In this rerun episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll revisits a powerful conversation from 2024 with Jeanelle Teves, Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo, on how she integrates corporate leadership frameworks into everyday family life. Jeanelle offers a rare look at what it actually takes to lead at a high level while raising young children, without chasing perfection or burning out in the process.

This episode stands out for its practicality. Jeanelle shares the exact systems, routines, and mental models she uses to manage her energy, prioritize effectively, and stay present both at work and at home. From early-morning rituals to quarterly family planning, she demonstrates how small, intentional actions, done consistently, compound into meaningful progress. Her approach reframes balance as something you build through structure, communication, and support, not something you stumble into.

For ambitious moms who are capable, driven, and often stretched thin, this conversation offers grounded guidance and immediately usable tools. Jeanelle’s insights bridge the gap between corporate success and modern motherhood, proving that clarity, consistency, and community can coexist with growth.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

🌅 How Jeanelle structures her mornings to protect personal time, build resilience, and start each day grounded before her kids wake up

📅 Why quarterly planning works for family life, and how business tools like goal-setting and weekly reviews reduce household friction

🎯 A practical decision-making framework for prioritizing what matters most and staying present during family time

🤝 How to build a real support system, from dividing household labor to creating a trusted community of parents in similar stages

🔄 Why consistency is the real superpower, and how small, repeatable actions drive long-term success in both career and motherhood

Jeanelle’s journey is a reminder that fulfillment doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things, over and over again, with intention. This episode is packed with moments worth pausing, rewinding, and taking notes on.

This episode is perfect for moms searching for:

→ Practical ways to lead a demanding career while raising young children

→ A realistic approach to work-life integration (beyond the myth of balance)

→ Insight and perspective from a C-suite executive navigating motherhood

→ Systems and routines that reduce mental load at home and at work

→ Reassurance that consistency matters more than perfection

→ Thoughtful guidance on making career decisions as a parent

→ A path to sustained ambition without burnout or self-sacrifice

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly switching roles, executive, caregiver, partner, human, this conversation will remind you that your ability to adapt isn’t a weakness. It’s a skill. And when harnessed intentionally, it can become your greatest strength.

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

Follow Janelle:

• On LinkedIn here
• On Instagram here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

In this rerun episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, Barbara Mighdoll sits down with Kim Gebbia Chappell, Chief Brand Officer of Bobbie, to unpack the real, unfiltered mechanics of managing chaos across work and motherhood, not by “doing it all,” but by mastering the art of context switching.

Kim’s career path is anything but linear: from news reporter to tech, to joining Bobbie in its earliest days (literally in the CEO’s basement), all while becoming a mom of three kids under six. In this conversation, Kim shares how she’s learned to shift gears, mentally, emotionally, and operationally, dozens of times a day.

This episode isn’t about balance as a buzzword. It’s about systems, mindset shifts, and permission, permission to ask for what you need, to build support around you, to stop pretending you can do everything, and to redefine success in a season of life that demands flexibility. Kim offers candid insights into advocacy at work, building sustainable home systems, taking career risks as a mom, and letting go of perfection in favor of what actually matters.

If you’re navigating a demanding career while raising young kids or simply feeling stretched across too many roles this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical ways to move through the chaos with more intention.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🧠 The power of context switching — How Kim applies the same mental agility she uses in executive leadership to show up for her kids, her partner, and herself throughout the day.

🏗 Building systems that support working motherhood — From childcare “bench strength” to mental-load relief, Kim shares the infrastructure that makes her life sustainable.

🍼 Advocating for yourself at work as a mom — The formative moment that changed how Kim asked for what she needed — and why motherhood often turns women into powerful advocates.

🚀 Taking career risks with young kids — Why Kim walked away from stability to join a startup, how she trusted her gut, and what she believes about risk, reward, and fulfillment.

✨ Letting go of ‘doing it all’ — A mindset shift around perfection, priorities, and redefining success in seasons where capacity is limited but impact is still high.

This episode is perfect for moms searching for:

→ How to manage a demanding career with young kids

→ Real talk on work-life integration (not balance)

→ Leadership lessons from a C-suite working mom

→ Systems to reduce mental load at home

→ Permission to stop trying to do everything perfectly

→ How to take smart career risks as a parent

→ Navigating motherhood without losing ambition

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly switching roles, executive, caregiver, partner, human, this conversation will remind you that your ability to adapt isn’t a weakness. It’s a skill. And when harnessed intentionally, it can become your greatest strength.

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

1. On Instagram here
2. Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

Follow Kim:

1. On LinkedIn here
2. On Instagram here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

In the final episode of The Toolkit Series from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll breaks down what actually moves ideas forward when life is full, time is limited, and perfectionism is loud.

Barbara shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she acquired her first fitness studio, launched a media brand, and built a business plan in real time… all without waiting for everything to be clear or perfect.

If you’re in a season of considering a business idea, experimenting with a passion project, or building something meaningful while juggling family and work, this episode breaks down what to do next.

You’ll learn why execution matters more than ideas, and how to build a business plan that evolves with you.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

🚀 How to create clarity through action

Why progress comes from motion, not overplanning, and how to build confidence as you go.

🛠️ How to execute with a flexible business plan

A practical, 5-step system to shrink your idea, start small, and build early traction.

🧠 How to start before you feel ready

Shift your mindset, quiet perfectionism, and take action using skills you already have.

Barbara reframes perfectionism as a hidden form of procrastination, and shows why execution matters more than ideas. Because clarity doesn’t show up before you begin. It shows up when you do.

This episode is perfect for moms searching for:

→ Tools to overcome perfectionism and overthinking

→ How to actually move ideas forward in small, manageable steps

→ Mindset shifts that support action, confidence, and consistency

→ How to start a business or side project before feeling “ready”

→ Why execution matters more than having the perfect idea

→ Encouragement to start imperfectly and learn as you go

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

1. On Instagram here
2. Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, Barbara Mighdoll pulls back the curtain on how she transitions from "big picture dreaming" to "tactical execution." Most of us are taught to set vague New Year’s resolutions that fade by Q2, but as an ex-tech exec and mom of two, Barbara knows that structure creates freedom.

If you’ve ever felt like life is just "happening" to you, this episode is your invitation to take the wheel. Barbara shares the exact framework she uses during her Annual Personal Offsite, a ritual she started during a major career transition and now relies on to cut through the noise, avoid shiny-object syndrome, and make intentional decisions as a working mom and entrepreneur.

From the reflective questions that unlock real insight to the planning framework that turns vision into execution, this episode gives you the tools to plan your year with purpose.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goal-setting, unsure where to focus your energy, or stuck repeating the same resolutions year after year, this episode will help you step back, zoom out, and design a year that actually feels aligned and doable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🧠 Strategic Vision Boarding: Forget the aesthetics. Learn how to use a vision board as a strategic tool to define your true priorities across career, motherhood, and personal fulfillment.

📝 The Internal Audit (9 Powerful Questions): Barbara walks you through the reflective questions she uses to identify energy drains, celebrate wins, and clarify what actually matters before the calendar turns.

🏔 How to Run a "Personal Offsite": Why you need to get out of your house (and your head) to do deep-thinking work, plus how to structure your time for maximum insight.

🎯 The Annual Operating Plan Framework: A step-by-step breakdown of how to set results, habits, and "why" statements across Barbara’s 6 pillars: Family, Health, Self-Discovery, Career, Relationships, and Finances.

📆 Accountability That Works: How to lead your life like a CEO using Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and calendar systems that make your goals feel doable, not daunting.

