Parenthood Bytes

In this episode of Parenthood Bytes, we sit down with Mubashir Memon, a single parent in tech who is raising three young children - ages 6, 5, and 3. He shares his approach to raising well-behaved and happy kids - doing activities with them, treating them like little grown-ups you can reason with, and helping them adapt to the world around them.We also explore his journey into tech, product management, and consulting, and how he launched his own car dealership. He opens up about the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship and solo parenting, and how he’s learned to take things as they come. He also gives us a preview of an app he’s currently developing, something we’ll revisit in a future conversation.

In this episode, we reconnect with Ivy Brooks, who is a business and marketing strategist and author. She talks to us about her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. From overcoming tokophobia to building a successful freelance marketing career, Ivy opens up about the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Discover how she navigated the complexities of parenting, homeschooling during the pandemic, and the evolving landscape of technology in her work. To learn more about Ivy and see how she can help you, check out her site at ivymbrooks.com!You can check out https://www.littleone.care/ to learn more about the product Ivy was talking about in the episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Ivy Brooks, who is a Business and Marketing Strategist, published author, and professional celebrant. Ivy partners with mission-driven individuals to help them create lasting, meaningful impact in both their industries and personal lives.Based in Las Vegas and raising a nine-year-old son, Ivy shares her experience of launching and growing her own business while navigating the complexities of single motherhood. She opens up about the realities of balancing entrepreneurship and parenting, the moments of doubt, and the mindset shifts that helped her stay aligned with her values.We also explore her unexpected journey into the tech and marketing space, how she built her expertise, and the ways she continues to evolve as both a strategist and a parent.Tune in to hear Ivy’s story!

In this episode, Max Lee returns to the show to talk about growing up in a bilingual household and how he’s now fostering bilingualism with his own kids. He shares the challenges he faced as a child, what’s worked for his family, and the values behind raising multilingual children.Max previously joined us in Episodes 44, 47, and 69 to talk about his journey into tech, his experience with parental leave, and his decision to take a break from his tech career to create his own app, Wandrous.▶️ Check out Episode 44 to hear about Max's journey into tech, Episode 47 to hear about his paternity leave, and Episode 69 to hear about his intentional break and his app, Wandrous!💡If you'd like to download the Wandrous app, you can do so here.📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we welcome back Klaudia McDonald for a second conversation. Klaudia first joined us to share her journey into tech, and today she returns to talk about building her business while raising two young kids and navigating international moves.We dive into what it really looks like to pursue entrepreneurship in the midst of early parenthood - from ruthless prioritization to time management strategies that allow her to get things done within tight windows. Klaudia speaks candidly about the challenges, tradeoffs, and fulfillment that come with carving out a path that aligns with both professional goals and family life.💡Check out www.boboapp.app to learn more about the Bobo App!📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at [email protected]!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at [email protected]!

