Empowered Working Mom Revolution

S5EP4: The 'I Get To' Mindset: How One Mom of Four Changed Her Perspective on Daily Chaos with Ella Wong

🎧 Ever feel like you're just surviving this whole mom thing? (Um, who doesn't?! 🙋‍♀️)

In this heart-to-heart episode, mental health coach and mom of four Ella Wong shares how she transformed her perspective from "I have to" to "I get to" - and omg, it changes EVERYTHING! From navigating the chaos of raising four kids (including twins!) to breaking free from the immigrant parent survival mentality, Ella opens up about finding purpose in motherhood while letting go of those heavy expectations we put on ourselves (and our kiddos!). Trust me, you'll want to grab your coffee for this one - it's like therapy, but with more laughs and fewer tissues! ☕️

About Ella Ella Wong is a Chinese-American mom to two high school boys and twin middle school daughters. After studying business in college, she shifted careers to become a mental health coach specializing in parenting. Ella is passionate about helping other parents face the challenges of raising kids with confidence and compassion, drawing from her own experiences as a mom and her professional training. When she's not juggling sports schedules or having deep conversations with her teens, you can find her taking rejuvenating hikes in nature! 🌲

Key Takeaways:

• The game-changing shift from "I have to" to "I get to" mindset (even with those dreaded dishes! 🍽️)
• Why hope feels lighter than expectations (and how to tell the difference!)
• Breaking free from the survival mode mentality (it's possible, I promise! 🦋)
• Accepting what we can't control (like those impossible sports schedules!)
• How motherhood evolves as our kids grow (and spoiler alert: so do we! 🌱)
• Finding your purpose beyond being "just mom" (while still rocking the mom thing! 👑)

Connect with Ella:

Instagram: @dowhatyoulovetoday

Read the rest of this entry »

S5EP3: Owning Your Mom Status at Work: How This Salesforce Leader Embraced Working Motherhood with Grace Brelje

🎙️ What happens when someone at work finally asks you why you keep apologizing for being a mom?

For Grace Brelje, that single question sparked a powerful transformation in how she showed up both as a leader and a mother. After years of compartmentalizing these parts of herself, Grace embarked on an unexpected journey that included a bold career pivot, a pandemic-induced move back home with her parents (and kids!), and ultimately, discovering how to authentically integrate her whole self at work. Now leading Global Leadership Coaching & Mentoring at Salesforce, Grace shares how embracing her identity as a working mom has actually strengthened her leadership and created deeper connections with her teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Transform your relationship with work by bringing your whole self including your mom status - to leadership
• Release the pressure of 140% perfectionism and discover how operating at a healthy 80% can actually make you a more effective leader
• Navigate major life transitions (like moving back in with parents during a pandemic!) with grace and find unexpected gifts along the way
• Create boundaries that honor both your career ambitions and family priorities without apology
• Build authentic connections at work by openly owning your working parent journey

About Grace:
Grace Brelje leads the Global Leadership Coaching & Mentoring centers at Salesforce, focusing on enhancing organizational capabilities, empathetic leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. With experience in Sales, Service, Recruiting, and HR across various industries, her background as a coach, facilitator, manager, yoga teacher, and parent shapes her approach. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), certified Action Learning Coach, Associate Certified Coach (ACC), and member of the Asian Women Coaching Collective (AWCC).

Read the rest of this entry »

S5EP2: From Resistance to Resilience: A Working Mom's Journey Through Family Health Challenges with Maribeth Thomas

Hey there, amazing mamas! 💝 Welcome back to another episode of the Empowered Working Mom Revolution, where we dive deep into real stories that resonate with your motherhood journey.

In this powerful episode, I take a moment to acknowledge the collective heaviness many of us are feeling right now - in our communities, our nation, and across the world. Whatever emotions you're experiencing, they're valid and welcomed here.

