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Empowered Working Mom Revolution
Empowered Working Mom Revolution
Author: Jocelyn Auyeung
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Welcome to the ”Empowered Working Mom Revolution Podcast”! Our mission is to share stories from all working moms, whether you work outside the home or as a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
We believe everyone has a unique story, and we have found that storytelling is an excellent way to connect and learn from one another. By sharing and listening to each other’s stories, we can all feel connected, supported, and inspired. We’re excited to bring you a diverse range of stories from fellow working moms like you.
After tuning in to these stories, you’ll feel acknowledged and encouraged, and most importantly, realize that you’re not alone in your experience as a working mom. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and tune in to feel connected and seen as a working mom.
We believe everyone has a unique story, and we have found that storytelling is an excellent way to connect and learn from one another. By sharing and listening to each other’s stories, we can all feel connected, supported, and inspired. We’re excited to bring you a diverse range of stories from fellow working moms like you.
After tuning in to these stories, you’ll feel acknowledged and encouraged, and most importantly, realize that you’re not alone in your experience as a working mom. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and tune in to feel connected and seen as a working mom.
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Feeling torn between who you were and who you're becoming as a mom? Season 6's most powerful wisdom synthesized into 9 truths that change everything.
Perfect For:
Working moms feeling torn between career and family
Moms struggling with guilt and impossible standards
Anyone questioning if they're "doing motherhood right"
Moms ready to stop performing perfection
Women seeking permission to be fully themselves
BONUS: Download your free phone wallpaper "The Mama Manifesto" with all 9 reminders at empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
Featured Season 6 Guests Referenced:
Amy Vale - Foster mom & founder of For the Cubs
Carissa Kerrissey - Certified career coach helping burned-out teachers
Gwen Siegel - Leadership coach & BIPOC Coach Collective member
Jessica Manca - Executive career coach & author
Jessica Wan - Executive coach & former tech marketing leader
Julia Sewell - Founder of The Self Made Mom movement
Kelsey Cook - Educator turned entrepreneur, founder of Learning with Kelsey
Kim Romain - Life & business alchemist, founder of The Rising Visionaries
Marivic Walch - 25-year veteran educator & mom of two
Sabrena Lopez - Founder of Motherhouse Collective & Mosaic House
Susan Lieu - Author of "The Manicurist's Daughter" & storyteller
Resources Mentioned:
📱 FREE DOWNLOAD: "The Mama Manifesto" Phone Wallpaper
Get all 9 truths as your daily reminder at: empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
📧 Newsletter Sign-Up:
Stay connected between episodes with insights, reflections, and behind-the-scenes content at empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Jocelyn is a Life and Career Transition Coach (ICF PCC) helping people navigate major life and career transitions with courage and clarity. She's also a former educator, mom of two (tween and teen), and the host of the Empowered Working Mom Revolution podcast.
Website: jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach
Podcast Website: empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
How to Support the Podcast:
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey. Here's how you can help:
Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts – helps other moms discover these conversations
Write a review sharing which Season 6 episode impacted you most
Share this episode with a mom friend who needs to hear these truths
Join the newsletter at empoweredworkingmomrevolution.com
When we share diverse stories of motherhood with each other, we all feel less alone in our journeys.
This episode features Carissa Kerrissey, a former educator and certified career coach, who shares how she built the courage to leave a nearly 20-year education career while raising three daughters. If you're a mom feeling stuck between staying safe and following your intuition, Carissa reveals the exact reframe that helped her push through fear: asking "What's the worst thing that could happen?" You'll learn how to build resiliency through rest, why saying no isn't selfish, and how centering your own well-being actually allows you to better serve your family and community.
Key Takeaways
The fear-dissolving question: When facing a scary decision, ask yourself "What's the worst thing that could happen?" to put fear into perspective and realize the outcome is rarely catastrophic
Resiliency is a muscle you can build: Develop your capacity to tolerate discomfort through the seven types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual
Saying no is not selfish: Creating boundaries is how you love yourself and others; it's the foundation for sustaining yourself as both a mother and a professional
Centering yourself centers others: Nothing is well unless you are well—your own well-being is the foundation that allows you to show up for your family and work
The journey is the destination: There is no final arrival point in motherhood or career; embrace the evolution and live in the present moment
About Carissa Kerrissey
Carissa Kerrissey is a certified career coach, consultant, and speaker who helps burned-out teachers break free from exhaustion and rediscover their purpose to create more balanced lives. After nearly two decades in educational leadership, she founded Future Forward Careers and created The Teacher Drop Out Academy, a movement that empowers educators to reclaim their energy, leverage their skills, and build sustainable, fulfilling careers that make an impact without starting over or sacrificing themselves.
Connect with Carissa:
LinkedIn: Carissa Kerrissey
Website: futureforwardcareers.com
Instagram: @teacherdropoutacademy
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Website: www.jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach/
Substack: https://substack.com/@leadfromyourheart
Here are 3 ways you can support the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover these stories—just scroll down on our show page and select your star rating
Write a review to help other moms find this place of connection and belonging
Make a one-time donation for as little as $7—your support helps us keep bringing you these conversations. Click here to donate.
Resources to Make Your MOM Life Easier ✨
Learning with Kelsey
You know that moment when you're looking at your toddler and wondering, "Am I doing enough to prepare them for school?"
Here's what I love about Learning with Kelsey: Kelsey gets it because she's lived it. As a former teacher AND a mom, she understands what kids actually need to thrive in kindergarten AND how overwhelming it feels trying to figure it all out as a parent.
Each month, you get beautifully curated boxes with hands-on activities that make learning genuinely fun (not stressful). The truth is, it's not really about the activities at all - it's about giving us confidence that we're nurturing our children's growth in exactly the right way.
