Episode 10 — From Ambition to Advocacy: Navigating Maternity Leave Without Losing Career Momentum

What does it take to grow your career at a global tech company while navigating maternity leave - twice?In this episode of the Kundra Podcast, Theresa sits down with Deepa Mensinkai, Director of Product Marketing at LinkedIn, to unpack her journey from consulting into tech and the lessons she’s learned as a working mom.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:How Deepa planned her first maternity leave while leading a U.S.-based team from CanadaWhat happened when she returned to a changed role - and the hit to her confidenceWhy self-advocacy is critical for career growth during parental transitionsHow she’s preparing differently for her second leave with clearer goals and sponsorsWhat HR leaders and managers can do to make reboarding more effectiveWhether you’re a working parent, a team leader, or an HR decision-maker, this episode offers real strategies for balancing ambition and parenthood.In this episode we cover:00:00 Deepa’s Career Journey - From Consulting to LinkedIn04:47 Planning Her First Maternity Leave - Setting Up for Success08:31 Returning to a Changed Role - and Rebuilding Confidence12:48 Lessons in Self-Advocacy and Career Conversations20:52 Preparing Differently for a Second Leave27:00 What Companies and Managers Can Do BetterAbout KundraKundra is building the future of parental leave.We believe ambition and parenthood can thrive together - and we are the only platform that turns parental leave from an unpredictable cost to a structured investment.We’re have limited pilot spots for companies ready to rethink parental leave. If you’d like to see how Kundra can support your teams, email [email protected] for a demo.Want more from each episode?Subscribe to Kundra Notes for insights, recaps, and HR toolkitsFollow Kundra on LinkedIn for product updates and thought leadershipFollow Kundra on Instagram for stories, quotes, and behind-the-scenes