Between Meetings & Motherhood

What if the skills that make you a great mom are the exact same ones that make you a great leader? In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Alex Pensiero — doctor, school psychologist, leadership coach, and founder of Wellspring Coaching and Consulting (wellspringcoachingandconsulting.org) — for a deeply honest conversation about ambition, identity, failure, and what it really means to raise daughters while building a business.Alex started her career working with students who had significant behavioral challenges, went on to earn multiple master's degrees and a doctorate in leadership coaching for organizational performance, and now runs a coaching firm dedicated to helping leaders grow from the inside out. Oh, and she did most of it while raising two daughters in gymnastics and figuring out how to sleep on 45-minute increments.In this episode:From third grade teacher dream to school psychologist to leadership coach — how one woman followed her passion at every turnWhy "filling your own cup" isn't selfish — it's a gift to your kidsThe toxic power of the word "should" and how to stop letting society write your definition of successHow imposter syndrome and mental load show up in leadership coaching — and how to work through bothReframing failure as opportunity: a mindset she learned at 21 working with trauma-impacted studentsThe goal-setting technique she uses with her daughters at gymnastics that works for kids and executives alikeWhat she's actively teaching her daughters about compromise, ambition, and emotional regulationWhy patience, flexibility, and empathy are the three leadership skills motherhood builds mostModeling what it looks like to apologize, own your mistakes, and keep goingAlex is also featured in the June issue of Mothered Magazine — read the full interview at motheredmagazine.com.📲 Find Wellspring Coaching: wellspringcoachingandconsulting.org | @wellspringcoaches on Instagram & TikTokAnd follow ⁠Mothered Magazine⁠ on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes and details from the June issue!Interested in being featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine? Check out feature opportunities here: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured ⁠And follow CEO of Mothered Media & Editor-in-Chief of Mothered Magazine, Alexa Starks on ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠LinkedIn⁠

She was the county's number one Girl Scout cookie seller at nine years old, moved to New York City the day after her 18th birthday with zero plan, built a quarter-million-dollar marketing agency during COVID — and then burned it all down three weeks postpartum while being threatened with a lawsuit while holding her newborn. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Mariah Stockman, founder of Made for Mothers (madeformothers.co) — one of the fastest-growing communities for moms in business — who is also the cover feature of the June issue of Mothered Magazine.This is an episode about what happens when ambition meets motherhood, isolation forces clarity, and a woman decides to build the village she never had.In this episode:From Girl Scout cookie hustler to nonprofit leader to marketing agency founder — Mariah's wildly non-linear origin storyWhy her quarter-million-dollar agency became her biggest resentment the moment she got pregnantBeing threatened with a lawsuit three weeks postpartum — and the decision that changed everythingWhy she only works with moms now and how she designed a business that fits around nap times and school pickupsHow Made for Mothers started with 17 women in a yoga studio and grew into a national chapter modelThe Virtual Village: a 160+ member online community for moms in business with masterclasses, hot seat coaching and brand partnershipsWhy she always charged for her events — and what that taught her about building strong communitiesLicensing chapters: how moms across the US can bring Made for Mothers to their city and generate real revenueHer goal: 100 chapters in 100 cities by the end of 2027A magical second birth, exclusive pumping, and what a truly intentional maternity leave looks likeWhy motherhood is the MBA — and what happened when the internet's loudest critics proved her rightMariah is the cover feature of the June issue of Mothered Magazine — read the full exclusive interview and see her stunning cover shoot at motheredmagazine.com.📲 Find Made for Mothers: @madeformothers.co on Instagram | https://www.madeformothersco.com/💸 Join the Virtual Village: use promo code CANADA for $50/month (normally $78)📍 Interested in licensing a chapter in your city? DM Mariah directly on Instagram.And follow ⁠⁠Mothered Magazine⁠⁠ on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes and details from the June issue!Interested in being featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine? Check out feature opportunities here: ⁠⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured ⁠⁠And follow CEO of Mothered Media & Editor-in-Chief of Mothered Magazine, Alexa Starks on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Two working parents, a baby, and an endless list of mental load no one ever sees — that's the problem Ashley Chang Dawson set out to solve before she even became a mom herself. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Ashley, founder of Sundays (withsundays.com) — a service that pairs families with expert executive assistants to take the mental load, logistics, and invisible labor of running a household off mom's plate.Ashley spent over a decade in product management in the San Francisco Bay Area, watched brilliant women around her step back from their careers as soon as they had kids, and decided she wasn't going to let that be her story. What started as an app idea became something much bigger: a team of 40+ mom EAs supporting families across the US — and last year alone, they saved parents 25,000 hours.In this episode:-What Sundays actually does — and why it's a service, not just an app-The mental load of running a family and why it almost always defaults to moms-How to use the Fair Play card system to divide household responsibilities with your partner-Building a company before becoming a mom — and what changed once she actually had a baby-How both she and her husband use Sundays (yes, she uses her own product)-Leaving corporate without a plan, pivoting twice, and finding the right idea-When to hire, how to scale, and why she paid her first employee before paying herself-What patience and resilience look like as leadership skills — and how motherhood leveled both upThe goal: save parents one million hours in the next ten yearsAshley is also featured in the June issue of Mothered Magazine — read the full interview at motheredmagazine.com.Find Sundays: withsundays.com | @withsundays on InstagramFollow @mothered.magazine on Instagram for more behind the scenes of our June features and upcoming issues.Interested in being featured in an upcoming issue? Learn more about feature opportunities here at https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured Follow Alexa Starks on Instagram @alexa.starks

