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**

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:

GCarillo@GB-law.com

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**

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**

If you're navigating the balance between career, motherhood, and personal fulfillment—or know someone who is—you won't want to miss this heartfelt episode of the Mom-Me podcast. Angela Tate sits down with Angeles Klein, a powerhouse mom and leader at CVS Health, to talk candidly about climbing the corporate ladder while eight months pregnant, rebuilding life as a single mother, and creating a community for moms who need connection and support. From personal growth to professional grit, this conversation is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and inspiring insight for women at every stage of their journey. Tune in now!

 

“When I was younger, I was so focused on becoming a mom and wife that I never really focused on me. And if I could go back, that would definitely be, I mean, career wise, I knew what I wanted, but like me, personally, had I known my passion and what fills my cup? I think that was a piece of advice I wish I had back then.” - Angeles Klein

 

Key Takeaways:

• Career Growth While Pregnant: Hear how Angeles Klein landed a leadership promotion at CVS Health while 8.5 months pregnant — breaking stereotypes and proving that motherhood doesn’t pause ambition.

• Support in the Workplace: Learn how male allies and workplace flexibility played a crucial role in Angeles’s professional growth, offering hope for those navigating similar paths.

• Balancing Baby and Boardroom: Honest reflections on juggling career advancement, newborn care, and leadership responsibilities.

• The Reality of Single Motherhood: Angeles opens up about divorce, emotional healing, and raising two daughters — with grace, grit, and honesty.

• Building Community from Scratch: Discover how she founded a support group for single moms, creating a space for connection, shared resources, and empowerment.

• Boundaries and Self-Care: Real talk on rediscovering passions, protecting your time, and prioritizing your mental health — even when life feels overwhelming.

• A Call to Remember Yourself: Angeles encourages moms to find joy outside of motherhood, pursue therapy, and maintain their identities.

• Inspiration Through Authenticity: This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt torn between giving everything to her family and honoring her own dreams.

The opinions expressed in this post and in any corresponding comments are the personal opinions of the original authors, not those of CVS Health.

About Angeles Klein:

Angeles is a senior leader with over 23 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, team management, and operational excellence. She is a devoted single mother and understand firsthand the unique challenges faced by single moms. Motivated by her own experiences, Angeles founded "Better Together" an organization dedicated to empowering single mothers. Through this platform, she strive to foster a sense of community, providing a safe space for single moms to connect, share resources, and offer emotional support. Most importantly, remind single moms that they are not alone. Angeles also part of the Board of Directors for Sparkle Foundation, Inc. Sparkle is a non-profit dedicated to serving single mothers. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arizona State University. With her dedication, leadership skills, and personal experiences as a single mother, she continue to make strides to make a significant impact in both my professional and personal life.

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

 

Check out my newly published book on how to hire, inspire and train top talent in your organization: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB

In this heartfelt episode, Angela sits down with Amy Bartko—PR expert, entrepreneur, and devoted mom—to dive into her powerful journey from corporate medical sales to building a thriving business while navigating motherhood, divorce, and personal growth. Amy opens up about the struggles of being a new mom in a demanding career, the bold decision to walk away from it all, and the deep inner work that helped her reclaim her identity and find balance. Whether you're in corporate, running your own business, or simply trying to juggle it all, this episode is packed with raw honesty, resilience, and wisdom you won’t want to miss. Your next favorite episode starts now!

 

“I call it the PR formula. To build brand awareness, you have to gain visibility to earn credibility, which will equate to profitability.” - Amy

Key Takeaways:

• Leaving Corporate for Family First
  Amy shares her emotional decision to leave a corporate medical sales job after just 7 months of motherhood—and how it led to building a career on her terms.

• Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth
  Hear Amy’s raw story of ending an 18-year marriage during the pandemic, and how therapy, self-reflection, and nervous system regulation helped her rebuild her life.

• Building a Business Around Flexibility
  Learn how Amy created Chatterbox PR and a digital PR academy while raising two boys, prioritizing work-life balance over traditional definitions of "success."

• Creating a Positive and Flexible Work Culture
  Amy explains how flexibility, mentorship, and empathy have become the cornerstones of her leadership—without sacrificing results.

• Investing in Yourself and Your Healing
  From EMDR therapy to sound healing and meditation, Amy shares the tools that helped her move through toxic relationships and show up stronger for her family and business.

• Advice Every Working Mom Needs to Hear
  Trust your intuition. Prioritize time with your kids—you can’t get those years back. Amy reminds us that your career will wait, but childhood won't.

• Turning Skills into Opportunities
  Amy’s PR Training Academy is designed to make PR skills accessible—empowering small businesses and startups to crack the media code without needing expensive agencies.

