"Single Mothering" Joys. Challenges. Making it to the Other Side

In Season 2, Episode 8 of the Duncan Tree Podcast, host Ouida Duncan sits down with Jenny DeLeon, a former colleague from the fast-paced world of NYC advertising. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of building a career in one of the world’s most challenging industries as women of color. Jenny and Ouida share candid stories about navigating the ad world’s relentless demands, breaking through glass ceilings, and finding their voices in rooms where they weren’t always heard. But the conversation goes beyond the typical advertising struggles; both women have faced deeply personal battles around custody, a rarely discussed topic among career-driven women of color. Jenny opens up about the emotional toll of custody battles and how they shaped her resilience and sense of purpose. This episode is more than just industry insights—it’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, redefining success, and supporting each other in the face of adversity. Whether you're in advertising, balancing parenthood with your career, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to overcome barriers and thrive on your own terms. Ouida's bio Ouida Duncan is an iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), as well as a Hoffman Institute and Landmark Education graduate. She earned her MBA in International Business from the University of Bath in the U.K. and holds a DEI certification from Cornell University, which enhances her expertise in leading transformative change. A survivor of narcissistic abuse, Ouida specializes in helping clients resolve childhood traumas and overcome burnout through emotional intelligence. She partners with entrepreneurial-minded individuals at crossroads to overcome negative thoughts and unproductive habits, guiding them to channel their energy toward self-awareness, resilience, and growth. As a 22-year advertising professional known as “the fixer,” Ouida brings calm and clarity to challenging situations, uncovering clients' hidden potential. Also a philanthropist, she founded the Duncan Tree Foundation in 2008 to organize medical missions for underserved communities. An avid reader, world traveler, and poet, Ouida is working on her autobiography, drawing on a lifetime of connection and discovery across six continents. Ouida is also the proud mom of four beautiful, talented, and brilliant daughters and the Oma of Justice and Milan. Jenny's bio With 30 years of experience in advertising, Jenny built a career navigating the dynamic world of creative strategy and branding. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, she carries a deep connection to her roots and the resilience instilled in me by her parents. She is also a proud single mother to a brilliant young man who she strives to inspire and support every day. Audio Engineer: Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez