The MotherMind Approach
The overarching goal of MotherMind is to empower scientist mothers to lead authentically, connect deeply, and find alignment. One of my personal goals, however, is for MotherMind to have an extremely high return on the investment of your precious time. I am acutely aware of how time-poor scientist mothers are and that there are many leadership development and coaching options for you to choose from. In this post, I share (A LOT of) details about the MotherMind approach to help you make an informed decision (and hopefully get you super pumped about joining us!).
Evidence-Based Leadership Development Curated for Scientist Mothers
MotherMind programming includes training in the critical skills demonstrated by the literature to be essential for effective leadership and career advancement, including but not limited to vision and strategic planning, self-awareness and emotional intelligence, communication skills, time management, and networking and sponsorship. However, unlike the many “one-size-fits-all” leadership trainings, MotherMind curates and contextualizes leadership development content to the unique challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career in science. MotherMind content is influenced by the work of thought leaders (many of whom are scientist mothers themselves), including Brené Brown, PhD, Susan David, PhD, Kristin Neff, PhD, Linda Babcock, PhD, Alison Fragale, PhD, and Julie Silver, MD. As a group coaching program that involves peer coaching, MotherMind has a special emphasis on training in coaching skills which are incredible skills for leading others as well as oneself (more below).
Engage in Transformative Growth Through Coaching
The leadership training described above is complemented, amplified, individualized, and galvanized through coaching. The coaching field is exploding and there are many associated misconceptions. The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. As a coach, I do not give advice or tell clients what to do but instead truly partner with you to focus on what is most important, help you gain clarity, challenge current thinking, and uncover new possibilities. As professional coaches, we honor the client as the expert on her own life and believe every client is creative, resourceful, and whole. This is an understatement in my coaching work with scientist mothers—I am in awe every day of the brilliance, power, and resilience of the scientist mothers with whom I have the honor to work. Coaching creates the time and space for all of this brilliance, power, and resilience to be turned inward—something scientist mothers so infrequently have the luxury of doing: slowing down, investing in yourself, thinking about what you truly want, and designing a blueprint to get there.
For those skeptical scientists reading this thinking coaching sounds a little “woo woo” 😉, I’m here to say that MotherMind’s coaching approach is grounded in evidence from coaching science. As an example, the MotherMind kickoff event launches with visioning work stemming from Boyatzsis’ (2001, 2006, 2008) body of research on intentional change theory showing that vision-based coaching evokes a growth-oriented psychophysiological state that gives rise to motivational resources crucial to adult developmental processes. Similarly, while getting together a group of overwhelmed individuals facing systemic inequalities could quickly descend into doom and gloom, the MotherMind coaching approach aims to evoke the “Positive Emotional Attractor” or PEA, a psychophysiological state that plays a growth-oriented role in preparing individuals emotionally, cognitively, and physiologically for enacting change (Howard, 2006; Jack et al., 2013). (This is in contrast to the “Negative Emotional Attractor” state that activates the human stress response and negative emotions that arise from a focus on current deficits, fears, and problems.) Thanks for letting me nerd out there a little; that was fun! 😊
While I mentioned above that coaching does not involve telling clients what to do, MotherMind programming is loaded with practical tools and strategies to promote self-discovery, facilitate growth, and learn best practices that have worked well for others. These include (among many others) the materials we use for peer coaching training (more below), tools for reflecting on and identifying additional sources of support, strategies for befriending your inner critic, and best practices for identifying sponsors and networking in a way that is strategic yet authentic. Coaching allows participants to practice, experiment with, problem solve, and refine all of the above skills, tools, and strategies in a safe environment of peers.
Three-Pronged Coaching Approach
The above was an overview of how coaching pairs so beautifully with leadership development but here is where the rubber meets the road: MotherMind’s three-pronged approach merges group coaching, peer coaching, and individual executive coaching to maximize impact, improve clarity, and create transformative and sustainable change.
Group Coaching: Each MotherMind session begins with us celebrating “wins” since the last session, whether it be a successful difficult conversation with a mentee, a 4 million dollar grant getting funded, or someone’s child pooping in the potty 😊. I then often guide us in a moment of mindfulness to give ourselves permission to let go of the chaos of the day and dedicate our focus to just ourselves for the next 90 minutes. I then facilitate a large group discussion guided by posing powerful questions around the session theme for which the group has completed related pre-work involving reflection exercises, readings, and/or other media. Group coaching sessions allow participants to feel less alone as they hear about the similar challenges faced by their fellow scientist mothers. Participants also benefit from hearing the different perspectives on each theme among the cohort as well as strategies or suggestions that may have worked for others. About halfway through the session, we often break into dyads for peer coaching around the theme, allowing cohort members to benefit from problem solving, support, and accountability partnering on specific challenges and goals most important to each participant. MotherMind participants also value the opportunity to get to know one another better in the small group setting. We come back together for the last few minutes for a closing group reflection.
Peer Coaching: MotherMind participants not only benefit from being coached (in the group, peer, and individual contexts) but also receive training at the MotherMind kickoff event in peer coaching skills. We are fortunate to use PEER Technology® in MotherMind, a trademarked platform for peer coaching training developed by Christy Uffelman, BCC, founder of EDGE Leadership Solutions and a beloved mentor and sponsor to me in my coaching journey. The peer coaching skills set the foundation for how cohort members support one another from day 1 and are infused into both the group coaching sessions as well as stand alone peer coaching sessions throughout the program. As our peer coaching skills advance, we discuss how we might apply these skills in leading others and in leading ourselves.
The peer coaching element truly takes the value and effectiveness of MotherMind to the next level. Though I sometimes joke about my “cold British heart” (my parents were both British and it can take a lot for me to cry), I have to admit that I have shed a few tears while watching the incredible peer coaching MotherMind participants gift to each other. It is truly heart-warming and inspiring to witness.
Individual Executive Coaching: Finally, each MotherMind participant engages in three individual executive coaching sessions with me throughout the program to promote deeper engagement with the skills or themes most important to them, foster self-discovery and improved clarity, and facilitate transformative growth. Individual executive coaching packages are available to MotherMind graduates interested in continued partnership and individualized support going forward.
Peer Connection is at the Heart of MotherMind
I can’t write about MotherMind without mentioning the magic of the peer connections that are built. MotherMind participants form deep, life-long connections with a network of brilliant, inspiring scientist mothers who understand the greatest joys and most complex challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career in science. MotherMind graduates often report the relationships and support network formed as the most invaluable and long-lasting impact of their participation in MotherMind. I facilitate continued engagement within MotherMind cohorts as well as the larger MotherMind network through an online platform for sharing resources, celebrating wins, and connection during and after MotherMind participation.
MotherMind Outcomes
I know it sounds hyperbolic to say that MotherMind is a transformative experience, but I have witnessed again and again the transformation of scientist mothers as they become empowered to be authentic leaders who do it their way, connect deeply with brilliant and inspiring peers who lift each other up, and align their work, time, and lives with their foremost vision and values. In more data-driven terms, MotherMind graduates report: statistically significant gains in key areas, including:
Greater psychological empowerment
Reduced burnout,
Improved self-efficacy
A greater sense of belonging
Reduced work-family and family-work conflict
Lower parental guilt
Finally, check out some testimonials:
“My life has been enriched by Amery's influence. I used my departmental professional funds to sign up for Amery’s 6-month MotherMind program and I have been absolutely loving it. Professional peer coaching can be a huge boost to one's morale (especially these days...) I have made really meaningful connections with colleagues, which helped me resolve a longstanding work dilemma. I personally have found that the time/effort I've spent on the program is far outweighed by the dividends to my personal and professional development. If there was any time in our lives and careers where we had to be strong and to hold fast to our values, this may perhaps be it. Professional/peer coaching can be a great way to get support during these challenging times.” -Andreana Benitez, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina
“Participating in this program was an empowering and transformative experience. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to three elementary school-aged children with demanding extracurricular schedules has added distinctive challenges and hurdles to my academic journey. I gained invaluable tools, mentorship, and a supportive community of peers facing the same work-life challenges.” -MD/PhD, Assistant Professor & Mother of 3
“The program was a welcome opportunity for me to invest time and thought into my professional/career development amidst the steadfast support of an accomplished, authentic, smart group of moms who are going through some of the same challenges as a mom in academia. It helped me pause the hamster wheel of the day-to-day work-life balance and gain perspective on big and small issues in my career I otherwise would not have taken the time to think about, from understanding my values to setting boundaries to gaining daily momentum on writing.” -PhD, Assistant Professor & Mother of 2
“I gained tools to navigate career obstacles with confidence. Through engaging workshops, insightful discussions, and practical peer coaching exercises, I honed my leadership abilities and learned how to effectively advocate for myself. The program not only equipped me with tools to excel in my career but also allowed me to form meaningful friendships with other mothers in the scientific community.” -MD, MS, Assistant Professor & Mother of 3
“I especially appreciated the connections I made with other scientist mothers from across the university. I learned so much from their sharing of experiences, role modeling, and peer mentorship. Perhaps most importantly, I gained a tightknit system of support and validation that I anticipate will continue to help me achieve my personal and professional goals.” -PhD, Assistant Professor & Mother of 2
“Amery exceled in guiding our cohort, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that embraced vulnerability. Through adept communication and collaboration, she inspired and motivated all members to coach and uplift one another. She meticulously selected content and guided discussions, ensuring they were distinctly relevant to the dynamics of being a scientist and a mother, distinguishing this program from my prior leadership trainings. The value of the connections established with fellow mom scientists and the effectiveness of the peer coaching approach are immeasurable.” -PhD, DPT, Assistant Professor & Mother of 3
“I had considered leaving my current job and medicine at the start of this year. MotherMind has changed this for me. I now feel more confident in my job and the impact I can and am already having. I feel supported by a network of peers and the University. This year has been transformative and I feel like I can undergone several years of growth in one. Amery has been an incredible leader in this process and has put so much time and effort into ensuring this outcome for all of us.” -Assistant Professor, PhD, Mother of 2
“Being in a group of peers with the same worries, anxieties is helpful in a way that is difficult to put into words. It is also helpful that they are not all in the same departments so comfort in sharing/being open. I have definitely seen improvement in my leadership skills as a result of the program--saying no in a way that feels comfortable to prioritize what is important; thinking of myself as a leader and how to lead others; have used skills with both mentees and with my kids! I really enjoyed Amery sharing resources --books,etc., that even further built on skills. She also modeled self-promotion in a way that I feel we could emulate.” -Associate Professor, MD, PhD
“MotherMind has helped grow my confidence in my capabilities as a researcher and a mother. I feel supported to pursue new opportunities and a newfound sense of belonging in academia. Previously, I struggled to feel like I had what it takes to succeed in academia. Through MotherMind I have learned to lean into my values in all that I do at work and at home. This has translated into confidence in creating and owning my success and supporting other mothers in doing so.” -Assistant Professor, MD
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the MotherMind Cohort! We’ve only had two sessions but I already feel so validated and seen in this community of scientist mothers. In my first year as a tenure-track assistant professor, I’m quickly learning that academia can be incredibly isolating, particularly as a first-generation college student and a mother of young children. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and learn alongside so many incredible women!” -Melissa Eggen, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, University of Louisville
“WOW—I love it. The kickoff, the core sessions, the pre-work assignments—everything has been fantastic. I am actually looking forward to these sessions, which is a big shift for me. In the past with other activities like this, I would have started out motivated but eventually dreaded sessions and been unengaged because of my overwhelm in other areas. But your approach feels different. Since transitioning to faculty, this is the first time I have felt like I might actually be able to make this all work for me – so thank you! (Thanks also for the calendar and time management tips you gave me—game changers --- I can’t wait to learn / hope we get to learn more things like that as well in MotherMind). Anyway - thank you for all of it.” -Assistant Professor, PhD
I can’t wait to hear from you!
I hope I have given you a clearer idea of what MotherMind is all about. If you are interested in learning more and getting any questions you have answered, please fill out the form on my contact page or schedule a complimentary discovery call. I genuinely can’t wait to partner with you.
Amery