Get curious about what intentional, joyful learning could look like in your home: https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/5062
Plan to Eat
Let's be real - that 4 PM "what's for dinner?" panic is so real. (The one where you're standing in Target trying to remember what's in your fridge while your kids are asking for goldfish for the third time? Yeah, that one. 😅)
Here's what I'm learning about meal planning: it's not really about perfect Pinterest-worthy meals at all. It's about reclaiming your peace of mind and getting back precious time with your family.
Plan to Eat has been a total game-changer for our family - you can organize recipes, automatically generate shopping lists, and plan your week's meals in minutes.
The truth is, when we take care of this one thing, it creates space for what matters most: being present with our families instead of stressed about dinner every single night.
Get 20% off your first year: plantoeat.com/ref/empoweredmom
Feeling like you've lost yourself in motherhood? You're not alone, mama. In this powerful conversation with Julia Sewell, founder of The Self Made Mom movement, we're debunking the myth that mothers must sacrifice themselves to truly serve their families.
Julia shares her transformative journey from depletion and desperation to becoming the "sun" of her family's solar system - and how you can too. This isn't about choosing yourself over your children; it's about remembering that you're also a member of the family you serve.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
🌟 The Self-Made Mom Mindset Shift
Why you need to put yourself back in the picture of your family unit
The difference between healthy sacrifice and self-abandonment
How to embrace your dual identity as both career woman and mother
📋 Practical Tools for Busy Moms
The three daily questions every mother should ask (including yourself!)
Julia's "behavior layering" method for sustainable change in just 15 weeks
How to apply business acumen to your personal life for better results
💪 Building Intrinsic Self-Worth
Why external validation is draining your energy (and what to do instead)
How to identify and celebrate your daily "wins" as a mother
The power of communicating your needs without guilt
👨👩👧👦 Modeling Healthy Boundaries
Teaching your children self-worth by demonstrating it yourself
How to ask for help proactively (not just in crisis mode)
Why letting others serve you is actually an act of love
About Our Guest: Julia Sewell
Julia Sewell is the founder of The Self Made Mom movement and author of the upcoming book by the same name. As a performance coach with decades of experience, she's impacted thousands of working mothers, helping them rediscover their power, intention, and joy without getting lost in service to their families and careers.
Julia deeply believes that working mothers need to be prioritized too, and her clients appreciate her vulnerable and direct approach to creating a life that is sustainable, joyful, and high-performing.
Connect with Julia:
Website: theselfmademom.com
Instagram: @theselfmademom
Book: "The Self Made Mom" (releasing January 2024)
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Website: www.jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach/
Substack: https://substack.com/@leadfromyourheart
Love this episode? Please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other moms discover these important conversations!
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Resources to Make Your MOM Life Easier ✨
Learning with Kelsey
You know that moment when you're looking at your toddler and wondering, "Am I doing enough to prepare them for school?"
Here's what I love about Learning with Kelsey: Kelsey gets it because she's lived it. As a former teacher AND a mom, she understands what kids actually need to thrive in kindergarten AND how overwhelming it feels trying to figure it all out as a parent.
Each month, you get beautifully curated boxes with hands-on activities that make learning genuinely fun (not stressful). The truth is, it's not really about the activities at all - it's about giving us confidence that we're nurturing our children's growth in exactly the right way.
Get curious about what intentional, joyful learning could look like in your home: https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/5062
Plan to Eat
Let's be real - that 4 PM "what's for dinner?" panic is so real. (The one where you're standing in Target trying to remember what's in your fridge while your kids are asking for goldfish for the third time? Yeah, that one. 😅)
Here's what I'm learning about meal planning: it's not really about perfect Pinterest-worthy meals at all. It's about reclaiming your peace of mind and getting back precious time with your family.
Plan to Eat has been a total game-changer for our family - you can organize recipes, automatically generate shopping lists, and plan your week's meals in minutes.
The truth is, when we take care of this one thing, it creates space for what matters most: being present with our families instead of stressed about dinner every single night.
Get 20% off your first year: plantoeat.com/ref/empoweredmom
Feeling trapped between who you think you should be and who you really are? This episode is for every working mom who's ever wondered if there's more to life than checking boxes and climbing ladders that lead nowhere meaningful.
Jessica Manca, Executive Career Coach and former Deloitte consultant, shares her raw journey from 80-hour work weeks and crushing burnout to building a thriving coaching business that aligns with her values. As a mom of two (ages 16 and 9), Jessica knows firsthand the impossible juggle of high-achieving careers and motherhood.
What You'll Learn:
How to recognize when you're experiencing "internal imposter syndrome" (betraying your authentic self)
Simple awareness techniques to catch perfectionist self-talk before it spirals
The exact questions Jessica asked herself that made her "risky" career change feel natural
Why your discomfort spending time alone is valuable feedback about your inner world
How to plan a career exit without burning bridges (even with a baby and cross-country move)
Perfect for moms who:
Feel successful on paper but empty inside
Struggle with perfectionism and overthinking
Are considering a major career change but fear the financial risk
Want to stop compartmentalizing different parts of themselves
Need permission to trust their gut when everyone else thinks they're crazy
Guest Bio:
Jessica Manca is an Executive Career and Personal Development Coach, Speaker, and author with over 25 years of experience at global organizations like Deloitte and Amazon. As founder of Mindspaces Coaching, she specializes in helping overthinkers, introverts, and perfectionists shift from feeling like imposters to feeling empowered. Her clients have unlocked the keys to successful career change, unshakeable self-trust, and lasting confidence.
Resources Mentioned:
Jessica's book: "Finding Passion"
FREE DOWNLOAD: 21 Essential Questions When You're at Career Crossroads
Get it at: jessicamanca.com/empoweredmom
Connect with Jessica: jessicamanca.com
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Website: www.jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach/
Substack: https://substack.com/@leadfromyourheart
Love this episode? Please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other moms discover these important conversations!
----more----
Resources to Make Your MOM Life Easier ✨
Learning with Kelsey
You know that moment when you're looking at your toddler and wondering, "Am I doing enough to prepare them for school?"
