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Motherhood changes us – and not just in the ways we expect. For many women, the birth of a child leads to a profound reassessment of their priorities, their identity and their ambitions. It’s not that ambition goes away; it evolves into something new. And in a world where women are often forced to choose between work and family, this shift can often leave new mothers feeling confused, lonely, or even powerless.
But what if? Pause your career Focusing on family was not a setback, but a powerful, conscious step that will reshape your life and strengthen your future? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Neha Ruch, wants to show us.
In this episode of Chick ChatI sat down with Neha to talk about how we can redefine motherhood, ambition and success, especially for women who find themselves in the “gray area” between care and career.
Who is Neha Ruch?
Neha Ruch is a thought leader, author and speaker on the topics of women, identity and work. After a decade in brand strategy and an MBA from Stanford, she decided to pause her career after the birth of her second child and quickly realized how outdated the conversation about the role of stay-at-home mom still was.
She founded Mother Untitled, now renamed The break in powera movement and platform that supports modern women who view career breaks or slowdowns as a strategic, meaningful chapter in their lives. She has created a space for ambitious women who are pushing for a break, not an erasure, in their careers. Her work has sparked a cultural shift around caring, ambition and redefining success in parenting, and has resonated with hundreds of thousands of women.
her debut book, The power break: How to plan a career break after having kids – and come back stronger than everis the first guide of its kind to interpret this chapter as one full of meaning, growth, and long-term opportunity.
What we talked about
This conversation is full of insight, perspective shifts, and reassurance for moms who have ever felt like they were “losing themselves” when they step away from work, or were unsure about what’s next.
Here are some of the highlights from our discussion:
Why language around motherhood at home matters
Neha explains how many of us talk about career breaks, how our language influences our attitude towards it, and how changing the narrative is important and can be deeply empowering.
What ambition looks like in motherhood
Spoiler: It’s still there. Neha delves into the true definition of ambition and puts it into perspective for all of us.
The myth of “either/or” when it comes to care and career
Neha explains the “gray area” that so many modern mothers live in and why it deserves more visibility, voice and support.
Finding passion in a family-oriented chapter
Even in a physically and emotionally demanding season, Neha reveals how we can discover new strengths and creativity.
“Will I be able to come back?”
For moms worried that a career break could leave them losing credibility, Neha offers reassurance, strategy, and real-world examples from women who have come back stronger than ever.
How the workforce needs to develop
We talk about the changes needed in work culture to better support parents and why recognizing childcare time is good for families and companies.
You can make a change in your mindset today
Neha concludes with a powerful reminder: A break doesn’t erase your potential; it expands it.
Final thoughts
If you’ve ever doubted your worth during a period of slowing down or wondered how to maintain your ambition while still being there for your family, this episode is for you.
Neha Ruch rewrites the script and revolves around what it means to be a mother, a professional and a whole person. Her work gives voice to a growing movement of women choosing to take a break and reminds us all that there is power in every chapter.
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