Explore every episode of the podcast Leadership & Motherhood

In observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Leanna welcomes back Kami Wernimont, founder and president of Let the Light In, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and families through loss. Kami shares how her organization has grown and evolved over the past two years, offering one-on-one companion support, community events, and new initiatives for siblings and families. Together, Leanna and Kami explore what it truly means to take care of yourself in grief, how to find comfort in the uncomfortable, and why strength often looks more like gentleness, rest, and honesty than pushing through pain. This episode is a tender reminder that healing isn’t about moving on – it’s about learning to walk with grief – and that none of us have to walk it alone.

Full transcript available here.

Re-visit episode 17 to hear Kami’s story.

Re-visit episode 62 for last year’s update and to hear the lessons Kami shared about supporting others while maintaining her own self-care and quality time with her children.

If you’re moved to support the important work of Let the Light In, please donate here.

Connect with Kami and learn more about Let the Light In here.

Connect with Leanna here.

In this episode, Leanna shares one of the simplest yet most transformative practices she recommends to every client: journaling. If your mind feels constantly full and your days seem to blur together, this episode will help you reclaim a sense of calm, clarity, and intention. Leanna walks through the top five journaling prompts she personally uses and teaches and explains how each one can help you feel more grounded, confident, and present in both your work and home life. Whether you’ve never journaled before or you’ve fallen out of the habit, this conversation will inspire you to take just a few minutes a day to connect with yourself and lead your life more intentionally.

For a client’s testimonial of the value of journaling, re-visit Episode 99, How Executive Coaching Helped Me Rebuild Confidence and Redefine Success After Motherhood: Angela's Story.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 2025. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

In this sixth episode of the Taking Care of Yourself series, Leanna gets personal about the resistance so many working and executive moms feel when it comes to making positive changes in their lives. Even when we know what we need to do to feel better, our brains often keep us stuck in old patterns, convincing us it’s too hard, won’t make a difference, or that we’ll fail if we can’t do it perfectly. Leanna explores why that happens, how to recognize the thought errors that hold us back, and what it looks like to move forward with small, meaningful steps instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment. If you’ve ever felt like taking care of yourself is just one more impossible thing on your to-do list, this episode will remind you that change doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and that even 1% shifts can create lasting transformation.

Catch up on the Taking Care of Yourself series:

#1 The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being

#2 Empowering Executive Moms to Recognize Your Own Needs Without Guilt

#3 Burnout as Betrayal: Breaking Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism to Reclaim Your Energy - with Lora Cheadle

#4 Advocating for Your Needs at Work and at Home 

#5 Reclaiming Your Energy and Connection Through Science-Based Nervous System Healing - with Melissa Romano

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 2025. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

In this episode, Leanna sits down with licensed social worker and integrative somatic therapist Melissa Romano, author of the Vagus Nerve Deck, and creator of Connected Healing. Together they explore how high-achieving women can break free from living in constant “protection mode” and step into intentional, empowered living. Melissa shares her journey from chronic pain and stress to nervous system healing, and offers practical tools to help working mothers regulate emotions, increase resilience, and feel more connected to themselves and their families. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all but running on empty, this conversation will give you a grounded, science-backed approach to redefining self-care, so you can lead with presence, balance, and energy both at work and at home.

Follow @reclaimingmelissa on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Find her Vagus Nerve Deck on Amazon.

Visit her website at reclaiminghealthy.com to find more about her signature program, Connected Healing, as well as her other offerings such as one-on-one and live group coaching, retreats, live workshops, and more.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset: Foundations course begins October 21. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

In the fourth episode of the Taking Care of Yourself series, Leanna continues with a focus on how executive moms can confidently advocate for their own needs, both at work and at home. High-achieving leaders often excel at championing others, yet find it difficult to speak up for themselves. Leanna explores the mindset shifts and strategies that make it possible to identify, communicate, and honor personal needs without guilt. She highlights why meeting those needs is not selfish but essential for effective leadership, sustainable success, and thriving both professionally and personally. If asking for more support, flexibility, or space feels uncomfortable, this episode offers practical tools to start building that confidence.

Catch up on the Taking Care of Yourself series:

#1 The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being

#2 Empowering Executive Moms to Recognize Your Own Needs Without Guilt

#3 Burnout as Betrayal: Breaking Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism to Reclaim Your Energy - with Lora Cheadle

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 21. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

What if burnout isn’t just exhaustion, but a form of betrayal? In this episode, attorney-turned-coach and TEDx speaker, Lora Cheadle, shares how years of people pleasing, perfectionism, and prioritizing everyone else’s needs over her own left her depleted, and how she discovered that the deepest betrayal wasn’t her husband’s long-term infidelity, but the ways she had abandoned her own needs. Lora reframes burnout as a wake-up call to stop self-sacrificing and start honoring your worth. She offers a powerful framework for identifying unmet needs, moving beyond resentment, and building resilience. This conversation will challenge how you see burnout, and it will inspire you to reclaim your authenticity and self-trust.