I share a simple yet powerful framework that's been my anchor during challenging times - the CARE approach:

• Compassionate curiosity

• Acceptance of emotions

• Responding to one's needs

• Extending grace to yourself and others

About Maribeth:

Our featured guest is the incredible Maribeth Thomas, a life coach, podcast host of The Experiment, and high school basketball coach who's found her rhythm in the peaceful simplicity of rural Montana life. As she navigates the empty nest phase of motherhood now, she takes us back to a pivotal chapter in her story - when an unexpected health crisis in her family led to a complete transformation in how they approached life, wellness, and family bonds.

Key Takeaways:

• It's totally okay to resist change at first (seriously, who doesn't?!) - what matters is taking those baby steps forward when you're ready 👣

• Finding your support squad is non-negotiable (shoutout to all the mom friends who become family! 🤗)

• The whole "putting your oxygen mask on first" thing? Yeah, it's legit - taking care of YOU helps you take care of everyone else 🎭

• Sometimes you gotta sit in the mucky feelings before you can find the silver lining (and that's 100% okay!) 💕

• Big life challenges might just become your biggest opportunities for growth (even when they feel impossible in the moment!) ✨

• The power of reframing situations isn't about being annoyingly positive - it's about finding hope when you're ready for it 🌈

Whether you're in the thick of a challenging season or simply need a reminder that you're not alone in this beautiful mess of working motherhood, this conversation will fill your cup. So grab your favorite beverage, carve out a quiet moment (or listen while folding that mountain of laundry - we get it!), and let Maribeth's story remind you that even in our toughest moments, love wins. 💗

Connect with Maribeth:

Instagram: @sincerelymaribeth

Website: https://www.sincerelymaribeth.com/

Remember, mama: Your journey matters, your feelings are valid, and you're doing an amazing job. See you next week!✨

#workingmom #motherhood #momlife #empoweredmom #wellness #familyhealth #transformation #podcastforwomen #momssupportingmoms

———-

We'd love your support!

Our mission is to amplify the stories of all moms so that they can be seen, heard, and supported in their motherhood journey, regardless of whether they are balancing motherhood with an external career or choosing to dedicate themselves fully to motherhood.

 We would appreciate your support because your support matters!  

Here are 3 ways you can support the mission of the podcast:

1. Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts so more moms can discover this podcast. Thank you!

   1. You can select a star rating by scrolling down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app.

2. Write a review on Apple Podcasts so more moms can find a place of solace, comfort, and belonging through the podcast. Thank you!

   1. Scroll down on the Empowered Working Mom Revolution show page in the Apple Podcast app and tap "Write a review."

3. Make a one-time donation to the podcast for as little as $7 or whatever amount feels best for you.  You can click this link to donate. Thank you!

----

Connect with Jocelyn, MA,  ACC (she/her/hers)
Founder of NurturED Solutions
"Cultivating Cultures of Care in K-12 Education"
Grab the Free Culture of Care Assessment Guide for School Leaders

NurturED Solutions Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | Mental Well-Being Coaching

S5EP1: Stop the Mom Guilt: Why It's OK When Your Priorities Shift as a Working Mom with Divya Ramachandran

Ever feel like you're doing this whole working mom thing "wrong"? 🤔

In this soulful episode, former Silicon Valley Tech VP Divya Ramachandran opens up about that time she felt totally broken because she wasn't prioritizing her kids over her thriving career (spoiler alert: she wasn't broken at all!). She shares her beautiful journey of letting go of "shoulds," redefining success on her own terms, and making a bold career pivot that aligned with her heart. Through tears, laughter, and SO many aha moments, Divya and I dive deep into what it really means to honor your truth as a working mom (even when it goes against everything society tells you to do! 😅).

