Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life | Women in STEM, Work-Life Balance, Career Goals, Career Planning, Decision Making

Anokhi Kapasi, PhD - Life Planning & Career Strategist for Women in STEM
  • 5.0 (56)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Have you ever been told that work-life balance for women in STEM is a myth? Do you want a meaningful science career and a rooted family life —but you worry that you’re “failing at both”? Are you running low on time, energy, and sleep, trying to keep up with grant deadlines, conferences, and kids? Do you wonder if negotiating career shifts, flexible jobs, STEM-adjacent roles, or maternity leave is proof you’re not a serious scientist? Welcome to Science Careers for Moms — a TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST for women in STEM who want a career path where they can thrive in science without sacrificing their family or personal wellbeing. Hi! I’m Anokhi Kapasi, a PhD researcher and mom of two boys. I created this show because I know what it is like to feel torn between being a serious scientist and a present mom —and to realize that “trying harder” is not a strategy. This show is different because it integrates career and life planning strategies designed specifically for science-minded moms in a work culture that was not built for caregivers. Every episode blends interviews with other scientists who have been where you are and career planning deep-dives where you will learn the answer to questions like: 🎯 Are there decision-making frameworks to help me navigate pivots, return-to-work, academia vs. industry…or to even know what the “next right move” is? 🎯 How do I set career goals that allow me to stay ambitious, connect with my family, and feel like myself again? 🎯 Is work–life balance for working moms in STEM actually possible, and what does it look like in practice? 🎯 Can I stay in science & tech without burnout, guilt, or losing sight of myself? STEM-trained moms, I’ll teach you how to make confident career decisions that align with your whole life —not just professional development. 🎧 FOLLOW this show and never choose between being a good mom or a good scientist again! 📩 QUESTIONS: Got a question or story to share? E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com 🌐 VISIT: www.SolveForMom.com for more resources & information

  1. 5D AGO

    EP 110: Clear Decision Making Comes From Rewiring Your Identity as an Ambitious Woman [Neurosomatic Practitioner - Riana Malia]

    Identity Shift for Women starts when you stop making decisions from an old version of yourself. If you’re a mom in STEM who’s successful on paper but disconnected inside, this episode will help you make clear decision-making choices without self-blame. Riana Malia is a board-certified neurosomatic practitioner and identity architect with 20+ years in personal development. She helps high-achieving women regulate their nervous system, clear old patterns, and make aligned decisions without reliving their whole story. This conversation is about the invisible reason your decisions feel harder than they “should”: your identity and your nervous system are still operating from an older version of you. You’ll learn a practical clarity-first framework (values + non-negotiables), a simple way to stop people-pleasing, and a micro-practice that interrupts the loop of decision fatigue. If you keep trying to “think your way out,” you’ll stay stuck. This episode shows you how to make decisions from safety and clarity so you can move forward with confidence. “I’m doing all of the right things. Why can’t I figure this out?” If that’s you, hit play. IDENTITY SHIFT FOR WOMEN - QUOTABLE MOMENTS “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” “Between now and dead, what do you want?” “If you want a different story, you have to stop telling the old one.” “And the thing about your unconscious mind is it will never make you a liar.”   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  (0:00): Teaser (2:56): Introducing Riana (4:45): Identity shift and how lack of clarity leads to almost what you want (6:49): Conscious vs. unconscious mind: why insight alone does not always create change (12:05): Boundaries and people-pleasing: the clean yes / no decision making (19:58): Clearing “expired ways of thinking” to make room for what’s next (Pantry/closet metaphor) (22:11): The 24-hour rubber-band rewiring practice (“magnet for miracles”) (30:01): Moving from an old identity & self-blame to a “next level” identity - Riana’s heart-felt story (41:17): Being “in” vs. “on top of” your identity story (43:28): In 72 hours(!), rewire your way of thinking to make room for what’s next (0:00): Listener gift (51:04): Riana’s information     RIANA’S LINKS Free diagnostic - The Extraordinary Love Index (E.L.I™ Assessment): https://quiz.rianamalia.com/ Website: http://rianamalia.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianamalia/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/RianaMalia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rianamalia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rianamalia121     KEEP LEARNING ON THIS TOPIC The perfect decision making sequel – ⏮️ EP 107: Confident Decision Making for Ambitious Moms | Unlocking Intuition for Aligned Action [Leadership Advisor: Leah Goldman] (Podcast) How identity affects burnout & balance – ⏮️ EP 77: The Identity Crisis That's Causing Your Burnout (& How to Finally Find Balance) [Dr. Jihane Farrell - Part 1] (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 Why Planning is the Key to Time Freedom for Ambitious Moms (Blog) 👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear plan for pursuing their career without sacrificing family time. Get Started for Free!   I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com   FOLLOW ME 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time

