In this inspiring episode of The Secrets of Supermom Show, Whitnee Hawthorne, a corporate executive, entrepreneur, and mom of two shares how she is redefining what it means to thrive as a working mom. Whitnee is the powerhouse behind The Savvy Working Mom, a platform helping ambitious women grow their careers and families without burnout or guilt.
We’re diving deep into a powerful truth: work-life balance is a myth. Whitnee shares what to focus on instead, how to navigate life as a symphony, and her empowering SMS framework—Shine, Manage, Surrender—to help working moms feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled.
Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, raising tiny humans, or trying to carve out space for your own goals, this episode is for you.
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Show Notes: The Myth of Work-Life Balance and Working Mom Burnout
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #233 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
In this inspiring episode of The Secrets of Supermom Show, I sit down with Whitnee, a corporate executive, entrepreneur, and mom of two who is redefining what it means to thrive as a working mom. Whitnee is the powerhouse behind The Savvy Working Mom, a platform helping ambitious women grow their careers and families without burnout or guilt.
We’re diving deep into a powerful truth: work-life balance is a myth. Whitnee shares what to focus on instead, how to navigate life as a symphony, and her empowering SMS framework—Shine, Manage, Surrender—to help working moms feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled.
Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, raising tiny humans, or trying to carve out space for your own goals, this episode is for you.
Meet Whitnee: Corporate Exec, Mom of Two, and Founder of The Savvy Working Mom
Whitnee wears many hats. She’s a mom to two young kids, a wife, a corporate executive at Snowflake (an AI and data platform), and the founder of The Savvy Working Mom—a passion project turned coaching platform and BRAND NEW book!
Her mission? To help women grow both their careers and families in a way that brings them joy, not just survival.
“Even with all the support in the world, it was still really hard to be the mom I wanted to be and grow the career I dreamed of. That’s why I created The Savvy Working Mom.” —Whitnee
Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth (And What to Do Instead)
Whitnee doesn’t hold back: “Work-life balance is a myth that sets us up for failure.” The idea that we can split our time, energy, and attention evenly between “work” and “life” simply doesn’t reflect reality—especially for moms.
“Life is not two things—‘work’ and ‘everything else.’ It’s at least nine things.”
Life Isn’t Binary—It’s a Symphony
Whitnee encourages moms to stop chasing balance and start thinking about their life as a symphony. At different times, certain parts—like your career, your kids, your health, or your relationships—might be louder or quieter. The goal isn’t perfect balance every day, but harmony over time.
“Sometimes work is the solo. Sometimes parenting is the duet. But all the other instruments are still playing in the background.”
The Savvy Working Mom Framework: How to Thrive Without Burnout
At the heart of Whitnee’s message is a 4-part framework for busy working moms who want to feel less overwhelmed and more in control:
1. Drop the Myth of Balance
Start by letting go of the belief that everything should be perfectly balanced. Replace that mindset with one that gives you grace and flexibility.
2. Embrace the Symphony of Life
Think of your life as a living, breathing composition. Priorities shift. What matters is the overall harmony, not daily perfection.
3. Use the SMS Framework: Shine, Manage, Surrender
Each week, ask yourself:
- Where do I want to SHINE? These are your top priorities that deserve your best energy.
- What do I need to MANAGE? These are necessary tasks that don’t require perfection.
- What can I SURRENDER? Let go of the tasks, expectations, or guilt that don’t serve you right now.
Whitnee shared relatable examples—from letting go of making hot breakfasts daily to giving herself permission not to show up perfectly on every platform.
“My kids are clothed. Their socks don’t always match—and that’s okay. That’s something I manage, not something I shine in.”
4. Learn to Delegate with Strategy
In her book, Whitnee breaks down a 7-step process to help moms delegate more effectively—because doing it all yourself is not sustainable.
Why This Matters for Busy Working Moms
If you’re tired of trying to “do it all” and constantly feeling like you’re failing, this episode is your permission slip to stop chasing balance and start crafting a life that brings you joy.
Whitnee reminds us that we each get to define success for ourselves. That life is a mix of seasons, priorities, and choices. And that joy doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the right things for you.
Links + Resources
✨ Learn more about Whitnee and The Savvy Working Mom at thesavvyworkingmom.com
📘 Keep an eye out for Whitnee’s upcoming book (launching May 2025!)
🎧 Listen to Whitnee’s podcast, The Savvy Working Mom Show
✨ Whitnee Hawthorne on LinkedIn
📲 Whitnee Hawthorne on Instagram
Final Thoughts
Let’s stop chasing balance and start pursuing joy. Let’s treat life like a symphony—sometimes messy, sometimes magical, always ours to orchestrate.
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to:
📲 Share with your favorite working mom friend who needs to hear thisryone.
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About Our Guest: Whitnee Hawthorne
Whitnee Hawthorne, a former Chief Customer Officer at Navan and executive at JetBlue, is now a leader at Snowflake, bringing deep expertise in data, AI, and corporate strategy. In addition to her corporate work, she founded *The Savvy Working Mom* to provide women with the tools and resources they need to grow their careers and create lives they love.
As a mother of two boys (ages 5 and 7), Whitnee understands firsthand the challenges of balancing career and family. She is also the author of the upcoming book *The Savvy Working Mom*, where she shares the strategies that have helped her advance her career while raising her family.
A sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, Whitnee helps professionals master time and energy management and unlock the strategic art of delegation. Through her work, she empowers working moms to thrive—offering real-world strategies to build a fulfilling, successful, and joyful life.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
