Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms

Rebecca Olson
  • 5.0 (84)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is a show for working moms who want to balance their ambitious career goals with their life as a mom. Being a career driven woman is hard and confusing after having kids but each week, Certified Professional Life Coach Rebecca Olson will share bite-size stories, tips and strategies to help you regain your confidence, make decisions you trust and create a positive mindset that supports the ambitious life you want to live. Drawing on seven years of coaching ambitious working mom in finding work/life balance as well as her own journey as the breadwinner of a family of 4, Rebecca will teach you how to be both successful at work and present with your family. If you never want to choose between your career and being a great mom, you’ll find the answers and support right here. Learn more at rebeccaolsoncoaching.com.

  1. 6D AGO

    7 ways to redirect your “not enough” thoughts (rebroadcast)

    Today, I’m bringing back a conversation that feels especially relevant right now, in that quiet space between Christmas and New Year’s when reflection can quickly turn into self-judgment. I share a very real moment when my own “I should be further ahead” thoughts showed up, even as a coach who teaches this work, and walk you through the exact tools I use to redirect not-enough thinking. This episode is grounding, practical, and a powerful reminder that balance isn’t about fixing yourself, it’s about learning how to come back to sufficiency and presence again and again. Topics in this episode:Why “I should be further ahead” is one of the most common not-enough thoughts for ambitious working moms How not-enough thinking shows up in your body, mood, and behavior (even when you don’t realize it) The difference between immobilizing yourself and overdoing it when self-doubt kicks in Seven practical strategies to redirect not-enough thoughts in real time How to anchor into sufficiency, presence, and satisfaction instead of comparison and self-judgment Show Notes & References:Episode 12 – Enoughness: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/podcast/2021/6/7/enoughness Episode 116 – Balancing ambition with enoughness: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/podcast/2023/6/5/balancing-ambition-with-feeling-enough-with-misty-dykema Book a free breakthrough call here: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/book Boundaries & Balance Holiday Strategy Call: www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    30 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Presence over presents: the secret to joy during the holidays (rebroadcast)

    I’m talking straight to the working mom who doesn’t want to hustle her way through the holidays and look back wondering where the magic went. We’re diving into what presence actually means, why joy depends on it, and how to get your brain and body in the same place at the same time during a season that pulls you in a hundred directions. I share personal holiday moments, common patterns I see with ambitious moms, and simple mindset shifts that help you stop missing your life while you’re living it. Topics in this episode:Why presence is the real thing working moms want during the holidays The connection between joy and being mentally present How holiday stress mirrors year-round work-life balance struggles A simple definition of presence that actually works in real life Practical ways to manage your mind so you can enjoy the moments that matter Show Notes & References:Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Click here to join my email list: https://www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/emaillist Book a free breakthrough call here: https://www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/book Boundaries & Balance Holiday Strategy Call: www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    28 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Take Ownership of Your Work-Life Balance in 2026

    In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m talking directly to the working mom who’s thinking, “I cannot do another year like this.” We’re diving into what it really looks like to take back ownership of your life in 2026, not through hustle or perfect systems, but through three grounded shifts that bring clarity, confidence, and control. If you want next year to feel calmer, more intentional, and less reactive, this episode will help you see exactly where to start and what to stop tolerating  Topics in this episode: Taking full ownership of how 2026 feels instead of blaming circumstances Getting clear on what actually matters to you in this season of motherhood and work Learning how to redirect unhelpful inner dialogue and choose more supportive thoughts Focusing only on what you can control and letting go of the rest Making your yes and no intentional so your calendar reflects your real priorities  Show Notes & References:   Boundaries & Balance Holiday Strategy Call:   www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session  Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Ready to explore if it’s right for you? Book your free discovery call: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced-call You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    23 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    The Hidden Causes of Mom Burnout: 3 Patterns Setting You Up for Exhaustion in 2026

    Follow the show:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Everywhere else  In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m breaking down the three deeply rooted patterns that quietly lead ambitious working moms straight into burnout — the ones you don’t even recognize because they feel so normal. I walk you through why these patterns show up, how they drain your energy and joy, and what needs to shift if you want 2026 to feel calmer, more spacious, and actually aligned with your priorities. If you’ve been ending your days exhausted or feeling like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, this episode will help you finally understand why — and what to do about it next. Topics in this episode:The real reason burnout builds without you noticing The 3 patterns keeping working moms overwhelmed How mindset + emotion shape your daily habits Why changing a few core beliefs unlocks real balance What you must shift in 2026 to feel present, rested, and in control Show Notes & References:Sign up for the New Year Reset here:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/2026-reset Grab your FREE Daily Kickstart here:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/daily-kickstart Boundaries & Balance Holiday Strategy Call:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    25 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Three Signs You’re Headed Toward Burnout in 2026 (and what to do about it)

