Chief Change Officer Podcast Episode #407 Summary
Title: Jodi Silverman: When the Kids Grow Up, But You’re Just Getting Started — Part One
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Jodi Silverman, Founder of Moms Who Dare
Introduction
In Episode #407 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan welcomes Jodi Silverman, the inspiring founder of the Moms Who Dare community. This two-part series delves into the transformative journey of mothers navigating the empty nest phase, redefining their identities, and embarking on new ventures beyond parenthood. The conversation is candid, warm, and offers profound insights into personal and professional reinvention.
Jodi's Personal and Career Journey
Jodi Silverman shares her extensive background, highlighting her transition from a successful 12-year career in sales to entrepreneurship and motherhood. She speaks about the challenges and daring decisions that shaped her path.
Jodi Silverman [03:48]:
"I dared to say, step away from this job, my career, and start my own business. I also didn't know there was something called entrepreneurship, Vince, but apparently that's what it was."
Balancing a thriving business with raising two children, Ellie and Daniel, Jodi reflects on the personal sacrifices and joys that come with entrepreneurship and motherhood. Her journey underscores the importance of staying mentally sharp while being present for her family.
The Empty Nest Phenomenon
As Ellie prepares to graduate and leave for college, Jodi confronts the reality of an empty nest. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil that accompanies this transition, shedding light on common feelings of unfulfillment despite professional success.
Jodi Silverman [07:40]:
"I realized my feeling of unfulfillment had nothing to do with me as a partner and a wife with my husband, had nothing to do with me being a mom. It had everything to do with what did I want for myself."
Jodi emphasizes the universal nature of this experience, noting that many parents face similar existential questions when their children begin to assert independence.
Identity Crisis and Rebuilding
Exploring the theme of identity crisis, Jodi explains how questioning one's purpose beyond established roles—such as being a parent or a career professional—can lead to profound personal growth. She acknowledges the guilt and discomfort that often accompany these realizations.
Jodi Silverman [12:25]:
"The biggest feeling of disconnection that I hear most parents tell me about is not knowing what they're doing every day... they're navigating their life on their own terms."
Jodi's introspection highlights the importance of redefining one’s identity and purpose during significant life transitions.
Founding Moms Who Dare
The conversation shifts to the creation of Moms Who Dare, a community founded by Jodi to support mothers seeking to rediscover themselves post-parenthood. She recounts the pivotal moment at a women’s empowerment conference that inspired her to embrace the concept of daring and stepping out of comfort zones.
Jodi Silverman [14:32]:
"I sat in that room and I thought, I'm a Mom who Dares. I ran home and I had a Facebook group for something else and I changed the name of the Facebook group to Moms who Dare."
Moms Who Dare began as a local Facebook group where mothers could connect, engage in activities, and support each other in their journeys of personal and professional reinvention. The group has since evolved into a hybrid virtual and in-person community, fostering connections among over 2,500 women.
Community Building and Challenges
Jodi discusses the organic growth of her community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated virtual meetups. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for women to express vulnerability and support one another.
Jodi Silverman [20:09]:
"The biggest ones are the feeling disconnected from their now adult children because honestly they're not adults at 18... they're navigating their life on their own terms."
The community addresses various challenges faced by mothers, particularly the emotional disconnect that arises when children gain independence.
Common Challenges Among Moms Who Dare
Jodi outlines the prevalent issues that members of Moms Who Dare face, primarily revolving around the transition from active parenting to embracing newfound freedom and personal aspirations. The community provides solutions through shared experiences, support systems, and opportunities for personal growth.
Jodi Silverman [20:31]:
"They have to answer that question—what's your biggest challenge right now and what are you looking to gain by being part of this community."
Key challenges include redefining personal identities, combating feelings of purposelessness, and learning to reconnect with adult children while establishing new personal goals.
Conclusion
In this first part of the two-part series, Vince Chan and Jodi Silverman explore the intricate dynamics of transitioning into an empty nest and the subsequent quest for self-discovery and empowerment. Jodi's heartfelt narrative and the establishment of Moms Who Dare illustrate the profound impact of community and daring to embrace change.
As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for part two, where the discussion will delve deeper into parenting beyond being the fixer, rediscovering passions, and redefining midlife not as a crisis but as a powerful comeback.
Stay Tuned for Part Two:
In the next episode, Jodi Silverman will discuss parenting when you are no longer the fixer, how to rediscover what lights you up, and why she believes midlife isn't a crisis, but a comeback. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights!
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