• Real Talk on Redefining Success
  Motherhood changed Amy’s definition of success—and she invites other moms to rethink their own career paths, self-worth, and priorities.

About Amy Bartko:

Amy Bartko is the founder of Chatterbox PR & Marketing, a seasoned PR professional, 2x best-selling author, keynote speaker, and expert in lifestyle brands. With 25+ years of experience, she specializes in placing brands' products in the hands of celebrities, feature films, TV shows, and top media outlets. Her industry expertise, authentic media relationships, and ability to craft compelling brand stories make her a go-to resource in the lifestyle and juvenile products industries.

Since launching Chatterbox in 2013, Amy has worked with startups to global brands, offering media outreach, celebrity product placement, brand development, consumer events, and digital strategy. Her press relationships have secured top-tier features in Good Morning America, the Today Show, Forbes, The New York Times, and leading lifestyle and parenting platforms like Scary Mommy and Pregnant Chicken. She has also facilitated collaborations with Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Lea Michele, and more.

Amy has built Chatterbox into a powerhouse agency that helps brands gain visibility, credibility, and influence. Her work continues to elevate brands, connecting them with target audiences and delivering impactful results.

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

 

Check out my newly published book on how to hire, inspire and train top talent in your organization: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB

Izabela Kvesic, entrepreneur and CEO of Blue Water Performance Ltd., shares her insights on balancing career, family, and personal well-being. She emphasizes the power of intention-setting, energy management, and self-care in achieving success.

 

“I would encourage everyone when they feel overwhelmed, just remind yourself, how can I be more like water? How can I pivot and just allow it to be”

 

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset is Everything: Izabela's mantra, "You got this!", is rooted in self-brainwashing for positivity, which she credits for maintaining balance in both motherhood and career.

• Morning Routines for Success: Daily intention-setting, meditation, and affirmations lay the foundation for productivity and well-being.

• Energy Audits Improve Focus: Identifying energy vampires (tasks that drain energy) vs. energy angels (activities that fuel positivity) helps maintain balance in work and life.

• Setting Boundaries is Crucial: Establishing clear expectations at work and home ensures a seamless transition between corporate life and entrepreneurship.

 

 

Mindset & Morning Routines: The Key to Izabela’s Success

Izabela attributes much of her success to a well-structured morning routine designed to foster a strong mindset. Her routine includes:

• Intention Setting: Outlining clear goals and potential challenges for the day.

• Meditation: A quick outdoor session to clear the mind.

• Positive Affirmations: Using empowering mantras like “I’m open to receive” to cultivate a confident mindset.

• Energy Alignment: Starting the day with positivity to enhance performance across all roles.

 

 

Balancing Motherhood & Career: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

• With a 20-year corporate career at Unilever, Izabela had all three of her children while actively working in leadership roles.

• She proactively set clear expectations with HR to balance work and family life, adjusting her roles to reduce travel and prioritize family time.

• Now, as an entrepreneur, she co-runs her business with her husband, eliminating a 3-hour daily commute and focusing on quality time with family.

 

 

Energy Management & Self-Care: The Power of Energy Audits

• Weekly Energy Audits:

• Identifying energy vampires (people or tasks that drain energy)

• Recognizing energy angels (activities that boost energy)

• Scheduling Energy-Boosting Activities: Prioritizing tasks that bring joy and fulfillment.

• Self-Care as a Priority: Encouraging individuals to “put their oxygen mask on first” before taking care of others.

 

 

Adapting Parenting Strategies as Children Grow

• As her children transition into their teenage years, Izabela adjusts her approach by creating more one-on-one time to maintain strong family connections.

• This shift ensures deeper relationships despite their evolving interests and schedules.

 

 

Corporate to Entrepreneurship: A Purpose-Driven Transition

• Izabela and her husband conducted a joint exercise to define their family’s version of success.

• They prioritized harmony, work-life balance, and being present for their children over climbing the corporate ladder.

• Today, Izabela offers executive and business coaching, leveraging her corporate expertise to guide others in achieving success on their terms.

 

 

About Izabela Kvesic

Izabela Kvesic is a dynamic entrepreneur, business strategist, and life coach. As the Co-Founder & CEO of Blue Water Performance Ltd., she helps women lead authentic, fulfilling lives. With over 20 years of corporate experience in brand building, strategy, and women’s advocacy, Izabela integrates her expertise as a certified Life Coach and Six Phase Meditation Trainer by Mindvalley.

Notable Achievements:

• 2025 Finalist for Female Business Leader

• 2025 Canadian Choice Award Winner for Business Coaching

• 2025 Consumer Choice Award Winner in Business Excellence

• 2025 Women of Influence Nominee

Empowering Women: Izabela helps clients embrace their genius, activate their purpose, and elevate their personal brand to attract aligned opportunities.

