Permission, Perspective, and Moldy Bread: The Real Truth About Motherhood & Ambition with Vera Milan Gervais

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Laura sits down with the incredible Vera Milan Gervais—TEDx speaker, multi-time business founder, award-winning entrepreneur, and mom of two grown kids.

Together, they dive into the real and raw journey of building businesses while raising tiny humans, challenging expectations, and redefining what it means to be a woman, mother, and entrepreneur. Vera doesn’t hold back—she shares the highs, the struggles, and the deep inner work it takes to truly own who you are (labels and all).

Whether you're building your first business with toddlers underfoot or rediscovering yourself after years of motherhood, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and more empowered than ever.

In this episode:

00:00 – A warm welcome + meet today’s guest, Vera Milan Gervais

01:34 – Vera’s story: From growing up in Calgary to stepping onto the TEDx stage

02:53 – The accidental pregnancy that changed the course of her life—and career

04:34 – Starting five businesses with her husband while raising two toddlers

07:07 – What it really looked like to run a business with babies at home

08:18 – The double standard: how society views mothers vs. fathers in the workplace

10:06 – Why owning every part of yourself (even the messy parts) is key

12:20 – The power of labels—and how the way we define ourselves shapes everything

14:55 – Shifting the focus from achievement to alignment

16:08 – How giving yourself permission changes the game

18:41 – Vera’s approach to self-coaching through tough decisions

20:54 – Letting go of “good girl” programming and people-pleasing

22:19 – A heartfelt look at motherhood and what it really means

26:39 – The teeter-totter analogy that will totally shift how you view balance

28:05 – Final reflections: stop comparing, let go, and trust your own path

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no “right” way to do motherhood or business. Vera’s journey proves that you can write your own rules—and still succeed.
• Balance doesn’t mean equal. Think of life like a teeter-totter: it’s okay for things to shift, as long as you’re grounded in what matters most.
• The labels we wear matter. Challenge the ones that don’t serve you—and boldly claim the ones that do.
• Give yourself permission. Don’t wait for validation from someone else. You already have what it takes.
• You can be a mother and a leader, a nurturer and a rebel. Embracing all sides of yourself is not only allowed—it’s powerful.
• Let go of comparison. Your journey, your timing, your truth. That’s what leads to real fulfillment.

Vera's Links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vera_milan_gervais/

Website: https://www.veragervais.com/

The Wordz We Wear -

Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com

Laura's Links:
• Website
• Laura's Instagram
• LJSocial Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok