Shannon Fox | Career Coach

Too Busy to Grow? Why Career Development Is the Secret to Sustainable Leadership for Working Moms

September 12, 20253 min read

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time for career development,” this episode is for you.

As working moms, we juggle deadlines, school pickups, endless to-do lists—and often, our own growth is the first thing to go. But here’s the truth: career development isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation of sustainable leadership.

Watch the episode here:

Listen to the episode here:

Why Career Growth Feels Selfish (and Why It’s Not)

So many women tell themselves:

  • “Once things calm down, I’ll focus on me.”

  • “I should be grateful for what I have.”

  • “Spending time on myself feels selfish.”

But while you’re waiting for “someday,” burnout is speeding up. Growth isn’t selfish—it’s what makes you more present, more confident, and more YOU.

Your family doesn’t need your perfection, they need your presence. And presence comes from alignment, not exhaustion.

The Myths That Keep Moms Stuck

  1. Career development takes too much time. → Truth: 15 intentional minutes a day compounds into massive growth.

  2. Focusing on my growth is selfish. → Truth: When you’re fulfilled, your family benefits too.

  3. If I were truly good, I wouldn’t need development. → Truth: The best leaders never stop growing.

How Leadership Styles Approach Growth

  • Boss Lady in Action → Grow through action and implementation (but avoid overdoing).

  • Charismatic Queen → Grow by using your voice (but check alignment, not just validation).

  • Heart-Centered Guide → Grow through connection and mentorship (but don’t hide behind serving others).

  • Visionary Brainiac → Grow through strategy and innovation (but avoid overthinking—take messy action).

👉 Haven’t taken the quiz yet? Discover your leadership style here: [Leadership Style Quiz link]

The STEP Method for Sustainable Career Growth

  1. S – Spot the gap: Where do you feel stuck or drained?

  2. T – Tie it to your style: How would your natural leadership wiring approach this?

  3. E – Expand your edge: Choose one growth move that stretches you without overwhelming you.

  4. P – Plan one move: Schedule one next step this week.

A Real-Life Example

Brittany, a mid-level manager and Charismatic Queen, spent years dimming her voice to fit in. Once she started sharing weekly insights on LinkedIn, her confidence soared. Within six months, she was promoted—not because she checked every box, but because she finally showed up as her authentic self.

Your Career Clarity Action Step

Block 30 minutes this week for YOU. Read, connect, reflect, or start a passion project. You don’t need permission—you need intention.

Final Thoughts

Every time you choose growth over guilt, you not only lead yourself—you lead the way for your family, your team, and the women coming behind you.

✨ Career development isn’t a luxury. It’s the key to sustainable leadership, confidence, and balance—and you deserve it.

💼 Ready to Lead with Confidence & Clarity?

🚀 Take my FREE Leadership Style Quiz to identify your strengths and career growth path
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Join the Career Growth for Working Moms Facebook Group for exclusive career tips and support
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Become an Insider and receive weekly career tips, time saving tools & strengths based leadership tips

🎧 And if this post hit home, share it with a mama friend and leave a quick review on the pod. You never know who’s waiting to feel seen.


✨ New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe + leave a review!

Shannon Fox is a Career Coach who helps working moms leverage their natural strengths to get their dream job, raise or promotion. She is also the podcast host of Career Growth for Working Moms.

Shannon Fox | Career Coach

Shannon Fox is a Career Coach who helps working moms leverage their natural strengths to get their dream job, raise or promotion. She is also the podcast host of Career Growth for Working Moms.

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