In this episode, we’re joined by Klaudia McDonald, founder of the Bobo app, a platform designed to make parenting easier and more straightforward than ever before. Klaudia is a tech founder and mom of two young kids, ages 4 and 3, and brings a thoughtful, real-world perspective to the conversation around balancing startup life with early parenthood. Klaudia also hosts her own podcast, She Has It All, where she interviews moms from the UK and Canada about their personal and professional journeys.We talk about her journey into tech, what inspired her to build Bobo, and how she navigated multiple parental leaves while launching her company. Klaudia shares how the app provides localized, medically-vetted resources and personalized content for parents, helping them track not just their child’s development, but their own well-being as well. ▶️ Tune in to hear about Klaudia's inspiring journey!💡 You can learn more about the Bobo app at their website: www.boboapp.app!📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at [email protected]!✨ Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we reconnect with Lauren Fischetti, a career and life coach and parent of two young kids. Lauren first joined us in Episode 20 to share her journey into tech and her transition into coaching. She returned in Episode 77 to talk about how she built and evolved her coaching practice.Now, she's back to discuss common themes she hears from moms in tech and to offer practical advice on how to navigate them. From the ongoing tension between career growth and being present for your kids, to strategies for taking more control of your professional path, Lauren offers thoughtful insights and actionable tips for working parents.▶️ Check out⁠ ⁠Episode 20⁠⁠ to hear Lauren's journey into tech and coaching and Episode 72 to learn more about Lauren's coaching business and how Lauren's it has evolved. 💡If you'd like to learn more about Lauren's coaching business, the workshops she runs, or how she can help you or your business, you can reach her at: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-fischetti/⁠.📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we're rejoined by Ha Tran, a former tech executive turned coach and founder of The Inner Fire, a practice dedicated to helping people lead with greater clarity and courage - both at home and at work. You can learn more about her work at theinnerfire.co.We previously spoke with Ha in Episode 60 about her journey from tech to coaching, and again in Episode 76 about equipping kids with essential life skills. Today, she’s back to dive into the topic of Calm Parenting.We explore what Calm Parenting means, how Ha practices it in her own life, and how it can help parents navigate tough moments with their children. Ha shares powerful anecdotes and practical insights that highlight the impact of this approach in real-life situations.💡If you're curious about how Ha can support you in finding more clarity and courage, visit theinnerfire.co to learn more.🎧 Tune in to hear more about Ha's insights and take on calm parenting!▶️ You can hear Ha's previous episode about her journey into tech and coaching on Episode 60. ▶️ You can hear about how she equips kids with essential life skills on Episode 76.📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we reconnect with Lisa Schultz, a marketing Operations Leader, who is also running a successful home organizing business. Lisa candidly discusses her strategies for work-life balance and navigating the unprecedented challenges of raising young children during the pandemic. She provides invaluable insights into her son's experiences with distance learning, his ADHD diagnosis, and how she supported him through an eating disorder. Lisa powerfully underscores the importance of community support and its resources. She also highlights the critical role of parental oversight, even when support systems are in place, to ensure children are truly receiving the promised and necessary care.🎧 Tune in to hear Lisa's valuable insights and learnings! 💡If you are looking for a marketing leader to join your team, you can reach Lisa at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaschultz3000/.🏠 If you are in the California East Bay, and would like to learn more about Lisa's home organizing business, you can reach her at withinreachorganizing.com!

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Shultz, who is a seasoned Marketing Operations professional with more than 15 years of experience in the fast-paced world of high-growth startups. A mother of two (ages 6 and 11), Lisa currently leads a home organizing and consulting agency, drawing upon her extensive marketing operations background. In this conversation, she recounts her journey into tech, her evolution into marketing, and the story behind her entrepreneurial venture. Lisa also openly shares her experience taking a deliberate step away from tech and her current desire to re-enter the field. 💡If you're interested in her marketing operations skills, connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaschultz3000/. 🏠 California East Bay residents seeking her home organizing services can reach her via the same LinkedIn profile or at https://www.withinreachorganizing.com/.

In this episode, we're delighted to continue our conversation with Nam, a Director of Product at Oracle and a dedicated father to two young children, ages one and four. For those who tuned in to episode 78, you'll recall Nam's inspiring journey into the tech industry and his thoughtful approach to career transitions while embarking on the adventure of starting a family. Now, Nam returns to offer invaluable insights into his approach to work/life balance, sharing his personal strategies for effectively managing his demanding time. He also opens up about his perspective on his own ongoing career development as he navigates the rewarding yet challenging years of raising young toddlers.🎧 Tune in to hear thoughtful insights about Nam's journey as a working parent in tech!▶️ You can catch the last conversation with Nam ⁠here⁠.📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we chat with Nam, Director of Product at Oracle and father of two (ages 4 and 1). He shares his journey into the tech world, the unique experience of navigating parenthood during the pandemic, and his thoughtful transition out of the demanding consultant lifestyle. Nam offers reassuring wisdom for parents, encouraging them to embrace the present, avoid over-planning, and trust that their perspectives will naturally evolve as their children grow. Tune in to hear Nam's insightful perspectives and unique journey!

