The Work-Life Equation

In this eye-opening bonus episode, Donald Knight II, a seasoned HR leader and father, shares his journey of balancing parenthood and professional life. From his evolving perspective on parental leave to innovative approaches in supporting a multi-generational workforce, Donald offers valuable insights on creating inclusive work environments. He discusses the importance of allyship, the changing needs of Gen Z workers, and the critical skills leaders need in today's rapidly evolving workplace. Jo

Join Priya Krishnan and Paul Sullivan in a special bonus episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast. In this episode, they welcome Kanika Chadda-Gupta, host of That's Total Mom Sense, as she interviews Priya and Paul about their fascinating career paths, parenting journeys, and the impact of their roles. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation filled with personal anecdotes, career insights, and practical advice for parents striving to excel in their careers and personal lives.

In this illuminating episode of The Work-Life Equation podcast, hosts Paul Sullivan and Priya Krishnan welcome Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor James Heckman from the University of Chicago. Professor Heckman shares insights from his groundbreaking research on early childhood education and its long-term impacts on individuals and society. In this episode, Heckman explains the 'Heckman Equation,' which demonstrates the high return on investment for early childhood education programs. He dis

Chief Diversity Officer and author Mita Mallick gets candid about the myths and biases holding back working parents in today's workplaces. Drawing from her bestselling book Reimagine and years of leadership experience, Mita debunks the notion that extended maternity leave alone supports women, emphasizing the need to transform mindsets around involved fatherhood too. She shares powerful stories navigating the motherhood penalty in her own career after having children, from being asked who's watc

In this candid conversation, working moms Cassandra Williams and Aurore Joshi open up about the challenges and joys of navigating careers while juggling caregiving responsibilities. Cassandra, a first-generation college graduate and mother to a 2-year-old, shares her strategies for effective co-parenting and staying organized. Aurore provides a moving account of her 20-year journey as the sandwich generation caregiver – supporting her ailing single mother for 11 years, and then her father's decl

On this episode Priya and Paul are joined by Dr. Aditi Nerukar, a Harvard physician, nationally recognized stress expert, and author of the book Rewire Your Brain for Less Stress and More Joy. Dr. Nerukar shares invaluable insights from her years of expertise working with patients on managing stress and burnout. She debunks the myth of multitasking, explaining how our brains are wired for monotasking and provides actionable strategies like time blocking to boost productivity. She also offers emp

DeAnne Aussem, Managing Director and Wellbeing Leader at PwC, shares her inspiring journey as a female executive while navigating work, parenthood, and finding harmony across life's different spheres. DeAnne provides an inside look at PwC's pioneering Be Well, Work Well initiative launched in 2017 to prioritize employee wellness across six dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and social. DeAnne also opens up about her own experiences as a wife, mother of two, and a care

Dr. Ramon Jacobs-Shaw is redefining what it means to be a modern father and healthcare leader. From growing up in rural poverty to achieving dual board certifications in pediatrics and internal medicine at elite institutions, Ramon has been driven by a passion for serving underserved populations like his own Lumbee tribe. He opens up about his roles championing health equity as Chief Clinical Officer at Belong Health and being a visible dad modeling engaged fatherhood. Ramon provides an inside l

In this powerful episode, author Jessica Fein discusses her new memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes, which chronicles her family's journey caring for their daughter Dalia, who was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease at age 5. Jessica opens up about the range of emotions - fear, grief, guilt - that came with being a caregiver while also working full-time and raising her three children. She shares candid insights about navigating relationships, finding suppor

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 le

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 storyte

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 in