In this episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera sits down with Tiffany Dufu — president of the Tory Burch Foundation, author, speaker, Mother of two, and longtime advocate for women’s leadership — for a deeply thoughtful conversation about Motherhood, purpose, failure, and the power of support.

Tiffany reflects on the profound influence of her Mother, Brenda, and how becoming a Mother herself reshaped her self-awareness, leadership style, and sense of purpose. Together, she and Laura Marie explore the difference between parenting and professional leadership, the importance of asking for help, and why solidarity among Mothers is essential for women navigating work, ambition, caregiving, and identity.

From the lessons of failure to the daily practice of repair, rhythm, and intentional living, Tiffany offers a powerful reminder that Motherhood and leadership are not separate lives we are forced to balance — they are deeply connected callings that can strengthen one another.

Support is not a luxury — it is essential.
Tiffany reminds us that women cannot and should not have to lead, Mother, work, and care alone.
Motherhood can deepen leadership.
Becoming a Mother sharpened Tiffany’s self-awareness, clarified her purpose, and shaped how she leads.
Asking for help is a leadership skill.
Letting go of perfection and inviting support creates more space for purpose, presence, and impact.
Failure can be formative.
Tiffany speaks honestly about failure as a source of wisdom, humility, and growth.
Motherhood and leadership are connected callings.
The episode challenges the idea that Motherhood and professional ambition are separate identities, showing how each can inform and strengthen the other.

LINKS

Learn more about Tiffany at https://www.tiffanydufu.com/
More about the Tory Burch Foundation and Fellows Program https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/
Purchase a copy of DROP THE BALL at https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250071767/droptheball/

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Learn more about Motherhood Advantage, recommend a future Mother-leader guest, or explore the podcast at Motherhood Advantage

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For the complete Intuitionship research results and a free copy of the report, visit Intuitionship Research

You can also connect with Dr. Laura Marie on LinkedIn for research updates, podcast conversations, and reflections on Motherhood and leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marie-rivera-intuitionship/