Growing Pains |  Where Business Owners Come to Plan Maternity Leave

One of the biggest questions I get from self-employed moms planning their maternity leave is: Does my state offer anything to help? In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re breaking down the truth about state programs, federal protections, and private options for financial support during your leave. I’ll walk you through how these benefits actually work, what to look for, and h...

There’s so much talk about prepping your business for leave, but what about you? In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m inviting you to schedule something we rarely give ourselves: space to feel. Whether it’s journaling, therapy, or just taking a quiet walk alone, this episode is your reminder that postpartum recovery isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. I’m shari...

There’s a moment in your leave planning process where things shift from ideas to action. This is that moment. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m walking you through the exact structure of your one-page maternity leave plan. You’ll learn what to include, how to keep it simple, and why this document becomes the anchor for both your team and your sanity while you’re away. From...

If just the thought of telling your clients you're pregnant makes your stomach drop, you're not imagining it. This is one of the trickiest parts of maternity leave planning. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m walking you through the exact three-part framework I use (and teach inside the Bond program) to help business owners tell their clients they’re going on leav...

Delegation isn’t just about handing off a task. It’s about trusting someone to run with it, even if they do it differently than you would. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re shifting from theory to practice. I’m walking you through how to set up the actual conversations and systems that make delegation stick, including how to pass off responsibility in a way that creates...

When something in your business feels “off,” the answer is usually upstream. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re talking about leading indicators aka the activities that directly impact your results. Whether you’re trying to grow revenue, stabilize your systems, or step back without everything falling apart, knowing what to track and how to delegate it is a game-changer. T...

You can’t manage what you don’t measure, and when you’re preparing to step away from your business, your data becomes one of your most powerful tools. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m sharing how to get your data picture in place so you can make smart, confident decisions before, during, and after your leave. I’ll walk you through what to track, how often to look at it, a...

If you’re ending your weeks exhausted and wondering, Why did that feel so hard? —this is your sign to pause and reassess. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m walking you through one of the most helpful tools I’ve used in business and motherhood: the perfect week. You’ll learn how to audit your calendar, align your time with what really matters, and use your energy—not just y...

You soon won’t have the bandwidth you used to. That’s not a weakness—it’s a turning point. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re talking about how to protect your time by learning to block and tackle. I’ll walk you through how to decide what stays on your plate, how to communicate what you’re letting go of, and why this shift is one of the most powerful things you can do bef...

Most founders are stuck in the weeds not because they’re doing something wrong—but because their business is missing a system. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m sharing the four core systems every business needs to operate without you. Whether you’re solo or have a small team, these categories will give you a framework to assess what’s working, what’s missing, and what nee...

Most team breakdowns don’t happen because of bad intentions—they happen because no one knows where to find what they need. In this episode of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, I’m walking you through one of the most powerful tools you can put in place before your leave: a central source of truth. This simple system brings clarity, consistency, and independence to your team—so they don’t have to...

Want to delegate with confidence before baby comes? It starts with one simple habit. In this episode #5 of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re building on your outsource list from last time and getting tactical. I’m walking you through the exact method I use to train team members, set clear expectations, and standardize tasks—without adding extra work to your plate. You’ll learn how to creat...

When it comes to maternity leave planning, one of the biggest mindset blocks I see is this: “I don’t know if I can afford to get help.” In episode #4 of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re talking about time, money, and the numbers behind your capacity. I’ll walk you through a simple, eye-opening exercise to help you calculate your hourly rate, evaluate how you’re spending your time, and det...

We don’t build confidence by hoping things will go well—we build it through practice. In this episode #3 of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series, we’re shifting from intention-setting and time-blocking into real-life action. One of the most powerful ways to prepare for maternity leave is to start practicing what it feels like to step away—before you actually need to. Whether that means taking a Frid...

Making time to plan your maternity leave doesn’t require a big life overhaul. You just need one focused habit. Welcome back to the Maternity Leave Roadmap series. If you’ve been wondering how you’re going to squeeze in planning between client work, toddler chaos, and everything else life throws at you—this episode is exactly what you need. Today, I’m walking you through the 90/90 principle, the sa...

Welcome to the start of the Maternity Leave Roadmap series. This is the beginning of something big. If you're a self-employed mom who’s thinking about growing your family—or you're already pregnant or postpartum—you’re in the right place. Over the next 30 episodes, I’m walking you through how to plan a self-employed maternity leave that supports both your business and your family. Whethe...

“Give yourself grace.” It’s a phrase we hear all the time—especially in motherhood and entrepreneurship. But what happens when that grace quietly turns into an excuse? In this special 100th episode of Growing Pains, I’m reflecting on the evolution of the show, my own journey as a business owner and mom, and the hard lesson I’ve learned about using grace as a shield from growth. I’m also pulling ba...

What if podcasting could transform not only your business but also your motherhood journey? In this episode, I chat with Amanda Bennett, a podcast guesting strategist and founder of the Podcasting Moms Club, about how moms can use podcasting to amplify their voices, build connections, and grow their businesses. Amanda shares her story of transitioning from nonprofit fundraising to creating a thriv...

Ready to take control of your health during pregnancy and beyond? In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Reynolds, a registered physiotherapist and holistic health practitioner, to explore her revolutionary approach to addressing morning sickness, postpartum recovery, and family well-being. We dive into her inspiring journey, the creation of her tallow-based skincare line, and how she empowers m...

Are traditions helping you connect—or just piling on the stress? In this episode, I explore the evolving nature of holiday traditions and why letting go of rigid expectations might be the best gift you give yourself. I'm sharing personal stories about creating traditions that align with your current season of life and the power of reassessing what truly brings joy to your family. Whether you’...

What if conflict wasn’t something to avoid but a powerful opportunity to grow closer? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle and Sara Wester, two incredible experts who help parents create thriving, connected families without fear-based approaches. We dive into real-life tools for handling parenting conflicts, aligning as a couple, and raising self-controlled, self-disciplined kids. From embracing...

Have you ever felt trapped by traditions that no longer feel meaningful? Join me in this episode to explore the power of letting go and creating space for what truly matters. From rethinking holiday expectations to redefining goals for the new year, I'm sharing my reflections on aligning life and business with your values. Let’s slow down, embrace intentionality, and rediscover joy by focusin...

Are you ready to challenge the traditional path to success? In this episode, Kacia Ghetmiri joins me to share her inspiring journey of redefining what fulfillment and freedom truly mean. Learn how to lean into excitement as your guide, embrace change with courage, and build a career aligned with your passion. Whether you're considering a big life pivot or looking for inspiration to elevate yo...

What does it take to scale a business while raising a family and navigating the challenges of military life? In this episode, Dylan Jahraus shares her inspiring journey from corporate e-commerce to building a multi-million-dollar Etsy empire. She opens up about health challenges that reshaped her path, the pivotal decisions behind launching her coaching business, and her latest venture into softwa...

What happens when life throws unexpected challenges while you're building your dream business? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Emily Serino, founder of The Servicepreneur Network, to unpack her journey from a high-flying corporate career to creating a thriving business for service-based entrepreneurs. Emily shares her personal story of navigating infertility, grief, and finding bal...