Leadership & Motherhood

Three High Achieving Women on Choosing Themselves in Motherhood and Leadership - with Annemieke Rice and Andrea Palmer

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This episode is a candid, thought-provoking conversation with three executive mom friends: Leanna Laskey McGrath, Annemieke Rice, and Andrea Palmer, on what happens when high-achieving women can no longer rely on the same habits, identities, and definitions of success that once drove them.

Together, they explore the shift from effort-based value to experience-based leadership, and why motherhood doesn’t diminish ambition, but transforms it.

This conversation challenges the idea that success comes from pushing harder, and instead invites a more nuanced question: What actually matters in this season of your life?

They discuss:

Why “doing what’s right for you right now” is more powerful than planning for forever
How motherhood expands your capacity and your leadership
The redefinition of value beyond hard work and long hours
Choosing presence over urgency (and why you’ll “lose the time” either way)
The role of aligned environments in making success sustainable
Turning up joy instead of trying to eliminate difficulty
The idea that there isn’t one path to fulfillment, leadership, or contribution

At its core, this episode is about self-trust, seasons, agency, and the courage to choose a version of success that reflects who you are now, not who you used to be.

Connect with Annemieke here.

Connect with Andrea here.

Last call for April "Defining Enough” Mini-Sessions! If you are constantly feeling like you’re not giving enough at work and/or at home, join me for a free 45 minute mini session. You’ll walk away feeling a little lighter and a lot more empowered. Register now!

Designing a Life You Actually Enjoy While Pursuing Big Goals: How High Achieving Mothers Can Work Hard and Still Love Their Lives - with Camille Jaramis

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

What if enjoying your life wasn’t about changing your circumstances, but changing how you think about them?

In this episode, Executive Coach Leanna Laskey McGrath sits down with Camille Jaramis, an Australian entrepreneur, full-time professional, and mom, who is intentionally building a life that reflects what matters most to her.

She works very hard. She’s building a platform to support parents. She’s building her family and raising her kids. She’s living her life.

But what stands out most isn’t everything she’s doing; rather, it’s how she’s thinking and approaching it all.

Camille brings a grounded, intentional approach to life, work, and motherhood. She doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions to feel fulfilled. She takes ownership of how she spends her time, how she prioritizes, and how she experiences her life. She’s done the work to understand herself, and she uses that clarity to deliberately design a life she actually enjoys.

This conversation explores the mindset behind that way of living. The belief that her life is hers to shape, that she can add real value to the world, and that hard work and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive.

If you’re a high-achieving woman who wants to pursue meaningful goals and feel present and fulfilled in your life, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what’s possible.

Check out what Camille is building to support parents and listen to her podcast here.

Leanna is offering a free coaching mini session in the month of April. Book now!

The Missing Piece in Women’s Health: Why Information Alone Doesn’t Drive Change - with MD + Life Coach Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

We’ve all heard plenty of advice when it comes to our health: what to eat, how to move, how to take care of ourselves. And for many high-achieving women, the challenge isn’t a lack of information… it’s actually following through.

In this episode, Leanna is joined by Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb, a triple board-certified physician and certified life coach, to explore the missing piece in women’s health. We talk about the gap between knowing and doing, why traditional approaches often fall short, and what actually drives sustainable behavior change.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and into the mindset, patterns, and internal barriers that can keep even the most driven women feeling stuck. Dr. Garcia-Webb shares a more compassionate and realistic approach to health, one that supports long-term change without relying on willpower alone.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your ability to stay consistent or wondered why “knowing better” hasn’t translated into doing better, this episode will give you a new perspective.

Visit Dr. Meghan’s website and follow her YouTube channel for more information.

Leanna is offering a free coaching mini session in the month of April. Book now!

Why High Achieving Women Never Feel Like They’re Doing Enough (And How to Change It)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

If you’ve ever ended a full, productive day and still thought “it’s not enough” or “I should’ve done more,” this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Executive Coach Leanna Laskey McGrath unpacks one of the most common (and invisible) patterns she sees in high-achieving women: the constant feeling of falling short, even when you’re doing everything right.

The root issue? Most high achievers have never actually defined what “enough” means, so their brain keeps moving the goalposts to keep them focused.

Through a powerful client story and practical coaching tools, Leanna explores:

Why your default will always be “never enough” (and why that’s not your fault)
How the “inner critic” or “drill sergeant” keeps you stuck in overdrive
The difference between your absolute best and your relative best
A simple daily practice to define success on your terms

This episode will challenge how you think about productivity, performance, and self-worth, and help you start closing the gap between what you’ve done and what you believe you should have done.

If you’re ready to feel more grounded, more intentional, and finally enough, this is your starting point.

🎯 Leanna is offering a limited number of free April mini sessions to get personalized support on defining enough. Sign up at coachleanna.com!

Endometriosis Awareness Month: My Journey to Answers – and the Doctor Who Changed Everything – with Dr. Nicole Donnellan

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

So many women live with debilitating pain that no test can explain. This is Leanna’s story and her journey to finding answers and solutions.

Despite multiple ER visits, specialist referrals, scans, and procedures, everything continued to come back “normal.” With no clear answers, she began to question her own experience—and eventually, like so many women, started to accept the pain as something she might have to live with.

In this deeply personal episode, Leanna shares her six-year journey to a diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the moment everything changed when she was finally referred to a doctor who listened differently and was able to determine the underlying issue and provided a solution.

She is joined by that doctor: Dr. Nicole Donnellan, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and Director of the UPMC Magee Women’s Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Center. Dr. Donnellan specializes in the treatment of complex pelvic pain conditions and is a leading advocate for advancing research and care in women’s health.

Together, they explore the challenges of diagnosing endometriosis, why so many women go years—sometimes decades—without answers, and the limitations of current diagnostic tools. They also discuss the wide range of symptoms associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis, the role of pelvic floor physical therapy, and the importance of patient advocacy.

This episode sheds light on a condition that affects millions of women, yet remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.

For anyone navigating unexplained pain, questioning “normal” test results, or seeking answers, this conversation offers both validation and hope.

Connect with Dr. Donnellan.

Connect with Leanna

To learn more about Leadership & Motherhood and join the initiative, visit leadershipandmotherhood.info and sign up to receive updates.

Choosing Alignment Over External Expectations: The Health Crisis & Quiet Whisper That Changed Everything – with Nemisha Patel Owen

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, executive coach Leanna Laskey McGrath sits down with mindset and meditation coach Nemisha Patel Owen to explore what it really means to live an aligned life.

After 18 years climbing the corporate ladder in a highly male-dominated engineering environment at NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, Nemisha appeared successful by every traditional measure: an MBA, promotions, and leadership roles in a prestigious field. But internally, something felt off.

When a major health crisis forced her to slow down, Nemisha began questioning the path she had worked so hard to build. That moment of disruption became the catalyst for redefining success, ambition, and what it means to truly live in alignment for her.

In this conversation, we discuss cultural expectations, identity, motherhood as a catalyst for change, and the quiet inner voice many high-achieving women experience when their external success no longer matches their internal truth.

If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but unsettled inside, this episode offers a powerful reminder that alignment—not approval—is the foundation of a fulfilling life and career.

Connect with Nemisha on Instagram and other socials as nemisha.patelowen, practice YogaLife with Nemisha on YouTube, listen to her podcast, Live Your True Self, and join her free Introduction to Meditation: 6-week Course to Inner Calm.

Connect with Leanna

To learn more about Leadership & Motherhood and join the initiative, visit leadershipandmotherhood.info and sign up to receive updates.

Redefining Ambition & Success Across Generations - with Loretta Stagnitto and Annie Ricci

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this special episode of Leadership and Motherhood honoring Women’s History Month, Leanna sits down with executive leadership coach Loretta Stagnitto and her daughter, fractional marketing executive Annie Ricci, for a powerful cross-generational conversation about ambition, identity, and defining success on your own terms.

Loretta shares her journey from corporate VP in Silicon Valley to building her own executive coaching business after burnout and motherhood reshaped her priorities. Annie reflects on growing up watching her mother lead, and how that example shaped her own path from corporate marketing to launching a fractional consulting business.

Together, they explore:

How our identities get wrapped up in corporate titles
What happens when our ambition doesn’t align with the corporate ladder
The grief and growth that come with career transitions
The subtle expectations firstborn daughters carry
How the example we set quietly shapes our children’s beliefs about work and possibility

This is a conversation about generational evolution, how each woman learns from the one before her, keeps what resonates, and consciously chooses her own version of success.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re setting the “right” example for your children, this episode will remind you: they are always watching and they are learning from the example we set.

Connect with Loretta

Connect with Annie

Connect with Leanna

To learn more about Leadership & Motherhood and join the initiative, visit leadershipandmotherhood.info and sign up to receive updates.

Motherhood as a Catalyst for Career and Leadership Growth - with Rebecca Blacker

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this first interview on Leadership and Motherhood, executive coach Leanna Laskey McGrath sits down with top-performing NYC real estate leader Rebecca Blacker to explore the real challenges high-achieving executive women and mothers face.

From people pleasing and mom guilt to delegation struggles and confidence at work, this conversation dives deep into the tension between building a successful career and being the present, engaged mom you want to be. Rebecca shares how becoming a mother became the catalyst for a major career transition when she chose not to step back, but instead, to lean into more aligned, fulfilling leadership and work.

If you’re an executive woman navigating work-life balance, managing a team, building confidence, and raising a family, this episode offers honest insight, practical reflection, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

Connect with Rebecca

Connect with Leanna

Let us know what you think about the new show! Click the microphone on the bottom right to record a voice message. We want to hear from you!

Introducing Leadership and Motherhood!

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:05:00 -0000

Welcome to the very first episode of Leadership and Motherhood!

After 2.5 years and 153 episodes, The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast has evolved into something bigger.

In this episode, Leanna Laskey McGrath, Executive Coach for Moms, shares why she made the intentional decision to end her previous show. It was not because she stopped loving podcasting, but because she felt called to create something more aligned, more expansive, and more impactful.

Leadership and Motherhood is not just a podcast. It’s a movement.

Launched intentionally on March 1st to kick off Women’s History Month, this new initiative exists to:

Elevate women’s voices
Redefine motherhood as a leadership advantage
Inspire women to create lives and careers they truly desire

If you’ve ever felt disoriented after becoming a mom…If you’ve questioned your value at work…If you’ve wondered whether it’s possible to feel fulfilled in both career and motherhood…

You are in the right place.