In this episode of Parenthood Bytes, we're delighted to welcome back the insightful Lauren Fischetti, whom we last spoke to on Episode 20. While her previous appearance offered a glimpse into her inspiring journey into tech and coaching, today's conversation dives deeper into the evolution of her coaching career. Lauren shares the pivotal shifts in her business, starting with a focus on empowering women in the tech industry and now expanding to address the critical challenges of burnout and the art of balancing a fulfilling career with being a present and engaged parent. 🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for achieving a more sustainable and balanced life.▶️ Check out Episode 20 to hear Lauren's journey into tech and coaching.💡If you'd like to learn more about Lauren's coaching business or how she can help you or your business, you can reach her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-fischetti/.📣 If you or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story, ➡️ email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠!

In this episode, we welcome back Ha Tran, a former tech executive turned coach. Her business, The Inner Fire, focuses on helping people lead with more clarity and courage both at home and at work. You may remember her from Episode 60, where she talked to us about her journey into tech and how she pivoted into coaching. Ha joins us today to explore the crucial topic of discussing future careers with children and how to set them up with the foundation to make tough decisions on their own. Ha emphasizes the importance of nurturing essential life skills in kids, focusing on the development of emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and robust problem-solving abilities rather than just focusing on a specific script. She shares practical strategies and perspectives on how parents can guide young people to make wise and thoughtful decisions about their future paths, empowering them to navigate uncertainty and embrace opportunities with confidence. 💡 If you would like to reach out to Ha, you can find her at theinnerfire.co or email her at [email protected].

In this episode, we welcome back Bernadette Castaneda, a seasoned Compliance Manager and the mother of a now 25-year-old son. Drawing from her personal experiences, Bernadette generously shares her strategies and wisdom on navigating the often-challenging teenage years with her son. She delves into the nuances of guiding him through the significant milestone of choosing a college and offers valuable perspectives on supporting him in making crucial life decisions along the way. Beyond the college application process, Bernadette also provides practical advice on staying attuned to the various facets of a teenager's life. This includes fostering healthy communication when a romantic partner or close friends enter the picture, being mindful of the environment and influences surrounding your child, and generally staying connected with their evolving world.🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips from Bernadette's journey, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections on raising a teenager in today's world.💡 You can also revisit Bernadette's previous appearances in Episode 11, where she recounted her journey into the tech industry and the joys and challenges of raising a young child, and in Episode 70, where she thoughtfully discussed her decision-making process regarding private versus public schooling.✉️ Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or if there is a specific topic that you would like to hear being discussed.✨ Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at [email protected]!

In this episode, we welcome back Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Partytrick, to delve into her experience navigating the pandemic while raising two young children, now 8 and 10, and how her business has evolved. She talks to us about the practical tools she implemented to manage stress, including mindfulness techniques and time-saving strategies. Virginia also emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude, even for the smallest daily moments, and how these practices provided essential support during challenging times.🎧 Catch up on last week's episode to hear Virginia's story of building her business after becoming a mother, and her tips for work-life balance and self-care.💡 For your next corporate event, celebration, or milestone moment, check out Partytrick! You can also find them on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.✉️ If you, or someone you know, has experience as a parent in tech and would like to share your story  ➡️ Email me at [email protected]!✨Interested in sponsoring an episode? ➡️ Email me at ⁠[email protected]!

This episode features Virginia Frischkorn, an award-winning event industry veteran and startup founder. Virginia is currently the CEO and founder of Partytrick, an end-to-end event planning platform for consumers and brands. She shares her journey of building a business while raising two children, ages 10 and 8. She talks about how she navigated building a startup with young children, structures her days, and instills the value of hard work in her kids. Virginia also talks about how she keeps her children involved in her business, being fully present for her family, and the crucial role of self-care in her busy life.🗓 Tune in next week to learn how Virginia navigated the pandemic with two young children and how her business evolved as a result. 💡 For your next corporate event, celebration, or milestone moment, check out Partytrick! 

