The Work-Life Equation
The Work-Life Equation presented by Bright Horizons, features candid conversations, stories, and strategies from corporate leaders, public figures and everyday people who are putting the pieces together to make life work. Laugh with them, cry with them, and find emotional support as they navigate this new reality together.
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Break Free From the Ladder: Forging Non-Linear Career Paths
04/23/2024
Break Free From the Ladder: Forging Non-Linear Career Paths
In this insightful episode, leadership expert and author Jenna Fisher shares her inspiring journey and hard-won wisdom from over 20 years of helping women navigate the corporate ranks. Drawing from her bestselling book To the Top, Jenna provides a practical playbook for creating meaningful change and closing the gender gap in executive roles. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the power of sponsorship, redefining career paths as a "web" rather than a ladder, and how the leadership traits once considered "feminine" are now indispensable in today’s workforce. Jenna also offers candid advice on work-life balance, supporting parents through equitable leave policies, harnessing age diversity, and empowering the next generation to maximize their potential.
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When to ‘Sway’: Practical Tips for Working Parents
04/09/2024
When to ‘Sway’: Practical Tips for Working Parents
Pulitzer-prize winning Wall Street Journal reporter and author Joann Lublin shares invaluable wisdom from her books Power Moms and Earning It which detail how executive mothers can thrive at the highest levels while navigating work and family. Lublin reveals eye-opening findings from her interviews with more than 100 trailblazing leaders across generations, including powerful strategies they used to overcome bias, find work-life sway, and pay it forward to uplift other women. With candid storytelling and practical advice, Joann shows how embracing mentorship and choosing the right workplace enables ambitious moms to redefine success on their own terms.
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Turning Talk into Action for Gender Equality
03/26/2024
Turning Talk into Action for Gender Equality
David Smith, a former Navy pilot who is now an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, shares eye-opening insights on achieving gender equity in the workplace and at home. Drawing from his own experiences in the male-dominated Naval Academy and military, as well as his extensive research with co-author Brad Johnson, David dives deep into the systematic biases and everyday actions that hold women back professionally. He provides powerful strategies for leaders to build more inclusive cultures through true allyship. With candid personal anecdotes about raising his son and daughter, he offers inspiring advice for dads on prioritizing family alongside work success.
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Work, Life, Family: Defining the Parenting Village
03/12/2024
Work, Life, Family: Defining the Parenting Village
Dr. Dana Suskind, a trailblazing surgeon, and researcher, has built a career on the profound impact that parent-child interactions have on children’s brains. Drawing from cutting-edge science and her own inspirational life story, Dr. Suskind shares practical strategies that any parent or caregiver can use to massively boost a child's cognitive development and lifelong potential. You'll learn why societies that support parents end up with smarter, healthier, more successful children - and what employers and policymakers can do to prioritize early childhood. Whether you're a new parent or you work with families, this is an eye-opening look at how talking, reading, and engaging with young kids can quite literally shape their minds for the future. Don't miss this opportunity to become a "brain architect!”
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How One Leader’s Personal Planning Created Workplace Change
02/27/2024
How One Leader’s Personal Planning Created Workplace Change
David Newson, founder of XNW Digital, is a seasoned professional who brings a unique perspective to the discussion of work-life integration and mindful leadership. With a successful career in marketing and a genuine commitment to striking a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment, David's insights into intentional time management and navigating the challenges of parenthood and leadership are sure to resonate with working parents and leaders seeking improved work-life integration. His personal journey and experiences offer valuable wisdom and practical strategies for finding harmony between professional and personal responsibilities.
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Ep. 11: Roger Brown and Linda Mason, Co-founders of Bright Horizons
07/25/2023
Ep. 11: Roger Brown and Linda Mason, Co-founders of Bright Horizons
In this episode of The Work Life Equation podcast, co-founders Roger Brown and Linda Mason share the story of their incredible journey that inspired them to start Bright Horizons and revolutionize the child care industry. They also talk about their hopes for the future of early childhood education, especially for those in one of the most important roles: our teachers.
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Ep. 10: Lars Minns, Chief HR Officer, Mercedes-Benz, North America
07/11/2023
Ep. 10: Lars Minns, Chief HR Officer, Mercedes-Benz, North America
Do you want your employees to be happier and more productive? Are you looking for a solution to improve their work-life balance? Look no further. Join Christine Michel Carter, Priya Krishnan, and Lars Minns, CHRO of Mercedes-Benz, North America, we discuss the key to achieving greater employee well-being and satisfaction. By implementing effective strategies, you can create a workplace environment that prioritizes the mental and physical health of your team. This will result in increased job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and a more engaged and motivated workforce. Let's work together to create a workplace culture that supports and values employee well-being.
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Ep. 9: Ariel Foxman, Writer & VP, Brand and Experience
06/27/2023
Ep. 9: Ariel Foxman, Writer & VP, Brand and Experience
Does this sound familiar? You want to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families, but you're not quite sure how. You may have been told to simply ignore differences and treat everyone the same, but that approach hasn't yielded the results you hoped for. The truth is, ignoring diversity can actually lead to feelings of exclusion and disrespect. You may be feeling frustrated and uncertain about how to move forward. But don't worry - in this episode with our featured guest, Ariel Foxman, we'll explore the importance of respecting and celebrating diverse family structures and traditions. You'll gain valuable insights and practical tips to create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
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Ep. 8: Swin Cash, Vice President of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Pelicans
06/13/2023
Ep. 8: Swin Cash, Vice President of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Pelicans
Do you want to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and become a game-changer in your male-dominated industry? Do you want to see diversity and gender equality thrive within your workplace? If so, we have the solution for you. Join Christine and Priya on this week's episode of The Work-Life Equation as they speak with Swin Cash, an empowering leader, speaker, and advocate. She shares how you can achieve the ultimate goal: to become an unstoppable force and achieve gender parity in your industry. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools and strategies to take your career to the next level.
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Ep. 7: Ann Shoket, CEO, The Li.st and Founder, New Power Media
05/30/2023
Ep. 7: Ann Shoket, CEO, The Li.st and Founder, New Power Media
Ann Shoket, founder of New Power Media and CEO of The Li.st, shares her inspiring journey of reinventing her career as an author and entrepreneur after her memorable career as Editor-in-Chief at Seventeen Magazine. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the value of a solid support network for women in their workplace journey. Tackle the issue of loneliness that often plagues women pursuing professional development. Discover fresh approaches to re-envisioning power dynamics and success for women. Harness the strength of your existing relationships to expand your professional network. Promote a culture of cooperation to establish a fairer and more inclusive workplace.
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Ep. 6: Minda Harts, Workplace & Equity Consultant, Best-selling Author
05/17/2023
Ep. 6: Minda Harts, Workplace & Equity Consultant, Best-selling Author
In this episode of The Work-Life Equation, Minda Harts shares her experience as a black woman in the corporate workplace and how she founded The Memo to help women of color advocate for themselves. The conversation digs deeper into workplace trauma, diversity initiatives, and the impact of the pandemic on women of color. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that will leave you wanting more answers. Minda Harts is a renowned author, entrepreneur, and diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. With a passion for empowering women of color in the corporate world, Minda has dedicated her career to addressing workplace trauma and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable environment. Her insightful book, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, has become a must-read for those navigating the challenges of the professional world. As the CEO of The Memo LLC, a career development company, Minda also offers guidance and support for women of color looking to excel in their careers.
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Ep. 5: Eve Rodsky, Author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space
05/02/2023
Ep. 5: Eve Rodsky, Author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space
Eve Rodsky was determined to lighten the unfair burden of domestic labor placed on women, but she never expected blueberries would be the catalyst of her movement. In this episode, you will: Discover the significance of fair and equal distribution of domestic labor, while fostering harmony within relationships Unravel the role of effective communication in breaking down gender roles and expectations Learn how to continuously reassess and adapt to maintain equilibrium between work and personal life Acknowledge the impact and necessity of self-care, mental wellness, and personal identity cultivation in nurturing fulfilling relationships. Eve Rodsky is a game-changing author and thought leader in the world of domestic labor and partnership equity. With her revolutionary book "Fair Play", she has helped countless women and families navigate the often-chaotic waters of household responsibilities. Eve's expertise in this area stems from her own personal experiences, as well as her extensive research on the topic. She's a sought-after speaker and consultant, offering insights and strategies that empower women and create more balanced partnerships. With a relatable and engaging personality, Eve Rodsky is the perfect guest for this conversation on achieving “Fair Play”.
