This Is How She Does It! Helping Corporate Working Moms Move from Burnout, Overwhelm and Mental Load to Balance and Abundance

Angela Lee - corporate working mom
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

This Is How She Does It! is the ultimate podcast for working moms who are juggling careers, raising families, and striving to reclaim their joy and sense of control. Hosted by Angela Lee, a corporate working mom of 3, this show shines a light on how real moms make it work—without losing themselves in the process. Through candid conversations, practical advice, and a touch of inspiration, we explore the strategies, tools, and stories that empower women to thrive both at home and in the workplace. Whether you’re seeking tips on time management, insights into breaking free from burnout, or encouragement to trust your intuition, this podcast offers actionable steps to help you create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling, no matter where you are on your working motherhood journey. When I returned to work after maternity leave, I realized no one was having these conversations about HOW their actual days and evenings looked, and it felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. It’s easy to gloss over the hard parts, but I want to bring these topics to light so we can support, lift each other up and recognize that you are not alone. Tune in every week and discover how you, too, can do it all—on your own terms.

  1. 3d ago

    EP 72: A Working Mom's Fight for Her Child's Mental Health with Jennifer Garafolo

    What happens when you can solve any problem at work, and the one you can't solve is your child's mental health? In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela Lee sits down with pharma and biotech executive, author, and mother of three, Jenn Garafolo. They talk about the years it took to get answers for her child's mental health, and what it cost her family along the way. Jenn shares how she continued advocating through misdiagnoses and a healthcare system she calls "fragmented and broken." Along the way, she learned to question recommendations and trust her instincts. She also talks about the sabbatical that allowed her time to be with her family and write her book, Fighting for Their Lives: One Mother's Battle for Her Child's Mind, Body, and the Right to Be Seen. Key Takeaways: Trust yourself and advocate for the answers you need. Jenn shares why caregivers shouldn't be afraid to question medical recommendations, ask additional questions, seek second opinions, and recognize that they are an important part of their loved one's care team. Work will always be there, sometimes you need to take the time. After years of balancing an executive career with her family's challenges, Jen reflects on why she wishes she had taken more time for herself during the most difficult moments and how her sabbatical allowed her to be present for her family, write her book, and reconnect with herself. You are not alone, and connection can change everything. Whether it's through close relationships, networking groups, or simply joining an online community and listening, finding your people can help you feel supported and less alone. Connect with Jenn Garafolo: Get her book: Fighting For Their Lives: One Mother’s Battle for Her Child’s Mind, Body, and Right To Be Seen Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and drop me a message to let me know what other topics you'd like me to cover or share a recommendation for my next podcast guest! Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback will help us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!

  2. Sep 24

    EP 71: Stop Overfunctioning and Raise Independent Kids with Lauren Berlin

    In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela Lee sits down with executive coach, board certified behavior analyst, and former high school principal Lauren Berlin to talk about regulating your own nervous system first, then letting your kids (and your partner) figure things out. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Lauren asked her husband to take over bath time when he's home, and what that one request gave her How "micro moments" like five minutes outside, a song on the drive home, or a walk around the block bridge the shift from work to parent How a waterproof five-minute shower timer lets kids practice managing their own time without a parent hovering Why doing tasks for your kids or your partner can tell them you don't think they can do it Lauren's family agreement that everyone handles their own dishes, and her rule: "If it isn't yours, don't pick it up." Connect with Lauren Berlin: Website: laurenberlincoaching.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-berlin-coaching/  Email: hello@laurenberlincoaching.com  Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and drop me a message to let me know what other topics you'd like me to cover or share a recommendation for my next podcast guest! Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback will help us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!