We continue our inspiring chat with Neha Tiwari, founder and principal consultant at Version Consulting, and a mom of two (ages 3 and 6). In this episode, Neha opens up about the challenges and triumphs of growing her business while simultaneously raising a newborn to toddler, and then another newborn during the pandemic. She also talks about how the pandemic has forced her to stretch herself and realize that her skills transfer to more industries than where she started. Neha tells us that as a parent, she has been really ruthless about prioritizing and taking advantage of every minute she has to get things done such as doing things for self care. She also emphasizes the importance for parents to advocate and set boundaries for themselves as well. Tune in to hear how Neha was able to build her growing business through the pandemic while raising young kids and how she manages it all! You can also find Neha at https://www.versionconsulting.co/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehalia/

In this episode, we chat with Neha Tiwari, who is the founder and principal of Version Consulting, a fractional Chief Operating Officer, as well as an award-winning digital strategist. Not only that, but Neha is also the mother of a 3 and 6 year old. She shares with us her inspiring journey of launching Version Consulting and navigating the unique challenges of parental leave while building her business from the ground up. We will continue our chat with her next week to talk about how she navigated the pandemic while growing her evolving business, raising two young kids, and making sure to take care of herself in the process.If you're interested in connecting with Neha, you can find her at her website, versionconsulting.co, or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/nehalia.

In this episode, we reconnect with Bernadette Castaneda, a Compliance Manager in the Bay Area and mother to a 25-year-old son, whom we last spoke with on Episode 11. We take a deep dive into the decision-making process between public and private schools, discussing the factors she considered, the trade-offs she navigated, and the pros and cons of each option. Bernadette also shares insights on what ultimately worked for her family and advice for parents facing a similar choice.Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you'd like to be a guest on my podcast or if there is a specific topic that you would like to hear being discussed!

In this episode, we catch up with Max, previously featured in episodes 44 and 47, who is a father to a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. Max shares his journey of stepping away from his corporate career to focus on personal growth, family, and developing a music app for kids. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of navigating a career transition, the importance of self-care, and how AI tools have streamlined his app development process. He also emphasizes the value of financial security when considering a career break and the power of listening to one’s inner voice. Plus, Max offers insights for aspiring app developers and reflects on the joy of involving family in creative projects.You can download Max's app, Wandrous, from the app store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wandrous/id6605924758.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Seung in Part 2 of our chat. Seung is a Senior Technical Operations Associate in the Bay Area. He has two kids, ages 16 and 11. We explore his approach to work-life balance and how his relationship with his kids evolves as they grow older. Seung shares how he sets clear boundaries—when he's at work, he’s fully focused on work, and when he’s home, he’s present with his family. He also talks about transitioning between in-person and remote work and how he’s adapted his family life to these changes. Throughout our discussion, Seung emphasizes that there’s no right or wrong way to raise kids—you adjust as you go.

In this episode, we’re kicking off a new approach with fresh formats and topics! Our guest, Seung, is a senior technical operations associate in the Bay Area, currently working at a major retail company. He has two kids, ages 16 and 11.This episode explores Seung’s journey into tech and his experience navigating parental leave while raising young kids. In part two—coming next week—we’ll dive into how family dynamics evolve as kids grow older, how relationships with parents and siblings change, and Seung’s insights on balancing work and family life.

In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Len and JD, two incredible parents who shared their wisdom with us in Episodes 48, 40, and then together on Episode 63. Today, they're diving into the complexities of raising multiple children. They'll discuss how they foster individuality in each of their kids, support their unique dreams and aspirations, and focus on personal growth—all without falling into the comparison trap. Whether you're raising one child or a whole crew, this conversation is full of insights and tips for creating a nurturing environment for every child to thrive.