When she’s not coaching, Izabela enjoys stand-up paddleboarding with her family or tending to her lavender garden. Her favorite phrase? “You got this!”

 

 

Connect with Izabela:

• Instagram: @wearebluewater

• Facebook: Izabela Kvesic

• LinkedIn: Izabela Kvesic

• Website: Blue Water Performance

• Email: izabela@bluewaterperformance.ca

 

📢 Free Resource:

Unlock the 5-Minute Power Morning Routine to activate your morning and win your day! Download Here

Unlock Your Energy for less Overwhelm and more Focus and Motivation: Download free Unlock Your Energy pdf

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**

Tirza Jova, founder of Milk by Mom, has transformed the way breastfeeding mothers store and use breast milk with her innovative breast milk freeze-drying service. This groundbreaking method allows breast milk to be converted into a shelf-stable powder, providing parents with unparalleled convenience, longevity, and flexibility.

Tirza’s journey began with her personal struggle of traveling while breastfeeding. Faced with the challenge of maintaining a supply of fresh breast milk, she discovered the benefits of freeze-drying and made the bold decision to leave her corporate job to launch Milk by Mom. Today, her company empowers breastfeeding parents by offering a modern solution that maintains the nutritional integrity of breast milk while eliminating the hassle of refrigeration.

 

"I really do think that becoming a mom transformed my perspective in really profound ways, it made me realize how precious time is and how important it is to prioritize what truly matters."

 

Key Takeaways

• Extended Shelf Life: No need for refrigeration; store in a cool, dry place.

• Convenience: Easy to transport and rehydrate, ideal for traveling parents.

• Freedom & Flexibility: Enables caregivers to feed babies breast milk anytime, anywhere.

• Retains Nutrients: Preserves the essential benefits of breast milk without preservatives.

 

Tirza Jova’s Insights: The Balancing Act of Motherhood and Business

Tirza openly shares her experience of transitioning from a stable corporate career to entrepreneurship, a shift that came with both challenges and rewards.

From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

• Used her remaining maternity leave to develop Milk by Mom.

• Managed her corporate job and the startup for six months before committing full-time.

• Faced self-doubt and sleepless nights, learning business operations from scratch.

Balancing Motherhood & Business

• Prioritizes family dinners every night as a non-negotiable bonding time.

• Dedicates at least 15 minutes of undivided attention to her kids daily.

• Integrates her children into her business journey, involving them in small tasks.

• Uses meal prep services to free up valuable family time in the evenings.

Personal Growth Through Motherhood

• Learned to embrace presence and appreciate life through her children’s eyes.

• Practices letting go of perfectionism, focusing on happiness and connection.

• Uses breathwork, meditation, and nature to manage stress and find balance.

  The Future of Milk by Mom

At a crossroads, Tirza is considering expanding the business while balancing the need for quality time with her young children. She envisions long-term growth that will offer future flexibility and financial freedom, ensuring Milk by Mom continues to support parents nationwide.

 

About Tirza Jova

Tirza Jova is the founder of Milk by Mom, a Phoenix, AZ-based company that provides breast milk freeze-drying services nationwide. Passionate about modernizing breastfeeding, she educates mothers on the benefits of freeze-dried breast milk, helping them gain freedom and flexibility while maintaining the nutritional benefits of breast milk.

  Connect with Tirza Jova & Milk by Mom

• Website: milkbymom.com

• Instagram: @milkbymom

• Facebook: Milk by Mom

• TikTok: @milkbymom

• Email: Tirza@milkbymom.com

 

Milk by Mom is changing the way breastfeeding parents nourish their babies, offering an innovative and practical solution for modern families. Explore the future of breastfeeding today!

 

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**

Marisa, a trauma-informed spiritual coach and manifestation mentor, shares her inspiring journey from a high-powered corporate career to helping ambitious women find peace and fulfillment. She specializes in guiding high-achieving women through challenges such as blended family dynamics, parenting children with autism, and restructuring businesses for greater balance and impact.

  Marisa’s Journey: From Corporate to Coaching

After experiencing corporate burnout and a spiritual awakening, Marisa transitioned from a six-figure career to coaching, focusing on emotional resilience, self-regulation, and manifestation. Her expertise lies in supporting women as they navigate life’s complexities while maintaining professional and personal fulfillment.

 

“When we pause to acknowledge and understand our own emotions first, we can then engage in a productive, empathetic conversation with our kids, truly listening and being curious about their experience.”

 

Key Takeaways

✅ Self-Regulation & Letting Go of Control: Crucial for parents, especially in blended families and special needs parenting.
✅ Business Evolution & Work-Life Balance: Transitioning to group coaching and automation to scale impact.
✅ LinkedIn Strategies for Business Growth: Using newsletters and engagement techniques to acquire clients.

