Redefining Success: Samantha Yanks on Motherhood, Media & Reinvention

Reframing Reinvention: Choosing Adventure with Anne Taylor Hartzell

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon welcomes author, speaker, and entrepreneur Anne Taylor Hartzell. Creator of the Choose Adventure Mindset and author of All Who Wonder: A Guide to Finding Your Path in Seasons of Change, Anne shares how motherhood, empty nest life, and a quiet dorm room drop-off inspired her next chapter. Anne opens up about leaving agency life to create flexibility for her family, learning to trust her intuition, reframing fear as curiosity, and taking small brave steps toward what's next. She also shares her five-step Choose Adventure framework and encourages women to stop shrinking and start building lives with fewer regrets and more adventure. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about motherhood, midlife, creativity, courage, and reframing that devil on our shoulder we call fear into curiosity. [00:00] Introduction [03:07] Leaving Agency Life to Create More Flexibility for Family [05:41] The Reinvention Skills Motherhood Quietly Teaches You [08:21] The Empty Nest Moment That Sparked Anne's Next Chapter [13:07] The Real Cost of Playing It Safe in Midlife [15:02] Midlife Choices of Shrinking Back or Choosing Growth [16:11] Injury, Stillness & Finally Beginning the Book [18:52] Reframing Fear as Curiosity During Seasons of Change [21:11] Anne's Five-Step Choose Adventure Framework [24:25] Why You Don't Need to Feel Ready to Start Something New [29:20] Creating Community, Connection & Support for Women in Midlife Meet my guest, Anne Taylor Hartzell: Read Anne's book: All Who Wander: A Guide To Finding Your Path In Seasons Of Change. [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-who-wander-anne-taylor-hartzell/1147450269?ean=9798992666007&irclickid=xVjWkO0wixyZTIKS1hWiiTUiUkuULgwKBVpfxU0&sharedid=shopyourlikes.com&irpid=10078&irgwc=1&afsrc=1] Podcast: All Who Wander on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/39mnowgkRb070XYd9ykARz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-who-wander-with-anne-taylor-hartzell/id1495113548] or wherever you listen in. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiptravelmama [https://www.instagram.com/hiptravelmama] Website: https://www.annetaylorhartzell.com/ [https://www.annetaylorhartzell.com/] Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com [http://momtomore.com] Want to interview Sharon? Connect here. [https://www.momtomore.com/contact] Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here. [https://calendly.com/sharon-momtomore] Follow @momtomore on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtomore/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mom-To-MORE-61553795954293/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/momtomore/] and Substack [https://substack.com/@momtomore/posts]. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-macey/]. Keep an eye out for episode #63 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Kristin Price Hocker & Meghan Caponiti, Co-hosts of Finding Fabulous podcast and we dive into the process of their dual reinvention. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

From SAHM to CEO: How Susan De Marco Turned an 11-Year Resume Gap Into Her Superpower

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes CPA, CEO, and former stay-at-home mom Susan DeMarco. With an MBA, a background at major firms like Merck and PricewaterhouseCoopers, and now serving as CEO of Brand K Partners, Susan's journey is a powerful example of what's possible after a career pause. In this conversation, Susan shares how stepping away to raise her four sons didn't diminish her capabilities rather it strengthened them. She opens up about the challenges of re-entering the workforce after a long resume gap, the unexpected silence she faced, and how taking a step "below" her experience ultimately led her to leadership. Tune in for an honest conversation about redefining career paths, recognizing the hidden value of motherhood, building flexible workplaces, and trusting that the long way around can still lead exactly where you're meant to be. [00:00] Introduction [02:42] Choosing Motherhood and Raising Four Sons [05:10] Leadership Skills Learned Through Motherhood [08:28] The Rewards of Staying Home with Kids [09:29] How to Talk About the Resume Gap [13:18] The Reality of Returning to Work After a Career Break [15:26] Taking a Job Below Your Experience Level [17:10] Creating a Flexible Work Culture for Parents [20:29] Balancing Work, Motherhood, and Self-Care [25:24] Rethinking Family Leave and Support for Moms Meet my guest, Susan De Marco: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftmom2ceo [https://www.instagram.com/ftmom2ceo] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-de-marco-mba-cpa-349399206/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-de-marco-mba-cpa-349399206/] Website: https://www.brandkpartners.com [https://www.brandkpartners.com] Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com [http://momtomore.com] Want to interview Sharon? Connect here. [https://www.momtomore.com/contact] Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here. [https://calendly.com/sharon-momtomore] Follow @momtomore on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtomore/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mom-To-MORE-61553795954293/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/momtomore/] and Substack [https://substack.com/@momtomore/posts]. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-macey/]. Keep an eye out for episode #63 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Anne Taylor Hartzell, Founder of Hip Travel Mama and author of All Who Wander: A Guide To Finding Your Path In Seasons Of Change. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