In this episode, we sit down with Shivani Rao, an Engineering Manager and mom to a 3-year-old daughter. Shivani shares her journey of balancing a demanding career in tech with the joys and challenges of raising a toddler. She opens up about the importance of self-care and recognizing when it's time to take a step back to recharge. Shivani also discusses her approach to building a strong support system—her village—and the strategies she uses to ensure there’s no single point of failure in her professional and personal life. Additionally, she offers heartfelt advice to parents, reminding them to be kind to themselves, especially when faced with challenges like breastfeeding.

In this episode, we chat with Manish Pandit, a Senior Engineering Leader in the Bay Area and proud father of a 21-year-old daughter. Manish reflects on his journey of raising his daughter while managing the demands of a high-pressure career. He shares the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned about achieving a balance between work and family life. Manish highlights the importance of carving out quality time, fostering a strong bond during your child's formative years, and staying connected as they grow into adulthood. He provides valuable insights on maintaining transparency, evolving your relationship with your kids, and navigating the changing nature of conversations as they mature. This episode offers practical advice and heartfelt wisdom for parents at any stage of their parenting journey.

In this episode, we reconnect with JD and Len, previous guests from episodes 40 and 48, to dive into their journeys as parents to three adult children each. JD’s kids are now 32, 27, and 25, while Len’s are 27, 25, and 22. They share how they’ve supported their kids in discovering and pursuing their passions—whether it’s navigating high school challenges, choosing a college, or exploring new opportunities. JD and Len reflect on the importance of encouraging their kids to take risks, embrace different experiences, and find their own paths. Their advice is to foster an environment of exploration and curiosity. Empower your children to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, trusting that those experiences will help them grow into confident, capable adults.

In this episode, we reconnect with Abdul, whom we first spoke with in episode 2. Abdul, an IT manager based in Ireland, gives us an update on life with his kids, who are now 6 and 4 (they were 3 and 5 the last time we spoke). Abdul shares his strategies for managing winter break with minimal screen time by engaging his kids in puzzles, coloring sheets, routines, reading, and creative activities. He also talks about fostering their love for hiking, a passion of his, by making the experience fun—like giving them their own special hiking outfits and letting them take ownership of the activity. Beyond practical tips, Abdul emphasizes the importance of embracing time with your children and not being too hard on yourself as a parent. He suggests printing out pictures of your kids to celebrate memories as well. This heartfelt and practical conversation is perfect for parents looking for ideas to balance family time and creativity.

In this episode, I am joined by my three boys—Darian, Xander, and Lucas—for a fun-filled game show! We’ll be testing their knowledge with a mix of tech trivia and 90s/2000s pop culture questions. The game kicks off with Lucas and Xander going head to head, with the winner advancing to challenge Darian. Then, the ultimate winner of the final round will take on the two who lost in the earlier rounds. Tune in to see who comes out on top and takes the crown as the ultimate quiz champion!

In this episode, we sit down with Ha Tran, a former tech executive turned coach, and a mother of three young children ages 6, 2, and 13 months. Ha shares her journey from the tech world to launching her coaching business, The Inner Fire, which helps individuals gain clarity, overcome challenges, and thrive in both work and life. She opens up about how she balances a flourishing career with the demands of raising three little ones, while emphasizing the importance of carving out time for yourself and your partner. Ha’s wisdom serves as a powerful reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Check out the episode for more wise tidbits from Ha! If you are interested in learning how Coach Ha can help you, you can find her on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hattn/ or at her website, at criya.site/coachhatran

In this episode, we sit down with Maryann Vellanikaran, an Engineering Leader based in the Bay Area, who shares her experience balancing a demanding career in tech with raising two children, ages 8 and 11. Maryann reflects on her journey navigating the challenges of motherhood, offering insights into the various parental leave options she encountered, the accommodations made for mother's rooms, and how work cultures differ when it comes to supporting parents. She also discusses how her approach to evaluating potential employers has evolved, setting a higher bar for companies she considers joining. Maryann provides valuable advice, emphasizing that while the early years of parenting can be overwhelming, they pass quickly. As children grow older, the challenges shift—though still present, they are less physically taxing and exhausting.