Here's what I love about Learning with Kelsey: Kelsey gets it because she's lived it. As a former teacher AND a mom, she understands what kids actually need to thrive in kindergarten AND how overwhelming it feels trying to figure it all out as a parent.
Each month, you get beautifully curated boxes with hands-on activities that make learning genuinely fun (not stressful). The truth is, it's not really about the activities at all - it's about giving us confidence that we're nurturing our children's growth in exactly the right way.
Get curious about what intentional, joyful learning could look like in your home: https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/5062
Plan to Eat
Let's be real - that 4 PM "what's for dinner?" panic is so real. (The one where you're standing in Target trying to remember what's in your fridge while your kids are asking for goldfish for the third time? Yeah, that one. 😅)
Here's what I'm learning about meal planning: it's not really about perfect Pinterest-worthy meals at all. It's about reclaiming your peace of mind and getting back precious time with your family.
Plan to Eat has been a total game-changer for our family - you can organize recipes, automatically generate shopping lists, and plan your week's meals in minutes.
The truth is, when we take care of this one thing, it creates space for what matters most: being present with our families instead of stressed about dinner every single night.
Get 20% off your first year: plantoeat.com/ref/empoweredmom
Feeling lost in motherhood after waiting so long to become a mom? Struggling with people pleasing and wondering if you're "too emotional"? In this raw, honest conversation, coach and mom Gwendolyn "Grandma Gwen" Siegel shares her journey from postpartum depression and losing herself in motherhood to discovering that her sensitivity is actually her superpower.
What You'll Learn:
How to navigate feeling lost in motherhood even when you've wanted it for so long
Why being "too emotional" is actually a leadership strength, not a weakness
Practical ways to advocate for yourself with doctors, family, and in relationships
How to stop people pleasing and start making choices that honor who you are
The power of setting boundaries during major life transitions
Why you don't need to be "fixed" - you're already whole
Perfect for Moms Who:
Feel guilty for not being grateful enough after struggling with fertility
Wonder if they're too sensitive or emotional
Struggle with people pleasing and setting boundaries
Feel alone in their motherhood journey
Need permission to advocate for themselves
Are dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety
Want to find their identity beyond being "mom"
About Our Guest:
Gwendolyn Rodriguez Siegel, ACC, CPCC, BSPC is a seasoned leadership and relationship coach with over 15 years of experience in public service and community advocacy. As an ICF Associate Credentialed Coach, she specializes in helping leaders and entrepreneurs uncover their behavioral superpowers. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Gwen is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Co-Active Training Institute, and DNA Behavior. She's also a board member of the BIPOC Coach Collective.
Connect with Gwendolyn:
Email: gwen@grscreates.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwensiegel/
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Empowered Working Mom Revolution Podcast helps moms feel seen, heard, and supported through authentic storytelling and practical wisdom.
Website: www.jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach/
Love this episode? Please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other moms discover these important conversations!
----more----
Resources to Make Your MOM Life Easier ✨
Learning with Kelsey
You know that moment when you're looking at your toddler and wondering, "Am I doing enough to prepare them for school?"
Here's what I love about Learning with Kelsey: Kelsey gets it because she's lived it. As a former teacher AND a mom, she understands what kids actually need to thrive in kindergarten AND how overwhelming it feels trying to figure it all out as a parent.
Each month, you get beautifully curated boxes with hands-on activities that make learning genuinely fun (not stressful). The truth is, it's not really about the activities at all - it's about giving us confidence that we're nurturing our children's growth in exactly the right way.
Get curious about what intentional, joyful learning could look like in your home: https://rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/5062
Plan to Eat
Let's be real - that 4 PM "what's for dinner?" panic is so real. (The one where you're standing in Target trying to remember what's in your fridge while your kids are asking for goldfish for the third time? Yeah, that one. 😅)
Here's what I'm learning about meal planning: it's not really about perfect Pinterest-worthy meals at all. It's about reclaiming your peace of mind and getting back precious time with your family.
Plan to Eat has been a total game-changer for our family - you can organize recipes, automatically generate shopping lists, and plan your week's meals in minutes.
The truth is, when we take care of this one thing, it creates space for what matters most: being present with our families instead of stressed about dinner every single night.
Get 20% off your first year: plantoeat.com/ref/empoweredmom
Are you a teacher mom wondering what else you could do with your skills? Or maybe you're any working mom with a business idea you can't stop thinking about?
This episode is for you! Join host Jocelyn Auyeung as she interviews Kelsey Cook, a former teacher turned successful entrepreneur who transformed her teaching background into a thriving educational subscription box business serving all 50 states.
In this inspiring conversation, you'll discover:
How to overcome the "I'm just a teacher" limiting belief that holds so many educator moms back
Why motherhood can actually boost your entrepreneurial confidence (surprising but true!)
The exact moment Kelsey knew her side hustle could become a real business
How to delegate and build a team without micromanaging everything
Strategies for handling online criticism when your business feels personal
Why starting without pressure can be your secret entrepreneurial advantage
Perfect for: Teacher moms, working moms with business ideas, parents feeling stuck in their careers, anyone needing inspiration to trust their instincts and take action.
Key Takeaways for Moms:
✅ Teachers have incredible business skills - you're managers, communicators, creatives, and problem-solvers
✅ Motherhood builds confidence - advocating for your children translates to business boundaries
✅ Start before you're ready - overthinking will talk you out of great opportunities
✅ Follow your passion - it's easier to build something you genuinely love
✅ Build your support village - both in motherhood and business, you can't do it all alone
✅ Trust your instincts - you know more than you think you do
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🎁 SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS:
Get $10 off your first Learning with Kelsey subscription box! As featured in this episode, Learning with Kelsey offers age-appropriate educational activities designed by a former teacher and mom who understands both child development and parent overwhelm.
