In today's candid episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with guest Saena about the unpredictable journey of motherhood. Saena shares her deeply personal story of becoming a mom to her miracle baby, Miles, including challenges like an ectopic pregnancy and navigating the complexities of work-life balance while creating her company's first maternity leave plan. The conversation delves into evolving identities, the 'motherhood penalty,' and the importance of a supportive community. Elsa and Saena discuss preparing for parenthood, debunking myths, and the emotional transitions that come with this life-altering experience. This episode reminds parents that it's okay not to have all the answers and emphasizes the beauty in the chaos of parenting.
00:00 Introduction to the Parenting Journey
03:00 Saena's Path to Motherhood
04:33 Challenges and Miracles of Pregnancy
08:50 Preparing for Parenthood
14:27 Navigating Maternity Leave
19:48 The Motherhood Penalty
22:54 Embracing the Evolution of Motherhood
30:37 Rapid Fire Questions
33:14 Navigating Parenting Choices
35:14 Dealing with Parenting Guilt
36:29 Career Identity After Motherhood
40:40 Finding Purpose and Joy
43:33 Balancing Career and Motherhood
50:08 The Flamingo Analogy
51:55 Embracing Change and Evolution
56:52 Support and Connection for Parents
01:00:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Saena Park is a seasoned marketing and business leader who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at The Hair Shop Inc., a leading brand in the premium hair extensions space. With a career spanning the entertainment and beauty industries, she blends empathetic leadership with sharp strategic execution to drive growth and scale brands. Her zone of genius? Aligning teams and building momentum toward meaningful transformation—with minimal drama and maximum snacks.
Outside of work, Saena is a devoted dog lover, partner, and new-ish mom to a spirited two-year-old—her greatest joy and most humbling adventure yet. She’s deeply passionate about personal evolution and is on a mission to build a life rooted in presence, purpose, and just the right amount of chaos.
Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care
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