Julie Main

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Julie, a former hospital pharmacist and first-time mom, as she shares the unfiltered reality of her journey into motherhood. From the challenges of pregnancy—including debilitating migraines and unexpected physical struggles—to the emotional weight of postpartum anxiety and mom guilt, Julie opens up about the mental and physical toll of becoming a parent. She also dives into the differences between maternity leave in Canada vs. the U.S., her struggles with sleep deprivation, and the surprising joys that have made it all worthwhile. Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or just curious about the raw truth behind early motherhood, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

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

Before having my baby, I worked as a hospital pharmacist—and I’m Canadian!

What do you wish you knew before having kids? 

I wish I had known just how physically and emotionally exhausting it would be to be a mom 24/7. I never realized how mentally "on" I would need to be at all times, and how overwhelming the thoughts and emotions could be.

What advice do you give your expectant friends? 

If your pregnancy is harder than you expected, if you feel absolutely drained or miserable, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. Every pregnancy is different, and just because some women seem to breeze through it doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for struggling. Take it one day at a time and give yourself grace.

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

The overwhelming amount of thoughts and emotions—always being mentally on 24/7, the constant exhaustion, and the guilt that seems to come with every decision. It’s an intense mental and physical journey.

What has brought you unexpected joy throughout this experience? 

The way my daughter looks at me with unconditional love and joy. Her smiles, her little moments of interaction—those tiny things make all the hard parts worth it.

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

Motherhood is the most exhausting, overwhelming, and mentally consuming thing I’ve ever experienced—but somehow, it’s also the most beautiful and fulfilling.