Have you ever been told that work-life balance for women in STEM is a myth?
Do you want a meaningful science career and a rooted family life —but you worry that you’re “failing at both”?
Are you running low on time, energy, and sleep, trying to keep up with grant deadlines, conferences, and kids?
Do you wonder if negotiating career shifts, flexible jobs, STEM-adjacent roles, or maternity leave is proof you’re not a serious scientist?
Welcome to Science Careers for Moms — a TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST for women in STEM who want a career path where they can thrive in science without sacrificing their family or personal wellbeing.
Hi! I’m Anokhi Kapasi, a PhD researcher and mom of two boys. I created this show because I know what it is like to feel torn between being a serious scientist and a present mom —and to realize that “trying harder” is not a strategy.
This show is different because it integrates career and life planning strategies designed specifically for science-minded moms in a work culture that was not built for caregivers. Every episode blends interviews with other scientists who have been where you are and career planning deep-dives where you will learn the answer to questions like:
🎯 Are there decision-making frameworks to help me navigate pivots, return-to-work, academia vs. industry…or to even know what the “next right move” is?
🎯 How do I set career goals that allow me to stay ambitious, connect with my family, and feel like myself again?
🎯 Is work–life balance for working moms in STEM actually possible, and what does it look like in practice?
🎯 Can I stay in science & tech without burnout, guilt, or losing sight of myself?
STEM-trained moms, I’ll teach you how to make confident career decisions that align with your whole life —not just professional development.
🎧 FOLLOW this show and never choose between being a good mom or a good scientist again!
🗣️ GUEST INTEREST FORM: https://calendly.com/anokhi-solveformom/guests-on-solve-for-mom
📩 QUESTIONS: hello@solveformom.com
🌐 VISIT: www.SolveForMom.com for more resources & information
Episodes
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
You can build simple systems that free you from constant decision fatigue.
In today's episode, I show you how systems simplify, prioritize, and save time, resources, and mental energy for busy moms.
These five key benefits of well-designed systems create predictable success and help you reclaim your time and energy.
Every system you build is an opportunity to reduce overwhelm and create more space for what truly matters. Don't waste precious mental bandwidth on tasks that could be systemized and automated.
I also share what I call the most important mindset shift for ambitious moms: externalizing memory into systems rather than trying to keep everything in your head.
Today, I'm showing you how I transform chaos into clear playbooks (instead of drowning in overwhelm, which I did for years).
PLUS a simple prompt that helps you identify exactly where to start building systems. It's a practical starting point every overwhelmed mom needs.
In just 20 minutes, you can gain the clarity to start building systems that actually work.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:52): Got a burning question or topic idea❓Leave me a message
- (4:20): What systems really are and why they matter for busy moms
- (5:15): Benefit #1: How systems simplify complexity in daily life
- (7:31): Benefit #2: Systems offer a clear prioritization framework
- (8:06): Systems help you execute your life plan
- (9:32): Benefit #3: Systems save you time and speed up tasks
- (12:01): Benefit #4: Saving resources through batching and advance planning
- (12:41): Benefit #5: Reducing mental load by externalizing memory
- (16:15): Other added possibilities when you use systems in daily life
- (18:01): Practical homework to identify where to start using systems in your life today
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
⏮️ EP 79: Beyond Productivity: #1 Way to Not Always Be "On" as a Mom [Systems Explained Part 1]
>>> Feel like you’re juggling too many priorities without a clear direction? Reserve a free 30-minute call where we’ll pinpoint your toughest challenge, articulate your ideal future, and evaluate if my 1:1 coaching can bridge the gap. Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Let's Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Who Want to Make a Difference at Home & Work //
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Struggling to find even 5 minutes for yourself as a busy mom? Discover why planning your time is the key to creating more space in your schedule. These time management strategies will help you regain control of your day.
In this episode, I break down four proven ways planning actually SAVES TIME FOR BUSY MOMS instead of taking it away. If you're constantly overwhelmed, unable to catch up with your packed schedule, and struggling to fit everything in between family and work, this episode will transform how you think about time management.
You'll discover why setting aside just 15-30 minutes weekly for planning can create hours of time savings, reduce your mental load, and help you be more present with your family. These strategies work whether you're a working mom trying to balance career demands or a stay-at-home mom managing household responsibilities.
By the end of this episode, you'll have practical, actionable steps to create a planning system that fits your busy mom life and gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters to you.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser - Is finding time as a busy mom impossible?
