Brie Johnson, an HR strategist and career coach, joins Angela Tait to discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and leadership. From transitioning out of corporate life to embracing entrepreneurship, Brie shares her insights on redefining identity, navigating workplace biases, and leveraging motherhood as a leadership advantage.
“Motherhood prepared me for leadership through dealing with the unexpected. Being able to adapt, adjust, and remain flexible is invaluable in both career and family.”
Key Takeaways
- Reframe Work-Life Balance: View balance as a shifting pie chart rather than trying to give 100% to every aspect of life.
- Motherhood Enhances Leadership Skills: Empathy, adaptability, and prioritization make mothers strong leaders.
- Define Your Own Success: Avoid societal pressures and set personal benchmarks for success.
- Challenge Workplace Biases: Advocate for flexibility and understanding towards working mothers.
TOPICS: Redefining Work-Life Balance
- Reject the unrealistic expectation of perfect balance.
- View life as a pie chart with priorities shifting over time.
- Give yourself permission to focus on different areas depending on life seasons.
Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
- Brie had a supportive boss during her fertility journey and early parenthood.
- Financial analysis revealed that leaving her corporate role saved her $50,000 annually.
- Her husband’s confidence and support were crucial for a smooth transition.
- Entrepreneurship allowed her to create a flexible schedule that aligned with her children’s needs.
Identity Shifts as a Mother & Career Advancement
- Women often define themselves by relationships, while men are identified by work.
- Skills gained through motherhood and volunteering are often undervalued.
- Career coaching helps women recognize and articulate transferable skills for professional growth.
Overcoming Biases Against Working Mothers
- Brie faced questions about how family responsibilities would impact her work.
- She challenged these biases by questioning whether the same concerns applied to fathers.
- Advocated for flexible work environments that recognize the efficiency of working mothers.
Leadership Lessons from Motherhood
- Ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace.
- Learning to let go of control and focus on impactful tasks.
- Empathy towards team members’ personal situations.
- Reframing urgent deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress.
Advice for New Working Mothers
- Define personal success rather than conforming to societal standards.
- Accept that pausing career progression during key life seasons is okay.
- Balance financial, time, and emotional contributions to the family.
Connect with Brie Johnson
- Instagram: @bcjinsights
- LinkedIn: Brianna Clark Johnson
- Website: BCJ Insights HR
Connect with Angela:
Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/
Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com
**Check out our best selling collaborative book with other female founders on Amazon: Taking the Plunge**