 

 

TOPICS Blended Family Dynamics: Building Stronger Connections

Marisa is a mother of five—two biological sons (10 & 12) and three bonus children (9, 14, 16). She has worked with blended family coaches to create a harmonious home life. Her key lesson: Focus on connection, not correction when bonding with stepchildren. By surrendering control and embracing each child’s journey, she has cultivated a more peaceful family dynamic.

Parenting a Child with Autism: Challenges & Growth

Raising a 12-year-old son with autism has been a profound learning experience. Marisa developed extreme patience, empathy, and unconditional love, emphasizing that parents must regulate their own emotions before guiding their children. This mindset shift has been transformational in her parenting approach.

Restructuring Business for Success & Balance

Marisa is refining her business model to maximize impact while reducing time investment. Her 2025 strategy includes:

• Scaling through Group Programs & Automation instead of one-on-one coaching.

• Work-Life Balance: Creating more time for family while maintaining business success.

• Mindset Shift: Believing in the possibility of change as the driving force behind business evolution.

Support Systems & Self-Care: Investing in Help

To ensure a smooth work-life balance, Marisa has embraced the importance of hiring support, such as au pairs, to provide continuity of care. She advocates for overcoming self-judgment about seeking help and encourages creating meaningful, quality time with children.

Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth

Marisa has successfully used LinkedIn as a key platform for scaling her business:

• LinkedIn Newsletters: A direct channel to engage her audience via email.

• Pre-Engagement Strategy: Spending 10-15 minutes engaging on LinkedIn before posting to boost reach and visibility.

• Client Conversion Tactics: Hosting monthly workshops & masterclasses with strategic invitations to thousands over a three-week period.

 

 

Connect with Marisa 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_rylan/

• Website: https://marisahohaia.com/

• LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisarylan

 

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**

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.

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 Takeaways

• Reframe 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 Balance

• Reject 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 Entrepreneurship

• Brie 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 Advancement

• Women 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 Mothers

• Brie 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 Motherhood

• Ability 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 Mothers

• Define 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 Johnson

• Instagram: @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**

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 Achievements

• Jenna 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 Entrepreneurship

• Describes 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 Management

• Creates 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 Identity

• Enjoys 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 Leaders

• Take 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**

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 Dynamics

• Dr. 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 Motherhood

• Dr. 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 Workplace

• Dr. 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 Workforce

• Dr. 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 Life

• Dr. 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 Life

• Dr. 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 Pickup

• Dr. 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 Environment

• Dr. 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 Gratitude

• Dr. 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: angela.buckley@creativelyefficient.com

 Free Spirit Workbook:

Free Burnout Assessment Likeable Leadership Reflection Journal 1 Likeable Leadership Reflection Journal 2

 

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**

 

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 Responsibilities

• Diana 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 Life

• Diana 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 Time

• Diana 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 Clarity

• Diana 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 Life

• Diana 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 Leave

• Diana 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 Life

• Diana 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 Systems

• Diana 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

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Check out my Website

 

**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**

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 2024

• Angela 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 Demands

• Angela 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 Community

• Angela 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 Imperfections

• Angela 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 2025

• Angela 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 2025

• Angela 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

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**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**

 

If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood while growing your business, you have to listen to this episode of Mom-Me. Angela Tate sits down with first-time mom and social media strategist Morgan Rutledge, who gets real about adjusting to the ever-shifting rhythms of parenting, redefining success, and giving herself grace in the process. From grounding morning routines to healing generational wounds, this heartfelt conversation offers encouragement, practical tips, and the powerful reminder that you're not alone in figuring it all out. Hit the play button and listen in for a dose of honesty, inspiration, and community.

 

“So find other moms. I guess that's another tip, finding other moms to connect with that you can share your story with, because you might feel like you're doing this terribly, or like you're going through this all alone, or Oh, it's just me, but no, you'll meet another mom and they will make you feel so seen and heard.”- Morgan

 

We’ll learn:

• Grace Over Grind: Morgan emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace in motherhood, especially when balancing it with entrepreneurship. 

• Support Systems Matter: Having her grandmother nearby has been a game-changer for Morgan, giving her peace of mind and space to grow her business. 

• Motherhood Changes Everything — Including Your Goals: Becoming a mom reshaped Morgan’s vision for her business. What once was a dream of leading a large team became a desire for a smaller, more intentional operation, aligned with her new priorities.

• Healing Through Motherhood: Morgan shares how becoming a mom has been unexpectedly healing, particularly in mending generational wounds. 

• Intentional Self-Care and Grounding Practices: To manage overwhelm, Morgan finds stillness in grounding herself—literally—by standing barefoot in the grass and soaking in the sun.