Use this exclusive link: rstr.co/learning-with-kelsey/5062
Choose from:
Toddler Box
Preschool Box
Kinder Prep Box
Sensory Box
Trusted by over 35,000 moms nationwide!
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Guest Bio:
Kelsey Cook is a certified teacher, entrepreneur, mom of four, and advocate for early childhood learning. With a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, she spent six years teaching before launching Learning with Kelsey, a subscription box company designed to help parents engage their young children in meaningful, hands-on learning. What started as COVID learning packets on her front porch has grown into a nationwide resource helping families in all 50 states prepare their children for lifelong learning, shipping over 14,000 boxes monthly with a team of 20 women.
Connect with Kelsey:
Learning with Kelsey Website: learningwithkelsey.com
Follow Kelsey on Instagram: @learningwithkelsey
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Connect with Host Jocelyn Auyeung:
Empowered Working Mom Revolution Podcast helps moms feel seen, heard, and supported through authentic storytelling and practical wisdom.
Website: www.jocelynauyeung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynauyeungcoach/
Love this episode? Please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other moms discover these important conversations!
Are you tired of feeling like every tantrum, meltdown, or challenging behavior from your child is a reflection of your parenting? Today's conversation with life and business alchemist Kim Romain will completely shift how you think about motherhood, boundaries, and personal growth.
In this transformative episode, discover the revolutionary concept of "conscious separation" – the game-changing realization that your child is their own separate being having their own experience. This powerful shift not only eliminates mom guilt but brings profound ease into your daily motherhood experience while strengthening your bond with your children.
Perfect for moms who:
Feel overwhelmed by their children's emotions or behaviors
Struggle with mom guilt and taking everything personally
Want to create healthy boundaries without losing connection
Crave more ease and flow in their daily motherhood experience
Are considering major life changes but feel scared to take the leap
Desire deeper, more authentic relationships with their family
What You'll Learn:
✅ The Motherhood Revelation: How becoming a mom can catalyze profound personal transformation
✅ Conscious Separation Explained: Why "cutting energetic cords with love" strengthens relationships and creates ease
✅ The Alchemy of Ease: How internal awareness transforms overwhelming moments into manageable experiences
✅ Mom Guilt Solution: How to stop making your child's experience about you
✅ Reframe Leaps of Faith: Transform scary decisions into confident "next right steps"
✅ Revolutionary Communication: How to name your emotions to create space for others
✅ Identity Freedom: Why your worth isn't tied to your children's successes or failures
Key Takeaways:
🎯 Your child's meltdown isn't about you – it's about their own internal experience
🎯 Conscious separation creates ease – when you stop taking on others' emotions, motherhood flows more naturally
🎯 Internal work serves everyone – when you know yourself deeply, you create space for others to be themselves
🎯 Separation enhances connection – honoring individual identity strengthens family bonds
🎯 Big changes don't have to feel scary – proper internal work makes "leaps" feel like natural next steps
About Our Guest:
Kim Romain thrives at the intersection of the magical and the practical, guiding individuals and organizations toward ease, equity, and purpose. With 20+ years as an attorney, artist, and nonprofit executive, Kim blends actionable strategies with intuitive wisdom to transform complexity into clarity. Founder of The Rising Visionaries and co-host of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim holds space for conscious and awakened leaders to align, heal, and create meaningful impact.
Connect with Kim:
Website: kimromain.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekimromain/
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kimromain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimrromain
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empoweredandembodiedshow
Reflection Question for You: Think about a recent moment when you felt overwhelmed by your child's emotions or behavior. Now imagine approaching that same situation knowing that their experience isn't about you – it's about their own internal world. How might this shift in perspective change how you respond? What would it feel like to hold space for their experience while also honoring your own separate emotional journey?
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message with your reflections – because when we explore these deeper questions together, we all grow.
Love this episode? Please leave a review and share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Kim’s words of wisdom – because when we share diverse stories of motherhood with each other, we all feel less alone in our journeys.
With gratitude,
Jocelyn
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts if this episode resonated with you - it helps other moms find exactly what they need to hear.
What does it look like to choose your own path to motherhood? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Amy Vale – foster mom and founder of For the Cubs – to explore how motherhood comes in all different forms, and how you can deeply care about multiple things at the same time.
Amy's journey from marketing executive at Spotify and charity:water to creating Percy the weighted plush bear (named after her grandfather) will challenge everything you think you know about balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. Her story of running out of product while prioritizing a foster baby's legal case stood out to me because it's a reminder that sometimes life demands that we choose one thing over the other – and that's okay.
Here's what I took away from Amy's story: there's no single "right" way to become a mom, be a mom, build a business, or create a meaningful life. And honestly? That's exactly the permission we all need to hear.
This episode is perfect for:
Working moms juggling multiple priorities
Anyone considering foster care or alternative family paths
Entrepreneurs building mission-driven businesses
Parents seeking permission to challenge societal expectations
Moms needing encouragement about taking leaps of faith
Anyone feeling guilty about prioritizing one important thing over another
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
🏠 The Reality of Foster Parenting:
Why foster care isn't about "foster to adopt" – it's about supporting family reunification
How Amy navigates being called "mommy" while respecting biological families
The truth about caring for children from trauma (spoiler: time and grace are everything)
What Amy learned from fostering 10 children over 2 years
💼 Entrepreneurship While Mothering:
The story behind Percy the weighted bear and the science of needing 8-12 hugs daily
How Amy's grandfather inspired both the name and design of her hero product
What happened when she ran out of inventory while solo parenting an infant
Why she chose self-funding over VC money to protect her mission
💪 Challenging Societal Expectations:
Amy's empowering approach to choosing foster care over biological children
How she handles inappropriate questions about fertility and family planning (this part gave me chills)
Her brilliant responses that protect other women struggling with infertility
Why betting on yourself is the ultimate leap of faith
🎯 Permission-Giving Wisdom:
"You can deeply care about multiple things at the same time"
"I wouldn't have done anything differently" – releasing mom guilt
"Anything truly worth having takes time"
The gym metaphor for building life skills (this resonated so much with me)
About Amy Vale:
Amy Vale is the founder of For the Cubs, a company providing quality essentials for young children while supporting kids in foster care through their nonprofit partner, One Simple Wish. After a decade in marketing with brands like Spotify and charity:water, Amy transitioned to entrepreneurship driven by her experience as a foster parent.