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Ep 4: Paul Sullivan, Founder of the Company of Dads
04/18/2023
Ep 4: Paul Sullivan, Founder of the Company of Dads
Paul Sullivan, a former New York Times columnist, embarked on a quest to build the leading platform for Lead Dads, challenging the traditional notion of what defines being a father and parent. In this episode, you will learn how to: Embrace fatherhood by breaking free from traditional gender roles Discover balance in juggling work and caregiving tasks to become a modern dad Redefine success in parenting through a new lens of work-life integration Enhance your communication, teamwork, and self-care strategies for more purposeful parenting Paul is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads. Its mission is to help Lead Dads feel less isolated and more confident that they have made the correct choice to take on the bulk of the parenting and family duties - or at the very least not embrace stereotypes around who does what at home. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It’s a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized. Before starting The Company of Dads in 2021, Paul wrote the Wealth Matters column in The New York Times for 13 years. He also created the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine.
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Ep 3: Alanah Odoms, Executive Director, ACLU of Louisiana
04/04/2023
Ep 3: Alanah Odoms, Executive Director, ACLU of Louisiana
"Lead with grace, dignity and compassion and empower the next generation to light the path for a brighter future." Alanah Odoms is the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Louisiana in its 65 year history. She is a civil rights leader, professional and spiritual support to countless activists, and a single mother to her daughter, Elan. She taught her daughter to embrace her unique identity and to not be weighed down by the expectations of the world. Alanah believes in creating a pipeline of leadership for women, black people, and other marginalized individuals. She encourages her daughter to use her privilege to help others, and to use her light to light up the candles of others. In this episode, you will learn the following: How can we use our resources to affect positive change in the world? How can we create a world that our children can inherit that respects their identities? How can we practice conscious leadership and empower our children to become the next generation of leaders?
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Ep. 2: Deborah Cox, Grammy-Nominated Singer, Actress & Broadway Star
03/22/2023
Ep. 2: Deborah Cox, Grammy-Nominated Singer, Actress & Broadway Star
Deborah Cox, a resilient mother of three, fearlessly jumps between the lily pads of opportunity to balance her own ambitions with her personal life as a mother and wife, despite the obstacles of a pandemic and the unexpected “no's" of life. You will learn: How have Deborah Cox and her family managed to create a balance between their values, principles, and professional lives? How did Deborah Cox learn to embrace failure and use it as a source of motivation? Deborah Cox is an award winning recording artist and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee. She is a trailblazing international icon with a nearly three decade long career, and a dedicated mother of three who is committed to fighting back against marginalization and inequity.
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Ep. 1: Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo
03/07/2023
Ep. 1: Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo
After winning the lottery of life with a supportive family, Indra Nooyi, a trailblazing woman, must juggle her responsibilities as a mother and CEO while navigating the conflicting demands of power and humility. You will learn: How can working parents balance work and family responsibilities? What strategies can be used to ensure success and overcome prejudices? How can companies embrace and deploy the best talent from a diverse pool? Indra Nooyi is an award-winning business leader, New York Times bestselling author, and the first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company. She is consistently ranked one of the world's 100 most powerful women.
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Ep. 40: How COVID-19 Shifted the Work-Life Equation
04/02/2020
Ep. 40: How COVID-19 Shifted the Work-Life Equation
It seems like forever ago: working parents dropping the kids at child care and then heading to work. Today those same parents ARE child care — and they’re still going to work, just in the home office. We asked about strategies, trial and error, and generally, how it’s going. Here’s what parents told us.
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Ep. 39: Parenting through Uncertainty (A Teach. Play. Love. Episode)
03/13/2020
Ep. 39: Parenting through Uncertainty (A Teach. Play. Love. Episode)
World events shake all of us — parents and children alike. So how do you answer when your child asks, “Are we going to be okay?” On this bonus episode, we feature an important discussion from our podcast, “Teach. Play. Love.” Bright Horizons early childhood education expert Rachel Robertson gives concrete advice on all of it — supporting your child through difficult times, giving calm, simple reassurances to tough questions, and using play time to help process and express feelings.
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Ep. 38: Things Haven’t Changed for Working Parents
03/13/2020
Ep. 38: Things Haven’t Changed for Working Parents
In 2014, the first Bright Horizons Modern Family Index surveyed mothers and fathers about working and parenting. They said it was hard. This year we asked again, and guess what? It’s even harder. On this episode, Bright Horizons VP Jennifer Vena breaks down the key highlights and shares stories from working parents in the trenches — and the extremes parents are going to make work and family fit.
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Ep. 37: VP Moms REPLAY
02/14/2020
Ep. 37: VP Moms REPLAY
Four of our awesome Bright Horizons vice presidents talk very candidly about being working mothers and having high-powered careers. Listen again to this episode, as they reveal what’s worked for them, what hasn’t, and what they had to let go of to build the careers and the families they wanted.
