Episode 20

Guest Overview

Chandra Sanders is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in tech, startups, and social impact. As a 44-year-old single mom of three children spanning vastly different age ranges—Hayleigh (21), Chloe (14), and Zander (7)—Chandra brings a unique perspective on resilience, parenting, and professional growth. Currently based in Austin, Texas, Chandra is the Chief Evangelist at RightMatch AI, where she champions AI-powered solutions for talent acquisition. Her bold move from Louisiana to Silicon Valley transformed her life, tripling her salary and launching her into leadership roles in tech. She’s also the founder of Heels N Hustle LLC and author of The Essential Upgrade: A Journey of Purpose, Pivots, and Power.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Chandra Sanders shares her inspiring journey of resilience and growth as a single mom and tech industry leader. From packing her bags and moving cross-country with her children to tripling her salary and breaking into Silicon Valley, Chandra reveals the strategies and mindset shifts that have empowered her success. She discusses balancing her demanding career with motherhood, the importance of flexibility in parenting and work, and how she cultivates joy and growth in her family and professional life. Chandra’s story is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and following your intuition.

Fun Fact

Chandra once landed her first Silicon Valley tech job through a Craigslist ad and moved her family cross-country within two weeks!

What do you wish you knew before having kids? 

“That it’s okay to trust your intuition. Parenting isn’t about doing it all perfectly; it’s about doing what feels right for your family in the moment.”

What advice do you give your expectant friends? 

“Plan for your MVP—your Most Viable Product. Focus on the essential things your family needs to thrive and let go of the rest. Everything else can wait.”

What has been the most impactful part of your journey in parenthood? 

“Seeing how my kids grow into their own unique selves while cultivating resilience and compassion. Parenting has taught me the importance of creating an environment where they can thrive and embrace who they are.”

What has brought you unexpected joy throughout this experience? 

“The community we’ve built as a family. With each challenge, we’ve grown closer and found joy in the little moments—whether it’s a laugh during the chaos or watching my kids support one another.”

What is a sentence that sums up the most impactful part of your journey? 

“Parenting has taught me that resilience, adaptability, and trust in yourself are the keys to building a life of joy and purpose.”