Her hero product, Percy – a weighted plush bear designed to mimic a hug – was named after her late grandfather and created after learning that humans need 8-12 hugs daily for emotional wellbeing. Amy continues fostering children while building her business, currently caring for her 10th foster child.
Connect with Amy:
Website: forthecubs.com
Instagram: @forthecubs
Get curious about:
What's one area of your life where you've been afraid to "bet on yourself"? How might Amy's story give you permission to trust your own path?
Love this episode? Please leave a review and share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Amy's story. Because here's what I know for sure: when we share diverse stories of motherhood, we all feel less alone in our journeys.
With gratitude,
Jocelyn
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts if this episode resonated with you - it helps other moms find exactly what they need to hear.
Hey mama friends! 💕
Ever feel torn between being the perfect employee and the perfect mom? You're not alone, and this episode is exactly what you need to hear.
Join host Jocelyn Auyeung as she sits down with her dear friend Marivic Walch, a 25-year veteran third-grade teacher and mother of two college-aged daughters. This raw, honest conversation tackles the reality every working mom faces: you can't give 100% to everything, and that's actually okay.
What really resonated with me during our conversation because I’ve experienced myself, was Marivic's journey from trying to be "super teacher" to embracing authentic motherhood - and how that shift transformed her relationships with both her students and her daughters.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
🎯 The Working Mom Mindset Shifts That Change Everything:
Why the "100% to everything" mentality is setting you up for failure
How to find peace with being "good enough" in both roles
The power of intentional boundary setting (and why Marivic stopped bringing work home)
💕 Revolutionary Parenting Strategies for Deeper Connection:
The phrase that transforms parent-child relationships: "I've never parented you at this age before"
How radical honesty with your kids builds unbreakable trust
Why telling your child "I don't like you right now, but I'll always love you" is actually healthy
🏠 Creating Family Culture on Any Budget:
Simple activities that build lifelong memories (hint: it's not about expensive experiences)
The "window shopping" tradition that costs nothing but builds everything
How to turn everyday errands into quality time
✨ Overcoming Working Mom Guilt and Inadequacy:
Practical strategies for managing the "I'm failing at everything" feelings
How to communicate your struggles without overwhelming your children
The importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up
About Marivic Walch:
Marivic Walch is a dedicated educator and proud mother of two remarkable young women who represent her greatest achievements in life. As a third-grade teacher entering her 25th year in the classroom, she brings decades of experience nurturing young minds while balancing the demands of motherhood. Marivic is committed to living authentically while continuously evolving into her best self—celebrating both her progress and her ongoing journey of personal development.
Key Takeaways for Working Moms:
For New Working Moms:
Permission to release perfectionist expectations in both career and parenting
Practical boundary-setting strategies that actually work
Hope that the overwhelming early years do get easier
For Experienced Working Moms:
Validation that feeling inadequate is normal (and how to work through it)
New perspectives on honest communication with children at every age
Encouragement to prioritize self-care without guilt
For All Moms:
Inspiration for building authentic relationships with your children
Real examples of creating meaningful family traditions on any budget
Tools for managing mom guilt and unrealistic expectations
Question for reflection:
💭 Where in your life are you still chasing that impossible 200% standard? What would it feel like to give yourself permission to be "good enough"?
Thank you for listening, mama friends. Please know that you are doing the best that you can and that's enough. You've got this!
With love and care for you,
Jocelyn 💕
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts if this episode resonated with you - it helps other moms find exactly what they need to hear.
Hey mama friends! 💕
This conversation with Susan Lieu absolutely hit me right in the gut - and I know it's going to resonate deeply with so many of you who are navigating the beautiful, complex work of breaking generational cycles while raising our own little humans.
Susan is a Vietnamese American storyteller, activist, and author whose memoir The Manicurist's Daughter (an Apple Book Pick!) explores her journey of healing after losing her mother to a botched cosmetic surgery when she was just 11 years old. For three decades, her family never spoke about her mother or what happened - and that silence shaped everything about how Susan learned to move through the world.
What really stood out to me about our conversation:
The courage it takes to parent differently • Her honesty about the messy journey of learning to trust yourself • The power of giving yourself permission
Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
🌟 How to break cycles of emotional suppression - practical ways to validate your children's feelings instead of shutting them down
🌟 Why trusting your intuition as a mother matters - and how to rebuild that muscle if it feels rusty
🌟 The connection between self-care and showing up fully - Susan's wisdom about hitting pause so you can serve from a full cup
🌟 How to "fan the embers" of your calling - even when you're deep in the thick of motherhood
🌟 Permission to live like you're mortal - Susan's powerful reminder that we don't know our timeline, so what are we waiting for?
My biggest takeaway:
Susan said something that's been sitting with me: "No one's watching. No one cares. And so, if it's going to serve you, if it's on your heart and mind, why not give it to yourself?"
Mama, if you've been turning down the volume on something that's calling to you - whether it's a creative project, a career pivot, or simply the courage to parent differently than how you were raised - this episode is for you.
About Susan Lieu:
Susan is a multi-hyphenate storyteller, activist, and author. She's the creator of the critically acclaimed solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother," and her debut memoir The Manicurist's Daughter has received praise from The New York Times, NPR Books, Elle Magazine, and The Washington Post. She's also a mother to 4-year-old Art and recently became one of Seattle's Most Influential People for 2024.