In this episode, we chat with Hannah Morgan, a working mom who has managed to blend career, family, and entrepreneurship in a way that’s both inspiring and practical. Hannah is not only a project manager in the fintech space but also the founder of Heron House Management, a virtual house management service designed to help busy parents lighten their mental load. With three young children—ages 4, 3, and 6 months—Hannah is no stranger to the juggling act that comes with balancing work, family, and personal goals. She shares her passion for helping families reclaim their time and energy so they can fully embrace life’s beautiful, chaotic moments without feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of tasks. Hannah also talks about how she manages to balance her career, her growing business, and her role as a mother while still maintaining her personal identity and goals. To learn more about Hannah's business, Heron House Management, check out her website! You can find her timesaving tools on Etsy here!

In this episode, I’m joined by my kids, Darian and Lucas, as we dive into some practical parenting hacks. We’ve broken them down into three categories: tips for parents with younger kids, those with older kids, and just general parenting advice. We share some of the strategies that have worked for us and hope they’ll be helpful for you too! As always, we’d love to hear any other parenting hacks you’ve discovered, so feel free to share them with us! For parents with younger kids: Hack #1: Always bring an extra set of clothes, wipes, and a garbage bag. Hack #2: Pack activities for restaurants or trips. Hack #3: Buffer in extra time to leave the house. Hack #4: Pull onesies down instead of up over their heads in the event of an accident. Hack #5: Meal prep into smaller portions using little bags, containers, or ice cube trays. Hack #6: When you change the first diaper of the day, don't take off the diaper immediately! Hack #7: Feed babies in their diapers, or using a large bib that catches food, and put newspapers on the ground. Hack #8: Local Buy Nothing group on FB is a great resource for infant and toddler items! Hack #9: Use a rubber band as a lock stop for the door knob. Hack #10: Keep masking tape around for lint, hair, glitter, etc. Hack #11: Schedule physical activities later in the day. Hack #12: For kids with longer hair, use leave-in conditioner or detangler to help with the tangles. For parents with school-age kids: Hack #1: Take pictures of their projects, homework, and art work. Hack #2: Have them help with chores at a younger age - use sticker charts, make a game out of it! Hack #3: Use neon swimming clothes to spot them further away in public pools and water parks. Hack #4: Routine meal schedule For parents with kids of all ages: Hack #1: Get a season pass to museums, theme parks, zoos, etc. Hack #2: Utilize the special discounts from work, banks, Triple A, etc. Hack #3: Shared family calendar. Hack #4: Same color socks Hack #5: Don't tell trips about the trip in advance. Hack #6: Always take pictures of kids!! It can be challenging when they're older, or when you're too busy with day to day things, but still do it!! Please let us know if you have any other hacks that you'd like us to add! You can send them to me at [email protected]!

In this episode, we sit down with Lizz Harrell, founder of Sell Success, a company that helps startups grow by prioritizing customer success. Lizz has two kids, ages 3 and 15 months. She shares her unique perspective on navigating the challenges of being a tech executive while balancing the demands of motherhood. She discusses managing a large organization through a CEO transition during her first pregnancy, and handling an acquisition while expecting her second child. Lizz also opens up about how she manages her time running her own business while raising two young kids and how she’s adapted her boundaries and priorities as a parent. For startups looking for expert guidance on growth and customer success, check out Sell Success at sell-success.com.

In this episode, we have a special co-host, Lucas, who reflects on key topics and insights from the past year with me. We discuss various aspects of work-life balance, including approaches to parental leave, postpartum care, child care, and the growing role of electronics in kids' lives. We also preview potential ideas and plans for the upcoming year. Thank you for the support from listeners and guests who contributed to the podcast, making it a memorable year. Tune in for a thoughtful recap and a glimpse into the future of the show! If you have topics you'd want to hear about or would like to be a part of a panel, or be in an update episode, or would like to simply be a first-time guest, please reach out to me at [email protected]!