- (2:24): Principle #1: The counterintuitive approach to time that works
- (4:50): Principle #2: How to multiply your time with planning
- (8:09): Principle #3: Planning time-saving automation
- (9:15): Principle #4: End the 2 AM worry spiral and enter mental peace
- (13:20): Recap and actionable steps to start planning with minimal time investment
Links Mentioned in Episode:
Interested in Life Planning? Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
📝 Free Template - Personal Code of Conduct
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
Let's Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
❓Questions? Leave me a message
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
// Optimize Daily Decisions By Aligning Your Time to Your Values //
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Struggling to make confident decisions without second-guessing yourself? Do you get overwhelmed by figuring out your options?
In this episode, I reveal why traditional pros and cons lists fall short for ambitious moms who want clarity in complex life choices. I'll show you how life planning can become your ultimate decision-making superpower!
This is a show about confident decision-making where I teach you how to align choices with your core values to eliminate decision fatigue and get meaningful results in your ambitious mom life.
If you're ready to stop flip-flopping on decisions and instead start making decisions with clarity and purpose, hit play and together we achieve your ambitious mom life!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:58): Why traditional pros & cons lists leave you second-guessing yourself
- (4:25): What confident decision-making actually looks like for high-achieving moms
- (5:02): The limitations of pros & cons lists that keep you stuck in indecision
- (6:51): How your life plan becomes your ultimate decision-making filter
- (12:03): Wrap-up
Links Mentioned in Episode:
❓Questions? Leave me a message
📞 Book your Free Exploratory call with Anokhi now!
⏮️ EP 60: At a Crossroads? The #1 Way to Make Decisions You'll Never Regret
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
📝 Free Template - Personal Code of Conduct
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
Let's Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
//Life Planning for Moms Who Want to Create Impact at Home and at Work //
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you're feeling out of touch or uncertain about your next professional step? If you’ve been a stay-at-home mom or had a career pause and now find yourself saying, "I've had time off from paid work and now I'm considering my options for going back," then you’ll want to hear today’s episode.
Many of us who have faced a major decision about going back to work have had to do so without much guidance. That’s why in today's episode, I share three powerful strategies to help you move forward with confidence so you can bridge the gap between your stay-at-home mom experience and your next career chapter. These practical power moves will transform your career pause into a strategic advantage, allowing you to create work that truly aligns with your life as a mom while showcasing all the valuable skills you've gained along the way.
This is a show about career planning after a pause that will help you reframe your SAHM experience into transferable skills, determine your ideal job parameters, and align your next professional role with your broader life vision.
If you're ready to find the perfect job that aligns with your mom life, hit play and together we can Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:18): Listener review
- (3:07): The career confidence gap many moms face after time away
- (8:49): Power Move #1: Identify your transferrable skills
- (12:49): Power Move #2: Select your job parameters
- (17:02): Power Move #3: Use your Life Plan to define your role
- (17:27): Create your Life Plan - 📞 Free Exploratory call
- (18:30): How to implement these strategies starting today
- (20:00): Recap
Links Mentioned in Episode:
🎯 Book your Free Exploratory call with Anokhi to create your custom life plan
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
📝 Free Template - Personal Code of Conduct
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
Let's Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
❓Questions? Leave me a message
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Who Want to Make a Difference //
Friday Jun 06, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
❓I’m collecting questions for a Q&A episode! Send me your questions or email me at hello@solveformom.com
Hello Ambitious Mama!
Do you ever feel like you're constantly juggling multiple roles - from chef to nurse to teacher to project manager? Are you looking for a smarter way to tackle the endless stream of daily challenges that come your way?
Often, we find ourselves overwhelmed by having to be everything to everyone at once. Or we are frustrated by putting out one fire, only to turn around and face another problem.
In today's episode, I share a powerful learning hack from my PhD research background that completely transformed how I approach daily mom challenges. This isn't just another productivity tip - it's a whole new way of thinking that will help you become more efficient and confident in handling whatever life throws your way.
If you’re ready to take the simple steps to become a more resourceful problem-solver, hit play and together we can Solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction
- (1:49): 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode.
- (2:04): The surprising story from my grad school days that sparked this approach
- (4:38): What interdisciplinary thinking is and why it's a game-changer for busy moms
- (5:46): Why interdisciplinary thinking is your secret weapon as a mom
- (9:58): Simple steps to become a more resourceful problem-solver in daily mom life
- (14:15): Recap
- (16:34): 🟦 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
Free Resources:
💌 SFM Insider Newsletter with tips, tools, insights
📝 Life Planning Quiz
📲 Book an Book a Complimentary Exploratory Call
Let’s Connect!
🤩 Leave me a rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
// Create impact at home and work by aligning your time with your values //
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Hello Amazing Mama!
Do you keep saying "someday" to your dreams? Are you putting your personal goals on the back burner while helping everyone else with theirs? If you're tired of waiting for the "perfect moment" that never seems to come, you’ll want to listen in on today’s mini-episode!
Since "someday" isn't a real date on your calendar, I share why planning for a vague “later” can only get you so far and how it's actually stealing from your identity. I drop some truth bombs about the real reasons we procrastinate on our personal goals. I also provide practical strategies to take action without waiting to feel “ready.”
If you’re ready to transform those dreams into reality, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction and exciting news about our new Friday mini-episodes
- (1:54): Understanding why we put our dreams on hold
- (2:26): Why the "one day" strategy doesn't work
- (2:37): 1. Overwhelm
- (3:06): 2. Perfectionism
- (3:53): 3. Fear & uncertainty
- (4:17): 4. Imposter syndrome
- (4:32): Sign-up for the free newsletter
- (4:50): 5. Procrastination
- (5:21): How to take action without waiting to feel "ready"
- (9:05): 🎯 Strategy sessions with Anokhi (start with a free exploratory call)
Resources Mentioned:
📞 Complimentary Exploratory Call
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Work-life balance for ambitious moms through purposeful planning //
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you growing a business while trying to create meaningful time with your young family? Do you feel overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and unexpected interruptions in your day? You will not want to miss this special life coaching episode!
I follow one working mom's journey from feeling overwhelmed to creating an intentional life plan. You'll discover how Lindsey, a successful business owner and mom of a toddler, transformed from constantly playing catch-up to having crystal-clear direction. We talk about why creating systems isn’t enough without first defining your core values and vision, and the importance of making intentional decisions now to create your dream future. This is a good one if you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to work with me.
If you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and create a purposeful roadmap for your future while staying present with your family, hit play and let's solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:25): Spring 2025 Contest winner
- (2:08): Life coaching for a working mom
- (3:00): Being a business owner while caring for a toddler
- (6:43): Overwhelmed by a long to-do list
- (13:29): Building buffers for flow & flexibility in your schedule
- (15:10): Self-discovery
- (19:14): Building a roadmap to success
- (21:43): Small daily decisions make big decisions
- (25:42): Planning ahead to create a sleep routine & get rest
- (33:25): Wrap-up
Resources Mentioned:
👩💻 Learn about my 1:1 Balanced Mom Coaching - Book a 10 minute discovery call.
⏪ EP 23: Struggling With Self-Discipline? How to Build Habits With Life Planning [Life Coaching]
Let’s Connect!
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE twice monthly tips, tools, and exclusives
🟢 Can Life Planning Help You Achieve Your Dreams? Take my Free Quiz!
Cheering squad!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow (it’s free!) and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
Let's connect!
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Visit solveformom.com for more science-based life planning strategies
// Work-Life Balance for Ambitious Moms Using Purpose-driven Planning //
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Hello Successful Mama!
Are you feeling like all the work you do as a mom is hard to define, let alone measure? Do you miss the clarity of progress you have in your career, where promotions, metrics, and feedback loops are part of the equation?
In today’s episode, we’re tackling how to balance data-driven and qualitative personal growth goals to celebrate your unique journey as a mom. I talk about why it’s so hard to measure success as a mom and why traditional metrics don’t always apply. I outline a framework for tracking progress on quantitative and qualitative goals that align with your purpose and vision. I teach you how to reflect on patterns and trends to guide intentional growth.
Whether you're the COO of your household or juggling homeschooling, work, and passions, this episode will give you actionable tools to recognize your value and track your progress in a way that feels meaningful and empowering.
Episode Highlights
- (00:00): Teaser
- (02:29): Become an SFM Insider
- (03:19): Success as a mom is hard to measure
- (06:51): GRowTh Up framework for tracking goals
- (07:16): A comment about SMART goals
- (08:30): 1. Give
- (09:21): 2. Reflect on wins
- (10:25): 3. Themes
- (11:34): 4. Upward
- (12:09): GRowTh Up example
- (14:34): Re-cap
If you’re ready to start tracking progress in ways that feel meaningful and actionable, hit play and together can solve for Mom! 💡
Resources
EP 1: Busy yet Restless? 3 Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom
EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
Let’s Connect!
- Tap +Follow (it’s free!) to stay updated on future episodes.
- Leave me a rating & review (thank you!)—I read every comment and your support helps other moms find the show! 💕
- Become an SFM Insider for weekly tips, tools, and exclusives: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
- Got a question or story to share? E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com—your topic could be featured in a future episode!
- Visit www.solveformom.com for more science-based life-planning strategies.
- Join Solve for Mom on LinkedIn and Pinterest