This podcast will bring you real conversations, mindset shifts, leadership tools, and inspiring stories from women who are navigating both worlds… not perfectly, but intentionally.

Because you have one precious life.

And you deserve to build it on purpose. You deserve to love it.

Subscribe, connect with Leanna on LinkedIn , and join the Leadership and Motherhood movement.

Let’s change the conversation. Together.

Leadership & Motherhood Trailer

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

The Final Episode of The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

You are listening to the final episode of The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast as we know it. It’s the end of an era! A huge thank you to everyone who has made this podcast such a huge success and this journey so much fun.

Listen to hear a little bit about what’s next, and in the meantime, here are three things you can do right now:

Follow the show to receive future updates.
Rate and review the show on Apple and Spotify, or wherever you get your Podcasts, to help others gain access.
Go back and listen to some old episodes, either to revisit or to hear what you’ve missed.

Rather than an ending, this episode marks an evolution, an acknowledgment of growth, change, and the need to create something even more aligned with the work ahead. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Decide Who You Want to Be Amidst the Chaos: A Mindset Tool for Ambitious Women to Stay Focused on Your Goals

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

This episode is a grounding conversation for high-achieving women who want to stay ambitious without becoming emotionally hijacked by everything happening in the world. Leanna explores how to remain informed without burning out your nervous system, why timing and intentionality matter when consuming news, and how external chaos can quietly pull you off track from goals that deeply matter to you. She introduces the mindset shift of who before how, inviting you to stop asking how to reach your goals and instead focus on who you need to become to create them in order to create clarity, momentum, and resilience, even in imperfect circumstances. This episode encourages you to start embodying your next evolution today; imperfectly, intentionally, and in the midst of real life challenges, so you can continue building momentum toward the life and leadership you truly want.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Join Leanna for the third annual January Reset for high achieving women, where you’ll learn new strategies and be supported in achieving your 2026 goals, no matter the circumstances of the world and our lives this year.

Why Ambitious Working Moms Struggle to Stick With Their Goals When Life Gets Busy — and What Actually Helps

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

When life gets busy, even the most successful executive moms can find themselves quietly drifting away from their goals, not because they don’t care, but because the strategies they’ve been taught are missing some important mindset components.

In this episode, executive coach Leanna breaks down why motivation fades when life gets full, what’s actually happening beneath the surface, and what truly helps you stay connected to your goals without relying on perfection or burnout. If you want sustainable progress that works with your life rather than not against it, this episode is for you.

Join Leanna for the January Reset, where you’ll learn new strategies and be supported in achieving your 2026 goals.

The New Year Goal Setting Process That's Changed Everything for Me

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this behind-the-scenes New Year episode, executive coach Leanna McGrath shares the goal setting process she uses every year—and how it’s helped her build a life and career in alignment with her values and vision. Designed for executive moms, working mothers, and high-achieving women, this episode explores why reflection matters, how consistency beats intensity, and what actually keeps ambitious women following through on their goals. If you’re ready for a more sustainable approach to the New Year—without burnout—this episode will help you approach 2026 differently.

Ready to make 2026 the year you achieve your goals? Join the 2026 January Reset for High Achieving Women!

When Rest Chooses You: A Holiday Reminder for High Achievers

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Merry Christmas! In this heartfelt episode, Leanna opens up about a deeply personal season of rest, recovery, and reflection. She talks candidly about undergoing surgery after six years of unanswered pain and what it taught her about advocating for herself in a healthcare system that often minimizes women’s pain. Beyond the medical journey, this episode explores something many high-achieving women will recognize: the realization that she felt she needed a “valid” reason to stop producing and let others take care of her. From unexpected lessons in rest and leadership to an opportunity to reconsider how and when we allow ourselves to be cared for, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a crisis to deserve rest, and that listening to your body and your needs is a powerful act of leadership.

Full transcript available here.

Check out Leanna’s Holiday Tips Series by connecting with her on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn.

Sign up for Leanna’s email list at coachleanna.com/connect for the latest information on her third annual January Reset for High Achieving Women!

Holiday Tip #12: Enjoy the Moments You've Created

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

I created the Holiday Tips series for ambitious high achieving women trying to juggle everything this holiday season -- closing out the fiscal year at work, coordinating holiday events, hosting, cooking, cleaning, communicating, shopping, wrapping. The mental load is extra heavy this time of year, and I'm hopeful these holiday tips will help make things a little lighter for you.

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

Holiday Tip #11: Choose Energy Giving Thoughts

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

Holiday Tip #10: Schedule Something to Look Forward To

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

That Escalated Quickly: How to Stop Negative Thought Spirals When You're Overwhelmed

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

As the holiday season ramps up and time and energy feel especially scarce, this episode dives into one of the biggest hidden drains for high-achieving moms: negative thought spirals. Building on last week’s conversation about mom guilt, Leanna breaks down how these spirals form, why executive brains are particularly prone to them, and how quickly a single moment of disappointment, overwhelm, or uncertainty can turn into shame, self-doubt, and paralysis. She shares practical, compassionate tools to help you interrupt spirals, regain a sense of control, and redirect your thinking without forcing toxic positivity. This episode is a reminder that your thoughts are optional, progress matters more than perfection, and with a little practice, you can reclaim precious time and energy during the holidays and beyond.

Full transcript available here.

Re-visit last week’s episode, Holiday Mom Guilt for High Achievers.

Check out Leanna’s Holiday Tips Series by connecting with her on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn.

Sign up for Leanna’s email list at coachleanna.com/connect for the latest information on her third annual January Reset for High Achieving Women!

Holiday Tip #9: Remember Your Why

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

Holiday Tip #8: Expectations of Self

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

Holiday Tip #7: It's Okay to Ask for Help

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Holiday Mom Guilt for High Achievers

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna dives into one of the most persistent and painful emotions ambitious moms face this time of year: holiday mom guilt. Whether you’re listening while wrapping gifts or squeezing this in between meetings, you’ll learn why guilt tends to spike during the holidays and the three core places it comes from: unrealistic expectations, comparison overload, and the pressure to show up “perfectly” in both quantity and quality with your kids. Leanna offers practical tools to bring you back to presence when your mind is trying to distract you. If you’ve ever felt torn between being the leader your team needs and the mom you want to be, this episode will remind you that what you’re doing is not just enough but also deeply impactful.

Join Leanna’s free Seasonal Support Session this Friday, December 12, at 2 PM ET to recharge, connect with other high-achieving moms, and enter the holidays feeling supported instead of stretched thin. REGISTER NOW!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Sign up for Leanna’s email list at coachleanna.com/connect for the latest information on her third annual January Reset for High Achieving Women!

Holiday Tip #6: Traditions

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Holiday Tip #5: I Have To VS. I Want To

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Holiday Tip #4: Decide How You'll Show Up

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Holiday Tip #3: Boundaries

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Metabolic Healing, Weight Loss, and Sustainable Wellness for High Achieving Women Who Don't Have Time to Burn Out - with Kathryn Becker

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna talks with functional wellness practitioner Kathryn Becker, whose story will feel familiar to high-achieving women who keep pushing through exhaustion, stress, and mystery symptoms because life simply doesn’t slow down. Kathryn shares how she spent years performing at a high level while quietly battling insomnia, gut issues, hormonal chaos, and the pressure to “just keep going.” Her turning point came when she realized that willpower wasn’t the problem; her body was asking for a different kind of leadership. Her journey from burnout and frustration to clarity, strength, metabolic healing, and weight loss offers a powerful reframe for executive women who are craving change but don’t know where to start. This conversation is an invitation to rethink what wellbeing looks like for driven women and a reminder that transformation is possible without stepping away from your ambition.

Full transcript available here

Get lots of tips and tricks from Kathryn by following @beckerhealth on Instagram, and sign up for Kathryn’s Lean Energy program now! Enrollment opened December 3, 2025 and closes January 5, 2026.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Holiday Tip #2: Make a Plan

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:46:30 -0000

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

3 Helpful Tips for High Achieving Perfectionist Moms on Thanksgiving

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this concise and heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Leanna invites you to pause amid the cooking, coordinating, and family dynamics to check in with yourself and honor what you need today. She shares three grounding reminders to help you stay regulated during a high-pressure holiday: giving yourself permission to take a breather, releasing the expectation of perfection, and remembering that you’re fully capable of handling whatever comes your way. Tune in for a few minutes of encouragement and perspective as you head into a beautifully imperfect Thanksgiving.

You’re Invited! Leanna is offering Seasonal Support Sessions for moms balancing leadership and family during the holidays, who may be craving connection, support, and a moment to breathe. Sign up for one or both sessions today at www.coachleanna.com!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Introducing the Holiday Tips Series for Executive Moms!

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 03:33:00 -0000

I'm sharing a special episode to introduce my new holiday tips series and to share tip #1. I created this series for ambitious high achieving women trying to juggle everything this holiday season -- closing out the fiscal year at work, coordinating holiday events, hosting, cooking, cleaning, communicating, shopping, wrapping. The mental load is extra heavy this time of year, and I'm hopeful these holiday tips will help make things a little lighter for you.

Connect with me on Instagram @execcoachleanna or LinkedIn to tune into the full series.

The Courage to Pivot: Building a Life That Reflects Your Values - with Klara Ganter

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:33:29 -0000

In this episode, Leanna sits down with career strategist and mother of three, Klara Ganter, for a deeply honest conversation about redefining ambition, navigating nonlinear career paths, and choosing a life aligned with your values, not everyone else’s expectations. Klara shares her remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, what it really took to close the doors on her long-held dream, and why clarity, courage, and strategy matter more than perfection when you’re juggling motherhood and a demanding career. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are, what you want, and what the world expects of you, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to create your next chapter with intention.

Full transcript available here

Check out Klara’s platform Mompire, listen to her podcast The Working Mom Show, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Connect with Leanna here.