 

About Morgan Rutledge:

Morgan is the founder of MG Media Group, a social media agency specializing in helping ambitious female founders & mompreneurs grow their businesses strategically and sustainably. As a mom herself, Morgan understands the unique challenges of balancing business growth with family life. She's passionate about helping other moms achieve their entrepreneurial dreams while still being present for their families. She believes that strategic social media is the key to scaling sustainably and creating a business that supports the lifestyle you want,  without burning out. At MG Media Group, Morgan develops psychology-driven social media strategies that deliver real results. From increasing brand awareness to driving sales, she helps her clients leverage the power of social media to reach their full potential. When she's not working, you can find Morgan spending time with her family (and probably sneaking in a few minutes of self-care!).

 

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*

 

Preorder my Human Capital Playbook on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4KNQWJG?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

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-Parenting

• Nicole 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 Relationships

• Nicole 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 Process

• Nicole 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 Go

• Nicole 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 Life

• Nicole 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 Model

• Nicole 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 Healing

• Nicole 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

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**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**

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 Career

• Jaymina 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-Motherhood

• Angela 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-Care

• Jaymina 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 Vulnerability

• Angela 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 Growth

• Jaymina 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 Intentions

• Jaymina 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.

 

Connect with Jaymina:

LinkedIn

 

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**

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 Entrepreneurship

• Diana 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 Motherhood

• Angela 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 Growth

• Diana 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 Career

• Diana 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 Expectations

• Diana 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 Workplace

• Diana 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
Connect on LinkedIn
Check out my Website

**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**

 

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 Midwifery

• Started 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
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**

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**

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**

Tune in to an empowering episode of Mom-Me featuring Vanessa Boettcher, a dynamic leader, dedicated mom, and champion for working mothers. In this candid conversation, Vanessa shares how she has built a thriving career while leading a team of moms, offering invaluable insights on balancing motherhood and professional growth. 

Discover how flexibility, resilience, and supportive leadership can transform workplaces and empower women to succeed without sacrificing their families. Whether you're a working mom, an aspiring leader, or someone navigating career and parenthood, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. 

Don’t miss it—listen now and take away practical advice to help you thrive!

 

“You don't need to prove yourselves. As women, we are pretty talented. We can handle many things. Moms, for me, are sometimes better workers, because we have the ability to organize so many things. And there's a lot of traits that come with being a mom, and so we don't have to demonstrate anything.” - Vanessa

 

 

Let’s talk about:

 

Balancing Motherhood and Career Growth – Vanessa Boettcher shares her journey of managing a leadership role while raising children, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and workplace support in allowing moms to thrive professionally without sacrificing family time.

 

The Power of Workplace Flexibility – The conversation highlights how companies can retain working moms by providing flexibility beyond standard maternity leave, such as cross-training, hybrid work options, and an understanding leadership approach.

 

Building Resilience as a Working Mom – Vanessa discusses the importance of resilience in leadership and motherhood, explaining how learning to bounce back from setbacks, managing emotions, and setting boundaries are key to long-term success.

 

Navigating Leadership as a Woman and Mother – Insights are shared on how women can step into leadership roles while managing family responsibilities, including recognizing the right timing for career growth and advocating for supportive work environments.

 

The Post-Pandemic Workplace and its Impact on Moms – The discussion explores how the pandemic reshaped work culture, increasing flexibility but also leading to a significant number of women leaving the workforce, emphasizing the need for organizations to support moms returning to work.

About Vanessa Boettcher:

Vanessa obtained her BS degree in Mexico City with a major in languages. Born and raised in México City, Vanessa lived, studied, and worked in 6 different countries, finally settling in Arizona. Vanessa entered her thriving journey into the assessment world with Success Insights International, Inc. in 2002.

Besides bringing a strong sense of intercultural relationships to the team, Vanessa’s business education and multi-language skills have helped her understand the specific needs of each market. Her experience with different cultures has played a key role in the successful development of multiple global markets. Vanessa’s focus is to continue working with strategic partners to develop new and existing markets.

Vanessa also trains all the TTI SI Sciences and enjoys teaching in different countries.

As a COO, Vanessa has an enormous passion for learning all she can about human capital development to help better develop the members of the TTISuccess Insights International network.

 

 

Preorder my Human Capital Playbook on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4KNQWJG?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

 

 

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**

Get ready for an episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and real talk! This week, we welcome Casy Price, a powerhouse mom of four boys, entrepreneur, and fractional CFO, as she shares her journey of balancing family, business, and personal growth.

Casy opens up about the challenges of raising independent kids, navigating marriage for 20 years, and building a thriving business with Midnight Sun Bookkeeping—all while staying true to her passion for helping others. From the lessons learned in motherhood to her unexpected path to becoming a life coach, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, communication, and embracing the chaos of life.