  3. Sep 17

    EP 70: Raising An Olympic Hopeful While Working Full-Time with Gosia Betancourt

    In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela Lee sits down with Gosia Betancourt, a working professional with 12+ years in healthcare and mom to two sons, Joshua and Jacob. Joshua is a nationally ranked youth diver training for the US Olympic trials, and Gosia walks through what it actually took at work, at home, and with her son directly, to build a life that could hold both his training schedule and her career. What we cover: Why Gosia moved into a role with more flexibility instead of quitting, so she could be at trainings, appointments, and competitions herself The years she resisted switching Joshua to an online school out of fear of what he'd miss socially, until he told her directly the traditional schedule was hurting him Why Crimson Global Academy, an online school built around athletes' and performers' schedules, ended up being the right fit for both of her sons What Gosia did when Joshua refused to go to gymnastics practice, and how that led to finding diving instead How Joshua trained through injury and gave Joshua the decision on whether to stay in the sport or step away Why it's important to get support and how speaking to a sports psychologist helps Joshua work through the mental side of high-level competition If you're raising a kid with a big goal of their own while working full-time, this conversation is proof it doesn't have to be one or the other. You also don't need a perfect plan, but to pay attention and listen to what your child says they actually need. Connect with Gosia:  Crimson Global Academy Connect with Angela: Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know what topics you'd like me to cover next. Subscribe & leave a review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

  4. Sep 10

    EP 69: From Corporate to Consultant: The Leap No One Prepares You For with Ellie Holbert

    In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela Lee sits down with Ellie Holbert, founder of Impact Advisory Services, to talk about leaving a corporate consulting career just before her daughter's first birthday and building an independent consulting business from scratch. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Ellie sees a difference between capacity and capability, and why becoming a mom shrank one and expanded the other How Ellie rebuilt her pipeline to $1.5 million in fourteen weeks after her first big contract was cancelled Why she believes clients buy the business problem you solve, not the job title you hold How she talks openly about medication and mental health as part of what helps her feel like herself Why she no longer waits to feel confident or ready before making a decision Connect with Ellie Holbert: LinkedIn Instagram: @independentconsultantmom Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and drop me a message to let me know what other topics you'd like me to cover or share a recommendation for my next podcast guest! Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you valuable content!

  5. Aug 27

    EP 68: From Mental Load to the Execution Gap: Why High-Achieving Women Struggle to Get Things Done With Hannah Morgan

    In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela Lee sits down with returning guest Hannah Morgan to explore the connection between mental load, ADHD, executive functioning, accountability, and the execution gap that can keep high-achieving women from turning their goals into action. Hannah shares how her work has evolved from helping busy families manage the invisible mental load to supporting high-achieving leaders and executives, especially those with ADHD, to create the systems, accountability, and focus they need to move from intention to execution. Angela and Hannah dive into executive functioning, the evolving understanding of ADHD, and why the right systems aren’t about squeezing more productivity out of your life—they’re about creating the support you need to make life and work actually work for you. They also get real about the invisible and emotional labor women carry at home, redefining family roles, creating true partnership, and making room for joy beyond the never-ending to-do list. Because sometimes the answer isn’t another productivity hack, it’s having the right systems, support, and accountability to help you actually do the thing. In this episode, we explore: Why the best system is the one you’ll actually use The gap between knowing what to do and being able to execute it How accountability can make goals feel achievable instead of overwhelming Executive functioning and the evolving conversation around ADHD Why systems can transform family life—not just business The invisible and emotional labor women carry at home Rethinking traditional family roles and creating true partnership How to stop “doing two jobs” and build a life that leaves room for fulfillment and joy If you’re a high-achieving woman who is tired of holding everything together, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on what might actually need to change—not just in your calendar, but in the way you’re supported. Connect with Hannah Morgan: Heronhousemanagment.com Podcast: Destress the Nest IG: @heronhousemanagement Connect with Angela: I’d love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know what topics you’d like me to cover or who I should have on next! Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

  6. Aug 20

    EP 67: Why You Keep Rewriting the Same To-Do List (And Still Feel Behind) with Megan Sumrell

    Have you ever rewritten the same to-do item on your planner for four weeks straight and felt frustrated that the task was not getting checked off? In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela sits down with time management expert Megan Sumrell to unpack why the daily to-do list is broken for working moms, and what to do instead. Megan spent over 20 years in corporate software, until a stranger at the park asked her a simple question: "What do you do for fun?" She realized she didn't have an answer, and that was her wake up call to find a way to plan her days with more meaning and intention.  Taking her operations and systems background she built something new: a planning approach designed specifically for women, since most productivity systems on the market were built by men, for men. In this episode, you'll learn: Why daily to-do lists ignore decision fatigue and set you up to feel like you're failing every single day What "uncertainty time" is and how protecting it on your calendar stops you from staying up late or waking up early to catch up Why Megan calls part of her week "household COO time," and how naming it changed the conversation with her partner Why rest is fuel, not a reward, and why so many women can't actually relax even when they have the time About Megan Sumrell: Megan Sumrell spent more than 20 years building calm out of chaos in corporate software teams before becoming a mother reshaped how she saw her own time. She's the founder of The Pink Bee planning system and app, and the host of the Work-Life Harmony podcast, where she teaches women a way of managing time that actually accounts for the reality of their lives. Connect with Megan Sumrell: Podcast - Work + Life Harmony ThePinkBee App (can be found on App Store and Google Play) IG: @megansumrell and _thepinkbee_ Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know what topics you'd like me to cover, or share a recommendation for my next guest. Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

