner, discussing the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. I share my background in organization development and change management, detailing my transition into HR and the difficulties I faced along the way—like limited maternity benefits and the pressure to return to work soon after pregnancy. Despite these challenges, I built a successful HR team and became an advocate for better support for working mothers. This experience inspired me to start a podcast aimed at empowering and supporting women leaders who are also mothers, with a strong emphasis on the need for flexibility and understanding in the workplace.
Learn more about:
Navigating the Balance Between Work and Motherhood
Challenges in the Early Career and Motherhood
Building Structure and Support in a New Role
Returning to Work Post-Maternity Leave
Influence of Motherhood on Leadership Style
Resources
Book a Meeting
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
