The Crossroads: A Promotion & A Newborn—All at Once
Sydney had just returned from maternity leave when she was offered the biggest career advancement of her life—a supervisor role.
✔ This was her first baby.
✔ This was also her first step into leadership.
✔ She had always imagined climbing the ladder at her company.
"I accepted the promotion without hesitation—I had worked for this. But I also knew things were going to be different now."
She wasn’t just adjusting to a new job title—she was adjusting to a completely new reality:
✔ Leading a team for the first time.
✔ Balancing daycare pickups, doctor’s appointments, and unpredictable sick days.
✔ Letting go of tasks she used to do so she could focus on leadership.
This wasn’t just about moving up in her company—it was about learning how to be a great leader and a great mom, at the same time.
The Challenges: Learning to Lead While Navigating Motherhood
- Letting Go of Old Responsibilities
"I used to stay after hours to catch up on work. Now, I had to be out the door at a specific time for daycare pickup. I had to learn how to delegate and trust my team." - Feeling Like She Was Calling Out More Than Ever Before
"Before I had my baby, I rarely called in sick. Now, between doctor’s appointments and unexpected sick days, I had to remind myself that this was normal and okay." - Adjusting to the Mental Shift of Leadership
She wasn’t just doing the work anymore—she was managing people. That meant:
✔ Hiring new employees.
✔ Supporting her team while still learning how to balance everything herself.
✔ Figuring out what kind of leader she wanted to be.
"I wanted to be the kind of leader who understands that life happens—because now I get it on a whole different level."
What Worked (and What She’d Do Differently)
✔ A Supportive, Family-Oriented Company Culture
"The company I work for has been amazing. My peers and leaders fully support me as a mom, and that has made all the difference."
✔ Giving Herself Permission to Grow as a Leader & a Mom at the Same Time
"It was hard to let go of some of my old responsibilities, but I realized that stepping into leadership meant letting go and focusing on bigger-picture work."
✔ Finding Resources to Help With the Transition
"I wish I had found resources like Prospera sooner—it would have helped me navigate the weight of balancing work, leadership, and parenting."
Would she do anything differently?
✔ Seek Out Leadership & Parenting Support Earlier
"There are so many parents who have done this before me—I should have tapped into that wisdom sooner."
✔ Be More Intentional About Setting Boundaries From the Start
"I learned quickly that I needed to be firm about my work hours and availability, but I wish I had set those boundaries earlier instead of trying to ‘do it all.’"
The Tools & Resources That Helped
📌 Prospera – A resource that helped her navigate the mental load of balancing motherhood, leadership, and career growth.
📌 Prioritizing Self-Care & “Me” Time – She realized that in order to be a great mom, wife, co-worker, and leader, she needed to take care of herself, too.
📌 A Family-Oriented Work Environment – Having a supportive company made it possible to grow without guilt.
"Having a workplace that values working parents has been everything. It makes me want to grow here long-term."
Sydney’s Advice: You Can Chase Career Growth & Be a Great Parent
✔ You Don’t Have to Choose Between Career & Family
"If you want to keep chasing your career dreams, you can! It’s all about finding the right balance and setting yourself up for success."
✔ Find Resources That Empower You
"There are leadership coaches, parenting communities, and working parent groups that can help you feel more confident in balancing both roles."
✔ Set Boundaries Early—And Stick to Them
"I learned quickly that I had to be upfront about my availability and my non-negotiables. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself."
✔ Surround Yourself With Supportive People
"A good workplace culture makes all the difference. If you don’t have that, look for it—because it exists."
Sydney’s Both& Moment: Leading & Mothering—And Doing Both Well
Sydney’s story proves that you don’t have to choose between career success and being present for your child.
✔ She learned she could be both a leader and a mom.
✔ She realized she could both grow in her career and set boundaries for her family.
✔ She found that leadership isn’t about both doing everything herself and empowering her team.
This wasn’t about sacrificing one part of her life for another—it was about learning how to thrive in both.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Challenges the Idea That Parenthood Holds You Back From Career Growth – You can move up and be a great parent.
- Encourages Companies to Support Working Parents – A family-oriented culture makes all the difference.
- Shows That Leadership Is a Learning Process—Just Like Parenthood – Both roles require patience, growth, and trust in yourself.
- Proves That You Don’t Have to Do It Alone – Resources like Prospera, mentorship, and supportive workplaces can help make the transition easier.