    Follow the show:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Everywhere else  In this week's episode of the podcast, I’m diving deep into the truth of your 2025 and why so many working moms are closer to burnout than they realize — not because of dramatic moments, but because of the small, daily “fender benders” we’ve learned to brush off. I share the three subtle signs that burnout is on the horizon, why your brain resists change (even the change you want), and how to set yourself up for a completely different 2026. If you’ve been stretched thin, craving presence, or quietly wondering if you can keep going like this…this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.  Topics in this episode:The three overlooked signs that burnout is approaching Why your current pace of success may not be one you actually chose The presence problem — when your brain and body are never in the same place How skipping or overriding your own “me time” leads straight to exhaustion Why urgency sparks change — and how to use it to reset before 2026  Show Notes & References:Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Ready to explore if it’s right for you? Book your free discovery call: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced-call You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg  Book a Boundaries & Balance Session: www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session Ready to start 2026 feeling grounded, intentional, and in control? Join the New Year Reset: www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/2026-reset

    24 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Overwhelmed vs. Control: How to Reframe Your Long To-Do List

    In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m breaking down why your long to-do list isn’t actually the problem. We tend to make that growing list mean we’re behind, failing, or not doing enough — but what if it’s actually a sign of something really good?   In this episode, I share four reframes that completely shift the way you interpret your to-do list so you can stop starting your day in stress mode and instead feel grounded, capable, and fully in the driver’s seat again. If you ever look at your list and immediately feel overwhelmed, you’re going to want to listen to this one.   Topics in this episode:Why your to-do list is neutral — and the meaning you attach to it isn’t The four reframes that instantly reduce stress and overwhelm How a long to-do list can signal demand, growth, challenge, and ambition Why starting your day with overwhelm leads to poor decisions and burnout How to shift into strategic thinking, focus, and control no matter the season   Show Notes & References:Book your Boundaries & Balance: Holiday Clarity Call here:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session   Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Ready to explore if it’s right for you? Book your free discovery call: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced-call You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    19 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Balance Isn’t Instant: How Consistency Unlocks a Truly Balanced Life (with Amanda Chapple)

    In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m talking with my client Amanda about what it really looks like to stay committed to balance even when it feels like nothing is changing. She shares her journey of re-entering the workforce full-time, the fear of slipping back into old habits, the quiet months where progress felt invisible, and the moment everything finally clicked — leading to less stress, more confidence, and even a surprise promotion. If you’ve ever wondered whether consistency actually pays off, or worried that maybe balance just won’t “work” for you, this episode will give you so much hope and clarity.   Topics in this episode:How Amanda navigated old habits, imposter syndrome, and a major career transition Why consistency, not perfection, is what shifts balance The power of being in a room with other ambitious working moms How foundational tools can actually change your day What happens after the program and why some breakthroughs take time to surface   Show Notes & References:Book your Boundaries & Balance: Holiday Clarity Call here:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session   Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Ready to explore if it’s right for you? Book your free clarity call: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced-call You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    39 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Productivity vs. Presence: How to Reframe What It Means to Feel Successful

    Follow the show:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Everywhere else    In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’m exploring what happens when your old definition of success no longer fits your life as a mom. Before kids, success might’ve meant promotions, achievements, and productivity, but now that version just leaves you feeling like you’re always behind. I share client stories and practical tools to help you redefine success in a way that aligns with your values and season of life, so you can finally feel fulfilled, calm, and proud of how you’re spending your time.   Topics in this episode:Why your old definition of success doesn’t work anymore How success and balance are connected Client stories that illustrate new, sustainable definitions of success Simple ways to create an attainable version of success How to use your values and goals as a daily guide Show Notes & References:Book your Boundaries & Balance: Holiday Clarity Call here:  www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/boundaries-and-balance-session  Discover all the details about Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Ready to explore if it’s right for you? Book your free discovery call: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced-call You can watch this episode on YouTube! Check it out by clicking here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZA5JKXYxjCMqodh4wxPBg

    19 min
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About

This is a show for working moms who want to balance their ambitious career goals with their life as a mom. Being a career driven woman is hard and confusing after having kids but each week, Certified Professional Life Coach Rebecca Olson will share bite-size stories, tips and strategies to help you regain your confidence, make decisions you trust and create a positive mindset that supports the ambitious life you want to live. Drawing on seven years of coaching ambitious working mom in finding work/life balance as well as her own journey as the breadwinner of a family of 4, Rebecca will teach you how to be both successful at work and present with your family. If you never want to choose between your career and being a great mom, you’ll find the answers and support right here. Learn more at rebeccaolsoncoaching.com.

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