Can you have a powerful, successful career and a thriving, joy-filled home life? Absolutely—and today’s conversation with Rebecca Olson shows us how.
Rebecca is a certified professional life coach who helps ambitious working moms gain clarity and confidence so they can align their career and family goals without constant guilt or overwhelm. In this episode, originally shared on LinkedIn Live, we dive into:
- The real challenges of navigating corporate life and motherhood
- How to avoid the trap of saying “yes” to everything
- Why boundaries don’t have to be rigid walls
- Rebecca’s practical “yes criteria” tool to make decisions easier
- The importance of reflection, planning, and trusting yourself
This honest, behind-the-scenes conversation will inspire you to redefine what’s possible as a working mom.
Ready to listen? Use the podcast player or listen anywhere you find your favorite podcasts. (Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)
Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: Boundaries, Balance, and Big Careers: A Working Mom’s Guide
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #255 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
Being a working mom is no small feat. You want to succeed in your career, but you also want to be present at home—without feeling like you’re constantly choosing between the two. In this re-broadcast episode of The Secrets of Supermom Show, I sit down with life coach Rebecca Olson to talk about how ambitious moms can find balance, set boundaries, and actually enjoy life instead of running on empty.
Rebecca knows firsthand the challenges of juggling a career and motherhood. She’s a certified professional life coach who helps ambitious working moms gain the clarity and confidence they need to thrive both at work and at home.
If you’ve ever felt torn between saying “yes” to opportunities and protecting your sanity, this conversation is for you.
Why Ambitious Moms Struggle with Boundaries
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is how easy it is for ambitious moms to fall into the trap of saying “yes” to everything. Whether it’s projects at work, volunteer commitments, or even social invitations, saying yes feels natural.
But Rebecca explains that this “yes to everything” mentality often leads straight to burnout. The solution? Clear boundaries and intentional decision-making.
Rebecca’s “Yes Criteria”
Rebecca shared a powerful tool she teaches her clients called the Yes Criteria. Instead of making emotional, in-the-moment decisions, she encourages working moms to set up a framework in advance:
- What opportunities align with my goals?
- Does this support my values?
- Will this help me savor life—or just add stress?
If a request or opportunity doesn’t meet the criteria, the answer is a confident no.
This practice allows moms to say yes more often to the things that matter most—without the guilt.
The Power of Reflection and Planning
Another key strategy Rebecca and I discussed is the importance of taking intentional pauses. Weekly, monthly, and quarterly planning isn’t just about calendars and checklists—it’s about creating space to reflect.
Rebecca emphasizes:
- Looking back at what worked (and what didn’t)
- Identifying where energy is drained or restored
- Adjusting decisions to stay aligned with your goals
For ambitious moms, this kind of reflection keeps you from running on autopilot and helps you move forward with purpose.
Redefining Boundaries
When many moms hear the word boundaries, they think of rigid walls. Rebecca reframes boundaries as choices. For example:
- Saying no to an opportunity that doesn’t feel right
- Setting realistic deadlines instead of sacrificing sleep
- Protecting time for rest, family, or exercise
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about making decisions that protect your energy, align with your values, and create sustainability for both career and motherhood.
Key Takeaways for Working Moms
This conversation with Rebecca Olson was full of wisdom for ambitious moms. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. Choose intentionally.
- Boundaries are about choice. They don’t have to be rigid to be effective.
- Reflection is essential. Weekly and monthly reviews help you adjust and stay aligned.
- Trust yourself. You’re not going to miss your only opportunity—more doors will open.
- It doesn’t have to be hard. Success can come without constantly pushing to exhaustion.
About Our Guest: Rebecca Olson
Rebecca Olson is a certified professional life coach and a recognized leader in the coaching world. She helps women navigate the transition into becoming working moms, aligning their career and home life so they can thrive in both. She’s a member of the International Coaching Federation and has been featured by the Coach Foundation as a leading life coach.
Learn more about her work at Rebecca Olson Coaching.
The Ambitious and Balanced Working Moms Podcast
-
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.
