The Power Pause: Redefining Ambition in Motherhood with Neha Ruch

When Neha Ruch left her high-powered career to become a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t see it as stepping back—she saw it as stepping into something deeper. In this episode, Neha, founder of The Power Pause and author of the book by the same name, shares how embracing a career pause led her to a more grounded, intentional version of ambition. She talks candidly about identity shifts in motherhood, the surprising ways her family has grown from her presence at home, and how we can all challenge hustle culture in favor of something more meaningful. This is a conversation for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful in-between of motherhood and self. As Neha says, "it doesn't have to be an identity crisis, it can be an identity evolution".  5:00 Choosing to leave a career in the height of the girl boss era.  8:07 Look at the vast gray area between full-time working or full-time staying at home.  11:30 What language you can use to convey that you are spending your time with your kids instead of "stay at home mom".  23:30 Goals dignify time. A career pause is not a life pause.  26:45 The importance of personal development while parenting.  29:40 A woman's career is a long game.  33:43 "I resist the culturally induced urge to dream bigger. What if this is my big dream?" Follow Chatbooks Follow Vanessa  Follow Neha