Buy her AMAZING book:
THE MANICURIST’S DAUGHTER
An emotionally raw memoir about the crumbling of the American Dream and a daughter of refugees who searches for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery.
https://www.susanlieu.me/the-manicurists-daughter
Connect with Susan:
Instagram: @SusanLieu, @celadonbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial
TikTok: @susanlieuofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/
Website: susanlieu.me
Watch her solo show "140 LBS"
Questions for reflection:
💭 What's one "ember" in your life that's been calling for more oxygen?
💭 How are you teaching your children that their feelings and bodies matter?
💭 What would it look like to give yourself permission to explore something that makes you feel alive?
Thank you for listening, mama friends. Please know that you can do hard things, you deserve to trust your inner knowing, and it's never too late to create the life and family culture you actually want.
Sending you love, light, and joy.
With gratitude,
Jocelyn
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If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or send me a LinkedIn message. Your openness to share is what creates connection and belonging amongst us moms.
Feeling like you're not doing enough as a mom, no matter what path you choose? You're not alone. In this vulnerable conversation, first-generation college graduate and nonprofit leader Sabrena Lopez shares her raw journey through motherhood identity crisis and how she transformed her struggles into Motherhouse Collective and Mosaic House- a revolutionary community space for mothers.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to navigate the "not enough" narrative that haunts many mothers
Why trying different motherhood scenarios (stay-at-home, working mom, hybrid) can still leave you feeling lost
The difference between glass and rubber balls - and how to prioritize what truly matters
How to build judgment-free community in a world of mom shaming
Strategies for redefining success and values in motherhood
Why vulnerability and authenticity are essential for maternal mental health
About Our Guest: Sabrena Lopez
Sabrena Lopez founded Spectrum Administrative Services in 2022 to streamline operations for nonprofits and startups. With expertise in nonprofit management and business operations, she optimizes workflows for sustainable growth.
As the visionary behind Motherhouse Collective and Mosaic House, Sabrena supports mothers with professional development and wellness programming. Passionate about empowering women and fostering inclusive spaces, she's dedicated to creating collaborative and innovative opportunities in the Chicago community and beyond.
Connect with Sabrena:
Websites: motherhousecollective.org, mosaichousecommunity.com
LinkedIn: Sabrena Lopez
---
Love this episode? Share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Sabrena's story! Subscribe to Empowered Working Mom Revolution for more inspiring conversations with moms who are redefining what it means to balance career, creativity, and family.
Leave a review and let us know which part of Sabrena's story resonated most with you. Your reviews help other moms find our community!
---
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this link to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, PCC (she/her/hers)
NurturED Solutions | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Discover Jessica Wan's powerful story of unexpected motherhood, career transformation, and navigating life's biggest challenges. In this heartfelt conversation, Jessica shares her journey from not wanting children to becoming a mom at 35, all while grieving the loss of her mother and transforming her career from marketing executive to executive coach.
What You'll Learn:
How to navigate motherhood without your own mother's guidance
Why it's never too late to change careers and follow your passion
The reality of being pregnant in male-dominated workplaces
How coaching skills can transform your parenting approach
Why your creative spark never truly dies, even in motherhood
Practical wisdom for working moms feeling overwhelmed
Guest Bio
Jessica Wan is an ICF-Certified Executive Coach who spent 20 years connecting people with products they love at companies like Apple, San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. After discovering her passion for developing people while managing teams, she transitioned to executive coaching, partnering with leaders in work and whole-life leadership. Jessica double-majored in Music and Product Design at Stanford, earned an MBA from Berkeley-Haas, and is also a mom, opera singer, and host of The Ampersand Manifesto podcast.
Connect with Jessica
Podcast: The Ampersand Manifesto
LinkedIn: Jessica Wan
Website:http://www.jessicawan.com
---
Love this episode? Share it with a mom friend who needs to hear Jessica's story! Subscribe to Empowered Working Mom Revolution for more inspiring conversations with moms who are redefining what it means to balance career, creativity, and family.
Leave a review and let us know which part of Jessica's story resonated most with you. Your reviews help other moms find our community!
---
---
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this link to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, PCC (she/her/hers)
NurturED Solutions | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
In this powerful episode, Judy Tsuei shares her raw, inspiring journey of rebuilding her life after divorce with just $200 to her name while co-parenting her young daughter. From surviving an emotionally challenging marriage to creating a thriving business and finding healthy love within just five years, Judy's story is a testament to the resilience within all of us. Her vulnerable reflections on belonging, authenticity, and healing offer a roadmap for any mom navigating difficult transitions while trying to show up authentically for herself and her children.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of belonging to yourself first before seeking belonging with others
How finding advocates and supporters is crucial during major life transitions
Reframing what "success" means in relationships and understanding that ending a relationship can sometimes be the healthiest choice
Learning to trust your internal signals when something doesn't feel right
The value of having honest, age-appropriate conversations with children during difficult times
How personal healing directly impacts your ability to parent effectively
The possibility of significant positive transformation in a relatively short time
Finding the courage to use your voice and speak your truth, especially when you've been conditioned to stay quiet
About Judy Tsuei
Judy is a Master Practitioner Coach of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Mental Emotional Release (MER) specializing in helping high-achieving women leaders and visionary entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to their authentic selves.
Connect with Judy
Website: http://nicetiger.co
Check out her resource: https://judy-tsuei.kit.com/imposter
Instagram: @judytsuei
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66 DAYS OF MOVEMENT MAGIC✨!
We start building our movement magic on March 31st and I seriously cannot WAIT to see what we create together.
Ready for 66 days of tiny wins that add up to massive change? Let's do this thing! 💪✨
Learn more at www.jocelynauyeung.com/events
----------
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Vanity Jenkins, a single mom, PhD student, and DEI consultant who's redefining what it means to parent from a place of deep self-trust and authenticity. In this heartfelt episode, Vanity shares her journey of choosing entrepreneurship, prioritizing mental health, and creating space for her daughter to thrive as her true self. Through laughter, real talk, and powerful insights, we explore how letting go of prescribed parenting rules and trusting our maternal instincts can transform our motherhood experience.