Stop Second Guessing Yourself: Mindset Tools to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna dives deep into one of her favorite guiding principles, “Don’t believe everything you think.” If you find yourself overthinking or talking yourself out of opportunities, this episode is for you. Leanna shares practical mindset tools to help you stop second-guessing yourself and challenge the limiting beliefs that hold you back. Learn how to recognize when your “survival brain” is keeping you stuck, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and build confidence through intentional thought work. Tune in to discover how to break free from self-doubt and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Balancing Leadership and Motherhood: Choosing What Belongs (and What Doesn't) in This Season of Life

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna explores the powerful mindset shift of embracing life’s various seasons and giving yourself permission to let go of unrealistic expectations. She invites listeners to examine what belongs in their current season and what can be temporarily or permanently set down. Leanna explores how redefining success, relinquishing old expectations, and aligning your energy with your current values can actually make you more effective and fulfilled as a leader and as a mother. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to “do it all,” this episode is a refreshing reminder that you *can* have it all, just not all at once.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

What Does it Mean to be Strong? Navigating Grief & Redefining Strength After Loss - with Kami Wernimont

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

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

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

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

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

Connect with Leanna here.

The 5 Journaling Prompts Every Executive Woman Needs to Live and Lead with Purpose

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

How to Overcome Resistance to Change and Finally Start Putting Yourself First (Taking Care of Yourself #6)

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Catch up on the Taking Care of Yourself series:

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

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

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

#4 Advocating for Your Needs at Work and at Home

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Reclaiming Your Energy and Connection Through Science-Based Nervous System Healing - with Melissa Romano (Taking Care of Yourself #5)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Find her Vagus Nerve Deck on Amazon.

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Advocating for Your Needs at Work and at Home (Taking Care of Yourself #4)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Catch up on the Taking Care of Yourself series:

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Burnout as Betrayal: Breaking Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism to Reclaim Your Energy - with Lora Cheadle (Taking Care of Yourself #3)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Start at the beginning of the journey.

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Empowering Executive Moms to Recognize Your Own Needs Without Guilt (Taking Care of Yourself #2)

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being (Taking Care of Yourself #1)

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Leadership, Motherhood, Resilience & Redefining Success: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Summer Series

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

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

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

Dr. Lesley Robinson

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

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

Dina Silver Pokedoff

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

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

Sarah Brelowski

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

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

Erica Willie

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

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

Ashley Chang

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

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

Kiran Reddy

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

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

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

Grounded in Resilience: Growing Through Adversity and Change in Relationships, Career, and Motherhood - with Kiran Reddy (part 2)

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Connect with Kiran here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Navigating the Transition to Preschool - Back to School BONUS

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Grounded in Purpose: Aligning Career, Service, and Becoming a Mother - with Kiran Reddy (part 1)

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 19:44:16 -0000

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

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

Connect with Kiran here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

You Don't Have to Do It All: Delegation Strategies and Support Systems for Working Moms - with Ashley Chang (part 2)

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

From Doing It All to Doing What Matters: Redefining Work-Life Balance in Working Motherhood - with Ashley Chang (part 1)

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Embracing Motherhood as a Superpower and Building a Values Aligned Legacy - with Erica Willie (part 2)

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

The High Achiever's First Superpower: Outwork Everyone and Succeed Through Work Ethic - with Erica Willie (part 1)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Sustaining Strong: How Strength Training Empowers Women with Self Confidence, Resilience, and Mental Wellbeing - with Sarah Brelowski (part 2)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Becoming Strong: From Career Burnout to Alignment, Fulfillment, and Self-Defined Success - with Sarah Brelowski (part 1)

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Letting Go of Summer Mom Guilt and Finding Joy in the Present Moment

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

You’ll hear about:

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

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

Navigating Working Motherhood: Leadership, Self-Care, and Sustainable Ambition - with Dina Silver Pokedoff (part 2)

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:45:42 -0000

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

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Navigating the Unexpected: Career Pivoting, Fertility Journeys, and Redefining Success - with Dina Silver Pokedoff (part 1)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

We explore:

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Leading with Impact: Values Based Leadership and Growth Mindset for Working Mothers - Dr. Lesley Robinson (part 2)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Leading with Purpose: Charting Your Own Course as a High-Achieving Woman - with Dr. Lesley Robinson (part 1)

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

How to Have a Meaningful Summer with Your Kids: An Intentional Summer Planning Framework for Working Moms

Thu, 29 May 2025 11:06:06 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Pursuing Your Dreams and Building the Life You Want (100th Episode!!)

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

How Executive Coaching Helped Me Rebuild Confidence and Redefine Success After Motherhood: Angela's Story

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Confidence & Authenticity: Who Are You When You're Not Being Who Everyone Else Needs You to Be?

Thu, 08 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Key Topics:

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

How High-Achieving Women Can Avoid Burnout While Confidently Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Thu, 01 May 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

This episode invites you to reflect:

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Growth Mindset: The Key to Ditching Self-Doubt and Leading with Confidence

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

How to Speak Like a Leader: Communication Strategies for Executive Women - with Dr. Laura Sicola

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

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

Connect with Leanna here.

The Restorative Power of Female Friendships

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

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

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

Connect with Leanna here.

How to Shift from Feeling Exhausted + Drained to Energized + Empowered

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Slow Down to Speed Up: The Secret to Sustainable Success

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Topics covered include:

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Overcoming Perfectionism

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Communication Strategies for Women Leaders to Find Your Voice in the Boardroom - with Elizabeth Bachman

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

Feeling Stuck? 4 Steps to Getting Unstuck and Taking Action

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Navigating Uncertain Times While Avoiding Burnout - with Laura Nguyen

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

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

Connect with Laura here or on LinkedIn.

Connect with Leanna here.

Reclaim Your Power: The Game Changing Mindset Shift to Handle a Difficult Boss

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

How to Create More Love, Intimacy, Desire, & Connection with the Mental Load of Motherhood + Leadership - with Eleni Economides (Valentine's Day Special)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

The Data-Proven Value of Working Mothers: How Hiring Moms Gives Companies a Competitive Advantage - with Maria Sweeney of The Mom Project

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

Connect with Maria here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Fractional Employment: A Creative Career Direction for Successful Leaders to Create Work Life Balance

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Achieving Your Travel Bucket List with Your Family: Strategies for Busy Working Moms

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones on the Path to Achieving Your Goals

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

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

January Reset Day 5: Commit and Connect

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:18:17 -0000

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

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

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

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

January Reset Day 4: Plan Your Steps

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:56:31 -0000

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

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

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

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

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

January Reset Day 3: Overcome Barriers

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:31:01 -0000

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

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

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

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

January Reset Day 2: Create Your Vision

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:30:32 -0000

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

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

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

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

January Reset Day 1: Take Stock

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:47:47 -0000

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

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

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

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

Schedule your FREE 2025 Vision Call HERE!

Creating Your 2025 Vision: Intentional Goal Setting for Sustainable Change

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

Permission to Pause: Why Rest is Essential for High Achievers

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

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

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

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

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

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

BONUS: Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Presence

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0000

In this special bonus episode which is a replay of her recent webinar, Leanna shares actionable strategies to help you stay present during the holidays. She offers tips to reduce overwhelm, manage holiday stress, and truly enjoy the moments that matter most.

Learn how to:

Set intentions for who you want to be during holiday celebrations.
Stay focused and avoid the pitfalls of multitasking.
Use simple tools to manage distractions and align your actions with your values.

This episode is your guide to savoring meaningful connections and creating joyful memories with your loved ones.

Visit coachleanna.com to learn more about upcoming coaching opportunities.

How to Juggle Everything This Holiday Season Without Getting Knocked Out

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna shares powerful strategies for working moms to manage holiday stress and overwhelm. Through the replay of her webinar, "How to Juggle Everything This Holiday Season Without Getting Knocked Out," Leanna emphasizes the importance of clarifying personal values and aligning them with seasonal priorities. She offers practical tools like conscious breathing, journaling to process emotions, and simple grounding exercises to ease anxiety.

Leanna also offers these additional resources:

Explore The Executive Mom Reset, her 6-month coaching program that includes weekly coaching sessions and ongoing support to help executive moms improve work life balance, confidence, and fulfillment. Book a free consult now!

Vacuums Can't Toast Bread: Embracing Your Unique Talents & Authentic Purpose - with Katie Farinas

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:35:18 -0000

In this inspiring episode, Leanna Laskey McGrath sits down with Katie Farinas, a soulful guide and creator of Mom on the Verge, to explore the transformative power of authenticity and embracing your unique perspective. Together, they discuss the challenges of silencing self-doubt, the importance of valuing diverse viewpoints, and how small, intentional steps can lead to a more fulfilling, authentic life. Katie offers wisdom on breaking free from societal expectations and learning to trust the intuitive callings of your heart. Whether you're feeling stuck in the daily grind or longing to bring more of your true self into your personal and professional life, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Katie on Instagram, check out Katie's free journal prompts on discovering your dharma at momontheverge.org, and join her podcast for even more inspiration.

Connect with Leanna here.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety for a More Joyful Holiday Season - with Lindsey Carnick

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Leanna is joined by licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Lindsey Carnick to explore practical strategies for managing stress, navigating change, and embracing presence during the holiday season. In this dynamic conversation, they discuss reducing burnout, prioritizing self-care, and challenging the internal stories that shape our lives. The conversation delves into the cultural pressure to remain "always on," the importance of small, consistent efforts for well-being, and aligning responsibilities with personal values. With relatable insights and actionable advice, this episode offers a roadmap for finding balance and joy during one of the busiest times of the year for executive moms.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Lindsey here and check out her practical tactical coping skills every Wednesday on Instagram.

Connect with Leanna here.

Struggling to juggle it all this holiday season? Join Leanna’s free webinars on December 10 and 19 at 2:30 PM EST for practical tips on managing holiday stress, unplugging from work, and staying present with your loved ones—register now at CoachLeanna.com!

Dec 10, 2:30 PM EST: Practical strategies for managing holiday tasks and stress.

Dec 19, 2:30 PM EST: Tips for unplugging from work and staying present with family.

The Magic of Love and Gratitude: Showing Up Intentionally This Thanksgiving

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Leanna invites listeners to embrace gratitude and intentionality amidst the holiday hustle. She shares powerful strategies for managing stress, reframing expectations, and focusing on the moments that truly matter. Drawing on the metaphor of "choosing your lenses," Leanna encourages moms to step back, zoom out, and view their families and the day through love and gratitude. Whether you're hosting, visiting, or navigating holiday chaos, this episode offers practical tips to help you stay grounded and present so you can truly enjoy the day. Happy Thanksgiving!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Resilience in Action: Raising Awareness to Save Lives After Surviving the Unthinkable

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

*CONTENT WARNING: Domestic Violence*

Leanna is joined by Caitlin Roberts, a higher education professional and a survivor of domestic violence, who has made it her mission to raise awareness to hopefully prevent others from enduring similar trauma. Caitlin shares her harrowing experience of being attacked by her partner, which left her with 19 stab wounds and led to seven surgeries. She recounts the emotional and psychological abuse she endured in the years before the attack, as well as the challenges of her recovery. She also discusses the legal aftermath, including the plea deal and the ongoing post-conviction relief process. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of abuse, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking help, and advocates for self-care and supporting friends who might be in abusive relationships.

Full transcript available here.

Caitlin suggests the following domestic violence resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

One Love Foundation

Connect with Caitlin for speaking engagements at ForCollegeForLife

Connect with Leanna here.

Setting Moms Up for Success: Maternity Leave Insights for Leaders & Teams - with Jennifer Atzenhoffer

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna speaks with Jennifer Atzenhoffer about her experiences navigating three very different maternity leaves. Jen reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned with each leave, from postpartum depression during her first, a career promotion to a management position during her second, and increased intentionality and family focus during her third. She shares the importance of creating transition plans at work, prioritizing mental and physical health, and simplifying life. Jen and Leanna discuss how leaders can support their managers and teams, including the importance of clear communication, consistent processes & re-onboarding support, and encouraging leaders to model taking the full leave available to them so their employees feel permission to do the same.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Navigating Election Week Anxiety & Team Morale: 7 Strategies for Leaders

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, Leanna addresses the heightened stress and anxiety following the U.S. election. She shares seven practical strategies for supporting ourselves, our families, and our teams, while navigating political differences. By focusing on self-care, open dialogue, curiosity, and a unified team vision, Leanna empowers leaders to create a supportive and productive environment, leading with confidence, compassion, and clarity in times of uncertainty and division.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Gen Z in the Workplace: Who They Are, How to Lead Them, and What They Can Teach Us - with Meghan Grace

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna sits down with Gen Z expert, podcaster, and author, Meghan Grace, to explore the mindset, values, and expectations Gen Z brings to today’s workplace. They delve into why Gen Z’s approach can sometimes be mistaken for entitlement, how their focus on work-life balance and well-being sets them apart from previous generations, and how their openness to side hustles and career flexibility redefines traditional job loyalty. Meghan provides insights into how managers can engage, mentor, and authentically connect with Gen Z team members who value transparency, personal growth, and a supportive workplace environment. Learn how organizations can adapt to attract and retain this dynamic generation while benefiting from their fresh perspectives.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Meghan here.

Connect with Leanna here.

The Real Secret to Feeling in Control of Your Life

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:10:45 -0000

Leanna explores the common misperception that changing external circumstances alone creates lasting happiness and fulfillment. She emphasizes the necessity of addressing internal thoughts to create lasting change. Many people feel dissatisfied despite making major life changes, and this discussion highlights why that happens and how repetitive, often negative, thoughts shape our reality. Leanna offers practical tools to help identify and reframe these thoughts, providing guidance on how to intentionally create a more fulfilling career & life.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Deprogramming Diet Culture & Reclaiming Our Intuition - with Dr. Supatra Tovar

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this enlightening episode, Leanna is joined by Dr. Supatra Tovar, a practicing psychologist and registered dietitian dedicated to dismantling diet culture and fostering healthier relationships with food and body image. Dr. Tovar's journey from performing arts to health sciences has uniquely equipped her to merge psychology and nutrition, paving the way for her innovative approach to healing disordered eating and eating disorders. She emphasizes the importance of deprogramming from the harmful elements of diet culture, and offers actionable strategies for reclaiming autonomy over food and body. By fostering mindfulness and an abundance mindset, she shows how we can take a sustainable path to wellness, cultivating joy and replacing restrictive habits with nourishing practices to reconnect with and heal our bodies.

Dr. Tovar is offering free resources at ANEW-insight.com, including the Mindfulness Cookbook for Busy People and a 30-day mindful eating journal, to help get you started on your journey toward mindfulness. You can also learn more about her course, Deprogram Diet Culture here.

Connect with Dr. Tovar here.

You can also purchase her book, Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink Your Relationship With Food, Heal Your Mind, and Live a Diet-Free Life, on Amazon!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Leanna is offering Coaching for Charity sessions, which are an effort to support the communities that were devastated by Hurricane Helene. You choose the amount to donate to the Red Cross or a local organization providing aid, provide proof of payment, and she’ll provide the coaching! Let's help support these folks who need our help right now. Schedule now!

Difficult Conversations

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:17:28 -0000

Leanna dives into a topic many leaders face: having difficult conversations. Leanna shares insights on preparing for challenging discussions at work and at home, drawing from coaching experiences and the book Crucial Conversations. She offers practical tools like defining clear goals, approaching with curiosity, focusing on what could go right, and breaking conversations into manageable parts. Whether you’re addressing issues with employees, peers, or family members, this episode will help you tackle those tough talks with confidence and ease.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Learning to Balance Self Care with Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit: Reflections on Year One of Let the Light In - with Kami Wernimont

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Content warning: miscarriage and pregnancy loss

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and Kami Wernimont, Founder and President of Let the Light In (LTLI), returns to share the latest updates on her non-profit organization, which she founded and launched in Summer 2023. LTLI supports and provides resources for women who have experienced miscarriage and pregnancy loss. One year ago, Kami visited the podcast and opened up about her personal journey, and in today’s episode, she reflects on the past year of leading and growing the organization. As the need for Let the Light In's services continues to grow, Kami discusses the lessons she's learned about supporting others while maintaining her own self-care and quality time with her children.

Full transcript available here.

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

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

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

Connect with Leanna here.

Master Your Productivity to Reclaim Your Time - with Leslie Shreve

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna is joined by Leslie Shreve, founder and CEO of Productive Day, and creator of Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done. As a master of time management, Leslie shares the power of one; the importance of combining 100% of your task sources into one centralized location for better management. She discusses the value of breaking down larger tasks into smaller, actionable steps to make them more attainable. Listen now to hear Leslie’s suggestions to improve productivity and efficiency, and create an adaptable method of task management.

Full transcript available here.

Leslie has two free resources available for listeners: Productive Day smart steps and the What’s Your Number One Productivity Blind Spot? Quiz! Connect with Leslie at Productive Day.

Connect with Leanna here.

Creating Your Own Definition of Success

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

As enrollment for The Executive Mom Reset is currently open, we’re replaying one of Leanna’s coaching episodes to give you an understanding of what a coaching session sounds like.

Have you ever stepped back to figure out your own definition of success? In this episode, Leanna coaches Allie, who has been feeling stuck in her career and comes to the conversation looking for strategies for how to advance her career. But through the coaching conversation, she discovers that her definition of success and how she "should" be living is very much informed externally, and it may be time for her to rewrite her own definition of what success means to her. They discuss leadership, worthiness, success, and so much more in this incredibly powerful coaching conversation.

If you’d like to hear another coaching conversation, check out episode 7.

Leanna offers a one-hour, no cost, obligation-free consultation call to custom design The Executive Mom Reset for you.

Start your journey of living a life you love and schedule your free consultation call today at coachleanna.com!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Introducing the Executive Mom Reset!

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna unveils her new coaching program, The Executive Mom Reset, and shares what’s inside! This six-month coaching program is a one-on-one format that consists of weekly 1:1 coaching sessions and asynchronous support between sessions. She outlines the four areas of focus:

Stress Management
Work-Life Balance
Confidence
Fulfillment

Leanna offers a one-hour, no cost, obligation-free consultation call to custom design the program for you.

Start your journey of living a life you love and schedule your free consultation call today at coachleanna.com!

Mom Guilt

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Delve into the pervasive issue of "mom guilt" with Leanna. She explores the root causes of this guilt, especially for high-achieving moms who often struggle to meet the same high standards at home as they do at work. She offers insight into how societal expectations, perfectionism, and the ever-evolving challenges of parenting contribute to these feelings. Leanna also shares practical strategies for redefining personal expectations, shedding light on the reality at hand, and finding balance.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Join Leanna and other moms like you in The Mom Guilt Webinar: Back to School Edition by signing up at coachleanna.com!

GREATEST HITS - Overwhelm

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:29:31 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast and sharing Leanna’s take on them from her current vantage point.

In this episode, Leanna discusses the process of making conscious decisions. She shares her own experience of leaving her executive job to focus on her daughter and highlights the importance of aligning decisions with personal values and vision. Leanna provides four key insights to help listeners navigate decision-making and encourages conscious decision-making and empowers listeners to make choices that bring balance and joy to their lives.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Join Leanna and other moms like you in The Mom Guilt Webinar: Back to School Edition!

Olympic Level Mental Health: 7 Things We Can Learn From Simone Biles

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna reflects on the 2024 Olympics, sharing her admiration for the athletes' dedication and resilience. She highlights key lessons from Simone Biles and other athletes, emphasizing the importance of mental health, prioritizing and trusting ourselves, and choosing where to focus your energy. She draws parallels between Biles' decisions and the challenges faced by working moms, advocating for self-care and long-term thinking.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Join Leanna on August 27 @ Noon ET for the Release the Mom Guilt Webinar: Back to School Edition!

The High Achiever's Guide to Pursuing a PhD While Balancing Career and Parenthood - with Lisa Tran

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Higher education leader Dr. Lisa Tran joins Leanna to share her journey of pursuing a PhD while working full time, parenting three young children, and being engaged in her local community. Lisa shares her success strategies for managing her demanding schedule during such a high intensity phase without burning out. Along with focusing on needs over wants, Lisa remained committed to the 4 F’s that are non-negotiables for her: faith, family, fitness, and food. She highlights the importance of choosing the right time to make big changes, of having a support system in place, and of making sure that your choice is really for you, in order to push past self-doubt without fear of failure in achieving a life that is exactly what you want.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Dr. Lisa here.

GREATEST HITS - Back to School BONUS: Supporting Our Kids Through the Preschool Transition

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast.

In this special back to school bonus episode, Leanna and her young daughter talk about the challenges of the transition to preschool and what helped to make the drop off process a lot smoother. Knowing there are children and caretakers out there struggling with this too, we hope this episode is helpful to share both solidarity and ideas to help make the transition easier for everyone.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Please consider leaving a review of the Executive Coach for Moms podcast!

How Two High Achieving Executive Moms Learned to Slow Down and Let Go - with Julie Kelleher

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna is joined for an insightful conversation by Julie Kelleher, an education technology executive and fellow achievement-oriented Enneagram 3, whose journey from leadership to motherhood is similar to Leanna’s own path. Together they highlight how letting go has been an essential, and ongoing, practice in their lives. Julie delves into the concept of intentional proximity and immersion in shaping her career, as well as the transformative power of yoga in reconnecting with herself. This self-awareness has empowered Julie to set boundaries and prioritize effectively, allowing her to better balance work and home life.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Julie here.

GREATEST HITS - How Our Thoughts Impact Our Results

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast and sharing Leanna’s take on them from her current vantage point.

In today’s episode, Leanna dives into the self-coaching model, where she talks about how our thoughts shape our reality. She explains that our brains are meaning-making machines, turning neutral events into thoughts that can either empower or hinder us. Whether it's an email from the boss or a big life change, our interpretations of these events can profoundly impact our feelings and actions, and ultimately, our results.

Leanna emphasizes that we often assume our thoughts are facts without questioning them. But she urges listeners to challenge these thoughts, especially the negative ones that might be holding them back. She shares stories of how lingering negative feedback or self-doubt can affect our confidence and performance, even long after the initial event.

The episode wraps up with Leanna offering some thought-provoking questions for listeners to ponder. She encourages them to reflect on their own thought patterns and consider which ones might need a little tweaking to lead to more positive outcomes.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Check out the complete Thought Work Series!

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

The Power of Emotional Healing & Authenticity in Leadership - with Jessica Trammell

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Join Leanna and guest Jessica Trammell as they dive deep into the intersection of personal healing and professional leadership. Jess shares her journey of processing powerful emotions to enhance her leadership skills and explains how nurturing authenticity can improve employee engagement and infuse joy into the workplace. Leanna and Jess discuss the crucial role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, why authenticity is essential for fostering a collaborative team culture, and how healing from emotional traumas can unlock your full potential as a leader.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Jessica here.

GREATEST HITS - Conscious Decision Making

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast and sharing Leanna’s take on them from her current vantage point.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

GREATEST HITS - BURNOUT - with Laura Nguyen

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:06:02 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast and sharing Leanna’s take on them from her current vantage point.

Laura Nguyen joins this compelling episode as a seasoned executive mom who not only weathered the storm of burnout herself but has since become a guiding force for others facing similar struggles. Laura shares her unique journey, mirroring the experiences of many high-achieving women, as she climbed the corporate ladder and encountered the stark reality of burnout. Laura delves into the pivotal moments that led to her career transition, shifting her priorities and perspectives dramatically. She candidly discusses her three-month immersion into her Play, Pause, Plan approach, providing a glimpse into her path of rediscovery.

The episode concludes with a sneak peek into her upcoming book, slated for release September 2025, offering a comprehensive guide for navigating career breaks and cultivating a life aligned with core values.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Laura here or on her website at Lauranguyen.co

Re-visit the Holiday magic episode here. (ep21)

Remember to review the podcast in June, wherever you listen to podcasts, for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Raising Resilient Leaders: Modeling How to Overcome Rejection to Create a Successful Life - with Dr. Corey Seemiller

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Dr. Corey Seemiller joins Leanna for an inspiring and enlightening conversation this week! Corey is a leadership and higher education professor, author of 11 books, Gen Z expert, mom, avid hiker, podcast host, and an all-around amazing human.

Here are some highlights:

Despite her many accomplishments, Corey shares that "rejection is the story of my life," and discusses how she perseveres through setbacks.
How Corey integrates her daughter into her career and sees her as a partner in her success.
Her perspective on time and success: "Time is going to pass whether you do with it what you want, and what I want to do with my time is to make great contributions to make the world a better place."
Corey's passion for leadership and inclusion, and her belief that anyone can be a leader.
How COVID led her to reflect, prioritize, and cut out the unnecessary, enhancing her life.
Both Leanna and Corey’s Type A personalities evolving to embrace more spontaneity and reduce stress.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Corey here and tune into her podcast, Rock That Relationship!

GREATEST HITS - Why Working Moms Feel Like We're Failing at Everything

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Greatest Hits Summer Series! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the first year of the podcast and sharing Leanna’s take on them from her current vantage point.

On this week’s episode, Leanna shares how she used to feel like she was failing at everything, despite her accomplishments, due to five factors: perfectionism, all or nothing thinking, people pleasing, valuing work ethic as identity, and recurring negative thoughts. Unfortunately, many working moms can relate to these experiences, which is largely due to a broken system that fails to support working mothers.

To combat these negative feelings, Leanna recommends noticing and challenging those negative thoughts and emotions. It's also important to seek support from others who understand the unique challenges that come with being a working mom. By doing so, you can feel less alone and create a more balanced and fulfilling life for yourself and your family.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Remember to review the podcast in June, wherever you listen to podcasts, for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

One Year of the Podcast!! And Doing Scary Things

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Happy Podcast-versary; the Executive Coach for Moms podcast has been airing for one whole year on June 1st! Leanna reflects on what she’s learned about herself this past year, including her perspective on the importance of doing hard things. She shares her acknowledgements to those who make the podcast possible, along with the upcoming plan for the podcast. Don’t miss the giveaway!

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna on LinkedIn and Instagram

Remember to review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: How to Create the Career and Life of Your Dreams - with Shannon Talbot

Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this inspiring episode, Leanna is joined by Shannon Talbot, happiness coach, speaker, and author, to discuss her transition from a corporate role to entrepreneurship driven by a quest for fulfillment and a new definition of success. They explore Shannon's book, Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You, sharing stories and introspective exercises that can help listeners to create their dream lives. Shannon highlights the importance of self-compassion, visualization, and small, intentional actions to maintain focus and balance. Her insights and anecdotes stress that confidence follows action, underscoring the transformative impact of authenticity and vulnerability, and demonstrating the power of overcoming fear to achieve remarkable outcomes.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Shannon here and check out her book, Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You - Your Guide to Creating the Career and Life of Your Dreams

From Surviving to Thriving: Navigating Postpartum Mental Health - with Arielle Wozniak (Transition to Motherhood Series #5)

Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In the fifth episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series, Leanna is joined by Arielle Wozniak, a Health Coach who has triumphed over postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. Arielle shares her personal story as a two-time survivor of postpartum mental health challenges and how it fueled her passion for guiding mothers through these turbulent times towards a fulfilling motherhood experience. With a focus on recognizing symptoms and practical strategies for moving from surviving to thriving, she provides a foundational understanding of postpartum mental health while sharing actionable steps forward. This conversation promises insights, empathy, and empowerment for every mother navigating the complex landscape of postpartum mental health. The Transition to Motherhood Series highlights the challenges and the beauty of becoming a mother as a career focused, success driven, achievement oriented woman.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Arielle here and check out the Defeat Postpartum Depression podcast.

Listen to previous episodes in the Transition to Motherhood Series.

Mothers' Day Special featuring Michele Laskey aka MY MOM!

Thu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In a very special episode, Leanna interviews her own mom (!!), her biggest supporter and #1 fan of this podcast. Michele Laskey has devoted the past 41 years of her life to motherhood and being an unwavering supporter, friend, and teacher of her three daughters and now 4 grandchildren. They discuss her unique journey, from the perspective of a mom with three grown children – what she’s learned, what she’s proud of, what she’d do differently, and her legacy. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear and feel the love between mother and daughter. You’ll also hear cameos from the most important kids in Leanna’s life – her daughter, nieces, and nephews. Happy Mothers’ Day to all the moms out there doing the very hard work and making the world a better place!

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Reclaiming Joy and Agency After Postpartum Depression - with Suzanne Yatim Aslam (Transition to Motherhood Series #4)

Thu, 02 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this deeply candid fourth episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series, Leanna is joined by Suzanne Yatim Aslam, author of Post Pardon Me, a book that fearlessly confronts the unspoken realities and dark thoughts countless new mothers grapple with silently. Suzanne shares her own raw encounters with postpartum depression and anxiety, delving into the complexities of maternal instincts, the pressures of media on our emotional responses, and the changes in self identity that can coincide with having a baby. Through this intimate conversation, Leanna and Suzanne illuminate the profound impact of postpartum mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and fostering self compassion in the journey of motherhood. The Transition to Motherhood Series highlights the challenges and the beauty of becoming a mother as a career focused, success driven, achievement oriented woman.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Suzanne here and check out her 5-star Amazon bestseller, Post Pardon Me.

Re-visit episodes one, two, and three of the Transition to Motherhood Series.

Parenting as Professional Development: How the Journey Through Infertility, Traumatic Birth, and Partnership Has Made me a Better Leader - with Annemieke Rice (Transition to Motherhood Series #3)

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In the third episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series, Annemieke Rice returns to recount her personal journey through fertility challenges, career changes, and her new role as a mother. She shares the emotional toll of infertility, the impact of work stress on fertility, and her long and grueling journey to conception. Annemieke sheds light on the difficulty of caring for a newborn while unable to reconcile the inability to physically perform as she had before a C-section, while also recovering from the trauma of a traumatic childbirth experience that varied greatly from her birth plan. The conversation extends to co-parenting dynamics, relationship management, and the intersection of parenting skills with work life. The Transition to Motherhood Series highlights the challenges and the beauty of becoming a mother as a career focused, success driven, achievement oriented woman.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Annemieke here and re-visit episodes 8 and 38 to hear more from her!

Re-visit the first episode and second episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series.

The Ultimate Joy and the Unexpected Anxiety of the Postpartum Experience - with Amy Diehl, PhD (Transition to Motherhood Series #2)

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In the second episode of the Transition to Motherhood series, Amy Diehl, PhD, author of Glass Walls: Shattering the Six Gender Bias Barriers Still Holding Women Back at Work, and IT executive, returns to discuss her personal story of becoming a mother via IVF in her late forties. She shares the journey from working long hours on her research and at her full time job to coping with postpartum anxiety during maternity leave and returning to work. Amy discusses the challenge of a new role at home and an evolving role at work, and the ultimate joy of caring for one’s own child. The Transition to Motherhood Series highlights the challenges and the beauty of becoming a mother as a career focused, success driven, achievement oriented woman.

