Dr. Whitney talks with Emily Tisch Sussman from the She Pivots Podcast about what her life looked like when she went from high powered political consultant to a mom who really didn’t want to give that up. Emily gives insight into how it felt to finally acknowledge she was going to be giving up pieces of her dream career and what she’s moved onto now (hint: her podcast is AMAZING!)
Key takeaways:
- Emily Tisch Sussman pivoted out of her 15 year career in DC politics after having two kids in 18 months. She launched her podcast, She Pivots, that highlights other women’s stories and journeys behind their pivots. We’re talking to Emily about her story through her career pivot and how she helps women through theirs.
- Her story starts from working on presidential campaigns, consistent TV interviews, and think tanks influencing policy, but after baby number 2 realized the hours and grind just weren’t going to work so she tried to first pivot by just working from home. But ended up just working the same hours and energy, just at her house where her babies were. As she looked to pivot again, she knew she wanted to tell inspiring stories of women who’ve successfully made transitions in their career and motherhood so that other women could see themselves in that same story. Old, young, moms, no kids, they can all make the same kind of moves.
- What types of people do you have lined up for your show? So many! We had a really cool interview with actress Sophia Bush and her business partner who started a salon in Detroit in 2018 that shut down during the pandemic and didn’t try to reopen it. Instead, they’re now seeding other female entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses and helping educate them. And we get to tell a story that’s different from the one that most people know about them. We also have the Girls Who Code founder and the Peloton founder and both ended up telling stories about the pivotal times in their careers that they didn’t realize were going to be “the moment.” So it’s been really cool to be able to share these never before told stories.
- Are there common themes that you’re seeing that maybe seem to be happening to a lot of the women while they’re going through their pivot? Or is everyone’s story uniquely different? Yes and no. Each story is definitely different. All of the life events leading up to the pivots have been completely different. But the common thread we’re seeing is that everyone who has gone through it feels completely alone. They feel like they’re the only one who has ever gone through it and it’s hard to see that it will ever be better on the other side. However, in order to push through to the good, you have to give yourself a chance to take a step back and breathe. And then you can go into the place where you’re able to build on what your past career was and what you want to look towards in the future.
- Tell me more about how to pivot when you feel like the “dream” career you’re in feels like it’s just not fitting your life anymore. What made it even harder is that my job had literally been created for me–a version of me that didn’t have kids. It was such a perfect fit for me before I had kids. And it was really hard for me to acknowledge that it wasn’t a good fit for me with kids, especially because I really didn’t want my identity to be wrapped up in being a parent. Even now, I don’t totally have the brainspace to know exactly where I’m going. And I can’t seem to completely pull myself back.
Find out more and connect with Emily:
Instagram: @ShePivotsThePodcast
Twitter: @ShePivotsThePod
Website: www.ShePivotsThePodcast.com
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About the Episode: In this eye-opening episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with child sleep experts Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale—two clinical psychologists and co-authors of The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage (written with Dr. Shelby Harris) . Together, they break down the myths, shame, and unrealistic expectations that surround slee p training and offer compassionate, evidence-based advice that actually meets parents where they are. This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself, throw out the cookie-cutter advice, and start working with your child’s unique temperament, challenges, and developmental stage—whether that means defiant toddlers, anxious middle-schoolers, or non-sleeping newborns. About Our Guests: Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale are licensed clinical psychologists and moms who specialize in child and adolescent mental health. Together with co-author Dr. Shelby Harris, they created The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep to give exhausted parents the tools to support their kids’ sleep with confidence, flexibility, and empathy. Their approach is grounded in science—and shaped by real-life parenting. Follow them on Instagram: @essentialkidssleep Key Takeaways: Why this sleep book is different It’s written by clinical psychologists, not influencers—and it combines science, flexibility, and real-world parenting experience. How your child’s daytime behavior impacts nighttime sleep From anxious kids to defiant or ADHD children, the team explains why your child’s personality and emotional regulation during the day matters more than you think at bedtime. The truth about sleep “milestones” You’ll learn why your two-week-old shouldn’t be sleeping through the night, why “wake windows” are often misused, and why transitioning to a toddler bed before age 3 might be setting everyone up to fail. The importance of timing and readiness Parents don’t have to sleep train when they’re already overwhelmed. These experts offer a refreshing take on how to assess if now is the right time—and how to set up for success. What works for toddlers (and what doesn’t) You’ll hear how techniques like the “break method” and “camping out” can be adapted based on your child’s age and developmental stage. How to support anxious or defiant older kids at bedtime The language we use matters. For anxious kids, it's all about reducing pressure and focusing on rest. For defiant or ADHD kids, clear expectations and behavior-based plans are key. The shame-free approach every tired caregiver needs Sleep doesn’t have to be a battleground—or a place for guilt. These authors bring compassion and practicality to every step of the process. 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. L eave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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