    54 min

  2. FEB 16

    EP 109: The Hidden Time Management Problem Sabotaging Work‑Life Balance for Moms in STEM

    Time management for working moms in STEM shouldn't feel this hard. You get everything done—code compiles, data collected, manuscript revised—but at home? There's no clear finish line. Just that nagging feeling you could always do one more thing. In today's episode, I'm breaking down a simple 4-part framework that will help you define "done" intentionally so you can stop overworking and start experiencing real balance. This isn't about lowering your standards—it's about reallocating excellence to the places that truly need it. This is about reclaiming closure at the end of your day without guilt, and creating space for rest, presence with your kids, and pursuing your big ideas. Here's the truth: As a mom in STEM myself, I personally struggle with never feeling like I can move on from a task. I've also seen how defining "done" transforms everything for high-achieving moms who bring workplace perfectionism home. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your STEM training makes "done" so hard at home – The mismatch between objective work standards and subjective home tasks creates paralysis (3:15) The 4-part framework for defining "done" – Purpose, good-enough outcome, "done for now," and shutdown rituals (12:30) How to reallocate excellence strategically – Stop applying research-grade standards to laundry and redirect that energy where it matters (9:45) If you've been feeling exhausted but never caught up, constantly adding "one more thing," or struggling to feel like your day is actually complete, this episode will show you exactly where to start. xoxo, Anokhi PERFECTIONISM IN MOTHERHOOD - QUOTES "The finish line keeps moving, and your brain never gets to cross it." "You're going to be able to define done and reclaim your time and your energy for your dreams and not just for things that you feel are your duty or your obligations." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (0:00): Teaser (2:21): Ask me a question (2:49): Never feeling "done" at home (3:59): Work spills over into home life (5:06): There’s always one more thing to do (5:41): Over-engineering tasks (7:00): Why this problem surfaces for moms in science, tech, and phD research (11:39): Boundaries as a time management strategy (14:15): 4-step framework for defining “done” (24:37): Wrap-up & this week’s experiment MORE ON TIME MANAGEMENT FOR WORKING MOMS Eliminate context-switching → ⏮️ EP 107: Fast Calendar Clean-Up to Remove 10% This Week (Podcast) Create time freedom → ⏮️ EP 71: Never Enough Time? 4 Time Management Rules That Multiply Your Time | Life Planning Skills for Ambitious Moms (Podcast) Uncover why you feel fragmented as a mom & scientist - 📞 Schedule an Alignment Audit and take your first step towards feeling whole again (Free Call) I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com FOLLOW ME 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time. 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time.

    27 min

  3. FEB 9

    EP 108: Work-Life Balance Question: What Does “Being Aligned” Really Mean as a Scientist Mom?

    Work-life balance for working moms in STEM feels like constant juggling—lab deadlines, family responsibilities, career demands, and that nagging feeling you're failing at all of it. And somehow you're still supposed to pursue meaningful work and be present with your family? This episode is your clarity. I'm walking you through what "being aligned" really means for scientist moms—not the vague Instagram version, but the concrete kind where your values, vision, and daily decisions all point in the same direction. From the car tire metaphor that explains misalignment to three real-world examples you'll recognize (connection & family, meaningful work, health & wellbeing), these are the insights that will help you feel like yourself again, stop fighting against yourself, and actually create a life where career and motherhood fit together. This episode is for you if: You feel unbalanced in your roles as a mom and a scientist You feel disconnected and lost from the successful side of yourself Your calendar is 100% work and logistics (but family connection matters most to you) You're tired of feeling like being a "good worker" and a "good mom" are incompatible By the end of this episode, you'll understand that alignment isn't something you "get" once—it's a process you design through intentional life planning. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (0:00): Teaser (1:54): Listener Review – "Enjoying this" (2:37): Living as a misaligned mom (4:37): What does "being aligned" really mean? (5:34): Signs you're in vs. out of alignment (7:03): Example 1 – Family time (9:09): Example 2 – Personal development (10:47): Example 3 – Health & wellbeing (12:02): Why alignment matters for STEM moms & how to get into alignment (14:06): Life planning as the tool for sustained alignment (15:44): Wrap-up WANT TO GO DEEPER ON ALIGNMENT? Clarify your core values – ⏮️ EP 103: Are Core Values Different From Career or Family Values? (Podcast) Aligning your career with your values - ⏮️ EP 105: Guided Journaling Exercise for Career Clarity (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog) Design a life where your STEM career and motherhood finally fit together - 📞 Turn your ideal life into your real life with the Designed Life Method (Get Started for Free) I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com FOLLOW ME 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time. 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time.

