59. Stephanie Fornaro | Support Is Not a Luxury: Rethinking Childcare, Career, and What Moms Actually Need

59. Stephanie Fornaro | Support Is Not a Luxury: Rethinking Childcare, Career, and What Moms Actually Need

From burnout, resentment, and near-breaking points to healing, thriving, and saving her marriage, this episode reveals how one working mom turned her struggle into a mission to transform childcare forever, exposing how a broken system pushes women out of the workforce and why hiring support isn't a luxury but a lifeline that empowers mothers to reclaim their careers, mental health, and identity without guilt. "That support in the home actually gives me the time and capacity that I need for my professional pursuits alongside motherhood, so that I get to do both."-Stephanie Fornaro What This Episode Offers: * You're not failing as a mom, you're operating in a system that was never designed to support you * Feeling like a "married single mom"? You're not alone, and there's a reason why * Childcare isn't a luxury, it's the difference between burnout and balance * Saying "I'll just do it all" is costing you more than you think, your mental health, marriage, and career * The guilt around hiring help? It's learned, and it's keeping you stuck * Most moms aren't leaving the workforce by choice, they're being pushed out by broken economics * You're not paying for childcare, you're investing in your capacity, peace, and presence * A full cup changes everything, how you show up for your kids, your partner, and yourself * Support doesn't replace you as a mom, it allows you to be the mom you actually want to be * The real flex isn't doing it all, it's knowing when to get help About Stephanie Fornaro: Stephanie Fornaro is the CEO of Hello Nanny! [https://hellonanny.com/] and founder of the Workforce Infrastructure Institute [https://workforceinfrastructureinstitute.org/]. After discovering firsthand the gap between childcare realities and outdated policies, she built a business and framework redefining childcare as essential economic infrastructure, not a personal expense. Her Workforce Infrastructure Doctrine gives language to a challenge millions of working mothers face daily. Featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and 50+ outlets, Stephanie is a WBENC-certified founder and a strong advocate for caregivers, families, and women building businesses while raising them Connect with Angela: Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call [https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/] Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com [http://www.angelatait.com] Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire, and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB]

58. Ciara Skiles | The Mom Myth We Need to Break

This episode explores the realities of modern motherhood through the lens of leadership, ambition, and support. Ciara, a senior IT leader, business owner, and military spouse, shares how life as a military spouse, mother of young kids, and corporate leaders forced her to rethink productivity, delegation, and the invisible mental load many women carry. From building systems at home to empowering teams at work, she explains why asking for help, creating flexibility, and trusting women to lead can transform both family life and the workplace. At its core, the conversation is a powerful reminder that mothers don't have to do everything alone—and that investing in support can unlock the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally. "It's also important to be the person that I want my children to emulate. Showing them what good looks like, that you can be a mom, that you can pursue your passions, that you can be a badass leader in the corporate world, whatever you want to do. Guess what? You can do it." - Ciara Skiles What You'll Learn: * The kind of career move most people don't see coming—and don't talk about * Leaving a leadership role before burnout forces the decision * What it actually looks like to build multiple income streams as a working mom * The invisible mental load and why outsourcing isn't a luxury, it's a strategy * Leading high-performing remote teams without micromanaging or losing connection * The identity shift that happens when you stop chasing "should" and start choosing alignment * Why investing in yourself isn't selfish, it needs to be the standard About Ciara Skiles: Ciara Skiles is a senior leader in consulting, founder of Plaît, and a proud military spouse navigating the beautiful chaos of career and motherhood. She leads high-performing teams by day and is building a brand designed to better support moms in early childhood. As a mom of two young children, Ciara is passionate about helping women thrive at home and at work—without sacrificing ambition, style, or themselves. Connect with Ciara: Website: http://www.madetoplait.com/ [http://www.madetoplait.com/] Linkedin: Ciara Skiles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaraskiles?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app] Instagram: @madetoplaite [https://www.instagram.com/madetoplait?igsh=bnpxOGN5ZWt0MGw%3D&utm_source=qr] Connect with Angela: Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call [https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/] Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com [http://www.angelatait.com] Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire, and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB]

57. Spencer Pierce | We're Raising Better Humans—Just by Showing Up to Work

In this episode, Spencer, a working mom and leader, shares her honest journey of balancing career ambition and motherhood, from stepping away from the workforce to raise her kids to reentering and accelerating her career in leadership. She opens up about the sacrifices, identity shifts, and self-doubt that can come with being a working mom, while highlighting the power of authenticity, clear boundaries, supportive leadership, and community. Ultimately, it's a conversation about redefining success, giving yourself grace, and realizing that pursuing both family and professional fulfillment isn't a weakness, it's part of raising stronger, better humans. "Set boundaries early and be steadfast about the boundaries that you're going to put in place." - Spencer Pierce What We'll Cover: * The identity shift between career and motherhood, and why you can't go back to who you were * The pressure to "catch up" after stepping away, and why it's the wrong mindset * The guilt behind "doing both"… and the truth no one says out loud * Why boundaries aren't optional when you return, they're essential * The silent pressure working moms carry (and how it shows up at work) * The difference supportive leaders make in a working mom's career trajectory * Why working moms aren't just balancing more, they're building better humans About Spencer Pierce: With over 15 years of experience across technology, marketing, professional services, and healthcare, Spencer is a strategic HR leader who helps organizations turn talent into a powerful driver of growth. She specializes in building high-impact development programs, leading large-scale organizational change, and navigating complex M&A integrations while protecting people and culture. By combining people analytics with clear storytelling, she helps leaders understand key drivers like retention, performance, and engagement so they can make smarter decisions that strengthen teams and fuel sustainable business growth. Outside of work, Spencer enjoys painting, writing, and reading. Connect with Angela: Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call [https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/] Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com [http://www.angelatait.com] Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire, and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB]

56. Andrea Piering | Built to Stay: Growth, Flexibility, and Female Leadership

What if motherhood didn't hold your career back but actually made you a better leader? In this episode of Mom-Me, Angela Tait sits down with Andrea Piering, a construction executive who rose from entry-level to President, while raising a family in a male-dominated industry. Andrea shares how motherhood shaped her leadership style, why flexibility is non-negotiable for retaining working moms, and how women can thrive, lead, and support one another without sacrificing their families, or themselves, along the way. "We don't need to look at each other as competition or as threats, we are so much stronger, especially in a male dominated industry, when we help each other and work together."- Andrea What You'll Learn: * Great moms can also be great leaders * Longevity is built, not rushed * Flexibility drives retention * Women change company culture * Representation shapes the future * Internal promotion creates leaders * Women rise higher together About Andrea Piering: Andrea Piering, President of Sun State Builders, began her career with the company in 1998 while studying biology and chemistry at ASU as a pre-med student. After realizing her passion for building and project management, she chose construction over medical school, working her way up through every facet of the business to become a partner in 2023 and President in January 2024. Today, Sun State Builders is an award-winning design-build general contractor serving commercial projects across Arizona, with 50% of its workforce made up of women—a reflection of its commitment to internal growth and family-supportive policies. Andrea was named a 2024 AZ Big Media Woman of Influence, serves as a Board Member for College Bound AZ, and considers her most important role to be mom to her two teenage sons. Connect with Andrea: LinkedIn: @Sun State Builders @Andrea Piering IG: @sunstatebuilders FB: @SunStateBuildersAZ X: @SSB_AZ Connect with Angela: Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call [https://calendly.com/d/2ws-nj5-nwq/initial-consultation-call] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/] Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com [http://www.angelatait.com] Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire, and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB]

55. Michelle Moore | Grace in the Pivot: Insights in Resilience, Leadership, and Living Fully

Michelle Moore's journey mirrors the reality many working moms live—building a demanding career, juggling school drop-offs during conference calls, and trying to be present while carrying the weight of providing. Her story takes a sharp turn through breast cancer, a sick child, and burnout, ultimately teaching her to slow down, set boundaries, and value quality over quantity. Her path shows that our kids remember connection more than perfection, and that even in our busiest seasons, we can raise grounded, compassionate children while learning to give ourselves more grace. "Most of the good things that happen come from being slow and thoughtful, you don't have to push and control everything."- Michelle Empowering insights from this episode: * Balancing a demanding career with motherhood is messy, exhausting, and still deeply meaningful. * You can chase stability and ambition while raising kids—support systems make it possible. * "Doing it all" isn't the goal; being present in the moments that matter is what your kids remember. * Burnout, health scares, and setbacks don't define you—they can reshape your priorities for the better. * You're allowed to slow down, set boundaries, and reject perfection without sacrificing success. * Quality experiences, not constant availability, create the strongest bond with your children. About Michelle Moore: Michelle Moore is a mom of three boys, a published author, and the Founder and President of Mother's Grace Charity, a national organization supporting families in need. She currently serves as CEO of PGL Diagnostics, bringing over 30 years of experience in the diagnostics and healthcare space. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Michelle is passionate about leadership, resilience, and giving back to the community. Linkedin: Michelle Moore [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-moore-7848193a/] Nominate, Donate & Volunteer: https://www.mothers-grace.org/ [https://www.mothers-grace.org/] Connect with Angela: Book a Meeting: https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen [https://calendly.com/talenttrek/prescreen] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatait/] Check out my Website: http://www.angelatait.com [http://www.angelatait.com] Buy a copy of The Human Capital Playbook on Amazon! This book will teach you how to hire, inspire, and retain employees in your business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PMTFQB]