In this episode, we chat with Robert Voyer, a Senior Engineering Manager at Tyler Technologies and a father of two kids aged 10 and 12. Robert shares his experiences raising children in today’s fast-paced world, discussing his approach to navigating the pandemic and the decision to give his kids cell phones. He highlights the importance of focus in our distraction-filled lives, recommending Deep Work, to help listeners cultivate better concentration. Emphasizing the long game in parenting, Robert encourages parents to show themselves grace as they learn and grow alongside their children. Tune in for valuable insights and heartfelt advice on modern parenting!

In this episode, we chat with Ivan Stankovic, a Technical Program Manager at a major cloud provider. Ivan offers valuable insights into parenting in a tech-driven world, sharing how he manages screen time for his two kids, aged 16.5 and 13.5. He discusses the unique challenges of raising a middle schooler and a teenager taking college courses, emphasizing the balance of setting boundaries while allowing freedom. Ivan reflects on his family support system, including his parents, his in-laws and the partnership with his wife in parenting decisions. He also shares experiences from parenting during the pandemic and how his family navigated schooling during those challenging times, all while creating lasting memories and focusing on education.

In this episode, we reconnect with Mallika Rao, an engineering manager at Netflix, who previously joined us on Episode 30. At that time, she was pregnant with her second child and had a toddler at home. Her kids are now 5 months and 3 years old. Mallika shares her transformative experiences since the birth of her second child, discussing shifts in her mindset and daily life. She reflects on her evolving parenting approach, including how she introduced the concept of pregnancy to her older son and facilitated their introduction to the newborn. She shares insights into how she prepared her family and herself for the newborn, what steps she took, and how she made sure to have a support system in place, despite most of her family not living nearby. She also talks to us about the difference between a doula and a nanny and why a doula is helpful for mom and newborn during the postpartum phase. Tune in to hear about her journey through motherhood and the joys and challenges of raising a growing family!

A special thanks to Lenny for his willingness to re-record this episode after the first attempt didn’t go through! In this episode, we chat with Leonardo "Lenny" Garcia Crespo, a Software Engineer at Automattic based in London. He shares his experiences as a parent of two young children, aged 2.5 and 7. He discusses the differences between his two different parental leaves and how he managed them while balancing work and life. Lenny also reflects on the transition of having kids while also navigating his wife's career change and a significant family move. He offers insights on working across different time zones and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and priorities for family.

In this episode, we chat with Rayman Wong, a Software Engineering Manager based in Southern California. Rayman shares his experiences raising his 8-year-old son, discussing the unique joys and challenges of parenting an only child. He reflects on navigating the pandemic with an extroverted son, highlighting the difficulties of lockdown and the special dynamics of their relationship. Tune in for valuable insights on balancing work and family life while fostering a positive environment for his son!

Today is a special milestone as I’m joined by my three amazing kids—Darian, Xander, and Lucas. In this episode, they turn the tables and interview me about my experiences as a working mom. We dive into the challenges of balancing work and family life, my journey through three pregnancies, and how I navigated parental leave. Get ready for some goofy moments and heartfelt insights as we explore my story through their eyes!

In this episode, we sit down with Michael, a seasoned security professional, with years of experience running security at tech companies. Michael has two kids, ages 12 and 10. He shares valuable insights on teaching kids to stay true to themselves while also learning to protect their privacy. He provides practical tips for personal security and emphasizes the importance of strong communication with your manager to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Michael also offers advice for parents, suggesting they travel before having children and take advantage of various passes and work benefits to enrich their family experiences.