    17 min

  4. FEB 2

    EP 107: Confident Decision Making for Ambitious Moms | Unlocking Intuition for Aligned Leadership [CEO: Leah Goldman]

    For ambitious moms to turn intuition into a strategy for work-life balance Are you at a crossroads, wondering how to take the next right action to do what you want? If you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis and overthinking every move, this episode explains how to make faster, more confident decisions at work and at home without burning out your brain. I’m joined by Leah Goldman, host of The Intuition Strategist podcast and creator of Corporate Tarot Cards®, who helps ambitious leaders to use “invisible data” to make aligned moves in career, home, and long‑term life design. Whether you’re already a high‑achieving mom in STEM overwhelmed by how to make the change you want, Leah is here to demystify how to integrate intuition with logic so decisions feel grounded and right. In this episode, we tackle why you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, how to tell the difference between intuition vs fear and bias, and what you can do right now to move from overthinking into aligned action towards your values, ambitions, and motherhood. // Design a life where your STEM career and motherhood finally fit together. Turn your ideal life into your real life with the Designed Life Method. // LEADERSHIP IN MOTHERHOOD - QUOTABLE MOMENTS “A leader is somebody who makes a decision that other people can act on and follow.” “Your intuition is your own internal algorithm that is taking in data and information that, yes, of course, is the analytical data and the perspectives.” “Intuition without action is a daydream or a fantasy. It's the action that makes it real.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (0:00): Teaser (2:08): Subscribe and never miss an episode (3:38): Why moms are leaders (8:29): What intuition strategy is and how it can help ambitious moms (12:41): Leah’s pivot from engineer and consultant using “invisible data” (22:48): How action and reflection create clarity (24:24): Decision-making tool: VIEW Framework (26:53): What is Intuition? (clearly defined) (31:42): How to tell the difference between intuition vs fear, bias, and wishful thinking (34:23): How to make the right choice with “human AI” (36:37): Using “What if?” instead of “should” to escape either‑or thinking and find alternatives (38:57): Redefining work‑life balance as being dynamic instead of a static, impossible ideal (41:43): Wrap-up & Leah’s info LEAH’S LINKS Podcast: The Intuition Strategist Free Downloadable - VIEW Framework Workbook Website: https://intuitionstrategist.com IG: @LeahIntuition Leah’s LinkedIn The book that Leah mentioned: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman KEEP LEARNING ON THIS TOPIC Data‑driven decision‑making for moms – ⏮️ EP 104: Decision Making for Moms: 6 Data‑Driven Ways to Prioritize Choices When Everything Feels Important (Podcast) Translate decisions into a life plan – ⏮️ EP 66: How Ambitious Moms Can Use Life Planning to Prioritize Work‑Life Balance (Podcast) Ready to pivot? - 📖 How to Reset Your Life to Pursue Your Passion Work With Confidence (Blog) I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com FOLLOW 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time. 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time.

    44 min

  5. JAN 26

    EP 106: Time Management Tip for Working Moms | Fast Calendar Clean‑Up (Remove 10% This Week!)

    Being a working mom in science & tech isn't the problem. Your time management isn't the problem. The problem is that your disorganized calendar and context switching silently drains your energy and productivity throughout the day leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced in all your roles as a mom and a scientist. In this episode, I'm sharing how I went from a calendar packed with scattered micro-tasks… to finally reclaiming time and space in my week through batch-blocking. Creating visible breathing room by going beyond basic time-blocking—I've built a system that supports real work-life balance even as a work-from-home mom. And the best part? You can do this too! You can clear up 10% of your calendar this week alone (e.g., if you have 20 time blocks, and you create 2 batch blocks or delete 1-3 orphan tasks). I'm walking you through what I batch together, what I delete from my calendar, and the exact 5-step strategy that made this transformation possible—so you can achieve a sense of balance and peace by nurturing close family relationships while reclaiming time and space for personal growth, self-care, and joy. Episode Highlights (0:00): Teaser (1:59): Ask me a question (2:30): Why a cluttered calendar keeps high‑achieving moms feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced in all their roles (5:50): The difference between time‑blocking and batch‑blocking (8:25): The effect of context switching on your productivity (10:27): A simple 5‑step system to create your first batch blocks in about 15 minutes (16:12): How to decide which events get deleted, batched, or kept as standalone appointments (18:38): What a “clean,” batch‑blocked calendar looks and feels like & your calendar challenge this week Keep Learning On This Topic Rethink the pace and expectations that are filling your schedule in the first place - ⏮️ EP 101: When “Pushing Through” Is Destroying Your Work-Life Balance (& How to Slow Down With Purpose) (Podcast) Simple science-aware shifts to calm your days - ⏮️ 101: When “Pushing Through” Is Destroying Your Work-Life Balance (& How to Slow Down With Purpose) (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 Why Planning is the Key to Time Freedom for Ambitious Moms (Blog) 👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear life plan for pursuing their ambitions without sacrificing family time. P.S. Your first call is free, and I’ll run an Alignment Audit to get your customized life plan started!   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com   FOLLOW 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time. // Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //

    21 min

  6. JAN 19

    EP 105: Career Planning for PhD Moms | Does Your Job Match Your Purpose in Life? [Journal Prompt]

    A gut‑check on default career planning, purpose, and life vision High‑achieving PhD/STEM moms often stay in roles that no longer fit their life vision—driven by sunk costs, fear of wasting their PhD, and pressure to appear grateful. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve already put in so many years in this job…I don’t want to waste my PhD,” this episode offers a career planning framework to find purpose, protect your work‑life balance, and decide whether your current job truly belongs in your long‑term life plan. Today I break down a simple, research‑informed process for career planning for PhD moms that can help you separate default planning (path of least resistance) from intentional, purpose‑driven planning. You’ll see how to assess alignment between your inner motivation and your external work output, and how shifting roles and environments (not always fields) can move you closer to meaningful impact without “wasting” your degree. Whether you're already contemplating a career change or simply wondering, “Does my job still match my purpose in life?” I’m here to demystify why misalignment creates chronic tension even when your CV looks great. You’ll walk away with a journal prompt, interpretation steps, and next moves so you can start making life planning decisions from vision, not fear. Episode Highlights (0:00): Teaser (2:16): Ask me a question (2:45): Why so many PhD/STEM moms stay in careers that no longer fit their life vision (7:32): Journal Prompt on how to map what truly drives you against what your job actually asks you to do (8:20): The science behind why your brain resists career change (14:59): How to read your own journal entry for signs of default planning (20:16): Next steps for turning self‑awareness into an actual life plan and potential career pivot →→→ Turn your journal insights into a concrete personalized roadmap for career decisions, work‑life balance, and a life that lets you pursue big goals and protect family time in my private life planning program. 👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear life plan for pursuing their ambitions without sacrificing family time. P.S. Your first call is free, and I’ll run an Alignment Audit to get your customized life plan started! Keep Learning On This Topic Mom-friendly way to explore flexible career options - ⏮️ EP 63: Ready to Return to Work? 3 Career Change Strategies for SAHMs Who Want Flexible, Purpose-Driven Work (Podcast) A decision-making framework for career changes - ⏮️ EP 92: Career Clarity in 3 Steps Without Losing Work‑Life Balance | Career Change for Moms – Part 5 (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 3 Powerful Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom Beyond the Daily Routine (Blog)   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com   FOLLOW 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time. 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time. // Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //

    24 min

  7. JAN 12

    EP 104: Decision Making for Moms: 6 Data‑Driven Ways to Prioritize Choices When Everything Feels Important

    Decision-making for moms doesn't have to feel overwhelming. As a high-achieving mom in science, tech, or research, you've spent years building expertise—but when everything feels urgent at home and work, even the simplest choices can leave you second-guessing yourself. In this episode, I share 6 simple ways to pull data from your life (internally & externally) to make informed decisions, especially when you struggle with decision overload or worry about making the "wrong" choice. I'll share: How to move from constant overwhelm to confident, data-driven decisions using six practical strategies How to use your own life as data—your values, goals, energy, and resources—to make choices that actually align with your ambitious, family-first vision How life planning can turn decisions from pure guesswork to a a process that strategically factors all domains of your life Episode Highlights (0:00): Teaser (1:54): 🤩 Listener Review 🤩 (2:59): Why high‑achieving moms in STEM experience decision overwhelm (4:44): The real sources of decision fatigue (7:09): What “data‑driven decision making” looks like in real life (beyond spreadsheets and numbers) and how to use your own life as data (9:19): 1. Trust your gut (12:57): 2. Values-based decisions (14:29): 3. Goal-oriented decisions (15:28): 4. Priority stack (17:49): 5. Feasibility assessment (19:50): 6. Whole Life Impact (21:43): How a life plan becomes your personal data source and decision‑making filter (23:44): Wrap-up - How to take action on a decision that’s weighing on you →→→ Feel like you’re juggling too many priorities without a clear direction? 📞 Reserve a free call where I’ll run an Alignment Audit to find out if life planning can bridge the gap between your current life and your ideal life. Keep Learning On This Topic Decision-making for moms that blends soul & strategy - ⏮️ EP 60: “At a Crossroads? The #1 Way to Make Decisions You’ll Never Regret (Podcast) Zoom in on values-based decision-making - ⏮️ Why Prioritizing Your Core Values Beats Any Pros & Cons List (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog)   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear life plan for pursuing their ambitions without sacrificing family time. Get Started! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com   FOLLOW 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources ➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time. 🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant. 📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time. // Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //

    26 min

  8. JAN 9

    EP 103: Are Core Values Different From Career or Family Values? | Life Planning 101 for Work-Life Balance

    If you're feeling the urge to clarify your core values in the new year or are being pulled in multiple directions, this episode is for you. In this Figure It Out Friday episode, I answer the question: Are your core values as a mom and a STEM professional different from your career or family values? I’m not talking about creating rigid rules or fitting you into a box. This is about why misalignment between your schedule and your personal values leaves you feeling disconnected and “not like yourself” and the first step towards taking ownership of your decisions in life so you can start this year feeling grounded and in control. If you're ready to move from feeling disconnected and unbalanced to having ownership in everything you do, and if you want to create a life plan that honors both your ambitions and your family, this one's a must-listen! I also share personal and client stories showing how core values like connection, faith, and financial freedom can guide both family culture and career moves. Episode Highlights (0:00): Teaser (1:59): Ask me a question (2:28): A simple, clear definition of core values and how they shape your identity and decisions (5:48): The crucial differences & overlaps between family values, career values, and personal values, and which parts of yourself to prioritize—with real‑life examples (7:12): Why so many high‑achieving moms in STEM feel unbalanced when personal, family, and career blur together (9:15): How core values are foundational to life planning (like goal setting, time management, and personal growth) (11:59): Wrap-up →→→ If you are looking for a way to stop choosing between “success” as a scientist and “family time” and instead design a version of success that supports both - then sign up for private coaching on my Designed Life Method P.S. Your first call is free, and I’ll run an Alignment Audit to get your customized life plan started! Keep Learning On This Topic How to apply what you just learned - ⏮️ EP 35: [Coaching] Planning For Your Future Life by Prioritizing Your Values Now (Podcast) Zoom out on identity & values - ⏮️ EP 22: Be the CEO of Your Life – Freedom to Have Ambitions During Motherhood | Life Planning 101 (Podcast) Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog)   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click! 📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family   FOLLOW 🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show! ➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time // Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //

    14 min
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Have you ever been told that work-life balance for women in STEM is a myth? Do you want a meaningful science career and a rooted family life —but you worry that you’re “failing at both”? Are you running low on time, energy, and sleep, trying to keep up with grant deadlines, conferences, and kids? Do you wonder if negotiating career shifts, flexible jobs, STEM-adjacent roles, or maternity leave is proof you’re not a serious scientist? Welcome to Science Careers for Moms — a TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST for women in STEM who want a career path where they can thrive in science without sacrificing their family or personal wellbeing. Hi! I’m Anokhi Kapasi, a PhD researcher and mom of two boys. I created this show because I know what it is like to feel torn between being a serious scientist and a present mom —and to realize that “trying harder” is not a strategy. This show is different because it integrates career and life planning strategies designed specifically for science-minded moms in a work culture that was not built for caregivers. Every episode blends interviews with other scientists who have been where you are and career planning deep-dives where you will learn the answer to questions like: 🎯 Are there decision-making frameworks to help me navigate pivots, return-to-work, academia vs. industry…or to even know what the “next right move” is? 🎯 How do I set career goals that allow me to stay ambitious, connect with my family, and feel like myself again? 🎯 Is work–life balance for working moms in STEM actually possible, and what does it look like in practice? 🎯 Can I stay in science & tech without burnout, guilt, or losing sight of myself? STEM-trained moms, I’ll teach you how to make confident career decisions that align with your whole life —not just professional development. 🎧 FOLLOW this show and never choose between being a good mom or a good scientist again! 📩 QUESTIONS: Got a question or story to share? E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com 🌐 VISIT: www.SolveForMom.com for more resources & information

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