This episode is perfect for moms searching for:

→ How to build a vision board for 2026

→ A realistic annual planning framework designed for working moms

→ An alternative to New Year’s resolutions that actually holds up past January

→ A more grounded, intentional way to step into 2026

→ Goal setting for ambitious women

→ How to run a personal planning offsite

→ Intentional life design for working parents

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

1. On Instagram here
2. Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll sits down with her husband, Jason Mighdoll, the CFO of both New Modern Mom and MNTStudio, for a candid conversation about how to diversify your income and invest intentionally as a team. Together, they unpack what it takes to move from talking about money to taking action and how to find investment strategies that fit your lifestyle.

Barbara and Jason have lived this conversation, from early “money dates” to real-world experiments with stocks, real estate, and eventually acquiring a business together. They pull back the curtain on the decisions, trade-offs, and lessons that helped them build a portfolio that reflects both their financial goals and their shared passions.

Whether you’re in the “what’s next?” phase of your money journey or trying to align with your partner on the next smart move, this episode will help you figure out how to diversify with purpose and make financial growth a family strategy, not just a solo mission.

What you’ll learn: 

💡 How to identify your income mix and risk tolerance – Why the first step in any couple’s investment plan is understanding disposable income, expenses, and comfort with risk before deciding where to invest.

💼 Different ways to diversify your income – From side gigs and freelancing to passive investments, real-estate strategies, and small-business ownership, Barbara and Jason break down each option by effort, risk, and reward.

🏠 The realities of “passive” investing – Lessons from owning an Airbnb in Tahoe, including the myth of true passivity, how to vet property managers, and what it actually takes to manage a profitable rental.

🏋️‍♀️ Turning passion into profit – How acquiring their first Pilates studio reshaped their view of “active investments,” the importance of finding complementary skills with your partner, and the questions to ask before buying a business.

🧰 Your second Money Date toolkit – The step-by-step framework to move from planning to action: assessing your safety net, defining roles (CFO vs COO of the household), researching opportunities, and educating each other before investing.

Resources:

• BiggerPockets - A podcast that features candid interviews with real estate investors, data-driven market insights, and actionable strategies to help you build wealth through property investing.
• The Real Estate Guys Radio Show - A podcast that offers expert interviews and data-driven strategy for building wealth through real-estate investing.
• BizBuySell - The leading online marketplace to research, buy, or sell small businesses with detailed financial listings and valuation data.

This episode is perfect for moms searching for:

→ How to start investing as a couple without feeling overwhelmed

→ Marriage and money conversations that actually work in real life

→ Creating a family investment strategy that fits your lifestyle and bandwidth

→ What to talk about on a money date so it leads to action, not just ideas

→ How to diversify your income streams beyond your 9–5

→ Building generational wealth with your spouse, even if you have different risk tolerances

→ Passive income ideas for working parents who don’t have extra time

→ How to buy a small business together and make it a family legacy

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

Follow Jason Mighdoll:

• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Barbara’s done both, and this summer, she’s introducing a third option: Roam Collective, a curated summer experience she’s co-creating in Spain taking what she’s learned from both experiences to create her dream program. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on what each approach actually looks like, from cost breakdowns and childcare setups to how community is built…or not, when you’re navigating new terrain with kids for the summer.

Whether you’re dreaming of slow mornings in Europe or just trying to figure out how to keep your kids engaged while you work abroad, this conversation will help you choose the route that fits your lifestyle, bandwidth, and season of life.

What you’ll learn: 

🌍 The pros and cons of organized programs like Boundless Life - What you really get when you join a structured family travel cohort and what you might give up in flexibility or control.

🏡 What a DIY summer abroad actually looks like - From researching camps to booking housing and managing logistics, Barbara shares what it takes to pull it off yourself (and why it’s not for everyone).

💶 The true cost of each option - Barbara breaks down real numbers for camp fees, housing, and hidden extras plus the mental load that comes with each choice.

🧳 How to prepare for either route - Her checklist for getting started: from setting a decision deadline to tracking flights, aligning family goals, and evaluating your planning energy.

🧠 A 5-step exercise to make your decision easier - Barbara walks you through the same toolkit she used to decide between Boundless and DIY so you can feel confident about what’s right for your family this summer.

Resources:

• Learn more about Roam Collective here
• Access Barbara’s local summer camp research by signing up here
• Get €400 off Boundless Life with code NEWMODERNMOM

Especially helpful for moms searching for:

→ How to decide between an organized family travel program and a DIY summer abroad

→ Real, honest review of Boundless Life

→ Insights on the costs, logistics, and community experience of living abroad with kids

→ Tips for planning a summer abroad that actually works with your work schedule

→ What to look for in camps, childcare, and housing when traveling with young kids

→ A practical framework to choose the best approach for your family’s season of life

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Host, Barbara Mighdoll, introduces you to habit stacking, a simple yet powerful strategy for aligning your daily actions with the life you actually want. Instead of piling on new to-dos or forcing yourself into rigid routines, habit stacking shows you how to pair small intentional habits with things you already do. The result? Less decision fatigue, more flow, and a greater sense of calm in the chaos of working motherhood.

What makes this episode unique is Barbara’s reframing of habit stacking: not as a productivity hack, but as a lifestyle design tool. She shares candid examples from her own life, like stretching while brushing her teeth or pairing a money check-in with a date night. She proves that habits can feel natural and enjoyable, not like one more thing on your list. This is the episode you’ll want to return to whenever you feel like your days are running you instead of the other way around.

What you’ll learn: 

✨ The science behind habit stacking — What research really says about how long it takes to form habits and why stacking them onto existing routines makes them stick.

🦷 Real-life examples of habit stacking — From brushing your teeth and stretching at night, to pairing workouts with podcasts, to using school drop-off as a cue to connect with friends.

💡 Why habit stacking isn’t about doing more — It’s a mindset shift that makes habits the building blocks of the life you’re designing, instead of chores on a checklist.

🧘 How habit stacking reduces decision fatigue — Fewer decisions, more flow. Free up mental space for the things that matter most.

📓 A practical exercise for working moms — Reverse-engineer your routines by asking how you want to feel at the end of the day, then pair small habits to get there.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a toolkit for creating micro-moments of alignment without overhauling your entire schedule.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to feel calmer, more accomplished, or more connected, but I just don’t have the time,” this episode will shift your perspective. Because the truth is: you don’t need more time, you just need smarter stacks.

Especially helpful for moms searching for:

→ How to design daily routines that align with the life you want

→ Practical habit hacks to feel calmer, more connected, and more accomplished

→ How to build lasting habits without adding more to your plate

→ Simple real-life examples of habit stacking for busy moms

→ Ways to reduce decision fatigue and feel more in control

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode, host Barbara Mighdoll, who has spent the past two summers in Europe with her family, is joined by NYC-based mom Maddy Novich (@CargoBikeMomma), who has spent the past six years sending her kids to summer camp across Europe while traveling as a family, working remotely, and living abroad on a realistic budget.

Together, they share a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation on how to plan a family summer abroad with confidence. They cover everything from choosing the right destination and finding English-speaking camps in Europe to budgeting smartly and using home exchanges for affordable, family-friendly housing. Whether you’re exploring worldschooling, curious about Boundless Life, or just ready for a more intentional summer, this episode gives you real advice from two moms who have been there.

What You’ll Learn:

🌍 Destination or. Camp First? – How to decide where to start and what factors to consider

📋 Non-Negotiables Checklist – Walkability, coworking, healthcare, playgrounds, and lifestyle fit

🔍 Research Shortcuts – Tips for using YouTube, Instagram, expat groups, and international school directories

💶 Camp Costs – What to actually expect and how prices compare to U.S. camps.