Key Takeaways:
Why trusting your maternal instincts matters more than following parenting books
How to create space for your children to develop their authentic interests and identity
The importance of prioritizing mental health and healing in your parenting journey
Practical ways to curate the parenting advice you let into your life
Breaking free from traditional single motherhood narratives
Reconnecting with your body's wisdom as a parent and leader
Finding balance between structure and flexibility in parenting
The power of modeling emotional awareness for our children
About Vanity Jenkins
Vanity Jenkins is the founder and principal consultant of ShiftED Consulting. She created the organization with the vision of abolishing racism and anti-blackness from organizations across America. ShiftED’s mission is to provide communities the knowledge and skills to eradicate anti-blackness and white supremacy culture individually, interpersonally, and systemically so that individuals and organizations can build inclusive, productive, and thriving environments. An inclusive, goal-oriented leader, Vanity’s teams consistently scored in the top 10% on the national Great Places to Work Survey. Vanity holds Women’s Leadership, Restorative Justice, Executive Coaching, and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy certifications. She is a current Ph.D. student at Penn State University.
Connect with Vanity on:
http://www.shiftedconsulting.com
Check out her services: Executive Coaching for women of color! https://www.shiftedconsulting.com/executive-coaching
Instagram
LinkedIn
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66 DAYS OF MOVEMENT MAGIC✨!
We start building our movement magic on March 31st and I seriously cannot WAIT to see what we create together.
Ready for 66 days of tiny wins that add up to massive change? Let's do this thing! 💪✨
Learn more at www.jocelynauyeung.com/events
----------
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Are you looking to create success that honors both your career ambitions AND your desire to be present with your kids?
Then this soulful conversation is for you. Justine Wentzell-Chang, a brilliant copywriter and messaging strategist shares her beautiful journey of building a business while honoring motherhood. From navigating life with a pandemic baby to embracing neurodivergence as a superpower, Justine offers an honest perspective on creating success that aligns with our deepest motherly instincts.
Whether you're feeling stretched between career ambitions and family life or seeking permission to parent differently than previous generations, this heartfelt conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to trust your path.
Key Takeaways:
Why understanding your unique wiring (through human design and embracing neurodivergence) can transform both your motherhood and business journey
How to honor your mama intuition while navigating family traditions and expectations
The life-changing power of finding your "people"- connecting with other moms who share your values
Practical wisdom for making decisions that honor both your career dreams and desire for present parenting
Gentle approaches to breaking generational cycles while maintaining loving family bonds
How reframing challenges like ADHD into superpowers can revolutionize your approach to work and parenting
Creating a business that works in harmony with motherhood, not against it
About Justine Wentzell-Chang
Justine Wentzell-Chang is an Eldest Daughter of Immigrants, Mother, Activist, and Copywriter/Messaging Strategist for phenomenal BIPOC + woman-owned businesses on a mission to change the status quo and create positive culture change.
Connect with Justine on:
Instagram @redballoonstation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-wentzell-chang/
Website: https://www.redballoonstation.com/
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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gissel Tapper, a mom of two daughters ages 24 and 13, who shares her journey of taking bold leaps of faith while keeping her children's wellbeing at heart. From moving across continents to navigating different stages of motherhood, Gissel opens up about how intentionality and faith have guided her parenting decisions. Her story reminds us that we don't need to have everything figured out to make brave choices, and that sometimes our children are more resilient than we imagine.
Key Takeaways:
The power of intentional parenting - in our words, actions, and the examples we set
Understanding and responding to each child's unique love language and needs
Building a strong parenting partnership through consistent communication
Finding strength in faith and trusting your journey, even when you can't see the whole path
The importance of modeling confidence and stability during major life transitions
Creating meaningful connections with our children across different ages and stages
Balancing work and motherhood with grace and purpose
About Gissel
She's a mom of two daughters, ages 24 and 13 who's ready to take risks and enthusiastic about new challenges, as well as learning and sharing knowledge. Gissel is resilient and always seeks opportunities for growth. Her approach is to always follow through on her commitments.
Connect with Gissel on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gissel-tapper
----more----
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
🎧 Ever feel like you're just surviving this whole mom thing? (Um, who doesn't?! 🙋♀️)
In this heart-to-heart episode, mental health coach and mom of four Ella Wong shares how she transformed her perspective from "I have to" to "I get to" - and omg, it changes EVERYTHING! From navigating the chaos of raising four kids (including twins!) to breaking free from the immigrant parent survival mentality, Ella opens up about finding purpose in motherhood while letting go of those heavy expectations we put on ourselves (and our kiddos!). Trust me, you'll want to grab your coffee for this one - it's like therapy, but with more laughs and fewer tissues! ☕️
About Ella Ella Wong is a Chinese-American mom to two high school boys and twin middle school daughters. After studying business in college, she shifted careers to become a mental health coach specializing in parenting. Ella is passionate about helping other parents face the challenges of raising kids with confidence and compassion, drawing from her own experiences as a mom and her professional training. When she's not juggling sports schedules or having deep conversations with her teens, you can find her taking rejuvenating hikes in nature! 🌲
Key Takeaways:
The game-changing shift from "I have to" to "I get to" mindset (even with those dreaded dishes! 🍽️)
Why hope feels lighter than expectations (and how to tell the difference!)
Breaking free from the survival mode mentality (it's possible, I promise! 🦋)
Accepting what we can't control (like those impossible sports schedules!)
How motherhood evolves as our kids grow (and spoiler alert: so do we! 🌱)
Finding your purpose beyond being "just mom" (while still rocking the mom thing! 👑)
Connect with Ella:
Instagram: @dowhatyoulovetoday
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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this link to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
🎙️ What happens when someone at work finally asks you why you keep apologizing for being a mom?