Plus, Casy is offering a free Tax Survival Guide to help you stay on top of your finances!

Don’t miss this incredible conversation—tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!

 

“I really do think that when we let our kids have some responsibilities and learn these just simple skills, really like it'll be for their benefit for the future, and they'll have confidence when we send them off to college or whatever they end up doing, like, oh yeah, I know how to I've always done all this stuff. ” - Casy Price

Gain insights on:

 

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship – Casy shares her journey of raising four boys while managing and growing her business, Midnight Sun Bookkeeping. She discusses the challenges of starting a business after her fourth child and how she found ways to juggle work and family life.

 

Marriage, Communication, and Growth – With 20 years of marriage, Casy talks about the struggles she and her husband faced, including attending a marriage retreat that transformed their relationship. She emphasizes the importance of communication in maintaining a strong marriage while balancing work and family.

 

Raising Independent and Responsible Kids – Casy highlights how she instills independence in her children, from packing their own clothes to doing household chores. She shares personal stories, including the shift in parenting as kids grow older and become more self-sufficient.

 

Career and Passion for Helping Women – Casy's path from working in accounting to building her own firm was fueled by a desire to support other women, particularly moms, by offering them flexible job opportunities. She also touches on her experience uncovering financial fraud early in her career.

 

The Power of Mindset and Overcoming Challenges – From moving from Alaska to Arizona to navigating the ups and downs of business and personal life, Casy emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mindset shifts, and showing up—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth.

About Casy Price:

With a degree in Accounting and over 20 years of extensive experience in business, accounting, bookkeeping, and as a certified life coach, Casy is dedicated to empowering businesses to thrive. A lifelong Alaskan, she is also a devoted wife and mother of four boys who thrives on adventures of all kinds. Casy is passionate about managing your books so that you can prioritize growing your business and pursuing your passions.

 

Free download:

https://midnightsunbookkeeping.hbportal.co/public/67b661c4abcbdd0025652843/1-Sign_Up

Preorder my Human Capital Playbook on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4KNQWJG?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100

 

 

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**

Calling All Working Moms (and Dads too!)

Juggling kids, careers, and everything in between? You’re not alone! In the latest episode of Mom-Me, Angel sits down with Lauren, a fellow working mom, to have a real, unfiltered conversation about the challenges and joys of balancing work, family, and self-care.

From managing household roles to navigating career growth and keeping our sanity intact—this episode is packed with relatable stories, laughter, and insights you won’t want to miss! Hit play and join the conversation!

“I just really believe when women support women, amazing things happen. And I feel like that at work. I feel like that with us moms in the Moms group, and then my friends who I'm very close with, still from college” - Lauren

 

Let’s dive into:

The Struggles of Working Moms Are Real but Manageable – Angela and Lauren discuss the challenges of juggling careers, multiple kids, and household responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of communication and role clarity with their partners.

Society and Work Structures Were Built for a Different Era – The conversation highlights how workplaces and societal expectations were historically designed for men with stay-at-home wives, making it difficult for dual-income households to thrive without structural changes like better childcare support.

Intentional Parenting Matters More Than Quantity of Time – Lauren stresses that while working moms may have less time with their kids, being intentional with that time—engaging in meaningful activities rather than just coexisting—is what truly counts.

Mothers Need to Prioritize Their Own Well-Being – The episode underscores the importance of self-care, whether through exercise, personal time, or date nights with a partner, as a way to maintain mental and emotional balance while managing family life.

Women Should Support Each Other’s Parenting Choices – A major theme is the need for moms to avoid judgment and instead uplift one another, whether a mother chooses to stay at home, work full-time, or take a different approach to parenting.

 

About Lauren Goveo:

Lauren Goveo is a seasoned marketing and partnerships executive with a track record of driving brand growth, strategic collaborations, and social impact initiatives. As the Head of Corporate Partnerships at Childhelp, she leads efforts to engage businesses in the fight against child abuse, fostering meaningful alliances that provide critical resources for vulnerable children nationwide.

With over a decade of experience in marketing, brand strategy, and business development, Lauren has held leadership roles at top media and technology companies, including Freestar, where she served as Vice President of Marketing. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in creating high-impact campaigns, scaling partnerships, and enhancing brand visibility in competitive industries.

Her expertise spans digital marketing, sponsorship development, and strategic fundraising, helping businesses align their values with meaningful community engagement.

Based in Arizona, Lauren is dedicated to making a difference through innovative partnerships that create lasting change.

 

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**

In this episode, life coach Zahra Premji from Toronto shares insights into her daily routines and the importance of prioritizing self-care. She emphasizes the role of sleep, maintaining simple yet effective morning and evening habits, and balancing household responsibilities with a frequently traveling spouse. Zahra challenges the traditional view of the "mental load" mothers carry, advocating for actionable strategies to reduce overwhelm and foster well-being.

