448: Why "Having It All" Feels So Hard for Working Moms | Balancing Motherhood, Career, Ambition w/ Rukiya Ross

Why does "having it all" feel so much harder than it sounds? In this episode, Rukiya Ross breaks down the real challenges working moms face balancing career, ambition, and motherhood. In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with operations executive, podcast host, and mom of two Rukiya Ross for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to pursue ambition while navigating motherhood. As Head of Operations at inquirED and co-host of Moms Who Pause, Rukiya helps women rethink how they approach career growth, childcare, and building a life that actually works. In this conversation, she shares how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with ambition, success, and self-worth—and why so many working moms struggle silently with the pressure to "do it all." Together, Rana and Rukiya unpack the emotional and logistical realities of balancing motherhood and career, from managing the mental load and childcare decisions to navigating guilt, boundaries, and burnout. If you're a working mom trying to pursue your goals without losing yourself in the process, this episode will remind you that ambition doesn't disappear after motherhood—it just requires a new strategy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why motherhood changes your relationship with ambition The emotional reality of balancing career and family How to make confident childcare decisions without guilt The invisible mental load working moms carry Why so many ambitious women struggle after becoming mothers How to redefine success for your current season of life The importance of building systems that support your family and career Navigating burnout, boundaries, and identity after kids How intentional pauses can help women make better life decisions Why "having it all" may require redefining what "all" means Key Takeaway Motherhood doesn't make you less ambitious. It forces you to become more intentional about where your ambition goes. FIND RUKIYA ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rukiyaross Instagram: http://www.instagram/momswhopause 🛠️ Resources + Links Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join