Get Lora’s Betrayal Recovery Guide and learn more about her Betrayal Recovery method on her website.

Start at the beginning of the journey.

Listen to The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being, and Empowering Executive Moms to Recognize Your Own Needs Without Guilt, the first and second episodes of the Taking Care of Yourself series.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 21. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

High-achieving working mothers are so attuned to recognizing everyone else’s needs at work, at home, and everywhere in between, that we often overlook our own. In this episode of the Taking Care of Yourself series, Leanna explores why tuning into your own needs matters, how ignoring them eventually leads to burnout or resentment, and why recognizing them is the very first step toward balance. She introduces Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a practical framework, shares everyday examples of how unmet needs show up in our behavior, and walks through the RAIN method (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) to help you build awareness without judgment. You’ll leave this episode with clarity on how to start small, meet one need at a time, and begin shifting from putting yourself last to honoring your needs with confidence and without guilt. Whether you’re leading a team at work, caring for your family, or both, this conversation is a compassionate reminder that meeting your own needs is not selfish; it’s the foundation for lasting success and joy, as well as the model we want to be for those who look up to us.

Start at the beginning of the journey. Listen to The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being, the first episode of the Taking Care of Yourself series to uncover why we so often ignore our own needs and how to begin rewriting that story.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 21. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

In this episode, Leanna kicks off the fall series with the theme Taking Care of Yourself, a deeper, more practical alternative to what’s often labeled as “self-care.” She explores why so many high-achieving women and busy moms put their own needs last by unpacking five key barriers that keep working mothers from prioritizing their well-being.

Leanna reframes each barrier with empowering shifts, reminding working mothers that caring for themselves isn’t selfish; it’s essential for longevity, resilience, and showing up fully in every area of life. This conversation invites women to recognize their worthiness, challenge old narratives, and begin building a more sustainable rhythm of care to support themselves in order to better support others.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Strong leadership starts with strong foundations. The Executive Mom Reset Foundations begins October 21. Join us to gain the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive at work and at home without burning out.

We’re closing out the 2025 Summer Series by weaving together the most powerful lessons from the six remarkable women who shared their journeys of leadership, resilience, and motherhood. Their stories highlight that success has many definitions, that motherhood can sharpen rather than limit leadership, and that true strength comes from adaptability, reflection, and alignment with values. Together, their insights remind executive mothers that intentional choices and resilience not only shape careers but also create space for balance and purpose at home. Leanna offers key takeaways designed to inspire professional women to embrace clarity, redefine success, and lead with confidence.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here and share your takeaways from the 2025 Summer Series!

If you missed any of the conversations in the Summer Series, now is the perfect time to revisit them. Each episode offers unique strategies and inspiration that build toward the takeaways Leanna shared here.

Dr. Lesley Robinson

Ep 102: Leading with Purpose: Charting Your Own Course as a High-Achieving Woman

Ep 103: Leading with Impact: Values Based Leadership and Growth Mindset for Working Mothers

Dina Silver Pokedoff

Ep 104: Navigating the Unexpected: Career Pivoting, Fertility Journeys, and Redefining Success

Ep 105: Navigating Working Motherhood: Leadership, Self-Care, and Sustainable Ambition

Sarah Brelowski

Ep 107: Becoming Strong: From Career Burnout to Alignment, Fulfillment, and Self-Defined Success

Ep 108: Sustaining Strong: How Strength Training Empowers Women with Self Confidence, Resilience, and Mental Wellbeing

Erica Willie

Ep 109: The High Achiever's First Superpower: Outwork Everyone and Succeed Through Work Ethic

Ep 110: Embracing Motherhood as a Superpower and Building a Values Aligned Legacy

Ashley Chang

Ep 111: From Doing It All to Doing What Matters: Redefining Work-Life Balance in Working Motherhood

Ep 112: You Don't Have to Do It All: Delegation Strategies and Support Systems for Working Moms

Kiran Reddy

Ep 113: Grounded in Purpose: Aligning Career, Service, and Becoming a Mother

Ep 114: Grounded in Resilience: Growing Through Adversity and Change in Relationships, Career, and Motherhood

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In the final episode of the summer series, Leanna continues her conversation with Kiran Reddy, entrepreneur, attorney, mom, and founder of Reddy Consulting, as she reflects on four transformative years marked by motherhood, turning 40, separation and divorce, two layoffs, and the challenges and lessons of rebuilding her identity.

Kiran shares candidly about the shift from survival mode to redefining balance, and how motherhood taught her the importance of putting her own needs first in order to care for her son. She opens up about navigating the grief and uncertainty of uncoupling after an 18-year relationship, the role of therapy and solitude in her personal growth, and the practical tools like her “four buckets” framework that helped her stay grounded through constant change.

