From Burnout to Bold: How Working Moms Can Lead with Confidence & Clarity
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything—and it still doesn’t feel like enough,” this blog is for you.
In today’s episode, Shannon sits down with Dr. Jodi Vandenberg‑Daves—coach, historian, and women’s leadership advocate—to unpack:
✅ Why perfectionism and imposter syndrome are not personal flaws
✅ How to recognize caregiving as a career strength, not a liability
✅ Practical tools for setting boundaries without guilt
Watch the episode here:
Listen to the episode here:
Leadership Isn’t Just for the Boardroom
Dr. Jodi shares how caregiving, emotional agility, and managing chaos are leadership in action. Yet most women don’t realize these invisible skills are their edge.
You already have:
Stakeholder management (a.k.a. toddler tantrums + team meetings)
Systems thinking (who else can meal plan, run a meeting, and prep a science project?)
Emotional agility (crying baby or crying colleague—you show up)
The challenge? We’ve been conditioned to undervalue all of it.
3 Mindset Shifts to Lead with Less Guilt
“I don’t need to prove everything right now.”
You are a long-term asset. Set boundaries like someone who plans to thrive—not just survive.
“Caregiving is my leadership bootcamp.”
Every moment juggling home and work is teaching you something valuable. Start naming it.
“Negotiation isn’t selfish. It’s leadership.”
Whether it’s flex time, a pay raise, or saying no—you’re modeling what strong, inclusive leadership looks like.
Redefine Success on Your Terms
Jodi emphasizes that sustainable leadership begins with knowing your values and where you bring the most value.
💡 Boundary-setting is a leadership strategy—not burnout prevention.
💡 Caregiving makes you more prepared, not less.
💡 You don’t have to earn your right to rest or renegotiate.
Practical Action Step
✅ Write down one caregiving skill you’ve gained—and reframe it as a leadership quality.
Example:
“I’m constantly managing chaos” → “I have high-level adaptability and logistics skills that help teams stay on track in shifting environments.”
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to change who you are to lead.
“When we name and claim caregiving skills, we unlock a new leadership language—one that’s people-centered, emotionally agile, and exactly what the workplace needs.” -Dr. Jodi
You’re not behind—you’re building a leadership style that’s sustainable, inclusive, and real. Start owning it today.
💼 Ready to Lead with Confidence & Clarity?
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