Full transcript here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Amy here.

Re-visit episode 35 about Dr. Diehl’s gender bias research.

Re-visit the first episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series.

Rethinking Our Values in Parenthood - with Andrea Palmer (Transition to Motherhood Series #1)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In this first episode of the Transition to Motherhood Series, Leanna is joined once again by Andrea Palmer, this time for Andrea to share her story of becoming a mother. Andrea gets vulnerable, recounting the decision to have children, her heartbreaking loss, and ultimately the arrival of her beautiful daughter. The discussion explores the importance of support for new mothers in the workplace, the rewards of balancing work, family, and health, and the obstacles of recovering after pregnancy while propelling one’s career. Andrea also shares about her journey through postpartum depression and anxiety, and discusses the value of evaluating and strengthening your core values to serve your partnership as well as your parenthood. The Transition to Motherhood Series highlights the challenges and the beauty of becoming a mother as a career focused, success driven, achievement oriented woman.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Andrea here.

Revisit Leanna's interview with Andrea in part 1, part 2, and part 3.

Powerhouse Executive Moms: Fostering Flexibility and Family-Friendly Culture for Working Parents - with Annemieke, Emily-Rose, and Kate

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna hosts a dynamic panel of executive moms, including Annemieke Rice, Emily-Rose Barry, and Kate Griffin, delving into the challenges of working mothers in leadership roles and remote work settings. They emphasize the importance of nurturing family-friendly work cultures that prioritize flexibility and support for working parents to better manage the intricate balance between career and family. Panelists share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for authentic dialogue and a recalibration of societal expectations surrounding success and failure. Through vulnerability and introspection, the panel uncovers the complexities of navigating executive leadership roles while maintaining a fulfilling family life.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Annemieke here and revisit episode 8.

Connect with Emily-Rose here and revisit episode 14.

Connect with Kate here and revisit episode 12.

Empowered Prioritization During Life's Many Seasons - with Elaine Benfield

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna sits down with Elaine Benfield, a seasoned professional in the software tech industry with over 25 years of experience. Elaine shares her unique journey balancing a thriving career with motherhood, offering invaluable insights into work-life integration and the power of prioritization. From her early days navigating career choices to finding balance as a working mom, Elaine's story resonates with authenticity and resilience. Leanna and Elaine delve into the challenges faced by working mothers, including the importance of supportive work environments and the impact of female mentorship, as well as making decisions from an empowered position of knowing what matters most to you.

More inspiring stories can be found on Elaine’s podcast Herstories.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Elaine here.

Embracing the Chaos to Create Your Dream Life and Legacy - with Sloan Echavarria

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna welcomes Sloan Echavarria, also known as “Sloan The Beast,” a successful entrepreneur running multiple businesses, mom of four, and chaos coach. Sloan shares her journey of embracing a life full of excitement and adventure, challenging the traditional suburban lifestyle. As a chaos coach, Sloan helps women navigate the delicate balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship, crafting intentional work-life harmony tailored to individual family dynamics. With a bustling household, multiple businesses, and an off-grid RV lifestyle, Sloan reveals her strategies for managing it all. She shares her strategy of prioritizing tasks through delegation, batching, and elimination. Sloan’s insights are a testament to the power of embracing chaos, nurturing family bonds, and designing a life that resonates with purpose and fulfillment.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Sloan here.

The Reality of Gender Bias in Workplaces Today - with Amy Diehl, PhD

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:59:00 -0000

Leanna is joined by award winning IT leader and gender bias researcher, Amy Diehl, to shed light on the gender biases and challenges that women face in leadership, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of work-life conflicts on women in the workplace. Through discussions on gender barriers, including dismissal of ideas and diminishment, Amy reveals the systemic issues hindering women's advancement in the workplace. Drawing from personal stories and Amy’s qualitative research, Leanna and Amy explore how gender biases intersect with other identity factors such as age and parental status, leading to criticism and barriers to advancement. Through the lens of societal forces and systemic biases, the conversation highlights the complex dynamics of gender inequality in professional settings. Amy offers insights from her recently published book, Glass Walls, co-authored by Leanne Dzubinski, sharing strategies to navigate and challenge gender biases, including calling out discrimination, building support networks, and exploring alternative career paths when necessary.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Amy here.

Women's History Month: The Evolution of Women's Rights in the USA Over the Past Century

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:56:36 -0000

In this educational episode, Leanna is joined by her sister, Laura Laskey, as they delve into the complex and evolving historical landscape of women's rights. The discussion explores pivotal moments such as the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920, marking a significant milestone in the quest for gender equality. Moving through the decades, they navigate the ebbs and flows of progress, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that shaped the narrative of women's rights. From the Women's Liberation Movement to landmark legislation like Title IX, the conversation uncovers the foundations that paved the way for greater gender equality in education, the workplace, and beyond. They also discuss contemporary challenges, celebrating achievements while recognizing the ongoing global struggle for truly equal rights. Join them as they reflect on the strides made and the road that lies ahead.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Re-visit previous episodes with Laura: Unboxing Barbie and Holiday Burnout

Am I Doing It Wrong?

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This episode delves into the common self-reflective questions we often ask ourselves, such as "Am I doing it right?" and "Did I make the right decision?", while exploring the subjective nature of right or wrong. The episode addresses the tendency to second-guess decisions and the societal conditioning that leads many to believe they are not good at making decisions. Through real-life examples, Leanna discusses how individuals often internalize external situations, assuming they are doing something wrong. The importance of questioning these beliefs and choosing thoughts that serve personal well-being is emphasized, encouraging listeners to harness the power of self-authoring one's own journey.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Re-visit Episode 2.

Overwhelm

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Leanna explores how overwhelm often precedes burnout, especially for high achievers. She delves into common responses to overwhelm, such as pushing forward without pause, withdrawing or escaping, and feeling paralyzed or stuck. Leanna emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging overwhelm as a normal part of the human experience, suggesting practical strategies for navigating it, including thought work, self-compassion, and the therapeutic practice of writing to release the burden of racing thoughts.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

All or Nothing Thinking

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In episode 31 of The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast, host Leanna Laskey discusses how the concept of “all or nothing” thinking can impact various aspects of life, from career expectations and parenting to goal setting and friendships. She highlights the limitations of this binary thinking and encourages listeners to embrace the gray areas, recognizing that excellence doesn't always require perfection. The episode provides valuable perspectives on self-care, decision-making, identity, and the challenges high achievers face when getting stuck in this way of thinking. Leanna offers practical insights for finding balance and joy amid the complexities of being a leader both at work and at home.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Check out the episodes where all or nothing thinking has shown up:

How Our Thoughts Impact Our Results

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Full transcript available here.

Learn more about Leanna here.

Why is it so hard for us to ask for help?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of "Executive Coach for Moms", host Leanna Laskey McGrath reflects on the challenges of balancing independence and the need for help. Leanna discusses the societal emphasis on self-sufficiency and the impact it has on authentic connections. She explores the fear and resistance associated with asking for help, revealing how it can hinder meaningful relationships. Leanna delves into the concept of shedding the armor of self-sufficiency. Leanna shares her personal struggles and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with vulnerability.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Listen to the We Can Do Hard Things podcast episode.

Listen to Brene Brown’s take on armor on the Tim Ferriss Show.

Shoulding Ourselves

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode, Leanna discusses the practice of "shoulding" ourselves—believing we should be different, do more, or already know certain things—which is so common for high achieving women. She explores the reasons behind this mindset, such as high expectations, fear of public failure, and comparison. Leanna highlights the negative consequences of constantly feeling like we should be somewhere else and provides practical strategies for overcoming this mindset. She encourages the practice of curiosity, acceptance, reframing language, and finding purpose and enjoyment in the learning process. As with many other topics, Leanna encourages awareness and self-reflection, urging listeners to notice and question their "should" thoughts.

Full transcript available here.

Learn more about Leanna here.

Go to the End and Look Back

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, host Leanna Laskey McGrath delves into the importance of looking into the future and reflecting on how we want to live our lives. Drawing inspiration from the book "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" by Bronnie Ware, who worked as a palliative caregiver, Leanna shares the key regrets expressed by individuals at the end of their lives. Leanna encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, prioritize what truly matters, and make intentional choices aligned with their values to ensure a future without such regrets.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

It’s not too late to join Leanna in the January 2024 Reset for High Achieving Women.

New Year, Real You: Strategies for Intentional Goal Setting

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, host Leanna Laskey McGrath reflects on the common pitfalls of New Year's goal-setting and proposes a more practical approach. Drawing from her personal experience, she introduces a more sustainable goal-setting framework based on focusing on two or three significant, overarching goals for the year. Leanna recounts her successful experience in 2017, emphasizing the importance of aligning decisions with priorities and remaining flexible to reassess goals. Leanna concludes by sharing her own goals for 2024, encouraging listeners to approach goal-setting with thoughtfulness and intention for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

It’s not too late to join Leanna in the January 2024 Reset for High Achieving Women here.

Check out 5 Reflection Questions for the End of the Year on The Connected Mom Life podcast.

Check out New Year, Same You: Good News about Bad January Branding on We Can Do Hard Things podcast.

Happy New Year!

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:35:25 -0000

2024 is here! Happy New Year!!

Join Leanna in the January 2024 Reset for High Achieving Women here.

Unwrapping the Mental Load of Holiday Burnout for Moms - with Laura Laskey

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Join Leanna in the January 2024 Reset for High Achieving Women here.

In this episode, Leanna and her sister, Laura Laskey, delve deep into the emotional rollercoaster that the holiday season often becomes for mothers. As the festive lights twinkle, many moms find themselves navigating through a maze of expectations, societal pressures, and personal desires. In this candid conversation, our hosts discuss the choices and consequences that come with managing the holiday hustle. They explore the dilemma of deciding whether to embrace the endless tasks or risk facing the guilt and judgement that may follow the decision to let go of certain traditions.