Raising Kids to Raising Capital: Shana Moore's Unexpected Midlife Reinvention

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes founder and CEO Shana Moore, the visionary behind WeSkreech, a startup focused on personal safety through innovative sonic technology. After 25 years as a stay-at-home mom raising four children, Shana reached a point where she began asking what was next, leading her into an unexpected chapter as an entrepreneur. In this conversation, Shana shares her transition from full-time motherhood to startup founder and the mindset shifts that came with stepping into a completely new role. She reflects on the resilience, patience, and problem-solving skills she built over the years, and how they carried into this next phase, along with navigating fear, uncertainty, and learning as she goes. Tune in for a grounded and honest conversation about reinvention, starting something new later in life, and what it looks like to take small, steady steps forward even when you are not fully sure where they will lead. [00:00] Introduction [02:58] Shana's transition from teacher to stay-at-home mom [04:20] The realities of motherhood through different stages [06:02] Skills from motherhood that translate into entrepreneurship [09:30] Recognizing opportunity and starting WeSkreech [11:06] Navigating fear and taking daily action [13:19] The inspiration behind WeSkreech and the startup journey [18:07] Highs, lows, and lessons from building a business [20:37] Stepping into a new identity as a founder [23:53] Advice for women who feel it's "too late" to start [26:47] Defining her "more" and evolving identity Meet my guest, Shana Moore: Website:https://weskreech.com [https://weskreech.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weskreech/ [https://www.instagram.com/weskreech/] Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com [http://momtomore.com/] Want to interview Sharon? Connect here. [https://www.momtomore.com/contact] Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here. [https://calendly.com/sharon-momtomore] Follow @momtomore on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtomore/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mom-To-MORE-61553795954293/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/momtomore/] and Substack [https://substack.com/@momtomore/posts]. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-macey/]. Keep an eye out for episode #62 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Susan De Marco, the woman who went from SAHM to CEO of Brand K Partners. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥ GGQ17o8r0e8YwaUthlAX

Redefining Success: Samantha Yanks on Motherhood, Media & Reinvention

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes media strategist, founder, and editorial leader Samantha Yanks. With over 25 years in media including Vogue, Gotham and Hamptons magazines, she now leads Samantha Yanks Creative, co-founded The Connecticut Edit, and is editor-in-chief of Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine. In this conversation, Samantha shares how she's navigated motherhood and career without chasing balance, instead building a life rooted in presence, support, and strong family values. She also opens up about stepping away during COVID to support her daughter and how that season led to creating something meaningful together. Tune in for a candid conversation about non-linear careers, motherhood and leadership, resilience through change, and redefining success in different seasons of life. [00:00] Introduction [02:48] Samantha's career journey and life in media [04:05] Rethinking work-life balance as a mom [06:44] Growing up with a working mom and generational influence [09:02] Creating a family mission statement and shared values [15:36] What motherhood gives that a career never could [17:53] Modeling emotional regulation and boundaries for kids [21:22] Stepping away from corporate life during COVID [24:19] Building The Connecticut Edit with her daughter [27:51] Returning to media and leading local publications [34:31] Philanthropy and involvement with Near & Far Aid [38:21] Samantha's vision for her "more" and what's next Meet my guest, Samantha Yanks: Instagram: Samantha Yanks: https://www.instagram.com/samanthayanks [https://www.instagram.com/samanthayanks] The Connecticut Edit: https://www.instagram.com/theconnecticutedit/ [https://www.instagram.com/theconnecticutedit/] Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/westportmagazine/ [https://www.instagram.com/westportmagazine/] Samantha Yanks Creative: https://www.samanthayanks.com/ [https://www.samanthayanks.com/] The Connecticut Edit website: https://www.theconnecticutedit.com [https://www.theconnecticutedit.com] Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine/Moffly Media https://mofflylifestylemedia.com/publications/westport/ [https://mofflylifestylemedia.com/publications/westport/] Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com [http://momtomore.com] Want to interview Sharon? Connect here. [https://www.momtomore.com/contact] Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here. [https://calendly.com/sharon-momtomore] Follow @momtomore on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtomore/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mom-To-MORE-61553795954293/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/momtomore/] and Substack [https://substack.com/@momtomore/posts]. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-macey/]. Keep an eye out for episode #61 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Shana Moore, Founder of Weskreech, sonic defense personal safety alarms. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

Mom With a Mic: Dorothy Cascerceri Simone on Infertility, Courage, and Reclaiming Her Voice

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes media personality, podcast host, and storyteller Dorothy Cascerceri Simone, the voice behind That Greenwich Life. Dorothy has worn many professional hats including celebrity journalist, television host, producer, live event emcee, luxury travel writer, and now podcast host and auctioneer. In this honest conversation, Dorothy shares how motherhood reshaped her ambition and led her to create an intentional hybrid mom life, designing her work around her children while still pursuing creative opportunities that energize her. She also opens up about her infertility journey, including multiple miscarriages and a late stage pregnancy loss. Tune in for a candid conversation about resilience, reinvention, vulnerability, and redefining success in motherhood and career. [00:00] Introduction [02:14] Dorothy's "intentional hybrid mom" approach to work and motherhood [05:05] Why motherhood came at the perfect time in her career [09:18] Finding her voice through podcasting [14:35] Her infertility journey and late-stage pregnancy loss [18:02] Breaking the silence around miscarriage and infertility [22:23] Lessons learned from hardship and healing [25:05] Launching That Greenwich Life and hosting live events [29:13] Discovering an unexpected talent as a live auctioneer [32:05] The mom skills that translate into career success [35:10] Celebrity interviews, boundaries, and motherhood lessons [37:46] Advice for women doubting their next chapter [42:23] Dorothy's vision for her "more" Meet my guest, Dorothy Cascerceri Simone: Website https://www.dorothyontv.com [https://www.dorothyontv.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorothyontv [https://www.instagram.com/dorothyontv] Podcast That Greenwich Life [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-greenwich-life/id1749317292] Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com [http://momtomore.com] Want to interview Sharon? Connect here. [https://www.momtomore.com/contact] Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here. [https://calendly.com/sharon-momtomore] Follow @momtomore on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtomore/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Mom-To-MORE-61553795954293/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/momtomore/] and Substack [https://substack.com/@momtomore/posts]. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-macey/]. Keep an eye out for episode #60 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Samantha Yanks, Editor in Chief of Westport, Weston & Wilton magazine and cofounder of The Connecticut Edit. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