Flexibility doesn’t mean compromise; it can be the key to thriving at work and at home. Wendy Cocke shares how intentional strategies, clear communication, and self-trust unlock career growth without sacrificing family priorities.

About Wendy Cocke: As a working mother, Wendy Cocke defines success on her own terms. Early in her career, she successfully negotiated flexible work arrangements without slowing her advancement, ultimately authoring two best-selling books: Making Flex Work and Reimagine Your Work. With over 20 years of leading international technical teams in Fortune 500 R&D, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing, Wendy now runs Engineering Leadership Solutions, helping high-achieving technical professionals and organizations rethink how they work.

In this episode, Chabidaye and Wendy discuss:

• Redefining success through flexibility and intention
• Communicating value in clear business language
• Modeling leadership that normalizes healthy boundaries
• Strengthening both home and work through teamwork and trust

Key Takeaways:

• Career growth doesn’t require abandoning family priorities; flexible arrangements can open new paths forward. Trial periods offer a safe structure for organizations to experiment. Defining success on your own terms leads to healthier, sustainable choices.
• Requests for flexibility land stronger when framed around time, money, and resources rather than personal needs. Positioning proposals in business terms builds credibility and alignment. This approach increases support and drives mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Leaders who practice transparency about their flexible schedules create environments where balance is respected. Their example helps teams feel empowered to advocate for their own needs. Healthy leadership reshapes workplace expectations for everyone.
• Running the household as a shared team builds responsibility, confidence, and better habits. These dynamics reflect positively in workplace collaboration and mindset. Trusting yourself—and refusing to accept a “no” from someone who can’t give a “yes”—fuels confident advocacy.

"You know what is best for you, and you know what you are willing to do to make that happen. You are tough, and you will figure out the ways to be successful." —  Wendy Cocke

Connect with Wendy Cocke: 

Website: http://makingflexwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-anderson-cocke/

CONNECT WITH CHABIDAYE:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chabidaye.ramnath.3

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

Website: https://leadandlift.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chabidayejaglalramnath/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.