Podcast
Motherhood Advantage
Hosted by Dr. Laura Marie Rivera · EN
Explore how the concepts of Motherhood and Leadership intersect with Dr. Laura Marie Rivera.
What if Motherhood is one of the most powerful leadership trainings in the world? We’ve heard about the Motherhood penalty, but what about the Motherhood Advantage?
This podcast explores the powerful connection between Motherhood and leadership. Hosted by Dr. Laura Marie Rivera, the podcast grew out of Intuitionship, a groundbreaking research study with nearly 1,000 Mothers examining how the lived experience of Motherhood shapes the way women lead, solve problems, and navigate complexity.
Each episode features thoughtful conversations with remarkable Mothers—from bestselling authors and public leaders to entrepreneurs, creators, and Mothers just beginning their journeys. Together, they explore how Motherhood cultivates skills like adaptability, empathy, resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead through uncertainty.
Part research, part storytelling, and part collective exploration, Motherhood Advantage invites us to reconsider a powerful idea: the experiences that prepare Mothers to nurture, guide, and protect the next generation also prepare them to lead in policy decisions and the paid workplace.
For more information or to recommend an amazing Mother-leader, please join us @motherhoodadvantage.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Motherhood Belongs in Leadership Theory with Dr. Carolyn Burroughs
1w ago00:42:58Tap to summarizeMotherhood is one of the most powerful and underrecognized leadership experiences on the planet—where resilience, intuition, and strategy are practiced daily in real time, often without ever being named. In this opening episode of Season 2, we continue our conversation with Dr. Carolyn Burroughs and go deeper into the emerging Intuitionship research, revealing how the lived experience of Motherhood develops powerful, often overlooked leadership capabilities.Together, we explore how managing the complexity of home life mirrors leading an organization—demanding resilience, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and rapid problem-solving. From reading nonverbal cues with children to thinking three steps ahead in constantly shifting environments, Mothers are practicing leadership in real time, every day.Drawing on research with nearly 1,000 Mothers across the globe, Carolyn shares key insights into the leadership traits most commonly developed through motherhood—empathy, adaptability, conflict navigation, and systems-level thinking. Yet these competencies remain largely absent from traditional leadership frameworks, which have historically excluded the maternal experience from definitions of “effective leadership.”This episode challenges that gap head-on. It invites HR leaders, career Mothers, and anyone interested in leadership development to reconsider where leadership actually begins—and what we lose when we overlook caregiving as a training ground for high-impact skills.Links and References:https://intuitionship.com/Find Dr. Carolyn Burroughs at LinkedIn Carolyn BurroughFind Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie RiveraDownload the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader IntuitionshipConnect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram
Transcribe →
Code Mom: Lessons in Leadership with ER Nurse Carol Crosta
2w ago00:23:56Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal season finale, Dr Laura Marie Rivera returns to where Motherhood Advantage first began—with the very first interview she ever recorded: a conversation with her own Mother, Carol Crosta.Carol is a mother of five, retired emergency room nurse, master problem-solver, and the embodiment of capable, compassionate leadership. Long before the research, podcast, and movement took shape, Carol’s willingness to say “yes” gave Laura Marie the courage to begin.This special Mother’s Day episode reflects on the roots of Motherhood Advantage, exploring how Motherhood cultivates resilience, adaptability, crisis management, and leadership in ways society often overlooks.Through Carol’s story, listeners are reminded that some of the most powerful leaders may never hold formal titles—but they shape generations through care, strength, and unwavering presence.TakeawaysMotherhood often develops extraordinary leadership skills long before they are formally recognized.Caregiving, crisis management, and adaptability are foundational forms of leadership.The origins of powerful movements often begin with small acts of trust and support.Family stories can illuminate broader social truths about women’s invisible labor.This episode honors not only Laura Marie’s Mother, but all Mothers whose unseen leadership has shaped families, communities, and futures—often without recognition. It is a tribute to where this movement began, and a reminder of why it matters.Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marie-rivera-intuitionship/Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/eoll-dissertations/22/Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodadvantage/
Transcribe →
Motherhood Is Leadership: Eve Rodsky on Fair Play, Power, and Parenting
