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
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Life planning strategies aren't just about organizing your calendar—they're about designing a life where your ambition and motherhood coexist without constant overwhelm.
If you've ever felt like you're going through the motions without a clear roadmap…only to end each day wondering if you're making progress on what truly matters, this episode is for you.
In today's episode of Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life, I'm walking you through 6 life planning strategies specifically designed for women in STEM, helping you move from winging it to getting your life back on track—not by doing more, but by creating a purpose-driven life plan that aligns your daily decisions with your long-term vision.
What You'll Learn:
🗝️ The critical mistake keeping you stuck
🗝️ How to vision-cast with the same clarity you use in grant applications
🗝️ Building a navigation system that serves all parts of you
🗝️ Strategic planning that reverse-engineers your vision into actionable steps
🗝️ The difference between goals as sport vs. goals that fuel your entire life
🗝️ The techniques to ensure your calendar finally reflects your priorities
🗝️ Why systems and routines are critical for achievement
This is about intentional living—finally creating a roadmap that honors both your professional ambitions and your family without feeling like you're constantly sacrificing one for the other.
If you've been feeling scattered and craving a structured approach to turn your ideal life into your real life, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:01): 🤩 Listener Review 🤩
- (3:02): Why feeling "off track" isn't your fault—you're just operating without a roadmap
- (7:07): Strategy #1 - Self-discovery
- (9:37): Strategy #2 - Vision casting
- (13:29): Strategy #3 - Strategic planning
- (16:29): Strategy #4 - Goals as a journey during motherhood
- (18:15): Strategy #5 - Time alignment
- (20:32): Strategy #6 - Systems
- (23:51): Recap
→ → → Ready to turn your ideal life into real life with a clear plan? My Designed Life Method is what you need. This is a 1:1 program for women in STEM who want a roadmap for creating impact while prioritizing family. Claim your Free Call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Episodes Mentioned:
⏮️ For starting self-discovery - EP 1: Busy Yet Restless? 3 Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom | Life Planning Skills
⏮️ For vision casting - EP 91: What is Your Dream? The Top 5 Vision Planning Methods to Design Your Ideal Mom Life
⏮️ Mom-centric framework for goals - EP 57: Personal Growth Plan For Moms | How to MASTER Goals in Your Life Plan
⏮️ Start here for the Systems Explained Series - EP 79: Beyond Productivity: #1 Way to Not Always Be "On" as a Mom [Part 1]
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
FOLLOW
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Your work-life balance isn't about doing less—it's about doing what matters most. But when "pushing through" becomes your default, when slowing down feels risky, and when guilt takes over, then burnout isn't far behind.
In this episode, I'm sharing why slowing down with purpose is the most strategic move you can make as an ambitious mom. I'll walk you through the 4 C's that rest creates—Calm, Creativity, Clarity, and Connection—and show you how intentional rest protects your long-term goals instead of derailing them.
This isn't about quitting or falling behind. It's about giving yourself permission to pause so you can show up as your best self—for your family, your work, and yourself.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why slowing down isn't risky for your goals
- How to know when to change the pace of your work
- The cultural expectations fuel guilt about rest—and why that guilt isn't based in reality
- How to slow down or plan an intentional rest in a way that fuels productivity and growth
- The 4C’s of rest
If you're ready to build a life with both ambition and breathing room, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:39): 🌟 Listener Review 🌟
- (3:32): Why pushing through backfires
- (14:38): Where guilt about pausing work really comes from
- (22:10): How to slow down with purpose and during a busy season and what this means for your long-term goals
- (28:23): The 4 C's of rest
- (32:05): Recap
Resources Mentioned:
🎧 Minimum viable day: (Jump to 14:27) EP 19: 4 Work‑Life Balance Rules for Ambitious Moms Who Refuse to Choose Between Goals and Family Time
🎧 Information management system: EP 64: 3 Systems to Turn Cluttered Notes into Productive Learning & Decision Making
→ → → Ready to turn your ideal life into real life with a clear plan? My Designed Life Method is what you need. This is a 1:1 coaching program designed specifically for women in STEM who want a roadmap for pursuing their big ideas while prioritizing family.
Claim your Free Alignment Call 📞 with Anokhi now!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
FOLLOW
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Are you a high-achieving mom feeling disconnected from your successful self? Struggling with decision fatigue and competing priorities while trying to balance career ambitions and motherhood? In today's episode, I explain what a life planning strategist does and how personalized life planning can help you feel like yourself again—with clarity, confidence, and a roadmap that actually works for your life.
This episode is for ambitious moms in science, tech, research, or any professional field who are ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making visible progress on the goals that matter most—without sacrificing family time or losing yourself in the process.
In today's episode, I share:
- What a life planning strategist actually does
- Why life planning matters for high-achieving moms
- The 3 phases of my Designed Life Method
- How to create focused execution, better family time, and steady progress toward your big ideas—even with a packed schedule
If you're ready to turn your ideal life into your real life and stop feeling stuck between who you were and who you want to become, hit play and let's design a life that honors both your ambitions and your family!
→→→ Your next breakthrough to living out your ideal life starts with clarity. 📞 Sign up for a Free Alignment Audit call 📞 with Anokhi now! In this no-obligation 30-minute call, we’ll surface your core desire, pinpoint areas for aligned action, and evaluate if my 1:1 Designed Life Method is the right catalyst for you.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:58): 👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode.
- (2:21): Streamlining your goals at work, home, and for personal growth
- (5:35): What is a life plan?
- (10:04): What is a life planning strategist?
- (11:49): How can professional women benefit from a life planning strategist?
- (13:28): Design your life in 3 steps
- (18:55): Wrap-up
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
→ → → Ready to fast‑track your ambitions during motherhood with a clear plan? Use science-based Designed Life Method and get a custom action plan that fits your busy schedule—spots are limited, so claim yours at solveformom.com/book-life-planning
👀 Want a sneak peek? Book your Free Life Audit call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Your struggle with guilt for wanting a career change (and to be more than "just" a mom) isn't the problem.
Feeling torn between loving your kids while wanting to do things for yourself isn't the problem.
Your heart calling out for more isn't the problem.
The problem is that society glorifies self-sacrificing motherhood while sidelining women's ambitions—making you question if pursuing a career change is selfish.
In this episode, I'm sharing how I went from constantly putting my own needs and dreams on hold…to finally creating a career that works for me instead of the other way around. From reframing ambition as leadership to life planning—I've built a life where I can be everything I need to be for my kids, my career, and myself.
And the best part? You can do this too.
I'm walking you through what I call the 3-step leadership mindset, what makes this reframe so powerful, and the exact strategy that transforms career guilt into confident decision-making—so you can blend success and motherhood without choosing between them.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:41): 🤩 Listener shoutout
- (3:37): The guilt of wanting a career change as a mom
- (7:30): Leadership mindset
- (9:00): Step 1: Reframe
- (12:19): Step 2: Anchor
- (16:05): Step 3: Leadership
- (16:53): How to confidently pursue career change without guilt
- (18:24): Wrap-up & How to take action
Links Mentioned in Episode:
❇️ Stuck in a career that doesn't align with your values? Grab my Free Values Alignment Workbook to gain clarity on whether to stay or pivot. Download instantly 👉 https://solveformom.com/core-values
Career Change Series:
⏮️ EP 86: Career Change for Moms: Get Unstuck from the Wrong Job [Part 1]
⏮️ EP 88: How to Test Your Career Change Without Risking Family Stability [Part 2]
⏮️ EP 92: Career Change Clarity in 3 Steps Without Losing Work‑Life Balance [Part 5]
Free Resources:
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Do you ever feel like you're constantly battling BURNOUT while trying to maintain your identity as both a mom and a driven professional?
In today's episode, I continue my powerful conversation with Dr. Jihane Farrell, host of The 40s Fitness Reset podcast, as we explore creating work-life balance that truly aligns with your core values.
This episode is about transformation and how mindfulness and values-based decision making can help you create a balanced life on your own terms.
Dr. Jihane shares her step-by-step process for rebuilding her life from burnt out academic research to an intentional life that includes embracing her roles as a driven solopreneur and a mindful mama. You'll discover practical strategies for reconnecting with your core values, mastering your emotions, and approaching motherhood as a meaningful mission rather than a burden.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- 🔋 How tapping into your core values allows you to "come back to yourself" after feeling lost
- 🔋 Why raising a child is one of the most meaningful ways to have a positive impact in the world
- 🔋 Practical mindfulness techniques that helped Jihane regain emotional mastery during her burnout recovery
- 🔋 The powerful shift that happens when you stop blaming external circumstances and take personal responsibility
- 🔋How to recognize your unique "stress signature" before burnout takes hold
- 🔋 Actionable strategies for creating priorities that reflect your values rather than others' expectations
If you're ready to stop living in misalignment and create a life that honors who you truly are, hit play so you can achieve your ambitious mom life!