 

"When we start envisioning the possibilities and taking action, life transforms—becoming more fulfilling, fun, and less in need of escape. My mission is to create that space, especially for women and moms." – Zahra Premji

Key Topics Discussed:

 

Zahra’s Morning and Evening Routines

• Prioritizes 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

• Establishes a bedtime routine that includes charging her phone outside the bedroom, reading, and taking magnesium supplements.

• Starts her morning at 6:30 AM with a workout, coffee, and a Wordle puzzle with her husband before preparing the kids for school.

• Emphasizes flexibility in routines to adapt to changing circumstances.

 

The Importance of Self-Care for Mothers

• Many mothers feel they have "lost themselves" after having children, but Zahra reframes this as their true self being buried under societal expectations.

• Advocates for small, daily self-care practices that positively impact the whole family.

• Encourages mothers to overcome resistance and discomfort in prioritizing themselves.

 

Balancing Household Responsibilities with a Working Spouse

• With her husband traveling frequently, Zahra discusses how they manage household tasks fluidly rather than through rigid routines.

• Stresses the importance of communication in sharing responsibilities effectively.

• Highlights the value of letting go of perfectionism and focusing on what truly matters.

 

Reframing the Mental Load for Mothers

• Instead of viewing the "mental load" as a burden, Zahra sees it as a set of tasks that can be managed with the right mindset and tools.

• Encourages proactive management through delegation and organization.

• Advocates for shifting away from a victim mentality and taking empowered action to create balance.

About Zahra Premji:

Zahra Premji is a dedicated life coach specializing in helping busy, overwhelmed moms reclaim their time and well-being. Through her Balanced Mom Method, she guides mothers from feeling stretched too thin to feeling clear, calm, and in control. Her coaching combines mindset shifts with practical strategies, empowering moms to set boundaries, manage time effectively, and follow through with their goals—without guilt or burnout.

As a recovering people-pleaser, perfectionist, and procrastinator, Zahra understands the struggle of constantly putting oneself last. In this episode, she shares simple, effective changes that can make a significant impact, ensuring that moms can shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.

 

Connect with Zahra:

• Instagram: @zahrapremjicoaching

• LinkedIn: Zahra Premji Coaching

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**

Tune in for an inspiring and empowering conversation on the latest episode of our podcast, featuring Melissa Bauknight, founder and chief visionary of the Nova Global Community. In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into the power of community, the journey of motherhood, and the bold reinvention of identity. Melissa shares her experiences as a high-achieving corporate leader turned entrepreneur, the challenges of balancing business and family, and the transformative role of support networks. If you’re looking for motivation, real talk, and actionable insights on building a thriving life on your terms, this episode is for you! Don't miss out—play this episode now and join the conversation.

 

“Go find your people and do not try to do it alone, because everything is possible. Everything is weird, like, no one knows what they're doing, you know? So it's just, why not go through it with other people?” - Melissa

 

Key highlights:

• The Power of Community – Melissa emphasizes the importance of building strong connections, especially for women, moms, and entrepreneurs, highlighting how community support can be life-changing.
• Career Transition & Reinvention – She shares her journey from a high-achieving corporate career in medical device sales to becoming an entrepreneur and founder of the Nova Global Community, discussing how personal values shift with motherhood.
• Balancing Motherhood & Business – Melissa opens up about the challenges of being a startup founder while raising a child, addressing the struggles of time management, guilt, and finding support.
• Shifting Gender Norms in Leadership – The conversation touches on redefining leadership in a more feminine, collaborative way, advocating for holistic success beyond traditional corporate structures.
• The Mission & Growth of Nova Global – Melissa details the vision behind Nova Global, its core values, expansion plans, and how it fosters authentic connections among ambitious, soul-led women.

 

 

About Melissa Bauknight:

Melissa Bauknight is a powerhouse in every sense of the word. With over 20 years of experience in corporate sales, leading high-performing teams, building businesses, and coaching women to step into their fullest potential, Melissa knows what it takes to create lasting impact. She’s the visionary behind The Nova, a global movement designed to help women rewrite the rules, break free from societal conditioning, and create success on their own terms. From her time as a collegiate athlete to her rise as a top 1% leader in a social impact direct sales company, Melissa has consistently shattered glass ceilings and inspired others to do the same.

Her journey isn’t just about external achievements—Melissa has undergone her own personal awakening, blending deep spiritual work with sharp business acumen. She has coached thousands of women to align their businesses with their soul’s purpose, guiding them to create abundance, freedom, and fulfillment. Whether leading dynamic masterminds, creating powerful communities, or supporting women through life-changing transformations, Melissa brings authenticity, heart, and badassery to everything she touches. If you’re ready to rise, expand, and lead boldly, Melissa is the mentor you need in your corner.