For Grace Brelje, that single question sparked a powerful transformation in how she showed up both as a leader and a mother. After years of compartmentalizing these parts of herself, Grace embarked on an unexpected journey that included a bold career pivot, a pandemic-induced move back home with her parents (and kids!), and ultimately, discovering how to authentically integrate her whole self at work. Now leading Global Leadership Coaching & Mentoring at Salesforce, Grace shares how embracing her identity as a working mom has actually strengthened her leadership and created deeper connections with her teams.
Key Takeaways:
Transform your relationship with work by bringing your whole self including your mom status - to leadership
Release the pressure of 140% perfectionism and discover how operating at a healthy 80% can actually make you a more effective leader
Navigate major life transitions (like moving back in with parents during a pandemic!) with grace and find unexpected gifts along the way
Create boundaries that honor both your career ambitions and family priorities without apology
Build authentic connections at work by openly owning your working parent journey
About Grace:
Grace Brelje leads the Global Leadership Coaching & Mentoring centers at Salesforce, focusing on enhancing organizational capabilities, empathetic leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. With experience in Sales, Service, Recruiting, and HR across various industries, her background as a coach, facilitator, manager, yoga teacher, and parent shapes her approach. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), certified Action Learning Coach, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), and member of the Asian Women Coaching Collective (AWCC).
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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Hey there, amazing mamas! 💝 Welcome back to another episode of the Empowered Working Mom Revolution, where we dive deep into real stories that resonate with your motherhood journey.
In this powerful episode, I take a moment to acknowledge the collective heaviness many of us are feeling right now - in our communities, our nation, and across the world. Whatever emotions you're experiencing, they're valid and welcomed here.
I share a simple yet powerful framework that's been my anchor during challenging times - the CARE approach:
Compassionate curiosity
Acceptance of emotions
Responding to one's needs
Extending grace to yourself and others
About Maribeth:
Our featured guest is the incredible Maribeth Thomas, a life coach, podcast host of The Experiment, and high school basketball coach who's found her rhythm in the peaceful simplicity of rural Montana life. As she navigates the empty nest phase of motherhood now, she takes us back to a pivotal chapter in her story - when an unexpected health crisis in her family led to a complete transformation in how they approached life, wellness, and family bonds.
Key Takeaways:
It's totally okay to resist change at first (seriously, who doesn't?!) - what matters is taking those baby steps forward when you're ready 👣
Finding your support squad is non-negotiable (shoutout to all the mom friends who become family! 🤗)
The whole "putting your oxygen mask on first" thing? Yeah, it's legit - taking care of YOU helps you take care of everyone else 🎭
Sometimes you gotta sit in the mucky feelings before you can find the silver lining (and that's 100% okay!) 💕
Big life challenges might just become your biggest opportunities for growth (even when they feel impossible in the moment!) ✨
The power of reframing situations isn't about being annoyingly positive - it's about finding hope when you're ready for it 🌈
Whether you're in the thick of a challenging season or simply need a reminder that you're not alone in this beautiful mess of working motherhood, this conversation will fill your cup. So grab your favorite beverage, carve out a quiet moment (or listen while folding that mountain of laundry - we get it!), and let Maribeth's story remind you that even in our toughest moments, love wins. 💗
Connect with Maribeth:
Instagram: @sincerelymaribeth
Website: https://www.sincerelymaribeth.com/
Remember, mama: Your journey matters, your feelings are valid, and you're doing an amazing job. See you next week!✨
#workingmom #motherhood #momlife #empoweredmom #wellness #familyhealth #transformation #podcastforwomen #momssupportingmoms
———-
We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this link to donate. Thank you!
----
Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching
Ever feel like you're doing this whole working mom thing "wrong"? 🤔
In this soulful episode, former Silicon Valley Tech VP Divya Ramachandran opens up about that time she felt totally broken because she wasn't prioritizing her kids over her thriving career (spoiler alert: she wasn't broken at all!). She shares her beautiful journey of letting go of "shoulds," redefining success on her own terms, and making a bold career pivot that aligned with her heart. Through tears, laughter, and SO many aha moments, Divya and I dive deep into what it really means to honor your truth as a working mom (even when it goes against everything society tells you to do! 😅).
Key Takeaways:
Your priorities as a working mom aren't meant to be set in stone - they can (and probably will!) shift over time, and that's perfectly okay! 🌊
Being excited about your career doesn't make you a bad mom, and wanting to prioritize your kids doesn't make you less ambitious. Drop that mom guilt like it's hot! 💃
Cultivating curiosity (instead of judgment) about your feelings and choices opens up amazing possibilities for growth and change. 🦋
Instead of chasing that mythical "perfect balance," focus on feeling integrated and authentic across all areas of your life. 💫
Regular check-ins with yourself aren't just nice-to-have - they're your secret weapon for staying true to what matters most to YOU. ✨
You get to define your own identity as a working mom - not your culture, not your family, not society's expectations. (Mind. Blown. Right? 🤯)
About Divya Ramachandran:
Divya Ramachandran is a seasoned leadership coach, helping startup leaders find clarity to do hard things. Her career has been a journey from products to people, starting from an engineering background, to passionately designing technology for human needs, to eventually product leadership and now leadership coaching and development. Leveraging her Silicon Valley tech background and expertise in emotional intelligence and cognitive behavioral coaching, Divya empowers leaders to navigate challenges, improve communication, and drive team success.
Grabe her Free "Hot to Make Hard Conversation Easy" here: https://content.divyalalitha.com/sayhardthings
Connect with Divya:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diramachandran/
http://www.divyalalitha.com
coach@divyalalitha.com
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We'd love your support!
Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.
We would appreciate your support because your support matters!
Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:
Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!
You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.
Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!
Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."
Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you. You can click this linke to make a donation. Thank you!
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Connect with Jocelyn, MA, ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders
NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn





