The Sustainable Mom: The Podcast about Career, Ambition, & Motherhood

In this episode, Jen shares about stepping into the natural quiet of winter and into a season asking us to slow down, which is in direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. She shares tips to help you honor your body's & the season's natural rhythm by offloading the non-essentials so we can pause, rest, and recalibrate. Consider this episode your invitation to rest without guilt and to honor your own internal knowing of what you need.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

In this episode, Jen is joined by Morgan Jackson, founder of Light 56, a framework that helps women rediscover joy, lightness, and motivation through small, meaningful habits that actually stick.Morgan shares her journey from corporate life at Microsoft to becoming a mom and entrepreneur, and how her experiences inspired her to create Light 56. Together, Jen and Morgan explore what it really means to feel light in a season of life that can often feel anything but.They discuss how to start small when everything feels heavy, why “light” looks different in every season, and how to create habits that last without falling into the all-or-nothing trap. Morgan also shares simple, actionable ways to bring joy and calm back into your day without adding one more thing to your to-do list.Listen to learn:Why we mistake productivity for progress and how you can break that cycleWhat “light” really means and how to find it when life feels dark or heavyHow to build habits that last without the pressure of perfectionThe power of noticing gratitude, joy, and kindnessWhy it’s okay to be imperfect and why rest is part of progressMeet & Connect 🤝Morgan’s passion is helping women find joy and light in life. With over a decade of experience in small businesses, nonprofits, and at Microsoft, she drew on her background - including being an athlete and parent - to create the Light 56 framework. This approach creates personalized habits that stick, unlocks motivation, and adds fun through unique challenges. A top speaker at Microsoft Inspire, Morgan now shares her insights at events and on podcasts, covering topics like Redefining Success, Living Lightly, and Ditching Perfectionism. She also founded Light 56 Circle, a community for women who tackle hard things in a light and feminine way! You can find Morgan wakesurfing behind a boat, creating something with her son or in the mountains with her husband training for her next endurance hike.Links:Website: https://www.light56.com Social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightfiftysix✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

You know that feeling when everyone thinks you’ve “made it” but you not only feel like you didn't make it, in fact, you feel trapped at your job.In this episode Jen is naming one of the most common things keeping moms trapped in their jobs: golden handcuffs.The big salary, the benefits, the flexibility… all the reasons you should love your job except you don’t.In this episode, Jen shares why so many working moms feel trapped in roles that no longer fit after motherhood, and she provides practical ways to loosen the golden handcuffs (even if you never quit) and start moving toward work that actually fits your life.You’re allowed to want more than a paycheck and you’re allowed to redefine success on your terms, without the handcuffs or feeling trapped!✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

If you’ve been repeatedly asking yourself how you'll keep showing up to a job where you feel stuck, and the voice inside tells you the only option is to quit, then this episode is for you.Deciding whether to leave your job as a mom isn’t just a “career decision.” It’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal. Maybe you’re burned out, maybe you’re just done, or maybe you can’t tell the difference anymore.In this episode, Jen shares five powerful questions every working mom should ask before making a big career move. These questions will help you get clear on what’s really going on and whether you’re ready for a change, or simply in need of recovery.You’ll learn:The difference between burnout and being truly doneHow to separate fear from intuition when making a big decisionThe hidden stories many moms believe about “quitting”Why clarity comes from better questions, not overthinkingA simple reframe to see your current season with more compassionWhether you’re fantasizing about putting in your notice, or just craving a life that actually feels good again, this episode will help you take your next step without fear or second guessing yourself.Free Break Free from Burnout Guide: https://theleap.co/creator/Jennifer_Gagnon/digital_download/break-free-from-burnout-free-guide✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Working motherhood feels harder than it should and it's not because of your lack of organization or discipline. It’s the cultural script of intensive mothering. This model expects moms to give 100% at home while we’re also expected to give 100% at work, creating guilt, exhaustion, and the constant sense you’re falling short.In this episode of The Sustainable Mom, Jen unpacks where intensive mothering came from, why it makes working motherhood feel impossible, and how you can start stepping out of its impossible standards. You’ll walk away with a framework for noticing the script, redefining what actually matters to you, and writing a new version of motherhood that’s sustainable—without the guilt.Because the truth is: your kids don’t need perfect. They need you.Let this episode be your permission slip to drop the pursuit of perfection and recognize you're already doing enough!✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

In this episode, Jen is joined by Tech mom & Harvard policy grad, Dhani Ramadhani as they talk about the new frontier or raising kids in an AI shaped world.We are the first generation to raise kids with AI so this is wildly unnavigated terrain. Unknowns and uncertainties can bring fear and avoidance. Dhani created aiPTO to help parents make sense of this new world with confidence.If you've ever wondered how to talk to your kids about AI, when to introduce kids to AI, or even if you just want to know more about it for yourself, this episode is for you!Meet & Connect 🤝Dhani Ramadhani is a tech growth strategist, Harvard-trained policy thinker, writer, and mom of two. She draws from her multicultural, neurodivergent family life and years in GovTech to explore what it really means to raise thoughtful, resilient kids in an AI-shaped world. Through her initiative, aiPTO (aiParentTech.com), she shares practical tools and research-backed reflections to help families navigate tech with clarity and intention, instead of hype or fear.Links:Website: https://www.aiparenttech.com/Social media:https://www.instagram.com/aipto365/ http://www.youtube.com/@aiPTO365✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Do you ever review your to-do list and feel like every single thing on it is urgent, important, and totally aligned with your values? If you said yes, you're not alone. Even though it's a common experience, there are things we can do to help us prioritize and be satisfied with what we choose to prioritize.In this episode,  Jen gets real about what it actually looks like to juggle work, motherhood, a household, and a coaching business—all while admitting she doesn’t have it “all figured out.” (Spoiler: none of us do.)You’ll hear:Why even “free time” can feel paralyzing when you’re used to being in constant motionA 5-step approach to deciding what matters most when everything feels importantHow to spot the sneaky “shoulds” that pull you into obligation instead of choiceWhy the real goal isn’t completing your to-do list but finding alignment with your valuesIf you’ve ever felt guilty for leaving the laundry unfolded so you could sit with a book, felt like you “wasted” time scrolling instead of tackling the dishes, this episode will help you reframe how you think about time, energy, and what truly matters.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

In this solo episode, Jen dives into why so many high-achieving moms are stepping off the traditional corporate ladder and carving out new paths that align with their values, energy, and priorities.She shares the viral post that struck a nerve with thousands of women, why it resonates so deeply, and how it’s giving moms permission to want something different. This episode talks about burnout, shifting ambition, and why walking away from the hustle isn’t giving up. It’s redefining success on your terms.If you’ve ever craved more freedom, flexibility, or fulfillment but felt like it was selfish or ungrateful, this episode is for you.This Episode Breaks Down: ✨ Why so many moms are rethinking the corporate climb ✨ The difference between losing ambition and redefining it ✨ How burnout is reshaping the way we approach work ✨ Steps you can take to create a career that actually fits your lifeThere isn't only one path to success, it's time to decide what success and ambition mean to YOU.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Join Jen for this inspiring conversation with Holly Bantique, Founder of Calique Paperie. Holly went from working a job that was burning her out & weighing on her emotionally, to being a stay at home mom, to starting her own business. Holly Shares:Why self care is more than just a nice to have. It's essential to our well-beingHow to prioritize when you have a business, a baby, & house to balanceDisciplining our minds to stop listening to the voices telling us we need to do more, or guilting us for restingHow to shift your perspective to see your to-do list as a good thingThe "shoulds" we put on ourselves & the good mom pressures that weigh on usHolly’s story is proof that you can rewrite the rules, build something that lights you up, and still be present for the people you love.Whether you’re dreaming about leaving your 9–5, growing a business, or just craving a little more joy and peace in your daily life — this episode will remind you that you’re allowed to take up space, slow down, and build a life that actually feels good.Meet & Connect 🤝Holly Bantique is a mom of one and the founder of Calique Paperie & Design, a custom stationery studio built on creativity, care, and making celebrations and everyday moments feel truly personal. Before launching her business, Holly’s journey took her from corporate life to stay-at-home motherhood and eventually to entrepreneurship—all while navigating identity shifts, mom guilt, and the sweet chaos of raising her toddler son. She’s passionate about honest conversations around the realities of parenting, the power of letting go, and building a life that feels aligned. Through a lot of inner work, finding her community, and practicing self-compassion, Holly has learned that balance is a myth, life is what you make it, and there’s real power in stepping outside your comfort zone.Personal:https://www.instagram.com/hollybantique/http://linkedin.com/in/holly-bantiqueBusiness:https://www.caliquepaperie.com/https://www.instagram.com/caliquepaperiehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/caliquepaperieanddesign/✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Have you ever had a dream that just won't stop bugging you? That's what happened with Rachel when she was about to return from maternity leave...In this episode, Jen sits down with Rachel Wilman, to talk about career pivots, creativity after motherhood, and what it really takes to chase your dream while raising a little one.Rachel shares:How she decided to leap and go after her dream of writing a novel, while also juggling a full time job and a new babyThe pressure moms feel to “do it all” and why support systems (like her wife, nanny, and even her diva cat) are essential.Why perfectionism kills creativity; and how she learned to just start, even when things felt messy.The hidden side of publishing: why even bestselling authors often keep their day jobs.Her honest take on balancing ambition, motherhood, and sanity.This conversation is a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to shrink your dreams. Sometimes, it gives you the courage to finally pursue them.Meet & Connect 🤝Rachel Wilman is toddler mom, full-time communications professional in higher education, and soon-to-be published author. As a multi-genre writer, Rachel is inspired by unspoken truths and unusual worlds. She is writing her first novel, with three others on the back-burner. In 2026, her first published short story will appear in HenDragon Press’ debut fantasy anthology, “Through Wilds and Warnings.” Between meetings and toddler play-time, Rachel loves walking barefoot, reading, and wishing it would rain. She lives in Southern California with her wife, daughter, and inconvenienced cat. 💻 www.rachelwilman.com 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@rachel.wilman 🤳 https://www.instagram.com/rachel.wilman/✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

In this episode, Jen sits down with Puja Malhotra, founder & creative director of Roop Creative Agency, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, motherhood, & intentional living.Puja shares her journey of navigating business ownership while raising a young child & redefining what success truly means to her. From overcoming perfectionism to highlighting the importance of finding people who "get it," she opens up about how her vision for her business shifted after becoming a mom, how she needed to fall back in love with her work, how to create sustainable growth, & building a life where time with family is the ultimate luxury.You'll hear:How motherhood reshaped Puja's vision for her business & lifeWhy scaling isn’t always about bigger, faster, or moreThe value of mentorship & cultivating meaningful relationships with clientsWhy being selfish isn't a bad thingWhether you’re a working mom, a creative entrepreneur, or seeking balance between life & career, this conversation is an honest and insightful conversation on building a business and a life you love, on your terms.Meet & Connect!Puja is the founder and creative director of Roop Creative Agency, a branding and web-design studio that helps ambitious female founders build bold, high-converting brands. A former corporate marketer turned entrepreneur and mom, Puja blends strategy and creativity to empower women-owned businesses across North America.In addition to branding and website design, Puja mentors creatives through her signature program Corporate Dropout—a 3-month 1:1 mentorship for designers, strategists, and service providers ready to confidently leave their 9–5 and build a profitable, soulful business.Puja is also a mom, yogi, and recovering perfectionist navigating what it means to run a business, raise a family, and stay connected to her culture—all while building something that feels true to her.Website: https://roopcreativeagency.comInstagram: @roopcreativeagency + @thepujamalhotraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pujamalhotra/Corporate Dropout Mentorship: https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/mentorship✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Is this clickbait… or the unfortunate truth?In this episode, Jen digs into the research behind how different countries support (or fail) working mothers. Spoiler Alert: the U.S. comes in dead last. Inspired by Making Motherhood Work by sociologist Caitlyn Collins, we’ll explore what 135 mothers across Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the United States revealed about the policies, workplace norms, and cultural expectations that shape their lives.From Sweden’s generous paid leave and affordable childcare to America’s culture of overwork and zero federal leave, this conversation will make you question everything we’ve been told about “having it all.” You’ll hear:How four wealthy democracies treat working momsWhy the struggles you face as a U.S. mom aren’t personal failings, they’re political ones.The emotional and career toll of unrealistic cultural expectations.Why “just do more self-care” is not the answer and what actually is.How to release the guilt, stop blaming yourself, and opt out of impossible rules.We’ll also talk about the role of anger, why it’s valid, and how it can fuel the fight for change instead of being silenced. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in work, caregiving, and expectations, this episode is for you!Resources & Mentions:Making Motherhood Work by Caitlyn CollinsDr. Sophie Brock's Fishbowl Model of MotherhoodLet’s Connect: If this episode resonated with you, share your thoughts with me. Did it make you see your own experience differently? Did it spark a little righteous anger? I want to know.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

In this episode, Jen sits down with Melissa Schuetz, a former teacher who walked away from burnout and into a more sustainable life, to talk about what it really takes to reinvent yourself as a working mom.Melissa opens up about the emotional toll of life in the classroom, the quiet unraveling that so many mothers feel but rarely name, and the courageous decision to pivot into a new career as a virtual assistant. Together, they explore what it means to release an old identity, ask for help without shame, and prioritize nervous system care as a non-negotiable foundation for lasting change.If you've ever wondered how to honor your ambition without abandoning yourself, this episode is your permission slip.Meet the Guest!Melissa Schuetz is a virtual assistant, mom of five, and former teacher who helps small business owners stay organized and consistent by handling administrative tasks and scheduling social media content. After experiencing burnout, postpartum depression, and the pressure of balancing teaching with motherhood, Melissa made the bold choice to leave the classroom and create a more sustainable life. Now she supports other moms in finding freedom, peace, and purpose through flexible work and mental wellness.Learn more here ⬇️Instagram: @melissaschuetz_Wellness Quiz: Take the quiz✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

When you’re a high-achieving woman in corporate, a mom of three boys, and completely done with trying to keep up the polished act...In this episode, Jen chats with Angelique, a sales leader and unapologetically imperfect mom, to talk about what corporate motherhood really looks like when you stop pretending. From juggling leadership goals to embracing the beautifully chaotic reality of raising kids. Angelique brings humor and honesty to the conversation around working motherhood.Together they unpack:Why “good enough” isn’t settling—it’s liberatingThe "real" side of social media & how most of us aren't living perfectly curated livesWorking from home with kids- is it possible?How ambition doesn't disappear after kids... it's just differentWhat it means to “zoom out,” check in with yourself, and redefine what success looks like nowIf you're a working mom wondering how the heck you're supposed to excel in your career & be the perfect mom, this conversation will remind you that perfection is out, and authenticity is in.Meet AngeliqueAngelique is a Northern Virginia mom of three boys (8, almost 6, and 3), a sales team leader, and the creator of Motherfussing on Instagram. Originally from Maine, she’s spent her entire career in advertising sales after landing her first DC job through her PSU alumni network in 2009.A late-diagnosed ADHD adult, work-from-home parent, and sometimes business traveler, she’s on a mission to normalize the messy, unfiltered, and imperfect parts of corporate motherhood; sharing her real life to fill the gap she didn’t see in her own feed.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

If you’ve ever felt like the world is screaming at you to do more, be more, and wake up before your kids to finally “get it together”... this episode is your permission slip to ignore the screams.In a culture obsessed with productivity, it’s no surprise that moms often feel like they’re falling short. And when the advice we hear boils down to “just get up earlier” or “organize better,” it can feel like we’re the problem—when really, the problem is the impossible expectations we’ve been handed.In this episode, I’m sharing why I don’t coach moms to squeeze more into their day. I coach them to redefine success on their terms.We’ll unpack:Why “just be more productive” is a lazy answer to a deeper issueThe invisible expectations working moms are carryingWhat productivity even means when you're raising tiny humansHow my coaching approach creates space for you to reconnect with your values, goals, and identity—outside of the roles you playThis episode invites you to stop chasing someone else’s version of “doing it all” and start creating a version of life that actually works for you.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom

Welcome to The Sustainable Mom Podcast, hosted by Jennifer Gagnon, a certified Leadership Coach. Join Jen as she explores how a woman's career may change after becomes a mother. We'll discuss the myths, the expectations, and the realities of what it means to be a modern mother in the workforce. Plus you'll hear guests share their experience with career, ambition, and motherhood. Please join us!✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it. Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing. Book your private consultation Not quite ready for coaching? Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through. Stay connected for more honest, curated support: Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast Threads → @leadwithjen Substack → The Sustainable Mom