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Ep. 36: Parenting Success in 2020
01/15/2020
Ep. 36: Parenting Success in 2020
What’s your most recent parenting success story? We asked, and parents told us about theirs — the big and little wins that made them break out in happy dances. Plus, our resident editor of our parenting blog, The Family Room, gave us the lowdown on what parents talked about in the last 12 months, trends for 2020, and why this should be the year to show yourself more love for the great job you do every day.
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Ep. 35: Making the Holidays More Meaningful
12/19/2019
Ep. 35: Making the Holidays More Meaningful
Holiday stress is no joke. When it seems like everyone’s in a perpetual rush to the next moment, how can you and your family just enjoy where you are? And what can you do to make the holidays more meaningful? We asked two of Bright Horizons’ own early childhood experts, Debbie Hoppy and Melanie Brooks. Listen to this episode to find out how to press pause, be present, and focus on what feels right.
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Ep. 34: Let's Talk Baby Blues
11/15/2019
Ep. 34: Let's Talk Baby Blues
We all start with the idealized image of parenting. Then comes the first night of crying (yours and the baby’s), and you wonder if you were cut out for this at all. On this episode, mother/daughter parenting pros Marti and Erin Erickson get real about new motherhood; the elation, the blues, being good to yourself, and why we all should be OK with asking for help (even from work) when we need it.
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Ep. 33: Easy School Lunch Ideas for Kids
10/08/2019
Ep. 33: Easy School Lunch Ideas for Kids
Dread making school lunches? You’ve got lots of company. A study (really!) says it’s a parent’s most dreaded task. Why no love for lunch? And what can we do to restore the love — and get your kids to eat what you pack? Listen as the Scramble’s Jessica Braider talks strategies for lunches you (and your kids) will love.
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REPLAY: Summer's Over! Back to School
08/30/2019
REPLAY: Summer's Over! Back to School
Did you celebrate the return of the school bus, or did you dread it? We asked Christine Koh, one of our favorite guests, host of the award-winning podcast, “Edit Your Life.” Listen to this episode to get tried-and-true tips straight from the host and guest extraordinaire for the new school year, including how to delegate family tasks (hint: kids can help, too!), ways to avoid overload, and why it’s ok to say “no” to volunteer gigs, guilt free. Just in time for September, we’re revisiting our con
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Ep. 32: How Parents Use Back-Up Care at Home
08/08/2019
Ep. 32: How Parents Use Back-Up Care at Home
Nanny canceled on the day of a big meeting? Call in the reserves! That’s the principal behind back-up care: click or call (even at the last minute) and a nanny will be sent right to your door. How does it work, and how do you get it? Tune in for our expert primer on the basics of back-up care, and how it can save your workday.
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Ep. 31: The Child Care Location Equation
07/08/2019
Ep. 31: The Child Care Location Equation
In child care, as in real estate, it’s location, location, location. But is the right center for you near home or work? That’s the question! If you need help deciding, this episode — featuring two Bright Horizons moms, one ace child care consultant, and a checklist of details to consider — is for you.
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Ep. 30: Pumping Strategies for Work That Work
06/04/2019
Ep. 30: Pumping Strategies for Work That Work
The pumping, the storage, the oddly personal conversations with co-workers...can nursing and working ever feel comfortable? Karen Rubin, work-life coach and consultant with Life Meets Work, answers questions from expectant moms on breastfeeding at work — including laws, accommodations, and why nursing means never having to say, “I’m sorry I have to go pump.”
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Ep. 29: The Truth About Varsity Blues
05/08/2019
Ep. 29: The Truth About Varsity Blues
Cheating...bribery...athletic scholarships for sports never played—how did admissions get so wacky? Fresh from her morning-show tour, Bright Horizons educational counseling vice president, and former admissions officer, Elizabeth Heaton stopped by to give us the lowdown on admissions, why we shouldn’t worry, and the legal way to help your child land a great school (hint: no bribery required).
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Ep. 28: (Rewind) Secrets of Successful Working Parents
04/05/2019
Ep. 28: (Rewind) Secrets of Successful Working Parents
Not long ago, we talked to author and consultant Jodi Detjen about what it will take get women’s careers out of the second-rate zone — and give men equal cred as parents. After our episode on the Motherhood Penalty, her advice seems more relevant than ever. Listen as we revisit what Jodi had to say about upending the status quo, and why it will take men, women, (and employers) to make it happen.
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