4w ago00:45:35Tap to summarizeIn this powerful conversation, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera sits down with Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Unicorn Space, to explore the hidden systems shaping Motherhood, labor, and leadership.Together, they unpack:Why Motherhood is one of the most overlooked leadership training groundsHow invisible labor impacts power at home and in the paid workplaceThe organizational systems behind Fair PlayWhy flexibility, equity, and recognition matter for MothersHow Mothers can reclaim power, identity, and ambition beyond burnoutFrom the “blueberries” breaking point to global policy change, this episode challenges outdated narratives around caregiving and offers a bold reframe: Motherhood is not a career disruption—it is leadership experience.Links and ReferencesFor information on Eve Rodsky's New York Times best-selling books FAIR PLAY and FIND YOUR UNICORN SPACE, visit https://www.fairplaylife.com/Eve Rodsky's Fair Play Policy Institute https://www.fairplaylife.com/Reese Witherspoon's HELLO SUNSHINE https://hello-sunshine.com/In 1943, Congress allocated $20 million to create the nation’s first and only universal childcare program. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/childcare-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htmin 2022, 4 women set world record rowing across Pacific Ocean. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-28/four-women-set-world-record-rowing-across-pacific-ocean#:~:text=In%20June%202022%2C%20four%20women%20rowed%20across,*%20Lifting%20*%20Cross%2Dtraining%20*%20Life%2Dpreservation%20exercisesFind Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie RiveraDownload the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader IntuitionshipConnect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram
Transcribe →
Good Is Amazing: Rethinking the Value of Motherhood with Heather A. Campbell
Apr 2500:45:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Heather A. Campbell—CEO, author of Good Is Amazing, and primary caregiver—explores a powerful idea: if we don’t have the language to name the work of Motherhood, we can’t fully value it.Drawing from her experience leading both at home and in the workplace, Heather reframes Motherhood as high-level management—requiring decision-making under pressure, emotional intelligence, and constant adaptation.The conversation moves from leadership and career transitions to caregiving, community, and the often invisible skills Mothers develop every day. Together, we explore how language shapes what we recognize as “real work”—and what becomes overlooked.Because when we start naming Motherhood differently, we start valuing it differently.TAKEAWAYS:If we don’t name Motherhood as leadership, we don’t value itLanguage shapes recognition—and recognition shapes opportunityMotherhood develops real, transferable leadership skillsEmotional and financial “runway” matters for growthThe work Mothers do is already complex, strategic, and impactful--Find Heather A Campbell:https://www.heatheracampbell.com/bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-a-campbell/For more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.comFind Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie RiveraDownload the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader IntuitionshipConnect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram
Transcribe →
Mise en Place Motherhood: The Invisible Prep Behind Everything with Andria Armas Harris
Apr 1600:29:42Tap to summarizeWhat do professional kitchens and Motherhood have in common? Everything.In this episode, chef Andria Armas Harris breaks down the unseen systems that keep both worlds running—from written prep lists in commercial kitchens to the endless mental lists Mothers carry every day. The planning, the timing, the anticipation—none of it is accidental, and none of it is easy.Motherhood is leadership under pressure. It’s constant decision-making, emotional regulation, and showing up—again and again—as your child’s biggest cheerleader. Every hour. Every day. And yet, while Mothers pour out support, they’re met with a workplace that offers far too little in return.We dig into the reality of returning to work in the culinary and hospitality industries, where demanding schedules and lack of flexibility push many Mothers out—and keep them out. This conversation challenges what we value as “real work” and makes the case for better systems, better support, and a long-overdue recognition:Mothers aren’t just doing the work behind the scenes—they’re leading it.TakeawaysMotherhood as a Multifaceted RoleOrganization as a chef and a MotherSupport for Mothers in the Paid Workplace@AndriaArmas on InstagramFor more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.comFind Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie RiveraDownload the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader IntuitionshipConnect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram
Transcribe →
Leading Through It All: Motherhood, Disability & Power with Carmen Daniels Jones