 

 

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**

In this episode, we sit down with Monica Schweighart, a Junior Partner at McIntyre Law in Oklahoma City, as she shares her journey of balancing a demanding legal career with motherhood. Monica discusses the importance of compartmentalizing work stress, the invaluable support from her husband, and how she has integrated the skills of motherhood into her legal practice. She reflects on the challenges and joys of raising two young children while maintaining a successful career and offers advice for new moms on embracing flexibility and prioritizing self-care.

Monica also shares how motherhood has enhanced her ability to connect with clients, making her more patient, understanding, and empathetic. While she acknowledges the difficulty of missing certain family moments due to work, she remains committed to setting a strong example for her children by demonstrating resilience and balance.

 

"Motherhood has made me more patient, understanding, and empathetic—qualities that enhance how I connect with my clients. Raising my two young kids has been a fun, transformative journey, shaping both my personal and professional life."

 

Key Topics:

Balancing Career and Motherhood
Monica discusses the challenges of balancing her role as a junior partner at a leading law firm while raising two young children. She highlights how her husband’s hands-on approach and the use of digital tools have helped her manage both responsibilities effectively.

Navigating the Transition to Motherhood
Monica reflects on her initial fears about motherhood and how she learned to adapt as a working mom. She emphasizes the importance of being open-minded, having a strong support system, and letting go of rigid expectations.

Incorporating Motherhood Skills into Her Career
Monica shares how the skills she has developed as a mother—such as simplifying complex concepts and communicating with clarity—have positively influenced her work as an attorney. She discusses how this approach has improved her client relationships and professional effectiveness.

Maintaining Connections and Family Traditions
Monica and Angela discuss the significance of preserving family traditions and staying connected with their children despite their demanding careers. They explore ways to adapt childhood traditions to fit their current family dynamics.

About Monica Schweighart:

Monica Schweighart is a Junior Partner at McIntyre Law P.C., one of Oklahoma City’s top personal injury firms. She is passionate about advocating for Oklahomans who have suffered due to negligence and is known for her client-centered approach, ensuring clear communication throughout the legal process.

Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Monica earned her Political Science degree from the University of Oklahoma before attending law school in Arizona. She was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 2016 and joined McIntyre Law as an associate attorney, later becoming a Junior Partner in 2024. Monica lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and their two young children.

 

Connect with Monica:
Instagram: @moschwei
Facebook: Monica Schweighart, Esq.

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**

In this episode, Rebecca Cafiero joins Angela Tait to discuss the evolution of leadership, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance. Rebecca shares her transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, and the importance of personal growth in relationships. The conversation also highlights feminine leadership, outsourcing, community engagement, and personal branding, offering valuable insights for female entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses without burnout. Key takeaways include Rebecca’s SHE-EO Slumber Parties and strategies for integrating work, life, and personal development.

 

“Focus on how you want to feel in different areas of life, whether as a parent, business owner, or employee. Rather than just structuring tasks, prioritize the emotions you want to experience.” – Rebecca Cafiero

 

Key Topics: Life Transitions & Career Evolution

• Rebecca’s journey from corporate executive to successful entrepreneur

• The challenges of balancing motherhood and business ownership

• Relocating from Palo Alto to Carmel: embracing lifestyle changes

• The mindset shift required to build a fulfilling career on her own terms

Parenting & Work-Life Balance for High Achievers

• Navigating the complexities of being a working mother

• The power of outsourcing and delegation in parenting and business

• Finding joy in motherhood while maintaining personal and professional goals

• Strategies to manage guilt and expectations as a high-achieving parent

Personal Growth & Relationship Dynamics

• The impact of personal development on family and business success

• Shifting from masculine to feminine leadership energy

• The benefits of starting a book club with her husband to foster deeper connections

• The importance of aligning growth with relationships for long-term fulfillment

Feminine Leadership, Branding & Community Building

• The role of feminine leadership in modern entrepreneurship

• The importance of personal branding in career transitions

• The CEO Slumber Party: a networking event for ambitious women

• How women can leverage community and deep conversations for business success

 

About the Rebecca Cafiero:

Rebecca Cafiero is a TEDx Speaker, bestselling author, business strategist, and founder of The Pitch Club. She hosts the top-ranked podcast, Becoming You, and her work has been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, NBC News, ABC News, US News & World Report, Reader’s Digest, and Women’s Health. Rebecca specializes in helping female entrepreneurs build scalable businesses while maintaining a high quality of life. She has helped hundreds of women double their income, gain media visibility, and create sustainable business models.

Connect with Rebecca:

Instagram: @rebeccacafiero
LinkedIn: Rebecca Cafiero
Website: www.rebeccacafiero.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**