S4E28 - Preparing For Maternity Leave: Leadership, Nesting, and Balancing Career Transitions

I am 34 weeks pregnant! Can you believe it?! 

During this episode, I’ll be sharing my strategies for transitioning out of work for six months, as well as the preparations I’m making at home for the arrival of my baby boy. 

We’ll be discussing the importance of effective delegation, how I’m setting up my team for success in my absence, as well as the leadership growth I’m envisioning when I get back. 

Transparently, I’ll also be sharing the emotional and mental preparations I’m making with the help of my doula and therapist to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Preparing for Maternity Leave: How to strategically delegate responsibilities and set your team up for success in your absence.
• Nesting and Home Preparation: My version of nesting at home as I get ready to welcome my baby boy.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: The importance of maintaining mental health during pregnancy and postpartum
• Balancing Career and Motherhood: A candid discussion on the changes I’m anticipating in my career as I step into motherhood

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction and Welcome

[01:05] Pregnancy Update: At 34 weeks pregnant, I talk about my excitement and the challenges of being in the final stages of pregnancy. 

[02:30] Preparing for Maternity Leave: My strategy for preparing to step away from work for six months, delegating responsibilities and ensuring my team is set up for success in my absence.

[08:00] Planning for Personal and Professional Growth: My vision for what I want to focus on when I return from maternity leave, including leadership development, race equity work, and deeper collaboration with other departments.

[13:30] Preparing the Home for Baby: Transitioning from work to home, I share what nesting means to me and how I’m preparing her home for the arrival of my baby.

[14:50] Support System and Mental Well-being: The critical role that my doula and therapist play in supporting my mental and emotional health as I prepare for childbirth and the postpartum period.

[16:00] Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episode Teaser: Wrapping up the episode by previewing the next episode, where we will discuss career transitions in HR leadership, particularly after significant life changes like having a baby.

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