>>> Want to create a life where purpose and productivity actually coexist? Create your life plan: https://solveformom.com/balanced-mom-sales-page
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:15): How Dr. Jihane's burnout experience prepared her for motherhood
- (3:40): The importance of mindfulness meditation for emotional mastery
- (6:20): Finding meaning versus seeking happiness
- (8:30): Discovering core values through difficult experiences
- (11:45): Approaching motherhood as a high calling
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
Links Mentioned in Episode:
🎧 Podcast: The 40s Fitness Reset podcast
➡️ Continue the conversation on LinkedIn or by tagging @solveformom - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solve-for-mom/
Let's Connect!
❓Questions? Leave me a message
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Who Want to Make a Difference ay Home & Work //
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Do you ever feel like your entire identity is wrapped up in your work, leaving you drained and burned out? In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Jihane Farrell, PhD in cell biology, ADAPT-certified functional health coach, and host of The 40s Fitness Reset podcast, to discuss the identity crisis that's fueling burnout for high-achieving women.
If you're struggling with work-life balance or feeling like you've lost yourself beneath your responsibilities, this powerful conversation reveals how reconnecting with your purpose can transform your life. Let's dive into Jihane's inspiring journey from workaholic cancer researcher to finding true balance.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
⚠️ The warning signs of burnout that high-achievers often miss
⚠️ How loneliness and lack of community can accelerate burnout
⚠️ The dangerous cycle of work addiction and its impact on your physical and mental health
⚠️ What happens when your entire identity becomes wrapped up in your work
⚠️ How to recognize when your values aren't aligned with your environment
✨ The transformative power of reconnecting with your purpose
If you're ready to overcome burnout, discover your true identity, and finally create a life that aligns with your values, hit play so you can achieve your ambitious mom life!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction to Dr. Jihane Farrell's journey from burnout to purpose
- (5:03): Work environment that triggered burnout - identity crisis signs
- (11:18): The perfect storm - workplace conditions meeting personal habits
- (19:01): Warning signs for high-achieving women heading toward burnout
- (21:14): How the definition of success evolves after burnout
- (24:12): Triggers for self-assessment - reclaiming identity beyond work
- (32:36): Episode wrap-up and preview of Part 2
>>> Want to create a life where purpose and productivity actually coexist? Create your life plan: https://solveformom.com/balanced-mom-sales-page
➡️ Continue the conversation on LinkedIn or by tagging @solveformom - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solve-for-mom/
Jihane's Links Mentioned:
🎧 Podcast: The 40s Fitness Reset podcast
www.drjihanefarrell.com
Connect with Anokhi:
❓Questions? Leave me a message
💌 Get FREE tips, tools, and exclusives in the twice monthly newsletter
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Who Want to Make a Difference ay Home & Work //
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 //
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Do you sometimes question if you're on the right path? Are your days passing by without meaningful progress towards your big goals?
Have you been overwhelmed by daily demands while your dreams take a back seat?
In today's episode, I share the three key signs you need a life plan to turn your ambitious goals into reality. This isn't just about creating another to-do list—it's about designing a comprehensive ROADMAP that aligns all aspects of your life with your deepest VALUES and biggest ASPIRATIONS.
This episode is perfect for ambitious moms who feel a calling to something greater but struggle to make consistent progress amid life's demands.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:42): Sign #1 - You feel a calling
- (4:24): Sign #2 - You're uncertain about your trajectory
- (5:55): How a life plan helps you filter what matters
- (7:18): Sign #3 - You’re overwhelmed
- (9:19): Recap
Links & Related Episodes Mentioned:
Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now!
EP 65: Stop Living on Autopilot - Prioritize Your Life With Values-Driven Planning
EP 66: Stop Overcommitting: 4 Tips to Balance Ambitions & Purpose
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
🌐 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 Tools for Moms Who Want to Make a Difference //