Have you ever reframed taking an intentional break as an actual boost to your professional growth?
In today’s episode I sit down with an incredible guest, the former CMO of the Facebook App Consumer Marketing team at Meta, and mom to two, Samantha Wu. A powerhouse marketing executive, Sam has a rich background spanning multiple continents with roles at tech and financial giants like Meta, Amex, and Visa. Not to mention, she even took a detour to attend culinary school, adding a unique flavor to her experience.
During our chat, she opens up about what pushed her to take a step back from her fast-paced career, and shares how an intentional pause is giving her a much needed break to reset and focus on herself.
TLDR
Tune in to hear Sam’s take on…
🌟 The Catalyst for Taking a Pause: Sam talks about how the pandemic, personal losses, and nonstop work made her realize she needed a break.
🧘♀️ Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: She shares how focusing on her health, reconnecting with friends, and exploring new interests helped her grow.
💡 Lessons from Culinary School: Sam explains how attending culinary school added unique perspectives to her professional life.
🏡 Necessity of Support Systems: She highlights the importance of having strong support networks, and discusses her observations of how female executives make it work.
🤝 Redefining Success and Career Goals: Sam discusses how motherhood shifted her focus to personal growth and meaningful contributions.
🗣️ Effective Communication and Advocacy: She offers tips on confidently communicating career transitions and personal needs, and the importance of supportive peers.
🔄 Navigating Career Transitions: Sam shares advice on making career pauses work, including managing challenges and planning for a smooth return.
🏆 The Impermanence of Challenges: She reminds us that all challenges are temporary and new opportunities always come with time.
Sam’s story is truly inspiring and shows the immense value of taking intentional pauses to reset and recharge. It's a fresh perspective on balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling personal life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant grind, this episode is a must-listen.
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?
1) Order from chaos 2) Building and scaling teams 3) Ruthless prioritization
What are you cooking these days?
If I am cooking you can follow my meals on IG, otherwise I like to use Gobble meal prep service, or Shef which delivers home cooked ethnic meals
What are you reading?
Burn Book by Kara Swisher; Yellow Face by RK Kuang
What are you listening to?
Pivot, The Daily, Ask Lisa (the Psychology of Parenting), Consider This
What are you wearing - mom uniform, for work, for weekends?
My mom uniform is jeans or tailored sweats, with a cashmere sweater and sneakers. Fav brands include: Cuyana (local SF brand), Kal Reiman, Paige Jeans, Lululemon Tights.
Note from Barbara: I also love Cuyana handbags! They are the perfect totes to go from work, to pilates to the playground. I brought this Ecru Tall Tote with the organization insert to Portugal, and even transfer the insert into my black raffia tote to add some structure.
What are the products, services or rituals you can’t live without in your daily routine?
Face serums and facial oils I can not live without. I use a range of brands from organic, like Eminence, to dermatologist prescribed Retin A to Korean Skincare brands.
Favorite accounts to follow?
Personal Passion and Interests: Food (Donna Hay), Doodles (Doodles Dogs Club) and Fashion (NY Time Style)
Where are you traveling?
Miraval, AZ for a girls wellness trip
Ready to listen to Samantha’s episode?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I would be grateful if you left a review on your podcast platform of choice (links below). It takes 20 seconds from you, but makes a massive difference to me 🙏
🎙️Intentional Pause: Career Breaks and Self-Discovery with the Former CMO of Facebook