🏠 Home Exchanges 101 – How to stay in family-ready homes across Europe with minimal cost, plus how to tap into trusted local childcare

✅ Vetting Camps With Confidence – Key questions to ask, how to connect with alumni families, and what the enrollment process looks like

Especially helpful for moms searching for:

→ How to plan a European summer abroad with kids while working remote

→ Summer camp in Europe for English-speaking families

→ Best cities in Europe for kids

→ Worldschooling vs Boundless Life vs local camps

→ Home exchange tips for affordable family travel

→ Budgeting for a European summer with kids

→ Remote work tips for parents spending summer in Europe

→ How to research and vet local kids' camps

Follow Maddy Novich:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Maddy’s newsletter here

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• Subscribe to Barbara’s newsletter here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Feeling like you’re drowning in chores, constantly playing catch up, and carrying the invisible load of running your household? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. The truth is, most modern moms are doing the job of multiple people without the actual support.

This episode is for the moms who feel like everything runs through them. Host Barbara Mighdoll sits down with Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus and hiring manager expert, to break down the real role of a house manager (sometimes called a family assistant), and how this kind of support can completely shift the way your home operates.

Spoiler: it’s not about doing more, it’s about finally doing less.

Whether you’re looking to create breathing room, delegate the chaos, or transition your nanny into a broader support role, this episode is your crash course. Kelly shares what a house manager actually does, where to find the right person, how much they typically cost, and how to onboard them successfully.

This episode is part crash course, part pep talk, and part action plan. By the end, you’ll see how applying the same principles you use in your professional life, like hiring, onboarding, and managing, can completely transform how your household runs, no additional coffee required.

What You’ll Learn:

🍴 What a House Manager Actually Does – From laundry and errands to grocery shopping, meal prep, and after-school supervision, learn how a house manager becomes your second set of hands.

💵 Costs, Budgets, and Hours – Understand typical hourly rates across the U.S., how families start small with part-time support, and strategies for aligning your budget with your household’s biggest needs.

📝 How to Find and Hire the Right Fit – Where to search for candidates (from Care.com to local Facebook groups), the best job titles to use, and interview questions that reveal whether someone will thrive in your home.

📋 Onboarding and Systems That Work – Why your new hire needs a solid playbook, clear expectations, and a 30-day check-in process, just like any great team member.

⚠️ Common Mistakes Families Make – From rushing into a subpar hire to not setting clear expectations, Kelly shares how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Especially helpful for moms searching for:

→ What does a house manager do?

→ How to hire a house manager or family assistant

→ How much does a house manager cost per hour?

→ House manager job description and interview questions

→ How to set up systems and onboarding for a house manager

→ House manager vs family assistant vs housekeeper

Resources to help you get started on your House Manager journey: 

• [Free] Barbara's House Manager Checklist: daily & weekly task checklist Barbara uses in her own home
• [Free] Quiz: How Many Hours Are You Managing Your Home? Kelly's quick quiz helps you uncover the hidden mental load
• Home Systems Course: A two hour deep dive to help you create repeatable routines and train your house manager so you can finally start taking things off of your plate for good.
• Sage Haus House Manager Hiring Service: Skip the job postings and lengthy interviews, and get matched with a pre-vetted house manager.

Follow Kelly Hubbell:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara Mighdoll:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this Toolkit Series episode, host Barbara Mighdoll is joined by her husband Jason Mighdoll for a down-to-earth, behind-the-scenes look at how they went from having totally different money styles to building a shared financial plan that works for both of them.

They’re getting into the real stuff: how they learned to talk (and listen) about money, make aligned decisions as a couple, and create space for both big dreams and everyday joy. Yes, this is the same plan that helped them buy two local businesses, go all-in on building MNTSTUDIO, and still make room in the budget for a full summer living in Europe with their kids.

Spoiler: There were spreadsheets... and some strong opinions.

You’ll hear how Barbara and Jason:

• Navigated totally different money mindsets (spender vs. saver, anyone?)
• Created a shared definition of financial freedom
• Started their own version of a “Money Date” that actually works—and doesn’t feel stressful

If you’ve ever wanted to retire early, take a family sabbatical, or just stop having the same argument about Amazon orders, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

💬 Redefining Financial Freedom as a Couple — Why your personal definition matters more than any trending advice

🔥 FIRE, but Make It Realistic — Adapting Financial Independence principles without sacrificing joy today

💡 Bridging Money Mindsets — What to do when you and your partner have different financial habits

📈 From Reactive to Proactive  — The apps and systems they use to make financial planning feel doable

🛠 The Money Date Blueprint — A 4-step guide to having calm, productive money talks (even if you hate budgeting)

Especially helpful for moms searching for:

→ Best personal finance podcasts for couples

→ How to talk about money with your spouse without fighting

→ Financial planning tips for working moms

→ Easy ways to align on financial goals in marriage

→ Budgeting strategies for dual-income families

→ How to plan for early retirement as parents

→ Saving for family vacations while investing for the future

→ Money management tips for busy parents

→ Real-life financial independence stories for moms

→ Financial goal setting for couples with kids

Listen now and walk away with a few small shifts that’ll make a big difference.

Follow Jason Mighdoll:

• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara Mighdoll::

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this honest and actionable episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast: Toolkit Series, host Barbara Mighdoll reflects on the logistical chaos that caught her off guard last year: forgotten forms, last-minute lunch packing, zero time for herself, and a mental load that felt completely unmanageable. This year, she’s doing things differently, and she’s sharing the exact five steps she’s putting into practice now to bring more ease, structure, and breathing room into her family’s back-to-school routine.

This isn’t about complicated systems or Pinterest-perfect checklists. It’s about real tools for real working moms, tools that help you feel prepared instead of scrambling.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

📘 A therapist-backed Social Story method that helps ease your child’s back-to-school jitters (and helps you avoid daily drop-off drama)

⏰ Why test-driving your morning routine now, before school starts, can make a huge difference (yes, even if your schedule’s still all over the place)

🎒 How to get your kid involved in school prep in simple, meaningful ways that don’t just add to your to-do list

📋 A night-before checklist that keeps mornings from imploding (plus the visual trick that keeps the whole house on track)

📆 A ChatGPT calendar hack that adds every school holiday and early release to your calendar automatically (because no one has time to do that manually)

Whether you're navigating the first year of kindergarten or juggling multiple school drop-offs, this episode is filled with practical tips for working moms who want to start the school year feeling calm, confident, and a little more in control.

Perfect for moms searching for:

→ Back to school tips for working moms

→ School morning routine hacks

→ How to prep kids for kindergarten

→ ChatGPT for busy moms

→ Family organization tools

→ Managing the mental load as a parent

Listen now and walk away with a few small shifts that’ll make a big difference.

Resources mentioned:

• ChatGPT Hack for Back-to-School Calendaring
• ChatGPT Prompt for Creating a Social Story
• Join the August Early Risers Club to commit to no more snoozing your alarm

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this Toolkit Series episode from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll gets real about what it actually takes to pack smart for international travel with little kids. As a seasoned traveler and mom of two, Barbara has done the trial-and-error for you including 8 international trips with babies, toddlers, and now a future kindergartener. And spoiler: it’s not about packing more, it’s about packing smarter.

This isn’t your basic “remember your toothbrush” kind of list. Instead, Barbara dives deep into the extras that actually make a difference when you're managing long-haul flights, jet lag, unfamiliar accommodations, and a different routine in a different time zone. From the carry-on must-haves you’ll wish you’d brought, to the important gear you never knew existed, this episode is a must-listen for any parent prepping for international travel, especially if you’re balancing work and family life.

Whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, you’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies to help you feel confident and prepared, not overwhelmed, before your next family trip abroad.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧳 The three types of parent-packers and how knowing your type leads to a smoother trip

Understand whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, and what that means for your luggage and your sanity.

✈️ The on-flight MVPs that make long-haul travel manageable

Discover the carry-on essentials every parent should have on a plane, from mini first aid kits to shelf-stable milk cartons and activity packs that actually work.

😴 The sleep essentials that help your kids rest in unfamiliar places

Learn what to pack to recreate your child’s sleep environment on the road, from portable blackout curtains to sound machines and night lights.

👶 The gear upgrades that make travel easier (and avoid major meltdowns)

Find out why your daily stroller won’t cut it, the hip toddler carrier you never knew you needed, and the car seat vest that changes everything.

📝 A simple method to build your personalized packing list

Barbara shares her go-to 24-hour routine planning method to make sure you pack only what you actually use, no overpacking or forgotten essentials.

Whether you're planning your first trip abroad with littles or you’re a seasoned traveling parent looking to streamline your process, this episode will arm you with the practical tools and real-world mom-tested wisdom to make your next international trip less chaotic and a lot more fun.

Need help packing for your next international trip? Grab our go-to international packing list designed specifically for moms traveling with kids, so you can pack with confidence, not chaos.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom planning their next big adventure.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

High-achieving working moms have been conditioned to juggle a career, home life, and parenting with near perfection. But the truth? No one is doing it all, especially not alone. In this episode of the Toolkit Series from The New Modern Mom Podcast, we unpack the unspoken truth of how executive moms truly thrive: through strategic delegation and outsourcing.

This isn’t just about hiring help. It’s about rewiring how we think about time, control, and worthiness. We dive deep into the real barriers holding us back from asking for (or paying for) help and why overcoming them is the key to unlocking more presence, peace, and productivity in your daily life. From creating systems at home to “stacking your bench” of support, this episode will help you build a smarter, more sustainable rhythm for career and motherhood.

Whether you're stuck in a cycle of burnout or just want your Sunday mornings back, this conversation is filled with low-risk, high-impact tips to help you take the first step toward real, lasting relief.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔍 Why even the most successful working moms don’t “do it all”

Hear how every guest on the show has leaned on outsourcing and delegation and why owning that is a power move, not a weakness.

🧠 How to overcome the mental blocks keeping you from outsourcing

Barbara breaks down the guilt, control issues, and cost concerns many moms face and how to reframe them through a career-first lens.

👩‍👧‍👦 Kim Gebbia Chappell’s noteworthy “stack your bench” strategy

Discover a practical framework from Kim Gebbia Chappell, Chief Brand Officer of Bobbie, on how to build a trusted roster of caregivers for last-minute flexibility and peace of mind.

🧺 What to outsource at home—and how to get creative with support

From extending your nanny’s role to using meal kits or laundry services, get inspired with real-life examples to ease your daily load.

📋 How to build and onboard your dream support team

Learn how to find and manage paid and unpaid help and utilize tools like ChatGPT, Duckbill, and Faye to streamline delegation.

This episode is your permission slip to stop doing it all and start doing what matters most. Whether you’re considering a virtual assistant or a house manager, rethinking your nanny’s role, or just need a framework to start letting go, we’ve got you covered with actionable tools you can use this week.

Ready to streamline support at home? These two free resources will help you clearly communicate expectations and set your nanny (or house manager!) up for success so you can finally stop micromanaging and start reclaiming your time.

• Nanny Onboarding Template: A plug-and-play doc to align on routines, responsibilities, and communication styles from day one.
• House Manager Checklist: Transitioning your nanny or adding extra help? This guide outlines everything from meal prep to calendar management so your home runs like a well-oiled machine.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Kim:

• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode of our toolkit series, host Barbara Mighdoll shares three of the most powerful, actionable life hacks she learned from guests on Season 1. These are real shifts that are helping her actually manage the chaos of working motherhood. These aren’t vague productivity tips or recycled self-care mantras. This is the practical stuff, the “I started doing this immediately and it changed my day” kind of stuff.

From the art of context switching between mom mode and work mode to reframing the  perfectionist mindset to get more done in the day and finding ways to rest that don’t come with guilt, Barbara reveals the strategies that are sticking with her. 

You won’t leave overwhelmed, you’ll leave with clear, doable takeaways you can put into action today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔁 Mastering the Transition between Mom Mode & Work Mom

Learn how to create intentional transitions between “mom mode” and “work mode,” even if you work from home and your commute is five steps. These 15-minute rituals can change everything about how you show up in both worlds.

📵 The Phone-Free Morning Ritual That Lowers Cortisol and Increases Clarity

Barbara shares the habit that completely changed her mornings: no phone until the last kid is dropped off. Plus, how she uses her commute for connection and calm instead of a to-do list.

💭 Breaking the Perfectionist Cycle with “No Zero Days”

Discover how Barbara and guest Divya Gugnani reframe progress with one simple mindset that makes consistency in the habits you want to uphold in your day possible, even on your busiest days.

🧘‍♀️ Redefining Rest as Productive

Hitha Palepu shares how the concept of “Gentle Wednesdays” is helping her reframe rest as a necessary tool for success, not something to earn.

🗂️ Three Shifts You Can Do Today

You’ll leave with one bite-sized, super achievable action for each of the three major areas covered in this episode. 

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Kim:

• On LinkedIn here

Follow Divya:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Hitha:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Whether you’re a working parent looking for more flexible childcare, a dual-career couple juggling inconsistent schedules, or just curious about how the au pair system compares to traditional nannies, this is a must-listen. In this mini-episode of our Toolkit Series, host Barbara Mighdoll shares her candid experience with four different au pairs (and two nannies) and breaks down the real-life pros, cons, and logistics you actually need to know.

You’ll also hear an unreleased clip from the original episode with Samantha Wu, CMO of Eventbrite and former CMO of Facebook at Meta, who shares her own au pair experiences and wisdom from life as a high-powered executive and mom of two. If you've ever wondered whether an au pair could transform the way your family operates, this conversation offers the clarity, structure, and gut-check questions you need.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

👶 What an au pair is—and why it might be a better fit than daycare or a nanny

Understand the structure, rules, and unique features of the au pair program, including legal hour limits and household responsibilities.

💸 The real cost of hiring an au pair

Barbara compares the annual expenses of an au pair vs. a full-time nanny and explains what’s included in the price.

🛫 Why au pairs are ideal for parents looking for flexibility,

Learn how au pairs can adjust to your changing schedule, help with travel logistics, and offer reliability that’s hard to find with other forms of childcare.

🏠 How to evaluate if your family is truly ready to have an au pair

Walk through a step-by-step readiness workshop with your partner to determine if this live-in childcare model aligns with your lifestyle and boundaries.

🧠 What makes an au pair relationship work—and where it can fall apart

From mismatched expectations to communication pitfalls, Barbara and Samantha share lessons learned and actionable advice to ensure your success from day one.

If you’re looking for an honest, mom-to-mom guide to navigating the au pair world, this episode is your toolkit. You’ll walk away with not just knowledge—but a process you can start using today.

Need help crafting interview questions for your au pair? Start here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Samantha:

• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, we’re diving into the everyday benefits of AI and how working parents can actually use it to reclaim time, reduce mental load, and bring more ease into their routines. Whether you’ve never touched ChatGPT or you’re already experimenting with AI tools, this episode is packed with real-life examples, mindset shifts, and smart ideas that make AI less intimidating—and a whole lot more helpful.