Most women don't hear the words "pelvic floor" until they're already pregnant — or already dealing with symptoms they don't know how to name. In this episode, Alexa talks with Anna McMaster, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, about the muscle group your OB probably never mentioned and why it matters your entire life.Anna is the founder of Amy (askamie.co), a digital platform that brings personalized pelvic floor physical therapy to women who don't have access to a specialist — whether due to cost, location, or time.They cover what pelvic floor PT actually involves (internal exams, yes — but way less scary than you think), how to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor at home, the connection between your core and pelvic floor, why hemorrhoids happen postpartum and how to manage them, and why the "bounce back" after birth is a myth worth burying for good.Anna is also featured in the June issue of Mothered Magazine. Read more at motheredmagazine.com.Find Amie at askamie.co or @askamie.co on Instagram and TikTok.And follow Mothered Magazine on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes and details from the June issue!Interested in being featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine? Check out feature opportunities here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured And follow CEO of Mothered Media & Editor-in-Chief of Mothered Magazine, Alexa Starks on Instagram or LinkedIn

Did you know U.S. kids are out of school up to 18 weeks a year — but most working parents only get 4 weeks of PTO? That gap is exactly what Kathryn Hatcher set out to solve. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Kathryn, founder of Camply (joincamply.com) — a two-sided marketplace helping parents find the right summer and school break camps, and helping camps connect with the right families.Kathryn's origin story is one so many working moms will recognize: burned out in corporate consulting, laid off from a health tech startup, and up at 1 a.m. with a color-coded spreadsheet trying to figure out 12 weeks of summer camp logistics. So she built the tool she needed.In this episode:What summer camp actually costs in 2025 — and why parents are shocked every yearHow Camply works: searching 660+ Atlanta camps by location, age, interest, and budgetThe invisible labor of summer planning and how it almost always falls on momsWhy corporate America isn't built for working mothers — and how entrepreneurship changed everythingNavigating a layoff, a NICU stay, and a miscarriage while still building a careerLeaving the corporate ladder behind and doing a values reset with your therapistWhat work-life "balance" actually looks like as a mom entrepreneur (hint: it's a seesaw, not a scale)Camply's next chapter: special needs filters, scholarship camps, and expanding beyond AtlantaKathryn is also featured in the June issue of Mothered Magazine — read the full interview at motheredmagazine.com.📲 Find Campley: joincamply.com | @joincampley on Instagram & TikTokFollow Kathryn: @kathrynhatcher_ on Instagram, TikTok & LinkedInInterested in being featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine? See feature opportunities here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured And follow @mothered.magazine on Instagram and follow our CEO of Mothered Media and Editor-in-Chief of Mothered Magazine, Alexa Starks @alexa.starks

