The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast

The Executive Coach for Moms Podcast

By: Leanna Laskey McGrath

Language: en

Categories: Business, Management, Education, Self Improvement

The Executive Coach for Moms podcast supports women who are attempting to find balance and joy while simultaneously leading people at work and at home. Hosted by Leanna Laskey McGrath, former tech exec turned full time mom, recovering perfectionist and workaholic, and certified executive coach.

Episodes

Holiday Tip #8: Expectations of Self
Dec 15, 2025

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.

Duration: 00:02:53
Holiday Tip #7: It's Okay to Ask for Help
Dec 12, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Duration: 00:02:39
Holiday Mom Guilt for High Achievers
Dec 11, 2025

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 be...

Duration: 00:17:26
Holiday Tip #6: Traditions
Dec 10, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Duration: 00:01:39
Holiday Tip #5: I Have To VS. I Want To
Dec 08, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Duration: 00:01:56
Holiday Tip #4: Decide How You'll Show Up
Dec 07, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Duration: 00:01:18
Holiday Tip #3: Boundaries
Dec 05, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions.

Duration: 00:02:38
Metabolic Healing, Weight Loss, and Sustainable Wellness for High Achieving Women Who Don't Have Time to Burn Out - with Kathryn Becker
Dec 04, 2025

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 powerf...

Duration: 00:52:05
Holiday Tip #2: Make a Plan
Dec 03, 2025

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 and join us for the Seasonal Support Sessions. 

Duration: 00:03:06
3 Helpful Tips for High Achieving Perfectionist Moms on Thanksgiving
Nov 27, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:09:55
Introducing the Holiday Tips Series for Executive Moms!
Nov 27, 2025

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. 

Duration: 00:04:23
The Courage to Pivot: Building a Life That Reflects Your Values - with Klara Ganter
Nov 20, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:33:28
Stop Second Guessing Yourself: Mindset Tools to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
Nov 13, 2025

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.

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Duration: 00:13:03
Balancing Leadership and Motherhood: Choosing What Belongs (and What Doesn't) in This Season of Life
Nov 06, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:11:20
What Does it Mean to be Strong? Navigating Grief & Redefining Strength After Loss - with Kami Wernimont
Oct 30, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:42:28
The 5 Journaling Prompts Every Executive Woman Needs to Live and Lead with Purpose
Oct 23, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:29:11
How to Overcome Resistance to Change and Finally Start Putting Yourself First (Taking Care of Yourself #6)
Oct 16, 2025

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 for...

Duration: 00:24:59
Reclaiming Your Energy and Connection Through Science-Based Nervous System Healing - with Melissa Romano (Taking Care of Yourself #5)
Oct 09, 2025

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 giv...

Duration: 00:48:58
Advocating for Your Needs at Work and at Home (Taking Care of Yourself #4)
Oct 02, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:24:33
Burnout as Betrayal: Breaking Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism to Reclaim Your Energy - with Lora Cheadle (Taking Care of Yourself #3)
Sep 25, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:47:31
Empowering Executive Moms to Recognize Your Own Needs Without Guilt (Taking Care of Yourself #2)
Sep 18, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:25:08
The Mindset Shifts Every Executive Mom Needs to Balance Ambition and Well-Being (Taking Care of Yourself #1)
Sep 11, 2025

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 narrat...

Duration: 00:26:17
Leadership, Motherhood, Resilience & Redefining Success: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Summer Series
Sep 04, 2025

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.

...

Duration: 00:22:02
Grounded in Resilience: Growing Through Adversity and Change in Relationships, Career, and Motherhood - with Kiran Reddy (part 2)
Aug 28, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:31:53
Navigating the Transition to Preschool - Back to School BONUS
Aug 26, 2025

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.

Duration: 00:22:55
Grounded in Purpose: Aligning Career, Service, and Becoming a Mother - with Kiran Reddy (part 1)
Aug 22, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:23:06
You Don't Have to Do It All: Delegation Strategies and Support Systems for Working Moms - with Ashley Chang (part 2)
Aug 14, 2025

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 a...

Duration: 00:29:08
From Doing It All to Doing What Matters: Redefining Work-Life Balance in Working Motherhood - with Ashley Chang (part 1)
Aug 07, 2025

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, ye...

Duration: 00:18:58
Embracing Motherhood as a Superpower and Building a Values Aligned Legacy - with Erica Willie (part 2)
Jul 31, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:26:14
The High Achiever's First Superpower: Outwork Everyone and Succeed Through Work Ethic - with Erica Willie (part 1)
Jul 24, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:28:04
Sustaining Strong: How Strength Training Empowers Women with Self Confidence, Resilience, and Mental Wellbeing - with Sarah Brelowski (part 2)
Jul 17, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:30:32
Becoming Strong: From Career Burnout to Alignment, Fulfillment, and Self-Defined Success - with Sarah Brelowski (part 1)
Jul 10, 2025

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, se...

Duration: 00:32:54
Letting Go of Summer Mom Guilt and Finding Joy in the Present Moment
Jul 03, 2025

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 f...

Duration: 00:17:01
Navigating Working Motherhood: Leadership, Self-Care, and Sustainable Ambition - with Dina Silver Pokedoff (part 2)
Jun 26, 2025

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 dele...

Duration: 00:31:59
Navigating the Unexpected: Career Pivoting, Fertility Journeys, and Redefining Success - with Dina Silver Pokedoff (part 1)
Jun 19, 2025

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 fert...

Duration: 00:29:30
Leading with Impact: Values Based Leadership and Growth Mindset for Working Mothers - Dr. Lesley Robinson (part 2)
Jun 12, 2025

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 ambi...

Duration: 00:25:46
Leading with Purpose: Charting Your Own Course as a High-Achieving Woman - with Dr. Lesley Robinson (part 1)
Jun 05, 2025

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 th...

Duration: 00:30:59
How to Have a Meaningful Summer with Your Kids: An Intentional Summer Planning Framework for Working Moms
May 29, 2025

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 se...

Duration: 00:16:50
Pursuing Your Dreams and Building the Life You Want (100th Episode!!)
May 22, 2025

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 hear...

Duration: 00:20:40
How Executive Coaching Helped Me Rebuild Confidence and Redefine Success After Motherhood: Angela's Story
May 15, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:45:07
Confidence & Authenticity: Who Are You When You're Not Being Who Everyone Else Needs You to Be?
May 08, 2025

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.<...

Duration: 00:17:25
How High-Achieving Women Can Avoid Burnout While Confidently Climbing the Corporate Ladder
May 01, 2025

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.

Duration: 00:17:00
Growth Mindset: The Key to Ditching Self-Doubt and Leading with Confidence
Apr 24, 2025

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 refl...

Duration: 00:16:53
How to Speak Like a Leader: Communication Strategies for Executive Women - with Dr. Laura Sicola
Apr 17, 2025

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 Ta...

Duration: 00:57:27
The Restorative Power of Female Friendships
Apr 10, 2025

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 th...

Duration: 00:15:20
How to Shift from Feeling Exhausted + Drained to Energized + Empowered
Apr 03, 2025

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.

If you're ready...

Duration: 00:11:13
Slow Down to Speed Up: The Secret to Sustainable Success
Mar 27, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:18:34
Overcoming Perfectionism
Mar 20, 2025

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.

If you're ready for deeper transformation, check out T...

Duration: 00:12:52
Communication Strategies for Women Leaders to Find Your Voice in the Boardroom - with Elizabeth Bachman
Mar 13, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:39:14
Feeling Stuck? 4 Steps to Getting Unstuck and Taking Action
Mar 06, 2025

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 fr...

Duration: 00:18:33
Navigating Uncertain Times While Avoiding Burnout - with Laura Nguyen
Feb 27, 2025

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 st...

Duration: 00:40:07
Reclaim Your Power: The Game Changing Mindset Shift to Handle a Difficult Boss
Feb 20, 2025

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 regardl...

Duration: 00:13:52
How to Create More Love, Intimacy, Desire, & Connection with the Mental Load of Motherhood + Leadership - with Eleni Economides (Valentine's Day Special)
Feb 13, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:53:27
The Data-Proven Value of Working Mothers: How Hiring Moms Gives Companies a Competitive Advantage - with Maria Sweeney of The Mom Project
Feb 06, 2025

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 Ma...

Duration: 00:53:42
Fractional Employment: A Creative Career Direction for Successful Leaders to Create Work Life Balance
Jan 30, 2025

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 ti...

Duration: 00:35:29
Achieving Your Travel Bucket List with Your Family: Strategies for Busy Working Moms
Jan 23, 2025

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 Inst...

Duration: 00:46:05
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones on the Path to Achieving Your Goals
Jan 16, 2025

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 Lean...

Duration: 00:15:09
January Reset Day 5: Commit and Connect
Jan 10, 2025

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.

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 t...

Duration: 00:33:34
January Reset Day 4: Plan Your Steps
Jan 09, 2025

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.

Su...

Duration: 00:27:26
January Reset Day 3: Overcome Barriers
Jan 08, 2025

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/januaryresetday4-planyoursteps7281422529137676289/theater/}.

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 t...

Duration: 00:26:21
January Reset Day 2: Create Your Vision
Jan 07, 2025

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/januaryresetday3-takestock7281421169096855552/theater/}.

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 diff...

Duration: 00:26:33
January Reset Day 1: Take Stock
Jan 06, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:19:38
Creating Your 2025 Vision: Intentional Goal Setting for Sustainable Change
Jan 02, 2025

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 in...

Duration: 00:14:08
Permission to Pause: Why Rest is Essential for High Achievers
Dec 26, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:18:04
BONUS: Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Presence
Dec 24, 2024

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.

<...

Duration: 00:43:01
How to Juggle Everything This Holiday Season Without Getting Knocked Out
Dec 19, 2024

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:

Sign up for her free webinar, Unwrap the Gift of Presence this Holiday Season, today, December 19, at 2:30 PM ET.

Explore The Executive...

Duration: 00:41:01
Vacuums Can't Toast Bread: Embracing Your Unique Talents & Authentic Purpose - with Katie Farinas
Dec 12, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:49:32
Reducing Stress and Anxiety for a More Joyful Holiday Season - with Lindsey Carnick
Dec 05, 2024

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...

Duration: 01:03:10
The Magic of Love and Gratitude: Showing Up Intentionally This Thanksgiving
Nov 28, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:13:25
Resilience in Action: Raising Awareness to Save Lives After Surviving the Unthinkable
Nov 21, 2024

*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...

Duration: 01:00:27
Setting Moms Up for Success: Maternity Leave Insights for Leaders & Teams - with Jennifer Atzenhoffer
Nov 14, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:55:06
Navigating Election Week Anxiety & Team Morale: 7 Strategies for Leaders
Nov 08, 2024

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.

Duration: 00:21:33
Gen Z in the Workplace: Who They Are, How to Lead Them, and What They Can Teach Us - with Meghan Grace
Oct 31, 2024

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 adap...

Duration: 00:43:20
The Real Secret to Feeling in Control of Your Life
Oct 24, 2024

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.

Duration: 00:21:23
Deprogramming Diet Culture & Reclaiming Our Intuition - with Dr. Supatra Tovar
Oct 17, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:43:07
Difficult Conversations
Oct 10, 2024

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.

Leanna is offering Coaching for Cha...

Duration: 00:13:01
Learning to Balance Self Care with Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit: Reflections on Year One of Let the Light In - with Kami Wernimont
Oct 03, 2024

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 se...

Duration: 00:50:46
Master Your Productivity to Reclaim Your Time - with Leslie Shreve
Sep 19, 2024

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 res...

Duration: 00:36:51
Creating Your Own Definition of Success
Sep 12, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:43:56
Introducing the Executive Mom Reset!
Sep 05, 2024

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!

Duration: 00:18:52
Mom Guilt
Aug 29, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:16:18
GREATEST HITS - Overwhelm
Aug 22, 2024

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 t...

Duration: 00:17:43
Olympic Level Mental Health: 7 Things We Can Learn From Simone Biles
Aug 16, 2024

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!

Duration: 00:24:03
The High Achiever's Guide to Pursuing a PhD While Balancing Career and Parenthood - with Lisa Tran
Aug 08, 2024

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 yo...

Duration: 00:49:11
GREATEST HITS - Back to School BONUS: Supporting Our Kids Through the Preschool Transition
Aug 01, 2024

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 wi...

Duration: 00:21:12
How Two High Achieving Executive Moms Learned to Slow Down and Let Go - with Julie Kelleher
Jul 25, 2024

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.

...

Duration: 00:46:23
GREATEST HITS - How Our Thoughts Impact Our Results
Jul 18, 2024

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 action...

Duration: 00:20:16
The Power of Emotional Healing & Authenticity in Leadership - with Jessica Trammell
Jul 11, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:59:13
GREATEST HITS - Conscious Decision Making
Jul 04, 2024

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 t...

Duration: 00:18:12
GREATEST HITS - BURNOUT - with Laura Nguyen
Jun 20, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:52:51
Raising Resilient Leaders: Modeling How to Overcome Rejection to Create a Successful Life - with Dr. Corey Seemiller
Jun 13, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:51:54
GREATEST HITS - Why Working Moms Feel Like We're Failing at Everything
Jun 06, 2024

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 mother...

Duration: 00:23:08
One Year of the Podcast!! And Doing Scary Things
Jun 01, 2024

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!

Duration: 00:22:09
Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: How to Create the Career and Life of Your Dreams - with Shannon Talbot
May 23, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:59:14
From Surviving to Thriving: Navigating Postpartum Mental Health - with Arielle Wozniak (Transition to Motherhood Series #5)
May 16, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:59:45
Mothers' Day Special featuring Michele Laskey aka MY MOM!
May 09, 2024

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 ki...

Duration: 00:50:12
Reclaiming Joy and Agency After Postpartum Depression - with Suzanne Yatim Aslam (Transition to Motherhood Series #4)
May 02, 2024

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...

Duration: 01:01:15
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)
Apr 25, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:49:16
The Ultimate Joy and the Unexpected Anxiety of the Postpartum Experience - with Amy Diehl, PhD (Transition to Motherhood Series #2)
Apr 18, 2024

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...

Duration: 00:49:22
Rethinking Our Values in Parenthood - with Andrea Palmer (Transition to Motherhood Series #1)
Apr 11, 2024

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 ev...

Duration: 01:06:46