In this episode, we sit down with Len Scalero, a Senior Manager at Walmart Connect and cohost of the podcast GenX Guys (we previously met his cohost, James Williams Jr, on Episode 40). Len, who has three children aged 27, 24, and 21, delves into the intricacies of parenting older kids compared to younger ones. He shares his experiences and the distinct challenges he has faced as his children transitioned into adulthood. Len also discusses how his priorities have shifted since becoming a parent, highlighting the ways in which raising children has influenced his personal and professional life. Additionally, he offers insights into maintaining a work-life balance and shares practical tips for managing both career responsibilities and family commitments.

In this episode, we welcome back Julie Hollek and Max Lee, who previously joined us in Episode 3 and Episode 44. This time, we're focusing on their experiences with parental leave and the strategies they've used. Julie and Max share their personal stories about what their parental leaves were like, discuss the right timing and approach for sharing leave plans with their employers, and reveal how they navigated the process with their partners. We also provide a practical checklist for preparing for parental leave to help make the transition smoother. Tune in for diverse perspectives on parental leave and let us know if you're interested in joining a future panel or if you think we should explore this format more often. Reach out to us at [email protected]!

In this episode, we chat with my son, Darian, who is a 14-year-old high school student. He offers a fresh perspective on growing up with parents in tech. Darian discusses how he juggles school, after-school care, and his role as the oldest sibling while his parents navigate demanding tech careers. He also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on his education, relationships, and technology use.

In this episode, we catch up with Andrew Tio, who was first featured in Episode 19. Back then, Andrew was expecting his second child; now, he has a lively 2-year-old and a 7-month-old. He discusses the evolving challenges of parenting two young kids, including the significant shift from managing one child to two. Andrew also delves into his reasons for expanding his family, how he balances work and family life, and the strategies he and his wife use to ensure both children receive equal attention and love. Andrew expresses interest in hearing from other parents about their coping mechanisms for managing frustration and stress while juggling the demands of young children and work. Be sure to stay tuned for insights from future guests on this topic as well!

In this episode, we chat with Max Lee, a Senior Software Engineer from the Bay Area, about his journey navigating parenthood while working in tech. Max, who has a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, shares his insights on managing the challenges of having a newborn and a toddler during the pandemic. He reflects on the complexities of transitioning back to work and balancing responsibilities between engineering management and individual contributor roles during his leave. Max offers practical advice to new parents: leverage the abundant wisdom available and trust yourself to figure out the rest as you go.

In this episode, we chat with Erin Eng, a Product Designer from the Bay Area. She offers insights into balancing a career and family life with a significant age gap between her two kids, ages 13 and 3. Erin shares her diverse experiences across various work setups—contract, full-time, stay-at-home, and part-time roles. She provides valuable advice for parents on adapting to life’s changes by planning for flexibility, leveraging personal strengths, and addressing weaknesses through partnerships or external resources.

In this episode, we sit down with Tali Gutman, a staff software engineer at Datadog based in Colorado. Tali, who has two young children, ages 2 and 4, opens up about the unique challenges of having a baby during the pandemic, her career journey into tech, and how she manages to balance work with parental leave and family life. She shares her experiences with parental leave, emphasizing its significance, and discusses the dynamics of having both parents working in the tech industry. Tune in to hear her honest reflections and firsthand experiences!

In this podcast episode, James Williams Jr., a Principal Product Manager at Walmart and co-host of the Gen X Guys podcast, shares insights from his life and experiences. Based in Las Vegas, James and his best friend Len discuss what it means to be a Gen Xer in today's world, reflecting on their past and navigating life at their current age. James, a father of three adult children aged 32, 26, and 24, delves into the challenges and rewards of parenting. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life while raising children, offering advice drawn from his own journey. James highlights the unpredictability of parenting, stressing the significance of listening to parental advice and being prepared for the unexpected. James provides listeners with a candid glimpse into his life, blending personal anecdotes with practical wisdom. His podcast, Gen X Guys, serves as a platform for discussing generational experiences and the evolving landscape of adulthood. "Gen X Guys" is accessible on all major podcast platforms where podcasts are available, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.