Most women were never taught how to invest, and that gap is costing them. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Danielle Sissons, independent financial planner and founder of Ivy Financial Planning — a firm built specifically for ambitious women who want to grow their wealth, on their own terms.Danielle started her career in financial services straight out of school, spent over a decade in the industry, and then hit the wall so many working moms know too well: returning from maternity leave to a workplace that wasn't built for her. So she built her own: a firm where women who want to be millionaires and be present for their kids don't have to choose between the two.In this episode:Why women tend to hesitate more than men when it comes to investing — and how to close that confidence gapThe first thing you should do before you invest a single pound or dollarWhat an emergency fund actually looks like and why most people don't have oneYour workplace pension — why you need to look under the hood right nowWills and lasting powers of attorney — why every mom needs these sooner than she thinksSpecific financial tips for mom entrepreneurs and business ownersWhat "feeling rich" really means — and why it's different for everyoneBuilding a flexible, women-first financial firm from maternity leave with a six-month-oldWhy "you can have it all, just not at once" is a myth — and how to redefine what "all" looks likeDanielle is also featured in the June issue of Mothered Magazine — read the full interview at motheredmagazine.com.📲 Find Danielle: iveyfinancialplanning.co.uk | @iveyfinancialplanning on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn: Danielle Sissons And follow ⁠Mothered Magazine⁠ on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes and details from the June issue!Interested in being featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine? Check out feature opportunities here: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured ⁠And follow CEO of Mothered Media & Editor-in-Chief of Mothered Magazine, Alexa Starks on ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Building a business while becoming a mother can feel like everything is shifting at once—and no one really explains why.In this episode, Alexa talks about matrescence—the real, full-body transition into motherhood that affects your mind, your energy, your emotions, and your entire life structure.This isn’t just about “finding balance” or getting organized. It’s about navigating a version of yourself that is still evolving while your business still needs you to show up.Alexa shares what this actually looks like day-to-day—from brain fog and fragmented work time to changing ambition and a much lower tolerance for things that don’t make sense anymore.If you’ve been wondering why work feels harder, slower, or different since becoming a mom—you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.You’re in matrescence.Applications are open to be featured in the next issue of Mothered Magazine, learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featuredConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Most women dismiss the postpartum phase as a “natural” part of motherhood, but the truth is, it’s often poorly supported and profoundly misunderstood — until now.In this eye-opening interview with Morgane Besins, she reveals how her journey from corporate leadership at Netflix to redefining maternal support systems was sparked by her own struggles navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the gaps in traditional care. She shares the radical shift she made from controlling everything to embracing the unpredictability of motherhood and how her experiences led her to create Four Mamas, a platform dedicated to empowering women through education, community, and systemic change.Read Morgane's exclusive interview in Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/the-magazine/spring-2026-issue ⁠Connect with Morgane: https://www.instagram.com/f_ourmamas/ https://www.four-mamas.com/Connect with Alexa: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ ⁠Follow Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/⁠Want to be featured in the next issue of Mothered? Learn more about feature opportunities here: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured

Most moms feel like they’re expected to do it all perfectly — but Erin Schlozman’s story and insight reveal why that’s a dangerous myth. In this candid episode, Erin shares how postpartum anxiety tipped her into a mission to dismantle society’s impossible standards for mothers. From her personal journey navigating postpartum struggles to her groundbreaking work in maternal mental health, she exposes how societal expectations stoke guilt, shame, and overwhelm — often without us even realizing it.You'll discover how cultural myths around motherhood — like the myth of perfection or the “supermom” standard — keep us stuck in exhaustion and self-judgment. Erin unpacks how these myths develop from past generations and media portrayals, and explains why recognizing these stories is the first step toward genuine freedom. She shares powerful frameworks from her upcoming book, The Myth of the Perfect Mom, to help you reframe your story and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood. Whether it’s intrusive thoughts, mom guilt, or societal pressure, Erin offers practical tools for normalizing these experiences and releasing shame.Read Erin's exclusive interview in Mothered Magazine: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/the-magazine/spring-2026-issue Connect with Erin: https://www.instagram.com/4th.trimester.wellness/https://www.erinschlozman.com/Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ Follow Mothered Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/Want to be featured in the next issue of Mothered? Learn more about feature opportunities here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured

Most women are navigating a maternal health system that often overlooks Black women and underserved communities—but what if the solutions were rooted in community-led, accessible care? In this exclusive interview with Crystina Hughes, she shares her inspiring journey from nurse to doula, revealing how she’s transforming maternal health in Alabama through innovative support programs tailored for families often left behind.She didn’t start out planning to be a community change-maker, an experience with pregnancy loss and systemic disparities pushed her into action. Today, Crystina leads Diamonds for Doulas, a nonprofit providing childbirth support, advocacy, and education to WIC, Medicaid, and underserved families; support she believes is a matter of equity, not privilege. In this conversation, she breaks down how community-led initiatives can reduce alarming maternal mortality rates, empower women with critical knowledge, and create a more inclusive, supportive maternal health landscape.Read Crystina's exclusive interview in Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/the-magazine/spring-2026-issue ⁠Connect with Crystina: https://www.tiktok.com/@taytayncryssihttps://diamonds-for-doulas.square.site/Connect with Alexa: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ ⁠Follow Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/⁠Want to be featured in the next issue of Mothered? Learn more about feature opportunities here: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured

You've heard the word. You've probably dismissed it.Today, we're taking it back.In this episode, Alexa breaks down the word matriarchy to its roots — and what she finds might surprise you. Mater. Origin. Source. Foundation. This word was never about domination. It was about where everything begins.And then we're asking the real question: what if the values motherhood builds in you — attunement, collaboration, long-term thinking, collective well-being — aren't soft skills?What if they're the blueprint to a better society?This one will make you see your own power differently.Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.executivemoms.co/Follow Mothered Magazine for our Spring issue coming out March 31:https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/https://www.motheredmagazine.com/

