Parenthood Bytes

In this episode, we speak with Monique van den Berg, Head of Online Community & Community Management at Atlassian. Monique shares her unique journey into tech, highlighting her intentional approach to weekly planning and the importance of taking vacations even if you aren't planning to physically go anywhere. As a mother to a 13-year-old daughter, she emphasizes the value of validating teen emotions while encouraging them with her belief in their potential. Tune in for insights on career transitions, work-life balance, and parenting.

In this episode, we hear from Rahul Deshmukh, a seasoned marketing executive based in the Bay Area. Rahul shares his insights on the dual challenges of raising two children, aged 20 and 16, while navigating a demanding career in the tech industry. He discusses the unique dynamics of balancing work and family life, especially highlighting his experiences and difficulties during the pandemic. Rahul's story offers a perspective on managing career aspirations alongside parental responsibilities.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Guillory, a devoted father and Project Manager at Modo Health. He talks about his journey and insights on navigating career shifts and parenting as a single dad.

Chris opens up about his transition from the financial tech sector to medical tech, offering valuable perspectives on adapting to new industries within the tech realm. As a single parent to two boys, aged 18 and 13, he candidly shares his strategies for balancing the demands of work and family life.

One of the key themes Chris discusses is the importance of being present both at work and at home. He emphasizes that while professional roles may be replaceable, the moments and connections with loved ones are irreplaceable.

In this episode, we talk to Dave White, who was formerly the Head of Product Operations and is currently an Operator and Investor as well as an advisor in Product Management in the Bay Area. He In this episode, we talk to Dave White, who was formerly the Head of Product Operations and is currently an Operator and Investor as well as an advisor in Product Management in the Bay Area.

Dave shares insights from his personal life, focusing on the challenges of raising children when both parents have demanding careers. He discusses the importance of balancing responsibilities and managing time effectively, suggesting that parents should find time to exercise as a means of relaxation. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of investing in a 529 plan for children's education. Dave highlights that one of the most significant and challenging aspects of parenting is to help kids be themselves and grow up in the way that's best for their makeup.

In this episode, we sit down with Ebenezer Anjorin, a Product Manager at Google, who shares his experiences balancing a demanding career with family life. With a son turning three and another baby on the way (at the time of the recording), he discusses the boundaries he had to establish upon becoming a parent, his strategies for maintaining these boundaries, and how he manages the daily juggle of work and family responsibilities.

Ebenezer candidly explains that while balancing these aspects of life isn't easy, you eventually figure out a rhythm. He emphasizes that though it's a lot of hard work, the rewards are immense, providing a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Tune in to hear his story!

In this episode, we sit down with David Spark, co-host, producer, and managing editor of the CISO Series, a media network for cybersecurity professionals. David, who lives in Southern California, has two children, ages 10 and 13, shares his insights on managing his own business while raising a family.

David discusses the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life and how he prioritizes family time with intentionality. He offers his top tip for parents: take a daily video of your children. This practice creates cherished memories and provides a meaningful gift for them as they grow older.

For more on the CISO Series, visit cisoseries.com. To learn about VidCon, happening on June 26-29, 2024, in Anaheim, CA, visit vidcon.com.

In this episode, we chat with Vera Mehta, the Senior Director of Software Engineering at ClearScore in the UK. Vera, who is a dedicated mother to a 14-month-old son, opens up about her journey navigating the professional landscape while pregnant. She candidly discusses the ongoing struggles she faces, including the delicate task of disclosing her pregnancy to prospective employers and the importance of feeling valued in the workplace.

Vera sheds light on the nuances of parental leave policies in the UK, offering valuable perspectives on how companies can better support their employees during this crucial time. She also shares the personal challenges of re-entering the workforce after parental leave and the perpetual juggle of adapting to accommodate a growing child.

Through Vera's honest reflections, listeners gain valuable insights into the intricacies of balancing a thriving career with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how Vera successfully manages the demands of both worlds.

In this episode, we chat with Berkley Hinton, a Product Manager based in the Bay Area. Despite managing a dynamic household that includes his 9-year-old daughter, step-daughters aged 13 and 22, and being a step-grandfather to a 6-month-old boy, Berkley adeptly balances his responsibilities.

He discusses the intricacies of juggling parenting duties, caring for his 86-year-old mother, raising three kids + a grandson, writing a book, and excelling in his role as a Product Manager. Berkley emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in the workplace, advocating for work-life balance, and prioritizing quality time with his partner amidst his busy schedule.

Encouraging parents to embrace the journey of parenthood, Berkley suggests taking the leap into parenthood if it's on your mind. He also offers advice to men, urging them to be more supportive partners and recognize the magnitude of the challenges faced by their significant others, emphasizing that it's often much tougher than they may perceive.

You can purchase Berkley's book, Burning World, on Amazon. (If the page shows as it is out of stock, they will publish on demand, so you can still purchase it.)

In this episode, we chat with Mike Cvet, a Distinguished Engineer residing in the Bay Area. Mike has five kids: ages 11, 9, 7, and 4 (twins). He offers candid insights into managing a large family and discusses the challenges and rewards of raising children of different ages. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks that bring genuine value at work, rather than attempting to do everything. At home, Mike stresses the significance of being present for his children and spending quality one-on-one time with each of them. Offering practical advice, he suggests that parents take their parental leave in one extended period, facilitating a smoother transition for themselves and their coworkers.

In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Mallika Rao, an engineering manager at Netflix residing in the Bay Area. Mallika, who is currently expecting her second child (with a 22-month-old son already), provides insights into her transition from an individual contributor (IC) to an engineering manager (EM). She discusses how her professional journey has been influenced by the arrival of her first child and how she has adjusted her priorities and focus accordingly.

Mallika emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability, noting that parenthood has prompted her to reevaluate and reorganize her approach to work and life. She candidly shares the challenges she faces in balancing her career aspirations with her growing family responsibilities, acknowledging that this balance is a continuous work in progress.

One of Mallika's key messages is the importance of self-care and making time for oneself amidst the demands of both work and family life. She encourages listeners to recognize that it's okay for priorities to shift and evolve, especially with the arrival of children, and to be gentle with themselves during this process.