This isn’t just a tech episode. It’s a toolkit for thriving in modern working motherhood. You'll hear a practical breakdown of how to use ChatGPT in ways that feel realistic, approachable, and supportive to your daily life. Plus Barbara shares the secret to how to prompt ChatGPT to sound exactly like you.

Whether you're trying to brainstorm dinner ideas, streamline your work responsibilities, or get back 20 minutes during your week—this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll:

🧠 Simplify your mental load with AI: Discover how tools like ChatGPT can streamline daily decision-making for working parents juggling work and home life.

✉️ Use ChatGPT as your email assistant: Learn how to draft, edit, and polish emails faster while improving clarity, tone, and impact.

🏡 Delegate home management tasks to ChatGPT: Create onboarding docs, checklists, and clear instructions to help manage your home in minutes.

📊 Let ChatGPT take on admin at work: From refining presentations to managing team communication and drafting contracts, this tool helps you do more with less effort.

🛠️ Train ChatGPT to sound just like you: Master prompt writing in the free version or build your own GPT to consistently reflect your voice, values, and brand style.

This episode is part of our Toolkit Series, where we explore practical, modern tools to help you feel more grounded and less chaotic in your daily life. So grab your headphones, open your notes app, and get ready to meet your new favorite parenting assistant—ChatGPT. I’m

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Looking for a breakdown of how I actually use ChatGPT in my daily life? I’ve created something for you: 5 Practical Ways to Use ChatGPT: A Working Mom’s Guide. This free guide walks you through the 5 ways I use ChatGPT every single day to lighten the mental load. Think of it like hiring an assistant... for free.

Download it now to immediately start making your life easier.

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode of our Toolkit Series, host Barbara Mighdoll shares exactly how she and her family lived in Portugal for nine weeks through Boundless Life—without pausing her career, disrupting her children’s routines, or completely blowing their budget. If you’ve ever fantasized about living or working abroad but immediately shut it down because of kids, school, or work commitments, this episode will shift your mindset and give you a step-by-step framework to make it happen.

This isn’t just a travel story. It’s a tactical deep dive into how to pull off a working family summer abroad—whether you want to go through a program or plan it yourself. Barbara walks through five key pillars every working parent should consider before packing their bags and the exact conversation starters you need to get your partner and your company on board. From managing childcare in a foreign country to navigating coworking setups and budgeting the true costs—this episode is your one-stop resource for transforming your “someday” dream into a “next summer” plan.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

🌍 The 5 essential pillars to making a summer abroad work – From school and childcare to housing, coworking, transportation, and community, get a practical breakdown of everything you need to consider before committing to life abroad with kids.

💼 Work logistics: How to stay fully employed while living overseas – Learn how to manage U.S. work hours, optimize your daily schedule, and even reduce your workload to maximize your time abroad without sacrificing your career.

💰 Real numbers: What a family summer abroad actually costs – Get estimates for flights, housing, summer camps, and coworking spaces—and find out how to offset those costs (including renting out your home while you’re away).

🧠 Mindset shifts to make this dream feel doable – Barbara breaks down the most common blockers, like getting your partner or employer on board, and shares reframes to help you treat this like a real opportunity—not just a fantasy.

🔍 Boundless Life vs. DIY: Which abroad approach is right for your family? – Hear the pros and cons of going through a structured program like Boundless Life versus coordinating your own international summer setup. Get €400 off your program with Boundless Life with code NEWMODERNMOM.

If you’ve ever said, “That sounds amazing, but there’s no way we could do that”—this episode is for you. Barbara proves that living abroad with young kids is not only doable, but deeply enriching for the whole family. She even gives you the exact next steps to kickstart the planning process, from how to prep for the partner convo to what to Google tonight.

Whether you’re dreaming of Lisbon, Provence, or anywhere in between—your summer abroad starts with this toolkit.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get €400 off your program with Boundless Life with code NEWMODERNMOM.

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode, Barbara Mighdoll dives deep into one of the most powerful tools in any working mom’s arsenal: the weekly partner meeting. It’s not just about coordinating calendars or divvying up chores — it’s about transforming your relationship from survival mode into a supportive, intentional partnership that can handle the chaos of career and parenting. Drawing from her own experience and powerful insights from two previous guests, Hitha Palepu and Jeanelle Teves, this episode delivers a proven framework for making your home life feel less reactive and more aligned.

Whether you’ve tried weekly check-ins and abandoned them, or you’re just now realizing the shared Google Calendar isn’t cutting it, this episode is packed with concrete steps to help you communicate better, plan smarter, and create a more peaceful rhythm at home. Bonus: You’ll walk away with a full meeting agenda ready to plug-and-play.

🧩 The real reason communication with your partner breaks down — and how weekly meetings solve it: Discover how a structured approach to checking in with your partner can prevent conflict, reduce mental load, and increase mutual empathy.

🗂 A 5-point meeting agenda that’s been tested in busy households: Barbara walks through her personal weekly sync structure — from what to ask, how to delegate, and why this cadence can completely change your week.

💬 Why emotional check-ins matter just as much as logistics: Learn how making space for emotional connection can stop resentment in its tracks and protect the bond behind your co-parenting efforts.

🛠 How to identify the tasks that fall through the cracks and finally solve for them: You’ll get a simple homework assignment that helps surface the recurring "oh crap" moments that sabotage your schedule.

📅 How to think bigger than just the week ahead with quarterly and annual planning rituals: Get inspired by rituals like a New Year’s Day goal walk that help couples align on the big picture and stay on the same page throughout the year.

This episode isn’t just another chat about communication — it’s a practical blueprint to reduce stress, share the mental load, and feel like you’re truly in this together. Listen now, take notes, and start running your home like the aligned organization it should be.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Hitha:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Jeanelle:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

On today’s bonus Toolkit Series episode, we’re diving deep into a powerful theme that sparked major interest in Season 1: personal brand building with Jeanelle Teves, Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo and mom of two, who’s redefining what executive leadership looks like in the digital age. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to actually start building a personal brand while juggling work, motherhood, and a million to-dos, this is the episode for you. You’ll hear real-world strategies from an executive who made the leap from content consumer to creator—and gained new opportunities, confidence, and clarity in the process. Barbara also breaks it all down with a tactical solo strategy session you can do today to map out your own personal brand.

📢 The evolution of thought leadership: Discover how thought leadership has moved beyond traditional PR and has shifted to self-driven, multi-platform content creation. 

📱 Owning your narrative through social media: Explore how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are opening new doors for executive women to craft brands that reflect who they are—not just where they work.

🔁 From scrolling to creating: The Mindset Shift: What sparks the leap from passive content consumer to confident creator? Hear what inspired Jeanelle Teves.

🛣️ Building career lanes outside the 9–5: Learn how investing in side passions like mentoring and content creation expanded Jeanelle professional identity and opened unexpected doors.

💬 Vulnerability as a leadership advantage: Why realness is rising: a conversation about how showing your human side can build trust and deepen your leadership impact.

🗂️ The content creation workflow: Jeanelle shares tactical tips for creating consistent content, including posting cadence and learning from peers.

🔂 The power of repetition and content pillars: Discover how repeating key themes builds recognition and strengthens your message.

📝 Your solo strategy session playbook: Barbara outlines a step-by-step exercise to map out your personal brand goals, pillars, platform, and plan.

Think of this episode as your permission slip to show up online—not to go viral, but to be visible. Whether you’re looking to build influence in your industry, plant the seeds for a future business, or simply share your story in a way that feels aligned, this Toolkit episode gives you everything you need to get started.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Jeanelle:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

As the CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals and thought leader across multiple platforms, Hitha’s ability to lead, inspire, and stay true to herself makes her relatable and motivating. Join us for practical strategies to successfully find personal fulfillment in everyday life.