Our hosts share their experiences with the mental load that often falls heavily on moms during the holiday season. From the intricate planning of festivities to managing the expectations of family members, they shed light on the complexities of balancing work, family, and personal well-being. The episode delves into the challenges of delegating tasks, the ongoing battle with perfectionism, and the struggle to find joy amid the overwhelming demands. It is an honest and enlightening conversation that validates the experiences of moms navigating the holiday maze, providing a space where listeners can relate, reflect, and find solace in shared stories.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Re-visit the Unboxing Barbie episode here.

Creating a Path Through Burnout: Redefining Success and Values as a High Achiever - with Laura Nguyen

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Laura Nguyen joins this compelling episode as a seasoned executive mom who not only weathered the storm of burnout herself but has since become a guiding force for others facing the same struggles. Laura shares her unique journey, mirroring the experiences of many high-achieving women, as she climbed the corporate ladder and encountered the stark reality of burnout. Laura delves into the pivotal moments that led to her career break, shifting her priorities and perspectives dramatically. She candidly discusses her three-month immersion into her Play, Pause, Plan approach, providing a nuanced glimpse into her path of rediscovery.

The episode concludes with a sneak peek into her upcoming book, slated for release next September, offering a comprehensive guide for navigating career breaks and cultivating a life aligned with core values.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Laura here or on LinkedIn.

Re-visit the Holiday magic episode here.

Join Leanna in the January 2024 Reset for High Achieving Women here.

Rethinking our Expectations of Linear Career Paths and Navigating Unexpected Job Loss - with Jess Kitt

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Jess Kitt is back for part 2 to discuss her recent departure from her executive role, examining the profound impact on her life. As a high achiever, Jess candidly explores the fears and uncertainties accompanying unexpected job loss, delving into the complexity of expressing vulnerability and the anxiety surrounding future decisions. The episode captures Jess's journey of self-discovery, discussing the emotional intricacies beyond the initial task-oriented response and offering a relatable narrative for listeners experiencing unexpected career transitions. The conversation unfolds into Jess questioning her instincts and self-awareness, revealing the dual narrative of hope and fear as she grapples with the unknown. Leanna and Jess discuss the delicate balance between safeguarding against future pain and summoning the courage to embrace new opportunities, offering a raw and authentic exploration of the emotional aftermath of unexpected career shifts.

Listen to the first episode with Jess here.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Jess here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's quick episode, Leanna is sharing gratitude for her listeners, guests, and supporters, and one tip for enjoying the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Professional Authenticity: Navigating Leadership Challenges When Values Don't Align - with Jess Kitt

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, Leanna is joined by Jess Kitt, who is talking about her experience in her first executive role, and her recent transition out of it. They explore navigating tough waters in a male-dominated company when our values and the organization’s values don’t align. Should we abandon our authentic selves to be successful in the organization, or stay true to ourselves and potentially risk our jobs? How much time and energy do we spend questioning ourselves and experiencing imposter syndrome, assuming that we must be the problem? And, perhaps most importantly, who determines our worth and value — us? Or our organization?

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Connect with Jess here.

Find Balance and Joy This Holiday Season - with Emily Hardy

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The holiday season is upon us! Are you feeling excitement, or dread, or a little bit of both? Holidays can be tough for moms, who often take on the brunt of the mental load. And while of course we love making the holidays magical for our families, it can be really draining trying to balance all the magic making and holiday events on top of everything else in our day-to-day lives.

Today, we welcome Emily Rose Hardy to the podcast! Emily is a Motherhood Mindset Coach and host of The Worthy Mother Podcast, and today she and Leanna are talking about one of her favorite topics: self care for busy moms. We’ll discuss the extra challenges moms face during the holiday season and some strategies for actually enjoying them this year, rather than spending the next two months stressed out and overwhelmed while everyone around you enjoys the fruits of your labor.

We hope this conversation helps you kick off the holiday season with a fresh perspective, because we ALL deserve to enjoy the holidays with our people. Happy holiday season everyone!

Connect with Emily here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

Quick Podcast Update

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is a quick update on The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast, including:

Please share your feedback! As we’re planning episodes for 2024, we’d love to incorporate listener feedback. Tell us what you want to hear more about in written or voice format on the podcast website.
The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast will be moving to biweekly episodes in November & December during the holiday season.
Coming soon: a new email list to keep in touch with and engage our listeners, and a January group program for women in leadership + executive moms to start off the year strong!

Listen to the episode for more details. Thank you for being a valued listener and member of The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast community!

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna on the podcast website: https://podcast.coachleanna.com/contact/

Building Your Village: Friendship, Connection, and Community in Motherhood — with Emily Siegel

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest is Emily Siegel, host of the Connected Mom Life Podcast and creator of the Mom Friends community. She has relocated multiple times and has therefore had to create her village in each place. She’s learned a lot through these experience and she shares some of her valuable insights about making friends and building community in motherhood.

Emily and Leanna discuss some of the mindsets holding us back from true connection, and she also shares some practical advice for actions to take to foster more connection. They talk about strategies for creating authentic connections at the playground, in our neighborhoods, and at work.

Sometimes building and maintaining friendships can feel like one more thing on our massive to do lists, and it’s often something that gets deprioritized, and Emily shares helpful reframes and perspectives to start looking at it in a way that feels more doable.

Connect with Emily here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

The Hurdle is Never Bigger Than the Finish Line: Cultivating Resilience and Building Your Own Army - with Erica Music

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, Leanna is talking with Erica Music, an athlete, educator, mother, speaker, and author, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience. Erica's story emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network and setting and achieving goals as a working mother. She challenges the belief that we must do everything alone and highlights the power of intention and focus on a goal. Erica and Leanna explore the theme of resilience and how it can empower women in their dual roles as leaders at work and at home. Erica’s message of determination and strength will leave you feeling inspired and motivated!

Learn more about Erica Music at www.ericanmusic.com.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

Let the Light In: Embracing Grief, Hope, and Healing after Pregnancy Loss - with Kami Wernimont

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Content warning: miscarriage and pregnancy loss

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and today Leanna is having a beautiful conversation with Kami Wernimont, certified life coach, miscarriage doula, and Founder & President of Let the Light In (LTLI). LTLI is a new nonprofit to support women through their journeys with miscarriage and pregnancy loss.

Kami shares her own story, which includes two losses after her fist two children, and a long journey to healing. She talks openly and honestly about the struggles she experienced emotionally and with her mental health. Kami and Leanna discuss how we can better support the 1 in 4 women experiencing the grief of these devastating losses, and where to find help.

Find Kami Wernimont at ltli.org.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

Joyful Juggling: Intentionally Creating Balance and Joy in Motherhood, Career, and Life — with Dr. Miranda Walichowski

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Dr. Miranda Walichowski joins Leanna for a highly impactful conversation for working moms. Miranda does it all — she is a business owner, a professor, a mother of 5, a devoted wife and woman of faith, and a competitive powerlifter. Trying to balance all of this might feel leave one feeling regularly stuck in stress and overwhelm, but Miranda has found a way to juggle it all while genuinely enjoying her life.

She shares how she does it with some tangible strategies, like focusing on the highest impact activities, regularly checking in with herself and those around her, carving out time for herself and honoring it, prioritizing her health and mindset, and giving herself grace. She shares how she overcame her own anxiety and freed herself from all the pressure she was putting on herself. There is so much to learn from this powerful conversation!

Connect with Miranda here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms: Coaching Conversation

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Leanna coaches Allie, who has been feeling stuck in her career and comes to the conversation looking for strategies for how to advance her career. But through the coaching conversation, she discovers that her definition of success and how she "should" be living is very much informed externally, and it may be time for her to rewrite her own definition of what success means to her. They discuss leadership, worthiness, success, and so much more in this incredibly powerful coaching conversation.

If you enjoy this format, also check out Episode 7. If you're interested in participating in a coaching conversation with Leanna for the podcast, please complete this form.

Full transcript available here.

Back to School BONUS: Supporting Our Kids Through the Preschool Transition

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Learning to Silence Limiting Beliefs and Claim the Space We've Earned - with Emily-Rose Barry

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Imposter Syndrome. It’s something that so many of us experience, especially women. It’s that crushing feeling that everybody’s going to find out we’re a fraud. That belief that we were put in our positions by accident or by luck, and if only everybody knew how flawed we are, our whole world would come crashing down. So we put on our tough skin and we “fake it til we make it” and we hustle and work ourselves into the ground and keep running so fast so nobody can catch us and find out who we really are. It shows up at work, often the higher we climb, and it shows up in parenthood.

Today’s guest is Emily-Rose Barry, VP Product and mom of two, and she and Leanna discuss how imposter syndrome has shown up for them in their various leadership roles. Emily-Rose shares the strategies and practices she’s used to move past imposter syndrome, which are so helpful for anyone experiencing this.

Connect with Emily-Rose here.

Full transcript available here.

Practicing Self Compassion and Learning to be Kinder to Ourselves

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

As ambitious women and moms, we’re often our toughest critics. We can be so hard on ourselves, and often we attribute this “being tough on ourselves” to how we’ve gotten to where we are today, making it a more difficult thought pattern to want to change.

While it may be true that being tough on ourselves and beating ourselves up when we don’t meet our own (often unrealistic) expectations may have been a factor in our success in the past, it’s not the only way to reach our goals. And one could argue, it’s not the best way if we want to actually enjoy our lives. When we consciously practice being kinder to ourselves, we may find it actually unlocks so much more potential — and helps us enjoy the journey to our many success destinations.

Join host Leanna Laskey McGrath, recovering perfectionist and workaholic, as she shares the process she used to start being kinder to herself, and what she’s discovered as a result of this practice.

Full transcript available here.

Career Pivots and Resets: How This Executive Mom Created Her Ideal Balance with Work and Life - with Kate Griffin

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Leanna interviews Kate Griffin, Vice President of a management consulting firm, and mom of 3 young children. She shares her journey through higher ed and tech, as well as some career pivots she’s made along the way that have been instrumental in leading her to her current situation, which is very ideal for her. She’s in a leadership role at a company that she loves and that supports her as a working mom and affords her the space to show up as the mom she wants to be, and the leader she wants to be as well.

She shares some of her struggles and challenges along the way, but listeners will walk away with some hope that there are companies out there who value and support working parents and families, and that is possible to find that balance of influential executive and amazing mother.

Connect with Kate Griffin, VP Delivery Services, here.