The conversation also touches on the realities of layoffs, resilience in career transitions, and learning to live more in the present rather than clinging to rigid long-term goals. Kiran offers wisdom on co-parenting with compassion and intention, and how she has found new strength and purpose through adversity. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth, clarity, and self-discovery are possible even in our toughest seasons.

If you missed Part 1, listen now for the full arc of Kiran’s inspiring journey.

Connect with Kiran here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

If you're navigating the transition to preschool with a little one, this is the episode to listen to! In it, I interview my daughter about why it was hard for her and what helped the most, and I share our process for making the preschool transition work. This episode will give you some ideas and approaches to try out and find what works for your kiddo.

In part one of this inspiring two part episode, Leanna is joined by Kiran Reddy, attorney, mom, volunteer, and founder of Reddy Consulting. Kiran shares how she built a thriving consulting business, found meaning through volunteer work in prison reform, and embraced the lessons of saying no, prioritizing, and creating space for what matters most. She also opens up about her fertility journey and the powerful experience (and fun story!) that brought her son into the world. Through it all, Kiran’s story highlights the power of resilience, service, and staying rooted in purpose while balancing the many layers of work and family life. Kiran’s story is a reminder that purpose and growth often come from unexpected places.

Tune in to Part 2, available August 28, to hear how Kiran navigated uncoupling, coparenting, career shifts, and the ongoing work of redefining her life.

Connect with Kiran here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 2 of Leanna’s conversation with Ashley Chang, CEO of Sundays, Ashley shares how she channeled what she learned about women in the workplace into action by founding Sundays, a company designed to meet the needs of high achieving moms. For executive moms considering what’s next, whether a new role, a new rhythm, or a bigger leap, this conversation is full of practical wisdom. Ashley shares how motherhood pushed her to make more deliberate decisions about her time, her values, and the kind of support she wanted to create through Sundays. For working moms used to running on autopilot, Ashley’s story offers the powerful reminder that alignment and ambition don’t have to be at odds. This episode invites you to pause, reflect on your priorities, and make intentional choices that align your time with what matters most.

Learn more about Sundays and their mission to accelerate parents in their careers, while creating more quality family time, by following on LinkedIn and Instagram.

To hear more about Ashley’s inspiring journey and the leadership lessons that shaped her, go back and listen to Part 1.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In part 1 of this two-part conversation, Leanna sits down with Ashley Chang, Founder & CEO of Sundays and new mom, to explore how the experience of Ashley’s own mom inspired her mission to support working mothers. They reflect on how their similar upbringings, from being the eldest of three daughters to growing up with stay-at-home moms and entrepreneur dads, may have shaped their drive as high achievers. Long before becoming a mom herself, Ashley was already focused on the unique challenges working mothers face. As a former product leader in tech, Ashley is skilled at solving problems at scale, yet motherhood brought new questions around balance, capacity, and meaningful support. Leanna and Ashley discuss the challenges of living up to high expectations set by their parents, and Ashley reflects on how she's learning to set realistic goals, delegate effectively, and prioritize quality time with her baby while staying focused at work.

Learn more about Sundays and their mission to accelerate parents in their careers, while creating more quality family time, by following on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don’t miss Part 2, available August 14, where Ashley shares more about her inspiring journey and the leadership lessons that shaped her.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Leanna continues the discussion with Erica Willie, founder of The ScienceSIS Foundation, sales leader, tech strategist, and mom of three, to explore what it means to fully embrace motherhood, not as a detour from ambition, but as a superpower. Erica shares how she chose to lean into her evolving identity, let go of outdated definitions of success, and ask the deeper question: What is the legacy I want to leave? This episode offers practical insight and encouragement for high-achieving women redefining their impact in both career and life.

If you haven’t yet, go back to episode 109 to hear Part 1 of Erica’s powerful journey from her early interest in STEAM to a career in tech, then enterprise sales, and into the early challenges of motherhood.

Connect with Erica on LinkedIn, and find out more about her nonprofit, The ScienceSIS Foundation, on Instagram and Facebook.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Leanna is joined by Erica Willie, a lifelong high achiever whose path spans tech strategy, corporate sales at firms like IBM and HubSpot, and nonprofit leadership, all while raising three children. With degrees in computer science and instructional design, Erica reflects on how her identity as a competitive student and driven professional shaped her early success, and how motherhood challenged her to reconsider her pace, purpose, and definition of achievement. This candid conversation explores the tension many ambitious women face when their career trajectory intersects with parenthood, and how they can sustain high performance while embracing personal transformation.

Don’t miss Part 2, available July 31, where Erica reveals how she reframed motherhood as a superpower and began building a legacy aligned with her evolving purpose.

Connect with Erica on LinkedIn, and find out more about her nonprofit, The ScienceSIS Foundation, on Instagram and Facebook.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 2 of Leanna’s conversation with certified personal trainer, consultant, and mom Sarah Brelowski, they dive into the transformative power of strength training for women, especially women over 40. Sarah’s goal is clear: to help women feel empowered, confident, and strong in the gym and in life.

Sarah breaks down the science and mindset behind strength training, and why it's especially important for women navigating busy lives, hormonal changes, and shifting definitions of health. From lifting heavy to prevent bone loss, to building functional strength that makes everyday life easier, Sarah makes a compelling case that the weight room isn’t just for bodybuilders, it’s for all of us.

More than a conversation about fitness, this episode is about empowering women and moms to take up space, prioritize their health, and reframe strength as a tool for lifelong resilience.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to catch Sarah’s inspiring career journey and how she redefined success on her path to personal and professional fulfillment in episode 107.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, Leanna sits down with Sarah Brelowski, personal trainer, consultant, mom, and former corporate professional, for an honest conversation about personal transformation.

Sarah opens up about her path from collegiate athlete to Big Four auditor, and how a high-pressure corporate career left her burned out, stressed, and out of alignment with herself. She shares how leaving her job and letting go of others’ definitions of success ultimately helped her heal, find joy, and become a mother after a long fertility struggle.

This episode is a deep dive into self-discovery, self-love, and the courage to rewrite the script that’s often written for us by others. Sarah reflects on the journey of rebuilding her life by her own rules, the lessons she learned from divorce, and how strength training became her anchor through it all.

Don’t miss Part 2, available July 17, where Sarah dives deeper into her fitness philosophy and how strength training can transform more than just your body.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

It’s July already! How did that happen? In this mid-summer episode, Leanna’s taking a break from the summer interview series to check in and reflect on what this season has looked and felt like so far.

She shares how she intentionally restructured her summer to allow more time with her daughter (while still studying for a major coaching exam, taking an online course, training for a triathlon, and taking an improv class for fun!), and why presence has become a central theme lately.

You’ll hear about:

• Why summer can feel especially hard for working moms
• The myth of being “100% present, 100% of the time”
• What she learned about presence from improv
• How Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps explain the inner pressure to always be doing more
• Simple ways to ground yourself and come back to the moment

This is your gentle mid-summer reminder that presence is a gift, perfection isn’t the goal, and it’s okay to take a breath and just be where you are.

In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation, Leanna continues the heartfelt exchange with senior communications executive, mom, and stepmom, Dina Silver Pokedoff.

Dina shares how she’s learned to navigate the complex realities of career and motherhood, offering an honest, empowering look at what it means to lead with authenticity—both at work and at home. From delegating household tasks to prioritizing health and wellness, Dina opens up about what it takes to stay grounded, resilient, and present for what matters most:

• How to shift from perfectionism to presence, while giving yourself grace along the way
• Why delegating isn’t a weakness, but a leadership skill both at home and in the office
• The importance of prioritizing self-care as a foundation for long-term success and modeling it for your children
• Strategies for managing the mental load and staying focused on high-value tasks
• How setbacks, like a layoff or injury, can be powerful opportunities to reframe goals and priorities

A must-listen for any executive mom seeking sustainable success, clarity, and fulfillment in life through intentional leadership and self-compassion.

If you missed Part 1, start with Episode 104 to hear Dina’s powerful three decade journey of career pivots, fertility challenges, and how she redefined success on her own terms. Then come back for this practical, honest look at how she balances executive leadership, motherhood, and personal well-being with grace and grit.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Be sure to follow, rate, and review the show. It helps more working moms and women leaders find this conversation!

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dina Silver Pokedoff, Senior Vice President of Communications, mom, and stepmom, shares the twists and turns of her 30-year career in the communications industry. From dreaming of med school to becoming a powerhouse in PR, Dina opens up about the non-linear path that shaped her leadership style, work ethic, and resilience.

We explore:

• How Dina built a thriving communications career without a traditional degree in the field
• The mindset shift required to pivot industries and roles, including taking strategic steps “down” the ladder to grow
• Her deeply personal and emotional fertility journey, including IVF and donor egg experiences
• The challenge of balancing a high-achieving career with the uncertainty of family planning
• How a layoff challenged her to untangle her identity from her career during a period of transition and reinvention

This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t follow a straight line, and that clarity, open mindedness, and support can help you redefine both your career and your sense of self.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into navigating motherhood, leadership, and sustainable ambition.

🎧 Loved this conversation? Don’t miss Part 2, available June 26.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Leanna continues her discussion with Dr. Lesley Robinson, entrepreneur, educator, and fierce advocate for women in leadership.

Dr. Robinson unpacks what it really means to lead with a founder-focused mindset—whether you’re building a business or leading from within an organization. She dives into the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship, the critical need for customer obsession, and the power of building community with purpose.

From navigating funding disparities for women to creating personal advisory boards and networking with values, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom for ambitious women who want to lead with impact, without losing themselves in the process.

🎧 If you missed Part 1, start with Episode 102 for the heart behind the journey, then come back for this deep dive into the mindset and mechanics of empowered leadership.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Be sure to follow, rate, and review the show. It helps more working moms and women leaders find this conversation!

In part 1 of this inspiring conversation, Leanna talks with Dr. Lesley Robinson, founder of Embolden Education and co-founder of the Ayana Foundation, about what it takes to lead as a woman, a mother, and a visionary.

Dr. Robinson shares how she navigated a decade-long academic dissertation journey, embraced entrepreneurship, and made bold life changes to align her work with her values. From navigating career shifts to balancing motherhood and ambition, her story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to choose between purpose and personal fulfillment. Together, they talk about the power of reflection, trusting the process, and creating space for both family and big dreams.

If you're a working mom or a woman redefining success on your own terms, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Loved this conversation? Don’t miss Part 2, available June 12, where we dive deeper into the mindset, strategy, and real-world tools women need to lead with impact.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset; Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more women find these empowering stories!

As the school year winds down, Leanna invites executive moms to take a breath before diving into the busy summer season. With a blend of mindset work and practical tools, she shares a powerful framework for creating a summer that feels intentional and aligned, without the heavy mom guilt or overwhelm. Drawing on lessons from both corporate life and motherhood, Leanna introduces the "Flawless Execution" model to help listeners move from vision to action with clarity. She encourages moms to visualize their ideal summer, communicate with family, and build in regular check-ins to ensure they’re truly living the season they want. This episode is a compassionate reminder that joy and balance are possible, even during the chaos of summer break.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Today, we’re celebrating 100 episodes!! Leanna reflects on her two year journey of The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast. She shares five powerful lessons she’s learned from podcasting about living the life of your dreams, from letting go of perfectionism and embracing a beginner mindset to reconnecting with purpose and asking for support. She opens up about the fears and doubts that delayed her launch, the importance of taking imperfect action, and how staying focused on service has helped her push past procrastination. Whether listeners are longtime fans or tuning in for the first time, this episode offers heartfelt insights and encouragement for anyone who wants to take bold steps toward their dreams.

Thank you for being a valued listener! Here’s to the next 100!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this incredibly inspiring episode, executive mom Angela Pontius shares how coaching helped her rediscover confidence, set boundaries, and redefine what success looks like after becoming a mother. As a self-identified perfectionist and first-generation immigrant who built her identity around achievement, Angela opens up about the challenges she faced after the birth of her first child: feeling lost, burned out, and unsure of how to balance her career and motherhood.

Over two years of coaching with Leanna, Angela has shifted from over-preparing and doubting herself to trusting her instincts, leading with authenticity, and creating a sustainable work-life balance. She speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, mom guilt, redefining confidence, and the power of journaling, reflection, and mindset work.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel “good enough” in both work and motherhood, Angela’s story will resonate deeply, and remind you that change is possible when you invest in yourself and give yourself permission to slow down, reflect, and grow.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In the third and final installment of the Confidence Series, Leanna explores a confidence killer that often flies under the radar: the compulsion to shape-shift in response to others' expectations.

Adapting oneself to meet the needs and preferences of others, aka being a chameleon, is a skill many high-achieving women have mastered. It can be a superpower. But when done unconsciously, it chips away at our confidence, erodes our self-trust, and feeds imposter syndrome. In this episode, Leanna shares how to bring intentionality and authenticity back into the way we show up at work and at home.

Whether you’ve ever walked away from a meeting wondering, “Was I enough?” or felt the pressure to be all things to all people, this episode is for you.

Key Topics:

• Why being a chameleon can erode self confidence and create imposter syndrome
• How to stop outsourcing your identity
• What it means to show up with intention
• Two exercises to start reclaiming your confidence today

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In today’s episode, Leanna explores the hidden beliefs many women and working mothers carry about compensation and overworking as they rise in leadership roles. As salaries increase, so do the unspoken assumptions: more money must mean more hours, more sacrifice, and less balance. But is that actually true?

Leanna challenges the unspoken contract many high-achieving women are holding themselves to: that they must prove they’re worth it by constantly over-working, over-delivering and being available 24/7. She walks through common mindset traps, including imposter syndrome, tying self-worth to work ethic, and believing value only comes through output.

This episode invites you to reflect:

• What do you believe you owe your employer in exchange for your salary or title?
• What do you bring to the table beyond your work ethic?

If you've recently taken on a new role or are negotiating your next promotion, this is a must-listen conversation to help you step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and balance.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Leanna explores the theme of confidence and how it plays a pivotal role in professional success. Focusing specifically on women in the workplace, Leanna shares lessons from her coaching clients and her own journey, highlighting the shift from knowledge-based confidence to belief in one’s problem-solving abilities. Through real-life examples, she explains how a growth mindset can unlock unshakable confidence, especially in environments where women often feel the pressure to have all the answers. For working mothers, this episode offers a gentle but powerful reminder: you don’t have to over prepare or overwork to prove your value. Leanna’s reflections provide actionable tools to help you show up with more ease, authenticity, and impact—both at home and in the office. Whether you're new to a role or navigating the ever-changing demands of life and leadership, this episode will inspire you to trust yourself and embrace the belief that you can solve any problem. Tune in for practical takeaways and the reminder that you already have what it takes.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Leanna sits down with leadership communication expert Dr. Laura Sicola to explore how executive women can communicate and lead with confidence and clarity, strengthening their executive presence. Dr. Sicola shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and offers practical tools for mastering the “prismatic voice”—adapting your tone, delivery, and message to connect with any audience. From the power of intentional communication to finding your balance between authenticity and authority, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. Dr. Sicola shares her wisdom on aligning what you say with how you say it, and be sure to check out her TED Talk with nearly 7 million views, as well as her book, Speaking to Influence.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Dr. Sicola here and check out her website for more information about trainings for your corporation, for your team, or if you're looking for keynote speakers.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this heartfelt episode, Leanna explores the often-overlooked importance of female friendship, especially for working mothers juggling careers, families, and the ongoing challenge of finding life balance. Reflecting on a recent trip with close friends, she shares thoughtful insights and a moving poem that captures the deep value of staying connected to the women in our lives. Through the lens of mom burnout and the realities of adult friendship, this episode is a powerful reminder to support women, prioritize connection, and reach out—even when life feels full. Let this be your nudge to call that friend you've been thinking about.

Full transcript available here.

Re-visit episode 19, Building Your Village: Friendship, Connection, and Community in Motherhood — with Emily Siegel, for more insight about the power of friendships.

Re-visit episode 27, Go to the End and Look Back, for more insight about regrets. Find more information on where to buy the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this episode, Leanna teaches a simple tool to help you feel less drained and more empowered and energized throughout your day. Using the transformative power of shifting the language we use when talking about our daily tasks and responsibilities, we can reduce feelings of dread and exhaustion, replacing them with a sense of purpose and desire. This simple but powerful perspective shift can help executive working mothers feel more in control of your time and energy, creating a more fulfilling life.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this episode, Leanna explores the concept of "slow down to speed up" and how it applies to high achieving working mothers balancing work, family, and personal well-being. She discusses how constantly pushing forward without pausing can lead to stress, overwhelm, and misalignment with long-term goals. Through real-life examples, Leanna shares how intentional slowing down, whether in decision making, parenting, or daily routines, can actually speed things up while lightening the heavy mental load.

Topics covered include:

• How ambitious women often default to overworking as a stress response
• The importance of stepping back to align with big picture goals
• Practical ways to incorporate intentional pauses into daily life
• How slowing down can improve parenting, leadership, and personal well-being

Leanna also highlights strategies for making more empowered decisions and creating a more sustainable path to success.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this episode, Leanna dives deep into a familiar topic for so many ambitious women: how to overcome perfectionism. As a recovering perfectionist, Leanna shares the four key mindset shifts that have helped on her journey. She talks about embracing the reality of the human experience, adjusting unrealistic expectations, knowing your limitations, and learning to practice self compassion.  Tune in for a conversation filled with honesty, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you break free from perfectionism.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset — Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop merely surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

In this episode, Leanna is joined by Elizabeth Bachman, host of the award-winning International podcast Speakers Who Get Results, as they dive into the challenges and triumphs of women in the workplace, particularly for moms with careers and women in the boardroom striving to make their voices heard. Elizabeth shares her insights on the corporate ladder, discussing both the external and internal glass ceilings that hold women back from becoming successful leaders. From navigating the mental load to overcoming biases in communication styles, she explores how women can shift the dynamics of leadership and gain influence in male-dominated spaces. Tune in to hear strategies for breaking through barriers and ensuring diverse voices are recognized at the decision-making table.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram, listen to her podcast, and connect on LinkedIn.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset—Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Are you ever feeling stuck and unmotivated even though you have so many dreams to work toward? In this episode, Leanna explores why so many women, including working mothers, struggle to follow through on their goals despite their best intentions. She breaks down the mental load we carry, and explains how our brain’s survival instincts can keep us stuck in patterns of overwhelm and procrastination. Leanna shares practical strategies to shift your thinking, quiet self-doubt, and take meaningful action toward greater success and fulfillment in life. Tune in to learn how to activate your prefrontal cortex, break free from guilt and perfectionism, and create the balance you truly deserve.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out The Executive Mom Reset—Leanna’s six-month coaching program designed to help ambitious moms stop surviving and start thriving. Book a consult now!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Are you feeling overwhelmed in these unpredictable times? Leanna sits down with burnout expert and executive coach Laura Nguyen to discuss practical strategies for staying grounded and avoiding burnout. They dive into the importance of community, setting boundaries, and prioritizing rest—without guilt. They tackle the impact of news consumption on mental well-being, offering smart ways to filter the noise and stay informed without spiraling. Whether it's engaging in hands-on activities, curating a support system, or simply taking a breath before reacting, this conversation is packed with real, actionable wisdom to help you keep your head above water and steer clear of burnout.

Full transcript available here.

Re-visit episode 24, Creating a Path Through Burnout: Redefining Success and Values as a High Achiever - with Laura Nguyen.

Connect with Laura here or on LinkedIn.

Connect with Leanna here.

Have you ever caught yourself believing that if someone else just changed, you’d feel better? What would it look like to shift the focus to how you want to show up instead? In this episode, Leanna dives into the powerful shift that happens when we stop trying to control others and start focusing on choosing our own responses. Whether it’s a demanding boss, a challenging relationship, or any situation where we feel frustrated by someone else's behavior, the key to peace and confidence isn’t in changing them—it’s in deciding how we want to show up regardless of the external factors. This conversation explores how to reclaim your power, set yourself free from unnecessary stress, and take back control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Check out The Executive Mom Reset and book your consultation with Leanna today!

Are you finding it difficult to check intimacy and connection off your long to do list as a working mother? Does it feel like your relationship with your significant other often falls to the bottom of your priorities?

In this special Valentine's Day episode, Leanna is joined by Eleni Economides, LMFT, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Sexual Wellness and Intimacy Coach, who specializes in helping women with low libido transform into relaxed, confident, and secure partners, and finally enjoy the deep connection and intimacy they deserve. They discuss the challenges high-achieving women face in maintaining intimacy with their partners while balancing demanding careers, motherhood, and household responsibilities. Listen for actionable strategies to take back your power when it comes to intimacy and pleasure.

Connect with Eleni here and check out her website newintimacy.com.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Have you ever felt that being a mom detracts from your value in the workplace? What if we told you that being a mom can actually *increase* your value to a company? In this episode, Leanna is joined by Maria Sweeney, fractional CMO of The Mom Project, a mission-driven company committed to helping women remain active in the workforce in every stage of their journey. The Mom Project’s recently published industry report, “Productive, Purposeful and Profitable: How Hiring Moms Gives Companies a Competitive Advantage,” highlights data that validate the benefit and value of working moms to businesses. Leanna and Maria discuss the numerous valuable skills that working moms bring to the workforce, the importance of intentional support from employers, and companies’ return on investment on hiring working mothers.

Follow The Mom Project on LinkedIn and download their full industry report here.

Connect with Maria here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Have you ever wished you could work less and spend more time with your kids, without walking away from the time you invested in climbing the corporate ladder? In this episode, Leanna is joined by Sue Mysko, founder of Hire A Fractional and author of Fractional Formula. They dive into how moms can gain freedom and flexibility through fractional work—leveraging their skills in high-impact executive roles without sacrificing family time. Sue shares her real-life success story, practical tips for getting started, and insights into balancing work and home life while continuing to earn significant income while gaining more time back. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking more autonomy, aiming to apply your expertise in a more flexible way, or simply looking to create more space for what matters most, this episode will give you the information you need to be more empowered when considering your next step toward financial and lifestyle freedom.

Connect with Sue here. Join her Fractional Powerhouse group on Facebook to chat with others in fractional work and check out her eBook, Fractional Formula, on how to get started and succeed with fractional work!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Trying to achieve your travel goals while managing a busy career? In this episode, Leanna is joined by travel expert Christina Trotter. Together, they dive into strategies for moms who want to balance work, family, and memorable travel experiences. From choosing ideal destinations that meet your family’s needs to making the most of your vacation days, this episode is packed with tips to help you plan enjoyable trips that everyone will love.

Need help with your travel bucket list? Check out Christina’s website: https://www.destinedglobetrotter.com/

You can also follow Christina on Instagram and get even more inspiration from her on Pinterest!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

In this episode, Leanna tackles the myth of linear progress and explores why challenges and setbacks are not failures, but essential parts of growth. As we navigate January and our ambitious New Year goals, life inevitably throws us curve balls—whether it’s illness, unexpected work challenges, or other disruptions. Leanna shares actionable strategies to reframe these obstacles, adjust expectations, and stay focused on your goals without letting setbacks derail your momentum. Tune in to gain practical tools for turning challenges into stepping stones on your journey toward success.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Re-visit Episode 23, Rethinking our Expectations of Linear Career Paths and Navigating Unexpected Job Loss - with Jess Kitt.

Welcome to the January Reset for High Achieving Women! This five day transformative program meets daily at 10am EST the first full week of January to support ambitious women in starting the New Year off strong with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable goals, and a plan to thrive both personally and professionally.

On day 5, we'll review your insights from the week, finalize your plan, and explore options for ongoing support to sustain your momentum so you can have an amazing 2025!

Subscribe {subscribepage.io/janreset}  to receive reminders, recordings, and worksheets for the rest of the January Reset.

Connect with Leanna on Linkedin {https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/}.

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Welcome to the January Reset for High Achieving Women! This five day transformative program meets daily at 10am EST the first full week of January to support ambitious women in starting the New Year off strong with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable goals, and a plan to thrive both personally and professionally. If you’d like to attend live tomorrow, register here {https://www.linkedin.com/events/januaryresetday5-commitandconne7281423177719721984/theater/}.

On day 4, we’ll create your 2025 plan, focusing on small, actionable changes. Learn how to shift away from all-or-nothing thinking and take meaningful steps forward.

Subscribe {subscribepage.io/janreset}  to receive reminders, recordings, and worksheets for the rest of the January Reset.

Connect with Leanna on Linkedin {https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/}.

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Welcome to the January Reset for High Achieving Women! This five day transformative program meets daily at 10am EST the first full week of January to support ambitious women in starting the New Year off strong with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable goals, and a plan to thrive both personally and professionally. If you’d like to attend live tomorrow, register here {https://www.linkedin.com/events/januaryresetday4-planyoursteps7281422529137676289/theater/}.

On Day 3, worked on uncovering what's holding you back. Recognize limiting beliefs and obstacles that have prevented progress in the past so they don’t get in the way of your dreams this year.

Subscribe {subscribepage.io/janreset}  to receive reminders, recordings, and worksheets for the rest of the January Reset.

Connect with Leanna on Linkedin {https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/}.

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Welcome to the January Reset for High Achieving Women! This five day transformative program meets daily at 10am EST the first full week of January to support ambitious women in starting the New Year off strong with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable goals, and a plan to thrive both personally and professionally. If you’d like to attend live tomorrow, register here {https://www.linkedin.com/events/januaryresetday3-takestock7281421169096855552/theater/}.

In Day 2’s session, we worked on imagining your ideal future so you can create your 2025 vision. Define what you want to look, feel, and be different a year from now—and in the long run.

Subscribe {subscribepage.io/janreset}  to receive reminders, recordings, and worksheets for the rest of the January Reset.

Connect with Leanna on Linkedin {https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/}.

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Welcome to the January Reset for High Achieving Women! This five day transformative program meets daily at 10am EST the first full week of January to support ambitious women in starting the New Year off strong with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable goals, and a plan to thrive both personally and professionally. This is a recording of today’s live session. If you’d like to attend live tomorrow, register here {https://www.linkedin.com/events/januaryresetday2-createyourvisi7281414844317151232/theater/}.

Day 1 focused on reflecting on where you are now. Identify what's working, what's not, and what changes you'd like to make.

Subscribe {subscribepage.io/janreset} to receive reminders, recordings, and worksheets for the rest of the January Reset.

Connect with Leanna on Linkedin {https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/}.

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Happy New Year! In this energizing episode to kick off 2025, we embrace the spirit of new beginnings and intentional goal setting for the year ahead. Leanna shares some of her strategies to help high achieving women reset, refocus, and realign their lives for the year ahead.

When we take a step back, we can identify what’s working, what needs adjustment, and how to cultivate balance without striving for perfection. This episode emphasizes starting small with actionable steps to build consistency over intensity, ensuring sustainable growth and progress toward your goals.

Join us for inspiring insights, a reminder that life is a marathon (not a sprint), and details about Leanna’s upcoming January Reset and personalized 2025 Vision Calls. Let’s make 2025 your year of clarity, balance, and fulfillment.

Sign up for your 2025 Vision Call here.

Join the email list to get all the info for the January Reset Jan 6-10 here.

In this episode, Leanna explores the importance of rest, particularly for high achievers who often feel pulled in many directions. She discusses how the constant push to "do it all" can lead to burnout and why prioritizing rest is essential for long-term well-being and success.

Leanna shares insights into the benefits of rest, including reduced stress, enhanced decision-making, and better overall health. She provides practical tips for setting boundaries, unplugging from devices, and identifying rest strategies that truly recharge your mind and body.

If you've ever felt guilty about taking a pause, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

Perfect for anyone juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder to pause, reflect, and recharge as you prepare to step into the new year with clarity and intention.

To sign up for the January Reset for High Achieving Women, visit coachleanna.com