In this eye-opening episode, Alexa Starks uncovers the origins of the school and work hour mismatches that unfairly burden mothers and caregivers. From the 19th-century factory days to today's rigid 9-to-5 structure, she reveals how these outdated systems continue to accelerate burnout and reinforce gendered inequalities. You'll discover how the true cost of this misalignment harms not only working moms but society as a whole—and why the powerful have little incentive to change it.Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/Learn more about Executive Momshttps://www.executivemoms.co/Learn more about Mothered Magazine - the only magazine spotlighting powerful working mothers: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/

Did motherhood make you softer… or did it make you sharper?In this episode, Alexa challenges the narrative that empathy is a “soft skill” and reframes it for what it actually is: a leadership advantage.After sharing a personal story from her own return to work, Alexa explores how motherhood strengthens attunement, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking — the very skills research links to higher performance, stronger engagement, and better retention.Drawing on data from the Center for Creative Leadership, Catalyst, Harvard Business Review, and neuroscience research on caregiving and empathy, she breaks down why empathetic leaders are rated higher in effectiveness — and why workplaces still undervalue the skill.But this isn’t just theory.Alexa shares three practical ways working moms can use empathy strategically:How to spot early disengagement before it turns into attritionHow to diffuse conflict without over-functioningHow to pair empathy with standards so you don’t burn outIf you’ve ever wondered whether becoming a mother made you less competitive or less ambitious, this episode offers a powerful reframe.Connect with Alexa: On IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/ Learn more about: Mothered Magazine: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/Executive Moms: https://www.executivemoms.co/https://www.executivemoms.co/The Maternal Strengths Report https://www.executivemoms.co/the-maternal-strengths-report

In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, Alexa Starks talks about the quiet anger many working mothers carry — and why it isn’t irrational, dramatic, or misplaced.Modern workplaces were built around assumptions that don’t reflect caregiving realities. Yet when mothers struggle inside those systems, we’re told to optimize, adapt, and manage better — instead of questioning the structure itself.This episode explores how patriarchal systems show up in everyday work culture, why women internalize systemic pressure as personal failure, and what it really means to “burn the patriarchy” without burning yourself out.This isn’t about chaos or quitting.It’s about redirecting anger into clarity, boundaries, and structural awareness.If you’ve ever felt frustrated and then immediately blamed yourself — this one’s for you.If you're interested in being featured in Mothered Magazine's spring issue, applications are open until February 28. Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured Follow @mothered.magazine on Instagram and Alexa Starks on Instagram

In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks addresses common questions and concerns faced by working mothers. She discusses the challenges of comparing oneself to others, the exhaustion that comes with juggling work and motherhood, and the importance of asking for help. Starks emphasizes that every phase of motherhood is different and that support is crucial for navigating these challenges. She encourages listeners to communicate their needs and reminds them that things will get easier over time.Applications are now open to be interviewed in the upcoming Spring 2026 issue of Mothered magazine. Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featuredAnd follow https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/ or connect with Alexa Starks on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks discusses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. She addresses common questions from listeners about the overwhelming nature of this dual role, the long-term journey of working motherhood, and the importance of self-compassion during tough times. Follow on Instagram:@alexa.starks @mothered.magazine Interested in being featured and interviewed for the upcoming Spring 2026 issue of Mothered Magazine? Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured

In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on working mothers and how these norms fail to accommodate their caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for systemic change in workplaces to support mothers, who often feel pressured to be constantly available and productive. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the challenges mothers face and advocating for a more flexible and understanding work environment.If you're an expecting or new mom, please make sure you have a maternity leave & return to work plan and know how to advocate for yourself! View the resources here: https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms Follow on social: https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Join Alexa Starks and Amanda DeLuca in this engaging episode of the Reentry Room podcast, where they dive into the realities of working motherhood. Amanda, a pediatric sleep consultant and co-creator of the Riley app, shares her journey through motherhood, balancing career and family, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how the Riley app is revolutionizing parenting with expert-backed insights and personalized support. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, this episode offers valuable takeaways on managing work-life balance, advocating for yourself, and embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood. Don't miss the exclusive offer for listeners to try the Riley app for free!Follow The Riley App on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrileyapp/?hl=enUse code REENTRY for $50 yearly subscription - just enter the code at checkout of the yearly subscription!And follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delucamanda/?hl=en Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ https://www.executivemoms.co/

Join host Alexa Starks in this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast as she sits down with Carla Greenan, an inspiring executive coach for working parents. Carla opens up about her transition from a demanding career in accounting to empowering parents through coaching.Discover her insights on managing the chaos of motherhood, the pivotal lessons learned from raising three children, and the art of balancing professional ambitions with family life. Whether you're navigating the early days of parenthood or the teenage years, Carla's wisdom offers a guiding light. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical tips, personal stories, and a reminder that thriving is possible for every working parent.Connect with Carla: www.linkedin.com/in/carla-greenan https://www.instagram.com/3becoaching/If you're pregnant or a working mom and looking for resources about a maternity leave plan, confidently pumping at work, or advocating for yourself please visit ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms ⁠Connect with Alexa: ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Join host Alexa Starks and guest Barbara Joyce ter Horst, founder of Thrive Career Development, as they delve into the transformative journey of motherhood and career reentry. Discover how to embrace new identities, overcome workplace biases, and leverage motherhood skills in professional settings. Gain insights on building confidence, navigating career breaks, and redefining success as a working mom.Connect with Barbara Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarajoyce/ If you're pregnant or a working mom and looking for resources about a maternity leave plan, confidently pumping at work, or advocating for yourself please visit ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms Connect with Alexa: ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

In this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, host Alexa Starks welcomes Shayna Abraham, a dedicated advocate for families navigating the challenges of the NICU and beyond. Shayna shares her personal journey of becoming a mother to a premature baby and how it inspired her to support other families through similar experiences. Together, they discuss the emotional highs and lows of motherhood, the importance of proactive preparation, and the power of community support. Tune in to discover valuable insights and resources for parents facing the unexpected.If you're pregnant or a working mom and looking for resources about a maternity leave plan, confidently pumping at work, or advocating for yourself please visit ⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms Visit: https://www.preparetobloom.com/ https://www.instagram.com/prepare_to_bloom/ Connect with Alexa: ⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Join Alexa Starks as she chats with Nikki Steele Osborne, the Scottish Soul Sister, about her transformative journey from hairdresser to maternal mental health advocate. Discover how Nikki's personal battles with postpartum depression led her to create resources for new parents, and learn about the importance of understanding oneself before diving into parenthood.Connect with Nikki:https://www.instagram.com/thescottishsoulsister/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-steele-osborne-848448219If you're planning your maternity leave or the return to work, make sure you grab the only complete Maternity Leave Plan or Pumping Plan and set yourself up for a successful and easy return to work transition! ⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms⁠And connect with Alexa: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

TW: Grief & Pregnancy LossIn this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Michelle Valiukenas delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood. Michelle shares her poignant journey through loss and how it has shaped her approach to parenting. Together, they discuss the importance of community, the power of vulnerability, and the strength found in embracing life's imperfections. Join them for an inspiring conversation that normalizes grief and celebrates resilience.Learn More about the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation:https://www.instagram.com/colettelouisetisdahl/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-colette-louise-tisdahl-foundationIf you're planning your maternity leave or the return to work, make sure you grab the only complete Maternity Leave Plan or Pumping Plan and set yourself up for a successful and easy return to work transition! https://www.executivemoms.co/for-momsAnd connect with Alexa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

TW: Suicide and Mental HealthIn this deeply moving episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Diane Moca delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood and mental health. Diane shares her personal journey of balancing career ambitions with the challenges of parenting, revealing her struggles with guilt and the lessons learned from her daughter's mental health battles. Through candid confessions and heartfelt discussions, this episode offers a powerful reminder of the importance of listening, understanding, and embracing imperfection in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Join Alexa and Diane as they explore the complexities of motherhood, supporting your children with unconditional love, the courage to ask for help, and the strength found in vulnerability.Connect with Diane and MomSub: https://www.instagram.com/momsubapphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/workingmomwarrior/https://www.youtube.com/workingmomwarriorConnect with Alexa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.executivemoms.co/

In this episode of the Reentry Room podcast, hosts Alexa Starks and Miriam Rubin dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mother. They discuss the realities of balancing a career with motherhood, focusing on the often-overlooked topic of pumping at work. Miriam shares her personal journey and insights on how workplaces can better support mothers, while Alexa offers practical advice for moms returning to work. Tune in for an honest conversation about the struggles and solutions for working moms everywhere.If you're pregnant or a working mom and looking for resources about a maternity leave plan, confidently pumping at work, or advocating for yourself please visit https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms Connect with Miriam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriamrubin/https://www.linkedin.com/company/listen-to-your-mothershttps://www.instagram.com/listentoyourmothers/Connect with Alexa: https://www.executivemoms.co/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Join Alexa Starks as she sits down with Jiemi Gao, founder of the mom mentorship platform Nori. In this episode, Jiemi shares her transformative journey from a high-paced career in strategy consulting to creating a supportive community for mothers. Discover how motherhood reshaped her identity and inspired her to help other moms navigate their unique paths. Tune in for insights on balancing career ambitions with the demands of parenting, and learn about the power of community in motherhood.Grab your Maternity Leave Plan here if you don't have it yet!https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/Connect with Jieme & NoriPersonal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jiemi-gao-61735215Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asknori1Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nori_asknoriConnect with Alexa: https://www.executivemoms.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Join Alexa Starks and special guest Kayla McGuire as they explore the transformative journey of motherhood and its parallels to leadership. Discover how skills honed in parenting can empower women in the workplace, and learn practical steps for new moms to harness their leadership potential. Whether you're navigating the return to work or seeking to redefine your identity, this episode offers valuable insights and resources to support your journey.Have you grabbed the complete Maternity Leave Plan yet? Get your copy of the only complete system!https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamcguire/https://www.instagram.com/mommerz.brand/www.kaylamcguire.comwww.mommerz.comConnect with Alexa:https://www.executivemoms.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

In this empowering episode of the Reentry Room, host Alexa Starks welcomes Elisabeth van der Wilt, a holistic doula and women's health coach, to discuss the realities of working motherhood. Together, they explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of authenticity, and the power of community support. Elisabeth shares her journey from overcoming doubts to embracing her role as a doula, offering valuable insights for moms navigating their own paths. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with wisdom and encouragement for every stage of motherhood.Connect with Elisabeth: Womb Talk Podcasthttps://fruitfulwomb.ca/https://www.instagram.com/fruitfulwombdoula/If you're pregnant or a new mom, make sure to grab The Maternity Leave Plan to plan your maternity leave & return to work: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/ Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/https://www.executivemoms.co/

In this episode of "The Reentry Room," host Alexa Starks challenges the traditional notions of ambition, especially for working mothers. Alexa shares her personal journey of redefining ambition after motherhood, highlighting the stark differences between ambition and tolerance for workplace nonsense. She critiques the outdated corporate systems that fail to support women, particularly mothers, and emphasizes the power of mature ambition that seeks meaningful impact over superficial accolades. This episode is a call to action for women to embrace their evolved leadership and reject systems that don't serve them.Grab your copy of the only complete Maternity Leave Plan here: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/Connect with Alexa: https://www.executivemoms.co/https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/

In this episode of The Reentry Room, Alexa Starks welcomes Laura Niebauer, a job search strategist and career coach for women re-entering the workforce after a career break. They discuss the challenges and strategies for working mothers, including the importance of clarity, networking, and self-advocacy. Laura shares her personal experiences and insights on balancing motherhood and career, offering practical advice for women navigating similar paths.Connect with Laura: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraniebauer https://www.lauraniebauer.com/Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/Resources for New & Expecting Moms: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/work-with-alexa-starks/

In this episode of "The Reentry Room," host Alexa Starks welcomes Katie Falcone, co-founder of "I'm Her Story," to discuss the challenges and realities of working motherhood. They delve into the creation of safe spaces for women to share their stories and seek support, addressing issues like ageism, toxic workplaces, and the struggle of balancing work and family life. Katie shares her insights on societal programming, self-awareness, and the importance of community support in overcoming workplace challenges. Tune in for an empowering conversation about rewriting the narrative for working mothers.Visit https://www.imherstory.com/ and connect with Katie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefalcone/And if you're pregnant or a new mom and looking for resources to help plan maternity leave and the return to work, visit https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/And connect with Alexa on:LinkedInInstagram

In this episode of the Reentry Room, host Alexa Starks welcomes career strategist Klara Ganter to discuss the challenges and opportunities for working moms transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship. Klara shares her insights on creating a strategic exit plan, the misconceptions about freedom in entrepreneurship, and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Alexa and Klara also explore the emotional journey of redefining career goals post-motherhood and the significance of leveraging past experiences in new ventures. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that resonate with moms seeking meaningful work-life balance.To connect with Klara: mompire.eu https://www.linkedin.com/in/klaraganter/ If you're pregnant or a new mom, make sure to grab The Reentry Blueprint System for Moms to plan your maternity leave & return to work: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/ Connect with Alexa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

Motherhood doesn’t just change you, it asks you to outgrow the version of yourself who thought she had to do it all. In this episode, Alexa Starks reflects on the messy, beautiful process of shedding old expectations and rediscovering who you actually want to be now. From performance-based worth to redefined ambition, she shares what happens when you stop trying to “bounce back” and start becoming forward.If you're pregnant, don't forget to plan your maternity leave and return to work with this Reentry Blueprint System for Moms here: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/the-reentry-blueprint-system/

In this episode of the Reentry Room, host Alexa Starks speaks with perinatal expert and psychologist Dr. Emily Guarnotta about the challenges of working motherhood, particularly during the perinatal period. They discuss the shift to online therapy, the importance of specialization in mental health, and the struggles many mothers face, including feelings of inadequacy and the impact of social media. Emily shares her personal experiences with motherhood and offers advice on acknowledging the difficulties of parenting and the importance of seeking help.Connect with Emily at joinphoenixhealth.com For more resources if you're a working mom, visit https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/work-with-alexa-starks/

When you’re becoming a mother, everyone tells you how to prepare for birth — but no one tells you how to prepare for after. In this episode, Alexa sits down with doula and Share the Drop founder Kelly Cox to talk about postpartum realities, building real systems of support, and the power of community among moms. Plus, Kelly steps into The Confession Chair for an honest moment every mom will relate to.Learn more about Kelly’s work at sharethedrop.com or on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sharethedrop/ Ready for more support in your own reentry after maternity leave? Check out the resources for moms here: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/work-with-alexa-starks/ Find Alexa Starks on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

You’re back at work, doing all the right things — but something feels off. Everyone around you says, “It’ll feel normal again soon,” and yet deep down, you’re realizing… maybe you don’t want normal.In this episode, Alexa Starks unpacks the quiet, uncomfortable truth that many moms face after maternity leave: the life you worked so hard for doesn’t fit anymore. She explores what that ache really means, why it’s not confusion but clarity, and how to start designing a life and career that align with who you are now — not who you were before baby.Ready to figure out what’s next?Book a free clarity call with Alexa to explore 1:1 coaching for moms navigating the transition from career to entrepreneurship, or explore additional ways to work with Alexa: https://executivemoms.mysamcart.com/work-with-alexa-starks/

In this episode, Alexa Starks gets honest about the quiet moment so many new moms face after maternity leave: when gratitude for your career collides with the deep knowing that something no longer fits.Alexa walks through the identity shifts, mindset reframes, and practical steps to help you figure out whether you’re burned out or truly ready for change. From redefining ambition to designing a thoughtful exit plan, this episode will help you find clarity and give you permission to want more.Ready to explore what’s next?

No one talks about how much of yourself you lose—and find again—after becoming a mom. In this episode, Alexa Starks unpacks the emotional and professional identity shift that happens when motherhood collides with ambition. She shares why returning to work can feel like living in two worlds, how to release the version of yourself that no longer fits, and what it really means to rebuild your sense of self as both a mom and a leader.If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t even know who I am anymore,” this episode will remind you: you’re not behind, you’re becoming and evolving into better.Ready for support in this season?Book a free clarity call with Alexa to explore 1:1 coaching for moms in their first year back to work at https://executivemoms.co/coaching/

Motherhood cracks us open, reshapes us, and forces us to reimagine who we are in ways no promotion, leadership program, or career pivot ever could. It’s beautiful, but it’s also brutal—and the way our culture and workplaces treat mothers makes it even harder than it needs to be. So this episode unpacks some of your top frequently asked questions about motherhood and how to navigate being a working mom as well. And if you're a mom in the first year back from maternity leave, the next group coaching program starts January 5, 2026, you can learn more about the program and join the waitlist here>> https://executivemoms.co/coaching/ Or book a free call with Alexa to ask all your questions and make sure it's the right fit for you: https://calendar.app.google/dGZANMWrQX5TPx1CA

Trying to copy-paste your old schedule onto your new life after maternity leave? That’s the fastest path to burnout—and resentment. In this episode, Alexa Starks unpacks why “bouncing back” is a myth and guides you through a step-by-step framework to redesign your work week around energy, boundaries, transitions, and focused ambition. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to rebuild your calendar in a way that fits who you are now—so you can lead from power, not survival.Ready for personalized support?If you’re in your first year back at work after baby, book a free clarity call with Alexa to explore 1:1 coaching: executivemoms.co/coaching/

You didn’t lose your edge—you lost your visibility in a system that never learned how to hold working moms. In this episode, Alexa Starks breaks down three concrete strategies to rebuild your influence, reintroduce your voice, and reposition yourself as a leader—without burning out to prove you still belong. This episode is a must-listen if you’re on maternity leave or navigating your first year back and want to lead from clarity, not exhaustion.Ready to take this further?Book a free call with Alexa to explore 1:1 coaching customized to your reentry journey at https://executivemoms.co/coaching/

Leadership doesn’t look the same after you become a mom, and it shouldn’t. In this powerful episode, Alexa Starks unpacks five toxic beliefs she had to unlearn after maternity leave in order to lead with clarity, confidence, and power. From redefining ambition to reclaiming boundaries, Alexa shares the mindset shifts that helped her stop performing and start leading on her own terms. Whether you’re weeks or years into working motherhood, this episode will leave you feeling seen—and more importantly, equipped.Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Alexa at https://executivemoms.co/coaching/ Or learn about the corporate workshops to bring to your company https://executivemoms.co/workshop/

In this episode, Alexa Starks gets honest about the unspoken fear driving so many yeses from working moms: the fear of being seen as less committed, less capable, less promotable. It’s not just overwork—it’s over-functioning as self-protection. Drawing from the patterns she sees in every workshop and coaching session, Alexa unpacks how this mindset is quietly burning women out while keeping companies from truly seeing their talent. This is a conversation about boundaries, power, and why reentry must be designed to support real, sustainable leadership—not silent suffering.If your company is ready to build a culture where moms don’t have to earn their spot back through exhaustion, visit https://executivemoms.co/workshop/

After maternity leave, too many brilliant, strategic women come back only to be met with lowered expectations and soft voices. In this episode, Alexa unpacks the emotional and systemic erasure of working moms’ intellect and leadership. Drawing from her own experience and the patterns she sees every day through The Reentry Blueprint™, she offers a reframing of what real support looks like—and how companies can stop sidelining high-potential talent under the guise of kindness. It’s a love letter to your mind—and a wake-up call to the people who forgot to ask what you think.Corporate workshop: executivemoms.co/workshop

In this raw and reflective episode, Alexa names the fragmentation so many working mothers feel but rarely say out loud: the exhaustion of shapeshifting all day long, never feeling fully seen at home or at work. Speaking not as an overwhelmed employee, but as the founder of a company that’s redesigning systems to hold working moms better, she shares what true integration can look like—and how workplaces can stop punishing wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too much and not enough at the same time, this one’s for you.Learn more about the workshop at executivemoms.co/workshop

We don’t want to quit our careers. We want to quit the broken system.The one that rewards responsiveness over results.The one that praises us for "pushing through" instead of checking in.The one that treats flexibility as a favor instead of a feature.In this episode, we call out the reality that many working moms feel, about being tired of faking it and compartmentalizing work and motherhood. If you're ready to bring The Reentry Blueprint workshop to your company to support working moms, learn more here: https://executivemoms.co/workshop/

No one talks about the middle.Not the first-day-back, not the dramatic burnout—just the in-between.The space where you’re answering emails while reheating dinner.Where you love your job and still fantasize about quitting it.Where the guilt is loud, the grind is relentless, and you’re quietly wondering if you’re doing any of it right.This episode is an honest look at what it means to lead, mother, and exist in that invisible space between survival and success.You’ll walk away with permission to pause, powerful mindset shifts, and a reminder that this isn’t failure—it’s formation.✨ You’re not behind. You’re becoming.Want to bring The Reentry Blueprint to your company?Learn more at ⁠executivemoms.co/workshops

The first one-on-one after leave.A full calendar. A forced smile. A quiet hope that someone—anyone—would ask how I was really doing.But no one did.In this episode, I’m sharing the conversation I wish I’d had—and the questions every manager needs to ask a returning parent.We’ll talk about:Why “How’s the baby?” isn’t enoughThe emotional cost of reentry silenceThe exact questions I now teach leaders to askWhether you’re returning to work or leading someone who is, this episode will shift how you see the first 90 days—and why it’s never just about logistics.Want to bring The Reentry Blueprint to your company?Learn more at executivemoms.co/workshops

Most managers want to do the right thing when someone returns from leave.But good intentions don’t always lead to good reentry—and silence is louder than we think.In this episode, I’m breaking down five common mistakes managers make when a new parent returns to work—mistakes that often lead to burnout, invisibility, and quiet exits.We’ll talk about:Why “Welcome back!” isn’t a planThe unspoken danger of meeting overloadHow to rebuild trust and visibility in the first 90 daysWhether you’re managing someone through reentry—or returning yourself—this episode is a strategic blueprint for what not to do, and exactly what to do instead.Want to build a reentry system that retains top talent?Learn more at: executivemoms.co/workshops

If you’ve ever answered a Slack message from a pediatrician’s waiting room, replied to emails during bedtime, or felt guilty for not responding fast enough—this episode is for you.In this unapologetic truth-drop, Alexa Starks exposes the toxic expectation that working moms must be endlessly accessible to prove their worth. You’ll learn how to stop measuring your value by your availability—and start reclaiming your time, your energy, and your power.You’ll learn:Why being “always on” is a fast track to burnout—not leadershipHow over-availability is often rooted in fear, guilt, or people-pleasingPractical language swaps to communicate clearly without overexplainingMindset shifts to help you create space, set limits, and stop apologizing for itOne micro-boundary you can set this week to start protecting your peaceThis episode is your reminder that your time is valuable—and you don’t owe anyone constant access to prove it.If you’re done being underpaid, overlooked, and overworked—this is your next move.The Power Play™ is a 90-minute strategy session to help you ask for more and actually get it.You need to be paid what you’re worth—now.👉 Book your Power Play here: ⁠https://executivemoms.co/powerplay/⁠Want your company to actually support working parents?Explore The Reentry Blueprint workshop at https://executivemoms.co/workshops/