🎙️Default Parent Dynamics: Navigating Executive Roles and Family with the SVP of Operations at Niantic
Ever wonder how power couples juggle big careers and busy family lives without losing their minds? In this episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, I’m chatting with Erin Schaefer, the SVP of Publishing, Go-to-Market and Global Operations at Niantic, who gives us an inside look at how she and her husband, both high-powered execs, keep their home running smoothly while killing it at work.
She gets real about the chaos of managing family schedules, the burnout that sneaks up during those crazy times of the year, and why she’s seen moms often end up as the default parent—even when both partners have demanding jobs.
She also shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, even at the executive level, and how she’s learned to push through self-doubt. Packed with practical advice and relatable stories, this episode is a must-listen for every working mom out there!
TLDR
Tune in to hear Erin’s lessons on…
🗓️ The Magic of Family Organization: She shares how Google Sheets, shared calendars, and a solid support system help her manage the chaos of family life.
⚖️ Splitting Responsibilities at Home: A discussion on how she and her husband navigate dividing up the many tasks of family life, and why she’s noticed that in many families, moms often end up as the default parent.
🔄 Handling Burnout and Stress: Her go-to strategies for dealing with burnout, especially during those intense times of the year like the end of the school year, which she calls “Gray May.”
🧘♀️ Finding Time for You: Creative ideas for squeezing in self-care, whether it’s during the commute, sneaking in a solo walk, or planning intentional date nights.
🌱 Building Your Mom Tribe: The evolution of her support network, from local mom groups to lifelong friendships, and how these relationships keep her grounded.
🌍 Taking Risks in Your Career: A reflection on the risks she wishes she’d taken earlier in her career and some solid advice for moms thinking about making a big career move.
Tune in for practical tips on navigating a demanding career with family life—every working mom needs this!
Bonus tools and takeaways
As a community member, I ask each of our guests to share with us some tangible tools, tips, links and personal stories as little extras for you.
What is your professional superpower and how has it shown up in your personal and family life?
Making everyone feel seen, heard and included.
What are you cooking these days?
I don't cook! But we love using Hello Fresh.
What are you reading?
My favorite newsletter is Ben Thompson's Stratechery. I also love many of the Puck newsletters...and Hunter Harris.
What are you listening to?
I am a huge podcast listener. Sports podcasts are my favorite (Bill Simmons, Zach Lowe, All the Smoke) but I also love How I Built This and SmartLess.
What are you wearing - mom uniform, for work, for weekends?
Weekends, I love hats from eskyflavor and a black quilted vest from Tuckernuck. Weekdays, it's lots of Sezane!
What are the products, services or rituals you can’t live without in your daily routine?
OSEA's lotions and oils are magic and Jones Road (Bobbi Brown) has the best cover up around!
Favorite accounts to follow?
Ben Thompson and Hunter Harris!
Where are you traveling?
Our family went to Costa Rica over New Year's and our highlight was a night hike in Arenal and white water rafting near Rio Perdido. My husband and I did an adults ski trip in Aspen that was magical.
Ready to listen to Erin’s episode?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Like what you hear? I would be grateful if you left a review. It takes 20 seconds from you, but makes a massive difference to me 🙏