Key Takeaways:

• Your priorities as a working mom aren't meant to be set in stone - they can (and probably will!) shift over time, and that's perfectly okay! 🌊
• Being excited about your career doesn't make you a bad mom, and wanting to prioritize your kids doesn't make you less ambitious. Drop that mom guilt like it's hot! 💃
• Cultivating curiosity (instead of judgment) about your feelings and choices opens up amazing possibilities for growth and change. 🦋
• Instead of chasing that mythical "perfect balance," focus on feeling integrated and authentic across all areas of your life. 💫
• Regular check-ins with yourself aren't just nice-to-have - they're your secret weapon for staying true to what matters most to YOU. ✨
• You get to define your own identity as a working mom - not your culture, not your family, not society's expectations. (Mind. Blown. Right? 🤯)

About Divya Ramachandran:
Divya Ramachandran is a seasoned leadership coach, helping startup leaders find clarity to do hard things. Her career has been a journey from products to people, starting from an engineering background, to passionately designing technology for human needs, to eventually product leadership and now leadership coaching and development. Leveraging her Silicon Valley tech background and expertise in emotional intelligence and cognitive behavioral coaching, Divya empowers leaders to navigate challenges, improve communication, and drive team success.

Grabe her Free "Hot to Make Hard Conversation Easy" here: https://content.divyalalitha.com/sayhardthings

Connect with Divya:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diramachandran/

http://www.divyalalitha.com

coach@divyalalitha.com

Read the rest of this entry »

S4EP8: How Letting Go of Control Helped Shobna Thrive as a Mom and Entrepreneur

Welcome to the last episode of Season 4! Thank you for tuning in this season and supporting this podcast's mission! We'll be back with Season 5 on January 8, 2025!

 

We're excited to wrap up Season 4 with sharing Shobna Kannusamy's story! In this insightful episode of The Empowered Working Mom Revolution, host Jocelyn Auyeung sits down with Shobna Nadkarni, a working mom, entrepreneur, and coach, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and career. Shobna opens up about pivotal life moments, from her teenage years in boarding school to her struggles with infertility and her journey toward embracing motherhood.

Shobna shares how letting go of control helped her navigate both personal and professional challenges. She reflects on the difficult decision to close her thriving business, the emotional toll of infertility treatments, and how she has learned to prioritize self-care as a working mom. Shobna’s inspiring story of transformation and her ability to thrive by embracing change will resonate with moms looking to reclaim their sense of self and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• How to balance career ambitions with the responsibilities of motherhood
• The importance of letting go of control in parenting and business
• Prioritizing self-care and mental health as a working mom
• Making brave career decisions that align with your family’s needs
• Shobna’s personal journey through infertility and business ownership

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a career-driven mom, or simply looking for support in your motherhood journey, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and inspired.

Read the rest of this entry »

S4EP7: How to Navigate Career Pivots and Motherhood with Kaelysia Cooper

In this powerful episode of The Empowered Working Mom Revolution, host Jocelyn Auyeung welcomes Kaelysia Cooper, a mom, professional coach, and expert in personal development. Kaelysia opens up about her journey of navigating career pivots while balancing the challenges of motherhood. From overcoming unexpected setbacks to leaning on faith during times of uncertainty, Kaelysia shares actionable insights and encouragement for moms who feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Key Topics:

• How to embrace career changes when life doesn’t go as planned
• The importance of self-advocacy in the workplace and at home
• Faith over fear: Making tough decisions during motherhood
• Why getting comfortable with discomfort can lead to personal growth
• The power of building a support system and relying on your community

Whether you're a working mom juggling career transitions, or a stay-at-home mom looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on how to thrive, feel connected, and prioritize your well-being.

Listen now to discover how you can reclaim your power and find balance in the chaos of motherhood.

Read the rest of this entry »

S4EP6: From Lawyer to Mompreneur: How Motherhood Sparked a Movement for Cultural Preservation with Régine Théodat

In this empowering episode of the Empowered Working Mom Revolution podcast, host Jocelyn Auyeung sits down with lawyer-turned-mompreneur Régine Théodat. Régine opens up about her unexpected journey from a career-focused lawyer to a mother and entrepreneur, creating a business rooted in cultural preservation. As a working mom, she shares her personal challenges and triumphs of raising her daughter with a strong sense of Haitian identity in a world where Western culture dominates.

This episode is perfect for moms who are looking to feel connected, seen, and heard in their motherhood journey. Régine’s story of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation will inspire and encourage you to embrace your own unique path, no matter where it leads.

 

Key Topics Covered:

• From lawyer to mompreneur: Régine’s journey of motherhood and business.
• Challenges of raising a culturally connected child in a Westernized world.
• How motherhood sparked a business focused on bilingual children’s books and toys.
• The importance of cultural representation in kids’ products.
• Work-life balance: How Régine manages motherhood and entrepreneurship.
• Mental health and therapy: How it helped Regine thrive as a working mom.

 

Highlights:

• “Motherhood changed everything for me—I never thought I’d be a mom, but now I can’t imagine my life without it.” – Régine Théodat
• “I wanted my daughter to grow up connected to her Haitian roots, but so many children’s products lacked cultural representation.” – Regine on the importance of diversity in kids’ products.
• “As a mompreneur, I’m not just building a business—I’m preserving culture for the next generation.”

 

Connect with Regine Theodat:

• Website:Isse and Lo
• Instagram: @Regine.Theodat

Régine Théodat is a Haitian American entrepreneur, author, strategist, cultural enthusiast, and mom. She founded Isse & Lo, providing bilingual books, toys, and cultural tools to help parents connect children with their Caribbean heritage. She's also a consultant working at the cross-section of impact and strategy. She loves work that focuses on cultural preservation, fostering pride, and connection among Haitian families. She's the mother to one daughter, and bonus mom to three boys.

 

Call to Action:

Feeling seen, heard, and connected as a working mom is possible. Subscribe to the Empowered Working Mom Revolution podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow moms! Be sure to check out Régine’s incredible products at Isse & Lo, and stay tuned for more stories that celebrate the power of motherhood.

-----

🫶🏼 Support the podcast by being a podcast sponsor!

We are looking for sponsors as our podcast continues to grow. As a sponsor, your donation supports the podcast and enables us to create and spread more heartwarming stories of working moms worldwide.

This helps every mom feel acknowledged, understood, and part of a supportive community. Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support the podcast. 

As a thank you, your name will be added to our podcast website's "Thank you Sponsors" list.

Click here to donate $7 or choose your preferred amount. We appreciate your support!

----

Connect with Jocelyn, MA,  ACC (she/her/hers)
Website | Podcast | LinkedIN

S4EP5: Balancing Motherhood and Career with Mary Dibble

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Mary Dibble, a Life Purpose and Goal Success Master Life Coach. Mary shares her transformative journey from a struggling working mom to a successful entrepreneur and podcast host.

Key Highlights:

• Mary's transition from working mom to stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur
• Overcoming postpartum depression and work-life balance challenges
• Strategies for managing household responsibilities and reducing stress
• The power of shifting perspective and practicing gratitude
• Tips for organizing and prioritizing tasks as a busy mom
• Mary's inspiring path to becoming a life coach and business owner

Actionable Advice for Moms:

• Use Google Calendar to manage schedules and reduce mental load
• Delegate tasks and foster independence in children
• Prioritize time-sensitive tasks and let go of perfectionism
• Practice gratitude to shift perspective on household messes
• Explore life coaching as a tool for personal growth and empowerment

Mary Dibble, is a proud wife and mother of three incredible kids – two amazing sons and a beautiful daughter. But there's so much more to her than just her family role. She's on a mission to help mothers unlock their full potential and thrive in every aspect of life.

She wears many hats, but the one that truly sets her heart on fire is her role as a Life Purpose and Goal Success Master Life Coach. She's witnessed countless transformations in the lives of hard working mothers, including herself, struggling to find themselves after self sacrificing for most of their lives. As the host of the Radiant Mom Rising Podcast, Mary's passion is empowering you to dream bigger, embrace your unique purpose, and rediscover the authentic, radiant you.  

You can find out more about Mary by visiting her website www.marydibblecoaching.com, Facebook and Instagram @marydcoaching. Whether you're a seasoned mom or just embarking on this incredible journey, be sure to subscribe to her podcast Radiant Mom Rising for an enlightening conversation that's bound to leave you feeling inspired and ready to rise!  

Connect with Mary:

• Website: www.marydibblecoaching.com
• Facebook and Instagram: @MaryDCoaching
• Podcast: Radiant Mom Rising

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to embrace your authentic self as a working mom!

Read the rest of this entry »