In this episode, Hitha shares lesson on:

🔑 The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset: Practical advice on balancing different passions and responsibilities without losing sight of personal goals.

⌛ Time Management Tips: Sharing strategies to structure your day for maximum productivity and balance between work, family, and self-care.

🚫 Setting Boundaries & Saying No: Learn how to set boundaries and confidently say no to protect your time and energy, while staying focused on what matters.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sharing Responsibilities at Home: Tips for effective ways to communicate and split household duties, and maintain weekly check-ins to keep life running smoothly.

🧳 Packing Like a Pro: How to streamline your travel packing process with expert tips for the busy, on-the-go lifestyle.

💬 Authenticity as a Thought Leader: How to embrace vulnerability and authenticity to build deeper connections and establish a relatable, impactful presence as a thought leader.

🚀 Pursuing Your Passions Relentlessly: The secrets to staying motivated and driven, by continually pursuing what fuels your personal and professional growth.

This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable tips, and thoughtful reflection. A perfect listen to motivate you to make room for that passion project in your busy life.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Hitha on

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Divya shares so many gems on everything from feeding her family to trusting your intuition, making the most of each day and how she actually accomplishes being present with her kids. She’s refreshingly real about how she manages it all behind the scenes, and I know you’ll walk away with tons of practical advice. 

Hear Divya’s lessons on…

🌟 The power of intuition: How Divya trusted her gut to make pivotal decisions in both her personal life and her business, and how you can do the same.

🏃‍♀️ Grit and resilience: The importance of pushing through obstacles, and how Divya stayed motivated when the going got tough—both as a mom and an entrepreneur.

💪Raising independent kids: Divya’s older children have developed a great sense of independence by being enabled to make their own choices.

🗓️ Time management tips: Tried-and-true strategies for managing time effectively while wearing multiple hats, from business leader to mom.

🏡 The reality of support: Divya transparently shares the help she relies on at home and work, and why it’s essential for making her many roles a reality.

📣 Marketing yourself effectively: Tips on how to find confidence to better market yourself, whether that’s for a promotion or for a new entrepreneurial journey.

🧘‍♀️ Finding presence: Practical advice on how to stay grounded and present in the chaos of life, work, and motherhood.

As a mom who’s successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family, Divya’s unfiltered insights are going to inspire and empower you to take on your own challenges - be it at work or at home - with confidence.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Divya:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

She also shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, even at the executive level, and how she’s learned to push through self-doubt. Packed with practical advice and relatable stories, this episode is a must-listen for every working mom out there!

In this episode, we dive into:

🗓️ The Magic of Family Organization: She shares how Google Sheets, shared calendars, and a solid support system help her manage the chaos of family life.

⚖️ Splitting Responsibilities at Home: A discussion on how she and her husband navigate dividing up the many tasks of family life, and why she’s noticed that in many families, moms often end up as the default parent.

🔄 Handling Burnout and Stress: Her go-to strategies for dealing with burnout, especially during those intense times of the year like the end of the school year, which she calls “Gray May.”

🧘‍♀️ Finding Time for You: Creative ideas for squeezing in self-care, whether it’s during the commute, sneaking in a solo walk, or planning intentional date nights.

🌱 Building Your Mom Tribe: The evolution of her support network, from local mom groups to lifelong friendships, and how these relationships keep her grounded.

🌍 Taking Risks in Your Career: A reflection on the risks she wishes she’d taken earlier in her career and some solid advice for moms thinking about making a big career move.

Tune in for practical tips on navigating a demanding career with family life—every working mom needs this!

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Erin on LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Melanie’s chat is packed with real talk about how she’s managed to set up a remote work life that lets her be there for her kids while still advancing in her career. She opens up about the challenges of returning to work while dealing with postpartum struggles, and how she and her partner split the complicated responsibilities that come with two kids under three years old.

In this episode, you'll learn:

🎯 Juggling Work and Mom Life: The daily challenge of switching from making big decisions at work to handling chaos at home, and how tough it can be to wear multiple hats.

🛠️ Creating a Supportive Home Setup: How she and her husband decided he should take a step-back from his career to be the at-home parent, and how they continue to support each other’s passions.

🏡 The Perks of Remote Work: How Dropbox’s remote-first policy reshaped her work-life balance, allowing her to be present with her kids while leading a major company.

💼 Taking Turns in Career and Family: The conscious decisions behind whose career takes the lead and how they navigate the give and take between work and family life.

🌱 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership: How becoming a mom made her a more empathetic and focused leader, even in an industry where vulnerability isn’t always celebrated.

🤹‍♀️ Keeping Up the Energy: The strategies she uses to save energy for her family while managing the demands of her job.

🚸 Moving Closer to Family: The decision to move near family after having her first child and its impact on work and personal life.

🧠 Dealing with Postpartum Struggles: Her experience with postpartum anxiety and depression, its effect on work, and how she found support.

If you’re trying to figure out how to keep pushing forward in your career while navigating the realities of motherhood, Melanie’s insights are a must-hear.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Melanie on LinkedIn here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Navigate the episode:

[00:00:45] Introduction: Introduction to Melanie Rosenwasser, focusing on her role as Chief People Officer at Dropbox and her journey as a mother.

[00:02:22] Juggling Work and Motherhood: Melanie begins discussing the challenge of switching between executive decision-making and handling parenting duties.

[00:04:13] The Move Back Home: Melanie talks about the decision to move closer to family after finding out she was pregnant with her first child.

[00:07:07] Creating a Supportive Home Setup: The conversation shifts to how Melanie and her husband decided on their roles, with him becoming the primary caregiver.

[00:09:02] Transitioning from One to Two Kids: Melanie shares her experience transitioning from having one child to two, and how she felt more prepared the second time around.

[00:12:18] The Remote Work Advantage: Melanie describes her home office setup and how Dropbox’s remote-first policy has benefited her work-life balance.

[00:15:06] Making the Leap to the C-Suite: The discussion moves to Melanie’s career progression from VP to Chief People Officer, focusing on the skills and experiences that were crucial for her promotion.

[00:20:56] Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership: Melanie talks about how becoming a mother has influenced her leadership style, particularly in embracing vulnerability and empathy.

[00:27:00] Navigating Postpartum Struggles: Melanie begins discussing her struggles with postpartum anxiety and depression and how she managed these challenges while returning to work.

[00:31:12] Redefining Work-Life Balance: The conversation shifts to Melanie’s perspective on work-life balance, emphasizing the concept of work-life harmony and intentional decision-making in career and family life.

In this chat, we dive into real-life tips on managing screen time, teaching kids about media, and keeping them safe online. Plus, Nicky shares her take on co-parenting with her ex and how to take smart career risks as you navigate the different seasons of motherhood. You’ll walk away with tons of practical advice to use at home and work!

In this episode, you'll learn:

📱 Managing Technology and Screen Time: How to introduce screen time without it taking over, and teach your kids about the intentions behind what they are watching.

🔐 Digital Privacy for Children: What you need to know to help your kids understand privacy and safely navigate the online world, whether they’re playing games or chatting with friends.

⚖️ Work-Life Juggle: How to juggle everything without losing your mind and find that sweet spot between work and life.

🧒 Parenting and Co-Parenting Dynamics: How to split up parenting duties, especially if you’re co-parenting, and make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

🎯 Risk-Taking in Career: Why taking risks can be a game-changer for your career and how to jump on opportunities when they come your way.

🗓️ Building Support Systems: How to set up a support network you can count on, whether it’s through family, a great nanny, or tech tools like shared calendars.

