Motherhood Advantage

Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
  • 4.4 (7)
  • MANAGEMENT

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. 

  1. From Me to We: Motherhood as Transformation with Rebecca Hogan

    1D AGO

    From Me to We: Motherhood as Transformation with Rebecca Hogan

    This episode explores the profound transformation of Matrescence — the physical, emotional, psychological, and identity shift that happens when women become Mothers — and why so few people are talking about it. Rebecca Hogan, author of Me to We, shares how Motherhood reshaped her understanding of success, work, leadership, and self-worth, and how becoming a Mother ultimately led her to coaching, writing, and a more intentional life. Together, we unpack the hidden emotional labor of caregiving, the impossible standards placed on Mothers, and the powerful leadership skills developed through raising children. Rebecca reflects on leaving corporate life, navigating fertility struggles, redefining ambition, and learning how to advocate for both herself and her daughter. From emotional regulation and nervous system awareness to perfectionism, burnout, and identity loss, this conversation offers an honest and deeply validating look at the transition into Motherhood — and the growth that can come from it. Rebecca also shares the inspiration behind her book Me to We, why she believes Mothers need language and support for the experience of Matrescence, and how slowing down helped her become both a better parent and a better leader. Key TakeawaysWhat Matrescence really means — and why every Mother should know the termWhy Motherhood often triggers a major identity shiftThe hidden leadership skills developed through caregivingHow emotional regulation and advocacy become essential parenting toolsThe connection between burnout, perfectionism, and modern MotherhoodHow redefining success can lead to a more fulfilling life and career Find Rebecca Hogan at https://www.rebeccahogancoaching.com/ Continue the conversation:   Learn more about Motherhood Advantage, recommend a future Mother-leader guest, or explore the podcast at Motherhood Advantage Follow along on Instagram: @motherhoodadvantage 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/

    33 min
  2. Mothers and the Ambition Penalty with Stefanie O'Connell

    6D AGO

    Mothers and the Ambition Penalty with Stefanie O'Connell

    Most women are told that if they work hard enough, speak confidently enough, and lean in strategically enough, success will follow. But what if the barriers women face—especially Mothers—aren’t personal obstacles to overcome, but systemic penalties deeply embedded in our workplaces and culture? Stefanie O'Connell, author of The Ambition Penalty, unpacks the hidden costs women continue to pay for ambition. Together, we explore how cultural narratives around Motherhood, caregiving, leadership, and success shape everything from pay equity to promotion opportunities—and why progress for women and Mothers remains frustratingly slow despite decades of advancement. Stefanie shares insights from her own experience navigating postpartum life while launching a major book during a period of increasing societal backlash toward women’s ambition. We discuss the persistent gender pay gap, the Motherhood penalty, and the double standards that reward ambition in men while often punishing it in women. From leadership perceptions to caregiving expectations, this conversation reveals how bias becomes normalized in both subtle and structural ways. Grounded in research, storytelling, and practical insight, this episode examines: Why women remain underrepresented in leadership and overrepresented in unpaid caregivingHow assumptions about Motherhood continue to shape workplace inequitiesThe cultural narratives that frame women’s ambition as threatening rather than valuableWhy individual resilience alone cannot solve systemic inequalityWhat collective, structural change could actually look like This powerful conversation is both validating and galvanizing—a reminder that women are not failing the system; the system is failing women. It’s an invitation to rethink how we define ambition, leadership, and success, and to imagine workplaces and communities that genuinely support both caregiving and achievement. Whether you are a Mother, leader, advocate, employer, or someone navigating your own ambitions, this episode offers powerful language, research, and perspective for understanding the forces shaping women’s experiences today—and how we can begin changing them together. -- Learn more about Stefanie O'Connell at Too Ambitious Follow Stefanie on Instagram: @stefanieoconnell Continue the conversation:   Learn more about Motherhood Advantage, recommend a future Mother-leader guest, or explore the podcast at Motherhood Advantage Follow along on Instagram: @motherhoodadvantage 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/

    40 min
  3. Why Motherhood Belongs in Leadership Theory with Dr. Carolyn Burroughs

    MAY 19

    Why Motherhood Belongs in Leadership Theory with Dr. Carolyn Burroughs

    Motherhood 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 Burrough Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie Rivera Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader Intuitionship Connect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram

    43 min
  4. Code Mom: Lessons in Leadership with ER Nurse Carol Crosta

    MAY 9

    Code Mom: Lessons in Leadership with ER Nurse Carol Crosta

    In 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/

    24 min
  5. Motherhood Is Leadership: Eve Rodsky on Fair Play, Power, and Parenting

    APR 30

    Motherhood Is Leadership: Eve Rodsky on Fair Play, Power, and Parenting

    In 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 References For 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.htm in 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%20exercises Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie Rivera Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader Intuitionship Connect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram

    46 min
  6. Good Is Amazing: Rethinking the Value of Motherhood with Heather A. Campbell

    APR 25

    Good Is Amazing: Rethinking the Value of Motherhood with Heather A. Campbell

    In 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/book https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-a-campbell/ For more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.com Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie Rivera Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader Intuitionship Connect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram

    45 min
  7. Mise en Place Motherhood: The Invisible Prep Behind Everything with Andria Armas Harris

    APR 16

    Mise en Place Motherhood: The Invisible Prep Behind Everything with Andria Armas Harris

    What 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. Takeaways Motherhood as a Multifaceted RoleOrganization as a chef and a MotherSupport for Mothers in the Paid Workplace @AndriaArmas on Instagram For more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.com Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie Rivera Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader Intuitionship Connect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram

    30 min
  8. Leading Through It All: Motherhood, Disability & Power with Carmen Daniels Jones

    APR 7

    Leading Through It All: Motherhood, Disability & Power with Carmen Daniels Jones

    Unlock 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 room If 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 References Find Carmen Daniels Jones at LinkedIn Carmen Daniels Jones and Solutions Marketing Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Book For more information or to recommend a Mother, please visit us at motherhoodadvantage.com Find Dr. Laura Marie Rivera at LinkedIn Laura Marie Rivera Download the full dissertation for FREE from ScholarWorks: Exploring Leadership Capabilities Developed as a Mother: Toward a New Theory of Mother-Leader Intuitionship Connect with us on social media Motherhood Advantage Instagram

    47 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
  • Show Website
    Motherhood Advantage

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