Apr 700:47:19Tap to summarizeUnlock the parallels between the leadership in Motherhood and the paid workplace—especially when facing life's unexpected challenges. Carmen Daniels Jones, a Mother of two, disability advocate, and former Obama appointee at the Department of Agriculture, shares her powerful journey navigating Motherhood with a wheelchair and leading diverse organizations to serve marginalized communities.Discover how Carmen’s personal resilience and strategic mindset transformed systemic barriers into opportunities for growth—whether helping farmers break into big retail or advocating for inclusivity in healthcare. You'll learn about the leadership skills that transcend roles, such as adaptability, empathy, and the courage to admit what you don’t know—skills that make a difference in both families and organizations.In this episode, Carmen breaks down:Some of the similarities between leadership in Motherhood and in corporate environmentsSpecific strategies for supporting and empowering marginalized communities, including rural farmers and people with disabilitiesHow her experience as a Black woman with a disability shapes her approach to advocacy, management, and parentingThe untapped power of vulnerability, empathy, and boldness in leadership roles, whether in the White House or your living roomIf you're a parent, leader, or advocate seeking practical insights on navigating tough transitions—like managing disabilities, launching new initiatives, or mentoring others—this conversation will inspire you to see your challenges as growth opportunities. Perfect for anyone eager to bridge the gap between personal resilience and transformational leadership, especially in underrepresented spaces.Carmen’s unique perspective shows that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about showing up authentically, building trust, and inspiring change from within. This episode is a compelling reminder: the skills we develop as Moms—empathy, patience, strategic thinking—are just as vital in shaping the future of our communities and workplaces.Tune in to hear how embracing vulnerability and leveraging lived experience can unlock new levels of influence and impact. Whether you’re a parent navigating adolescence, a manager leading diverse teams, or someone passionate about social change—this episode will leave you motivated to lead with integrity and purpose.Links and ReferencesFind Carmen Daniels Jones at LinkedIn Carmen Daniels Jones and Solutions Marketing Grouphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_BookFor more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.comFind Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie RiveraDownload the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader IntuitionshipConnect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram
Transcribe →
AMPLIFY Your Leadership: What Motherhood Teaches Us About Leading Well with Amy Miner-Fletcher
Apr 100:43:41Tap to summarizeAmy Miner-Fletcher—executive leadership coach, Licensed Medical Health Counselor, and Mother of two—joins the conversation to explore the powerful intersection of Motherhood and leadership. Through her AMPLIFY framework, Amy reframes Motherhood not as a competing force to professional growth, but as a dynamic training ground for it.Together, we unpack the often-overlooked skills developed through Motherhood—empathy, adaptability, resilience, and clarity—and how they translate directly into effective, values-driven leadership. Amy shares how coaching and parenting mirror one another, requiring a balance of accountability and compassion, structure and flexibility, seriousness and joy.The conversation dives into the core elements of AMPLIFY—Accountability, Mindset, Purpose, Planning and Parenting, Leadership, Innovation, Integrity, Family, and You—highlighting how these pillars support both personal and professional growth. We also explore the lasting impact of caregiving experiences, the shifts brought on by the pandemic, and the critical role of self-care in sustaining leadership over time.At its heart, this episode is an invitation: to recognize Motherhood as a source of strength, to reconnect with your “why,” to ask for support, and to embrace change as a constant companion in both life and leadership.Takeaways:Motherhood builds essential leadership skills—empathy, resilience, adaptability—that are highly transferable to the workplace.Leadership and parenting both require balancing accountability with compassion and clarity with flexibility.The AMPLIFY framework provides a values-based structure for integrating Motherhood and leadership.Self-care and support systems are not optional—they are foundational to sustainable leadership.Growth comes from embracing change, staying connected to purpose, and recognizing the power of lived experience.Learn more about AMPLIFY or book a free call with Amy Miner-Fletcher at https://amplifyjourney.com/@MotherhoodAdvantage with Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
Transcribe →
Leadership Skills Mothers Already Have (And How to Use Them) with Karen Sigalas
Mar 2700:42:28Tap to summarizeWhat if the moments that make you question yourself as a Mother are actually the ones building your strength as a leader?In this episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera sits down with Karen Sigalas to explore how the everyday realities of Motherhood—decision-making, emotional labor, constant adaptation—are quietly shaping confidence, influence, and resilience in the workplace.Through stories of raising her children and navigating her own career pivots, Karen reflects on a powerful truth: success is rarely linear. Instead, it’s built through presence, authenticity, and learning to trust yourself—especially in uncertain moments.Together, they unpack the leadership skills Mothers develop every day but rarely name: empathy, communication, flexibility, and the ability to lead through unpredictability. This conversation offers practical insights on quieting self-doubt, approaching difficult conversations with clarity, and leading with compassion both at home and at work.From embracing the seasonality of life to redefining what effective leadership really looks like, this episode challenges a common narrative—that Motherhood is a distraction from professional growth—and replaces it with something far more accurate: Motherhood is a masterclass in it.Whether you’re returning to work, navigating a transition, or simply looking to better understand your own strengths, this conversation will help you recognize what’s already there—and learn how to use it.--If you'd like to contact Karen, please reach out through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensigalascareercoach/@MotherhoodAdvantage with Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
Transcribe →
Leading Through Loss: The Hidden Strength of Mothers with Sherry Whitaker Budziak
Mar 2500:27:17Tap to summarizeWhat does Motherhood teach us about leadership—especially in times of loss and uncertainty?In this episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera speaks with nonprofit consultant and author Sherry Whitaker Budziak about Motherhood, leadership, and resilience. Sherry shares her experience balancing parenting, running a business, and navigating the loss of her husband, and how those experiences reshaped how she leads.They explore the leadership skills developed through Motherhood—communication, compassion, flexibility, and decision-making under pressure—and introduce Sherry’s HEART Framework: Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, Transform.This conversation is about grief, growth, and the reality that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about how we respond when things fall apart.References:About Sherry: https://orgsource.com/our-team/sherry-budziak-2/https://rugthebook.com/Newly released book: RUG: How To Move What You're Tripping Over and Lead with H.E.A.R.T. https://www.amazon.com/RUG-Youre-Tripping-H-R-T/dp/1963732235H.E.A.R.T. outline: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sherryb_in-my-newest-keynote-i-talk-about-the-power-activity-7206744856323317760-vnRD/@MotherhoodAdvantage with Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
Transcribe →
Elected to Lead, Shaped by Motherhood: Toshiko Hasegawa
Mar 1900:34:53Tap to summarizePort Commissioners are elected officials, but often remain behind the scenes. In this episode, Toshiko Hasegawa brings that role—and her own story—fully into view.As the first woman of Asian descent elected to the Port of Seattle, Toshiko is helping shape the future of regional trade while expanding what leadership looks like in spaces historically dominated by white men. But this conversation moves beyond titles and policy into something deeper: the intersection of public leadership and the private realities of Motherhood.Toshiko speaks candidly about her experiences with pregnancy loss and the profound lesson many Mothers come to know—that we are not always in control. In a culture that often equates leadership with certainty and control, her story offers a different perspective: one rooted in trust, resilience, and intuition.We explore how the body, in its own wisdom, knows how to release what is not viable—and how, in a different way, Mothers often know how to guide and raise their children without a map. These experiences shape not only how women Mother, but how they lead.Toshiko also reflects on how her childhood in Seattle shaped her commitment to community, and how her leadership is working to expand opportunity and equity across the port’s aviation and maritime industries. Her work challenges systems built for exclusion while advocating for environmental sustainability, economic access, and long-term community investment.In this episode, we explore:• the unseen influence of port governance in our daily lives• how representation transforms systems from the inside• the tension between control and surrender in both Motherhood and leadership• the role of intuition in navigating uncertainty• and what it means to lead while holding both personal loss and public responsibilityAt its core, this conversation asks a powerful question:What if the experiences that shape us most deeply as Mothers—loss, uncertainty, intuition—are also what make us stronger, more human leaders?This episode is for anyone interested in leadership that is not just strategic, but deeply lived. It’s about politics, Motherhood, and the quiet, often invisible experiences that shape how we show up in both.@MotherhoodAdvantage with Dr. Laura Marie Rivera------------- References --------------------------Port of Seattle established by RCW Title 53 in 1911. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_District_ActToshiko Hasegawa's vision for the Port of Seattle Port Commission President's Teal New DealInfrastructure Investment and Jobs ActPramila Jayapal prioritizes the Care Economy for Build Back Better CBS News--Jayapal Build Back BetterPort of Seattle Childcare Navigation Services
Transcribe →