🌟 Personal Growth and Management: Why it’s so important to make sure the people in your life, from kids to coworkers, feel valued and heard.

📚 Love for Reading: How getting lost in a good book is the perfect escape and why reading just for fun is totally worth it.

Whether you’re trying to keep your kids safe online, juggle work and home life, or just sneak in some time for a good book, this episode’s got the tips and tricks to help you out!

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Nicky on LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Julie has thoughtfully integrated her demanding career with a fulfilling personal life. From moving across the country while pregnant to maintaining a strong social circle, Julie's insights provide valuable lessons for any working mom. Tune in to discover how you can apply her strategies to thrive in both your professional and personal life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

📋 Project Planning for Life Transitions: Discover how Julie uses project management skills from her career to plan major life changes, like moving across the country while pregnant.

💬 Early Conversations with Your Partner: Learn the importance of having early discussions with your partner about career and family goals to ensure alignment and support.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Building and Maintaining a Support System: Julie shares her experiences with childcare and the essential role of a reliable support network in balancing work and family life.

📅 Effective Weekly Planning: Find out how Sunday evening planning sessions and shared calendars can reduce friction and ensure smooth weekly schedules.

💪 Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Time: Strategies for fitting exercise and self-care into a busy schedule, even as a high-level executive.

🍽️ Scheduling Date Nights: The importance of regular date nights to maintain a strong relationship with your partner amidst a hectic schedule.

🤝 Expanding Your Social Circle: Tips on building new friendships and social connections, especially after moving to a new city.

🌍 Navigating Career Breaks and Consulting: Insights into taking a career hiatus, the benefits of consulting, and how to structure your days for balance and fulfillment.

🎒 Making Big Family Decisions: Julie discusses the considerations behind her family's decision to move across the country and the emotional aspects involved.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community Building in New Environments: How Julie plans to establish a new community in Virginia, ensuring a supportive network for her family.

Whether you're looking to enhance your support system, build a stronger community, or simply find more balance in your life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Julie on LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Navigate the episode:

[00:02:05] Setting the Stage: Overview of Julie's current life situation.

[00:02:38] Project Planning for Life Transitions: Using project management for major life changes.

[00:04:09] Early Conversations with Your Partner: Importance of early career and family discussions.

[00:06:02] Building and Maintaining a Support System: Childcare and support networks for balance.

[00:10:03] Effective Weekly Planning: Sunday planning sessions and shared calendars.

[00:12:04] Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Time: Scheduling exercise and self-care into a busy life.

[00:15:01] Scheduling Date Nights: Regular date nights to strengthen relationships.

[00:17:02] Expanding Your Social Circle: Building friendships and social connections.

[00:22:07] Navigating Career Breaks and Consulting: An intentional career hiatus led to consulting opportunities, and eventually her dream role.

[00:35:02] Making Big Family Decisions: Considering and planning a cross-country move.

Sharifa candidly discusses her daily routine, from her early 4 AM starts to her meticulous organization of her son’s schedule. She also delves into the importance of her support system. As a powerhouse in the business world and a dedicated mom, Sharifa's candid insights and strategies offer invaluable guidance for finding confidence amidst the chaos.

Tune in to hear Sharifa’s lessons on…

🔍 Discovering True Self-Identity

Sharifa discusses how motherhood redefined her values and revealed her authentic self, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Building a Reliable Support System

"It takes a village" – Sharifa elaborates on the significance of leaning on her support network, including family members and her sister-in-law’s daycare, to navigate the complexities of childcare.

📝 Mastering Delegation

Learn how Sharifa effectively delegates tasks and prepares meticulously, ensuring that her child’s needs are met while maintaining her own standards.

📅 Creating a Structured Daily Routine

Sharifa walks us through her disciplined daily schedule, starting at 4 AM, balancing workout time, professional responsibilities, and quality family time.

💆‍♀️ Prioritizing Self-Care Consistently

From monthly massages to regular nail appointments, Sharifa shares her non-negotiable self-care routines that keep her grounded and rejuvenated.

🚫 Setting Boundaries and Saying No

Understand Sharifa’s approach to setting boundaries and confidently saying no to non-priority activities, ensuring her focus remains on what truly matters.

🗣️ Transparent Communication in the Workplace

Sharifa highlights the importance of transparency with her team and the support she received during her maternity leave, fostering a positive and understanding work environment.

💖 Empathy as a Superpower

Empathy plays a pivotal role in Sharifa’s professional and personal life. She discusses how this quality helps her connect deeply with colleagues and family members, enriching her interactions.

Sharifa is an inspiring role model for anyone looking to fill their life with passion, purpose, and presence. Tune in to hear her wisdom, tools, and systems for achieving work-life fulfillment.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Sharifa:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Tune in to hear Sam’s take on…

🌟 The Catalyst for Taking a Pause: Sam discusses the personal and professional experiences that led her to take an intentional break from her career, including the impact of the pandemic, family losses, and the need for a reset after years of nonstop work.

🧘‍♀️ Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: She shares how this pause allowed her to focus on her physical health, reconnect with old friends, and explore new interests, highlighting the importance of investing in oneself.

💡 Lessons from Culinary School: Hear about her decision to attend culinary school amidst her marketing career, and how this seemingly unrelated experience enriched her professional life with new perspectives on leadership, organization, and creativity.

🏡 Necessity of Support Systems: Discussion on the necessity of robust support networks, including childcare strategies like the au pair system, and how these support structures are crucial for managing a demanding career and family life.

🤝 Redefining Success and Career Goals: Sam talks about how motherhood has reshaped her career ambitions, shifting her focus from external validation to personal growth, learning, and making meaningful contributions.

🗣️ Effective Communication and Advocacy: Tips on how to communicate career transitions and personal needs confidently, both to oneself and to others, including the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors.

🔄 Navigating Career Transitions: Practical advice on making career pauses and transitions work in your favor, including being realistic about the challenges and trade-offs involved, and planning for a smooth reentry into the workforce.

🏆 The Impermanence of Challenges: A powerful reminder that all challenges are temporary and that time will always bring new perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Whether you're contemplating a career break or looking to realign your priorities, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights from a seasoned executive who has successfully navigated these waters. Tune in for a candid conversation about the realities of balancing a high-powered role with personal fulfillment and family life.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode – it might just be the nudge you need to take that intentional pause and discover a renewed sense of purpose in your career and life.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Sam on LinkedIn here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

In this episode, Rebecca shares the intricacies of navigating raising children in a two-parent executive household. From the challenges of infertility to the importance of a supportive partner, Rebecca opens up about her experiences and the systems she has put in place to manage the chaos of her daily life.

Tune in to hear Rebecca’s lessons on…

👶 The Journey to Motherhood: Rebecca talks about her initial uncertainties around having children, the years of therapy she undertook to prepare for the identity shift, and how she finally decided it was the right time to start a family.

🧬 Navigating Infertility and IVF: Rebecca shares her deeply personal experience with IVF, the emotional and physical challenges it brought, and how she managed her responsibilities at work during this period.

🏡 Building a Support System: With her family located in Europe, Rebecca discusses the importance of creating a "village" around her, including hiring caregivers and even a plant caretaker, to ensure a well-rounded support system for her and her children.

🛠️ Division of Labor at Home: Insights into how Rebecca and her husband, Tom, manage their household tasks. From finances to cooking, they have found a way to leverage their strengths and create a balanced home environment.

🌅 Morning Routines and Family Time: Rebecca emphasizes the importance of family cuddles in the morning and how starting the day with her children helps set a positive tone for everyone.

