Motherhood Advantage

Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
  • 4.5 (8)
  • 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. Fashion as Armor and the Logistics of Leadership with Ambika Singh

    4d ago

    Fashion as Armor and the Logistics of Leadership with Ambika Singh

    What do Motherhood, leadership, logistics, and fashion have in common? In this episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera sits down with Ambika Singh, founder and CEO of Armoire, the Seattle-based clothing rental company transforming how women approach their wardrobes. As a Mother of two and a leader of a company managing hundreds of thousands of garments, Ambika offers a fascinating perspective on the invisible systems that make both businesses and families run. Together, Laura Marie and Ambika explore the surprising parallels between raising children and building organizations—from letting go of control and supporting growth, to managing the endless logistics that often go unseen. Ambika shares how Motherhood deepened her understanding of leadership, how her company has reimagined parental leave and workplace flexibility, and why trust, rather than surveillance, creates stronger teams. The conversation also examines the mental load carried by Mothers, the operational complexity behind both family life and business success, and the ways women leaders can design workplaces that acknowledge the realities of caregiving. From soccer cleats and school schedules to RFID-tagged inventory and AI-powered styling, this episode reveals that logistics is not merely administration—it is leadership in action. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, executive, or anyone trying to balance competing responsibilities, this episode offers powerful insights into the skills Motherhood develops and why those skills belong at the center of conversations about leadership. Key Takeaways1. Learning to guide without controlling. 2. Logistics is one of the most valuable leadership skills. 3. The invisible work is often the most important work. 4. Trust is a leadership strategy. 5. Flexibility matters because no two parenting experiences are alike. 6. Motherhood cultivates systems thinking -- Check out Armoire at armoire.style 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marie-rivera-intuitionship/

    26 min
  2. Mothering the Mother: Ana Rodney on Doulas, Leadership & Survival

    Jun 3

    Mothering the Mother: Ana Rodney on Doulas, Leadership & Survival

    Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of traumatic birth experiences, NICU hospitalization, maternal mortality, medical trauma, and pregnancy complications. In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera speaks with doula, advocate, and maternal health leader Ana Rodney about the realities of Motherhood, leadership, and Black maternal health in America. Ana shares her journey from a traumatic premature birth and NICU experience to becoming a nationally recognized advocate working to improve maternal health policy and expand access to doula care. Together, Laura Marie and Ana explore the invisible labor of Motherhood, the leadership skills Mothers develop every day, and the resilience required to navigate parenting, advocacy, and professional life simultaneously. The conversation dives into postpartum support, the importance of doulas, single Motherhood, healing after trauma, and the urgent need to address racial disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes. Ana also reflects on the lessons Motherhood has taught her about communication, emotional regulation, accountability, and leading with humanity. This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful — a reminder that Mothers are already doing extraordinary work, often without recognition, support, or grace. Key TakeawaysWhat doulas do — and why every family can benefit from birth and postpartum supportAna Rodney’s experience surviving a traumatic premature birth and raising a thriving child against overwhelming oddsThe emotional labor and “repair work” involved in parenting with intention and compassionWhy “just” is one of the most harmful words we use when talking to struggling parentsThe realities of the Black maternal health crisis and why racial disparities in birth outcomes persistThe importance of giving Mothers grace — and recognizing their power -- Ana Rodney LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anarodney/ Doula Alliance of Maryland https://www.doulaallianceofmd.org/ More than 80% of pregnancy related deaths are preventable: https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html Black maternal health outcomes: https://www.cdc.gov/womens-health/features/maternal-mortality.html 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marie-rivera-intuitionship/

    42 min
  3. Threads That Connect Us with Laura Nespoli

    May 29

    Threads That Connect Us with Laura Nespoli

    In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode of Motherhood Advantage, Dr. Laura Marie Rivera sits down with storyteller, strategist, and founder Laura Nespoli for a conversation about Motherhood, identity, transformation, and the power of story. Laura shares the personal journey behind her debut book, Threads of Me and You, exploring how Motherhood and self-discovery led to transformation in her life. Together, Dr Laura Marie and Laura Nespoli discuss caregiving, learning to Mother ourselves,  breaking generational patterns, and what it means to become the protagonist of your own story. The conversation also explores the intersection of Motherhood and leadership — from raising courageous daughters and navigating work-life integration to building purpose-driven communities rooted in care and growth. The author reflects on her emotional transformation journey, lessons she’s learned from her children, and why meaningful change often begins with one small decision at a time. This episode is a thoughtful and hopeful exploration of what happens when Mothers allow themselves to grow beyond limitation, embrace complexity, and weave together all the threads of who they are. Key Takeaways Why motherhood can be understood as both caregiving and long-term community leadershipThe difference between patriarchal leadership models and matriarchal approaches rooted in care and connectionHow storytelling can help people process transformation, identity, and personal growthThe role of creativity, art, and shared storytelling in building connection and communityThe power of small daily choices in creating lasting personal transformationWhy being “worthy of being the protagonist” in your own life matters Links Threads of Me and You is sold at major book retailers: Threads of Me and You Contact Laura Nespoli and learn more about her work at Meshin Movement 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/

    38 min
  4. From Me to We: Motherhood as Transformation with Rebecca Hogan

    May 26

    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
  5. Mothers and the Ambition Penalty with Stefanie O'Connell

    May 22

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.5
out of 5
8 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
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Laura Marie Rivera
  • Show Website
    Motherhood Advantage