  7. Aug 13

    ICYMI - The Motherhood Advantage: How Ambitious Working Mothers Can Achieve Career Success, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive at Work and at Home with Dr. Anne Welsh

    In case you missed it, here's an encore episode with Dr. Anne Welsh, whose new book, Ambitious Mother: From Surviving to Thriving in Your Career and at Home just launched last week! In this inspiring and deeply validating conversation, Angela sits down with Dr. Anne Welsh to explore what it really means to be an ambitious working mother today. Together, they unpack the shift from the “motherhood penalty” narrative to the motherhood advantage — and how motherhood and career growth can actually strengthen each other rather than compete. Instead of forcing women to separate their identities at work and at home, Dr. Welsh explains how integration leads to greater impact, fulfillment, and even better health outcomes. They also dive into the Ambition Paradox — the cycle of chasing external achievements while feeling increasingly disconnected internally and introduce the concept of Healthy Striving: ambition rooted in alignment, purpose, and emotional connection instead of burnout and exhaustion. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why motherhood can enhance leadership, empathy, and decision-making at work How career ambition can positively shape how we show up as parents The hidden emotional cost of constant achievement chasing Practical mindset and behavior shifts to move from surviving to thriving If you’re a working mom, leader, or woman who wants success and fulfillment, this is a must-listen conversation. Connect with Anne Welsh: Anne's Website Purchase her new book here! Ambitious Mother: From Surviving to Thriving in Your Career and at Home Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and drop me a message to let me know what other topics you'd like me to cover or share a recommendation for my next podcast guest! Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback will help us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!

  8. Aug 6

    EP 66: Why Every Working Mom Needs a Freedom Fund with Marcia Mantell

    In this episode of This Is How She Does It, Angela sits down with Marcia Mantell, a retirement planning expert with over 30 years in financial services and a former VP at Fidelity Investments, to talk about the money conversations most working moms never have. Marcia has two grown daughters now, and left her corporate career when her eldest was starting high school. Marcia shares why having the flexibility to be home during those teenage years were critical and how she built a "Freedom Fund" that allowed her to make this transition possible. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Marcia built a "Freedom Fund" which allowed her to leave her corporate job when the time was right A simple way to calculate your own retirement number  The difference between a traditional 401k and a Roth IRA, and why you need both plans How to create a retirement plan that will all you to "set it and don't check it" Marcia's honest answer to whether working moms can really have it all Connect with Marcia: Blog:  BoomerRetirementBriefs.com Website: MantellRetirementConsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciamantell/ Connect with Angela: I'd love to hear from you! Come find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know what topics you'd like covered next, or share a guest recommendation. Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. It helps this show reach more people who need it.

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This Is How She Does It! is the ultimate podcast for working moms who are juggling careers, raising families, and striving to reclaim their joy and sense of control. Hosted by Angela Lee, a corporate working mom of 3, this show shines a light on how real moms make it work—without losing themselves in the process. Through candid conversations, practical advice, and a touch of inspiration, we explore the strategies, tools, and stories that empower women to thrive both at home and in the workplace. Whether you’re seeking tips on time management, insights into breaking free from burnout, or encouragement to trust your intuition, this podcast offers actionable steps to help you create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling, no matter where you are on your working motherhood journey. When I returned to work after maternity leave, I realized no one was having these conversations about HOW their actual days and evenings looked, and it felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. It’s easy to gloss over the hard parts, but I want to bring these topics to light so we can support, lift each other up and recognize that you are not alone. Tune in every week and discover how you, too, can do it all—on your own terms.

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