👩‍👧‍👦 The Concept of the "Good Enough" Mother: Drawing from Donald Winnicott's theory, Rebecca discusses how striving for perfection can lead to burnout and why being "good enough" is beneficial for both parents and children.

💼 Balancing Work and Personal Time: Rebecca explains how she integrates her professional skills into her parenting style and the importance of setting intentions without rigid schedules to prevent burnout.

🧘‍♀️ Taking a Reset Week: The value of taking time off to reset, reflect, and recharge. Rebecca shares her approach to taking a week off just for herself, the benefits it brought, and how it has become a vital part of her self-care routine.

This enlightening conversation not only proves the power of introspection, support, and the courage to prioritize yourself amidst the demands of career and motherhood.

References:

• Playing and Reality by Donald Winnicott

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Tune in to hear Jeanelle’s lessons on…

🌅 Self-Care Mornings: Discover how Jeanelle starts her day at 5 AM, filling her cup with gratitude, reading, and a personalized workout routine before her kids wake up.

📅 Quarterly Planning: Learn how Jeanelle applies business strategies like annual goal setting, quarterly check-ins, and weekly reviews to manage her household and achieve personal and family goals.

🎯 Decision-Making Framework: Jeanelle discusses her approach to prioritizing tasks and making decisions that ensure she remains fully present during family time.

🚀 Efficiency Hacks: From stacking her tasks to including her mom on work trips, Jeanelle shares practical tips for maximizing time with loved ones while managing professional responsibilities.

🧹 Division of Labor: Get an inside look at how Jeanelle and her husband share household duties and the importance of acknowledging each other's strengths to maintain balance.

🤝 Building a Support System: Jeanelle emphasizes the importance of finding your tribe and creating a supportive community of friends who share similar parenting stages and challenges.

🌟 Being Seen as a Leader: Jeanelle offers advice on how to be seen as a thought leader at work by focusing on high-visibility projects that align with the company's strategic priorities.

🗣️ Effective Communication: Jeanelle shares tips on honing your storytelling skills for impactful presentations, emphasizing the importance of clear and confident communication.

🔄 Consistency as a Superpower: Hear how Jeanelle's dedication to small, consistent efforts leads to significant achievements both at work and in her role as a mom.

Jeanelle's journey shows the power of consistency, intentionality, and community can have in achieving fulfillment between work and life. Seriously, get out your pen or your phone, this episode is filled with note-taking moments.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Jeanelle

• On Instagram here
• on LinkedIn here

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Tune in to hear Ashley’s take on…

- Workplace Culture: Ashley gives us the inside scoop on how to foster a supportive work environment for parents. She's a firm believer in transparency and the power of a strong support network.

- "Having It All": Is it a myth? Ashley challenges the notion and shares her secret sauce for managing it all – hint: delegation and automation are your friends.

- Maternity Leave & Taking a Career Pause: Learn how Ashley navigated the complexities of maternity leave, from candid conversations with employers to making bold life choices for her well-being.

- Work Travel Meets Family Travel: Ever thought of mixing business trips with family time? Ashley's shares how she found a role that allows both.

- Embracing Challenges: Get ready to be motivated by Ashley's personal mantra, "you can do hard things," and her infectious belief in overcoming obstacles with grace and grit.

Ashley's story highlights resilience, determination, and the power of believing in your own capabilities to overcome challenges. So, grab your headphones, and let's dive in. Trust me, you'll come away with a fresh perspective and maybe even a new mantra for those tough days.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from our guest, Kim, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Ashley on LinkedIn here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

TLDR

Support Network and Delegating Tasks (00:04:46) Importance of external support network, including a partner, nanny, and friends, and the role of delegating tasks in managing a busy family life.

Automating Household Responsibilities (00:08:30) Discussion on the use of automation and delegation to manage household responsibilities and free up time for work and family.

Challenges as a Working Mother in a Male-Dominated Industry (00:13:50) Experiences and frustrations faced as a woman and mother in a male-dominated industry, including unconscious bias and returning from maternity leave.

Shifting Company Culture (00:17:24) Strategies for creating a supportive workplace culture, including transparency, benefits that support work-life balance, and the importance of documentation culture.

Returning to Work after Maternity Leave (00:20:07) The impact of returning to work after maternity leave, including the importance of feeling welcomed and valued in the workplace.

Creating a Maternity Leave Playbook for Work (00:21:25) Advice for creating a maternity leave playbook, including breaking down job responsibilities and discussing delegation with the team.

Maternity Leave Planning for Home (00:22:12) Strategies for managing maternity leave, including prioritization and creating a wonderful experience.

Leaving Job While Pregnant (00:26:56) The decision to leave a job while pregnant and the challenges associated with it.

Financial Planning for Career Pause (00:29:53) Discussion on financial planning and support from a partner during maternity leave.

Traveling for Work with Family (00:31:41) Strategies for traveling for work with the entire family and overcoming logistical challenges.

Mantra for Hard Days (00:34:39) A mantra for coping with the challenges of balancing work, motherhood, and self-identity.

Key takeaways:

1. **Prioritize and Focus** Kim emphasizes the power of setting priorities both at work and at home. By focusing on a few key activities, you can make a meaningful impact.

2. **Build a Reliable Support Network** Having trustworthy childcare help is crucial for balancing work and motherhood. Kim shares who she has hired to help with childcare throughout the week and to help relieve her mental load.

3. **Don’t Aim for Perfection** Embrace the concept of "polished, not perfect." Pick your battles and focus on what truly matters to avoid unnecessary stress and burnout.

4. **Continuous Evolution in Leadership** Kim stresses the need for continuous change and growth in leadership as a business expands. Adaptability is key to sustained success.

5. **Create Sustainable Systems** Building effective systems and processes is essential for maintaining a work-life balance. Kim discusses the importance of mindset in creating sustainable routines.

6. **Normalize Work Challenges** Kim advocates for normalizing the challenges of motherhood in the workplace, promoting fluidity and transparency for moms.

7. **Take Risks and Follow Your Gut** Kim talks about her career shift to a startup, highlighting the importance of taking risks and trusting your instincts when making career decisions.

8. **Context Switch to Truly Stay Present** Kim shares her experiences of managing the chaos of work and motherhood fluently, emphasizing the value of adapting to different roles seamlessly, with some insight into how she makes the transition between her two worlds when working from home.

Dive into the episode for some real-world strategies and heartfelt conversations that will resonate with working parents everywhere.

For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from our guest, Kim, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribe

Follow Kim on LinkedIn here.

Follow Barbara:

• On Instagram here
• On LinkedIn here

Get the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.com

About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Welcome to the New Modern Mom podcast, a haven for ambitious moms who want to simplify the chaos of career and motherhood. 

In each episode, we'll have candid conversations with women who are powerhouses in their fields; VPs, CEOs and Founders you’ve likely admired on conference stages from afar. But here, they'll share a side of their stories that's rarely seen: the raw truth about what it takes to thrive, not just survive, this season of life.

We’ll be chatting about all the things:

• maternity leave experiences
• productivity tips
• overcoming imposter syndrome
• finding time for yourself
• mom guilt and burnout
• division of labor in the house
• what childcare is setup behind the scenes
• career growth strategies
• and even infertility and pregnancy loss 

There are going to be so many tools and frameworks coming from these conversations, you’ll be taking plenty of notes.

Consider this your inner circle. Together, we’ll explore how these remarkable women are redefining success to find work-life fulfillment. With each episode, we’re building a new playbook for the new modern mom.

Get bonus tools and strategies from each guest by subscribing to New Modern Mom at newmodernmom.com/subscribe. Follow Barbara on Instagram @newmodernmom and LinkedIn /barbaramighdoll