Connect with Leanna Laskey McGrath here.

Full transcript available here .

Embracing the Human Experience

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Executive Coach for Moms Podcast, host Leanna Laskey McGrath shares personal insights gained from her recent surgery and recovery. As a former tech exec turned full-time mom and certified executive coach, Leanna delves into the complexities of the human experience, discussing the pressures women face to be superhuman.

Leanna highlights the balance between acceptance and resistance in challenging circumstances, noting how resistance can worsen negative emotions. She advises listeners to write down their thoughts and emotions to increase self-awareness and ultimately embrace acceptance.

The episode underscores the fallacy of perpetual happiness and advocates for acknowledging the dual nature of the human experience. Leanna's recovery journey inspires a reminder that time passes, and we choose how we utilize it. She encourages a shift from judgment to acceptance, promoting personal growth.

In this thought-provoking episode, listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of embracing their human experiences and gain insights into accepting life's challenges to foster resilience and personal development.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Unboxing Barbie: A Discussion of Gender Equality, Empowerment, and Self Identity - with Laura Laskey

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Note: This episode contains *SPOILER ALERTS* for the Barbie movie.

This week, host Leanna Lasky McGrath, a former tech executive turned full-time mom and certified executive coach, welcomes her sister, Laura Laskey, an executive mom, to discuss their thoughts and debrief the Barbie movie. They dive into the themes presented in the film and its implications on gender equality, empowerment, and self-worth.

Leanna introduces the concept of "Barbie Land," where women are in power and men are secondary, contrasting it with the patriarchy found in the real world. They explore how the movie highlights the role reversal experienced by Barbie and Ken, bringing attention to the disparities in power dynamics and societal expectations.

The sisters delve into key scenes and dialogues, such as America Ferrera's impactful speech that challenges the contradictory expectations placed on women. They discuss how societal norms lead women to doubt themselves, limit their aspirations, and hinder their empowerment. The hosts emphasize the importance of women supporting one another and raising their voices to break free from the confines of these expectations.

Leanna and Laura express their desire for a world where people of all genders collaborate to create policies, workplaces, and communities that consider everyone's input, fostering an environment of equal opportunity and empowerment for all. By examining the movie's themes and sharing personal insights, the hosts hope to inspire listeners to challenge societal norms, embrace their worth, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.

Full transcript available here.

Connect with Leanna here

Mindset Shifts to Make Parenting Feel Less Stressful

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the "Executive Coach for Moms" podcast, hosted by Leanna Laskey McGrath, a former tech exec turned full-time mom, recovering perfectionist, and certified executive coach. In this episode, Leanna focuses on parenting mindset shifts to reduce stress and create a more enjoyable parenting experience.

Leanna emphasizes the importance of curiosity in understanding our children's behaviors and needs. Rather than assuming intentionality behind their actions, she encourages parents to stay curious about the underlying emotions and needs their children are trying to communicate. She introduces the concept of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), where every communication expresses a need, and it is crucial to understand and identify those needs rather than correcting or judging.

Leanna discusses five specific mindset shifts that can help parents reduce stress and pressure. These include letting go of assumptions that children intentionally create difficulties, understanding that children may be having a hard time rather than giving us a hard time, and reevaluating high expectations. She also emphasizes the importance of not catastrophizing the future, allowing children to grow and develop at their own pace.

Leanna concludes by urging parents to embrace curiosity and enjoy their children's childhood, fostering learning, growth, and fun. She advises listeners to focus on the present and seek to understand the needs of their children and loved ones for more fulfilling and less stressful relationships.

Full transcript available here.

Navigating Authentic Leadership as Tech Startup Execs: A Journey of Friendship, Motherhood, and Growth - with Annemieke Rice

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Annemieke Rice joins the podcast today for a conversation with host, Leanna Laskey McGrath, about tech startup executive life and motherhood. They discuss:

Their experiences as young execs being the only woman on the leadership team.
Stumbling through those early years trying to navigate this world and discover their authentic leadership styles, working to find a balance between competitiveness and compassion.
Learning to trust their own voices more than all the external voices, and the importance of seeking out values-aligned community and mentors.
The ways in which motherhood has changed them and the importance of learning to accept themselves as they are.
How they continue to be achievement-oriented but with new metrics they set for themselves.

Annemieke is a mom and a tech exec. Connect with Annemieke here.

Connect with Leanna here.

Full transcript available here.

How High Achievers Can Learn to Delegate: Coaching Conversation

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Last episode, Andrea asked Leanna about what she's doing next, and she shared that she's relaunched her business and is coaching high achieving working moms.

This week, we're featuring a coaching session she did with two very high achievers about a topic perfectionists and high achievers can ALL relate to: delegation. They discuss how delegating work to other people can be challenging because of concerns about quality, speed, trust, and more. But delegation — at work AND at home — is also *essential* to accomplishing everything we want to accomplish in our lifetimes.

Even if you feel like you’ve mastered delegation, it’s likely someone on your team or in your life is having some of the thoughts and challenges that these women share today, so please share this episode with them!

If you’re interested in a complimentary coaching session that will be featured on the podcast, please sign up here.

Full transcript can be found here.

Meet Your Host! Leanna's Story - Part 3

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In the final installment of this 3-part series where Leanna Laskey McGrath is interviewed by Andrea Palmer, Leanna shares her journey as a full-time mom and the challenges she faced in giving up her identity as a workaholic business leader. She reflects on the unrealistic expectations she placed on herself and the importance of managing her thoughts. Leanna discusses the personal growth and self-discovery she experienced during her transition and how she has learned to embrace imperfections and find balance in her new role. She also talks about her passion for coaching and helping other women navigate the challenges of motherhood and work.

Full transcript available here

Connect with Leanna here and Andrea here.

Meet Your Host! Leanna's Story - Part 2

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, hosted by Leanna Laskey McGrath. The goal of this podcast is to help working moms find balance and joy in their lives. As a high-achieving mom and former tech executive, Leanna understands the challenges that come with balancing motherhood and a successful career.

In part 2 of the 3-part interview series with Andrea Palmer, Leanna shares about her experience as a working mom and her decision to leave the corporate world to focus on her daughter. She talks about the challenges she faced when returning to work after maternity leave, and highlights the importance of having both a supportive partner and an employer who recognizes the value of mothers in the workforce. The episode also discusses the impact of the pandemic, which led to spotty childcare and increased difficulties in balancing work and family responsibilities. Leanna talks about her decision to leave the workforce in 2020 – along with nearly 2 million other women – to take a career pause, and the many challenges she encountered along the way, including feeling like she was being a “bad feminist,” trying to figure out who she was without an executive title, and fear of sharing the news with her boss.

To reach out to Leanna, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/

To reach out to Andrea, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-m-palmer/

Full transcript available here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

Meet Your Host! Leanna's Story - Part 1

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, I decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of a solo episode or an interview, I invited my friend, Andrea Palmer, to interview me. Our conversation was so rich and extensive that I've divided it into three parts, and today's episode is part 1. I'll be sharing insights about my pre-baby life, career, pregnancy, and maternity leave. My hope is that you'll find aspects of my story relatable and gain a deeper understanding of my journey as a working mom and why I decided to make the transition to full time mom.

To reach out to Leanna, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/

To reach out to Andrea, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-m-palmer/

Full transcript available here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

Navigating Motherhood as a High Achiever

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we delve into the challenges faced by high-achieving moms and how the achievement-oriented mindset can hinder their journey. Leanna, an Enneagram type 3, shares her personal experience of struggling with unrealistic expectations after becoming a parent. Through therapy and coaching, she discovered the power of choice in shaping her mindset. By embracing imperfections and living in the present, she learned to enjoy the journey of motherhood. She also discusses the importance of modeling self-love and kindness for her child's future experience of motherhood. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration on navigating the achievement trap as a high-achieving mom.

To reach out to Leanna, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/

Full transcript available here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

Conscious Decision Making

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, host Leanna Laskey McGrath discusses the process of making conscious decisions. She shares her own experience of leaving her executive job to focus on her daughter and highlights the importance of aligning decisions with personal values and vision. Leanna provides four key insights to help listeners navigate decision-making and encourages conscious decision-making and empowers listeners to make choices that bring balance and joy to their lives.

To reach out to Leanna, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/

Full transcript available here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

Why Working Moms Feel Like We're Failing at Everything

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

To reach out to Leanna, please find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannalaskey/

Full transcript available here.

Thank you for tuning in to the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, and please remember to rate, review and subscribe!

The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast Trailer

Sat, 20 May 2023 00:35:41 -0000

Thanks for listening this trailer for The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast and I hope you decide to subscribe! We’ll have weekly episodes starting June 1st, and if you want to reach out, you can find me on LinkedIn or visit my podcast website at https://podcast.coachleanna.com/

I look forward to seeing you in the first episode!

Transcript:

Hi! I’m Leanna Laskey McGrath, former tech exec turned full time mom, recovering perfectionist and workaholic, and certified executive coach.

For most of my life, I’ve been a high achieving hard working professional, from the early days of my career in higher education to over a decade as an executive at multiple ed tech startups. But in 2019, something changed for me — I had a baby, and my priorities completely shifted. I no longer had 60-80 hours a week to work, and I had a really hard time feeling like I was still bringing value to my company when I didn’t have the capacity to work like I always had.

As an executive mom, I constantly felt like I was failing at everything. It didn’t feel good and though I enjoyed my job and of course loved my baby, I just wasn’t really enjoying my overall life experience. So I decided to take a career pause to focus full time on my daughter. I had worked so hard to build a successful career so it was a huge identity shift for me.

Since leaving the corporate world, I’ve been able to enjoy time with my daughter and I’ve also had some space to step back and understand why my transition to a working mom was so difficult for me. I’ve spent A LOT of time in coaching, therapy, and self reflection. And today, I coach high achieving executive moms, and I’ve learned that to so many women out there are struggling like I did, and I know I can help.

Being a professional woman is hard, being a parent is hard, and my goal with this podcast is to support you in your journey. I’ll share my own story and we’ll discuss topics related to the unique challenges of women in leadership and the unique challenges of working moms, and I’ll be talking amazing guests who also support women and mothers. So whether you’re a leader at work, a leader at home, or both, tune into The Executive Coach for Moms podcast. Because we all deserve more support.