After a hiatus, Kristen and Mike return to Love and Leadership with a new tiny co-host in tow. They pull back the curtain on what the past few months have really been like—from an unplanned C-section to navigating the gaps in U.S. parental leave policies. They share what they've learned about partnership under pressure, why their pre-baby work on fighting better has paid off, and how they're managing to show up for each other when sleep is scarce and stress is high. If you've ever wondered what leadership actually looks like when the stakes are personal and the challenges are right in front of you, this conversation offers a real-world test case. Plus, they explain what to expect from the podcast going forward and why there will be more "love" in Love and Leadership from here on out.

Highlights:

• Kristen and Mike share their experience becoming new parents, including Kristen's unplanned C-section at 37 weeks and the challenges of the early postpartum period
• They discuss the broken state of parental leave and maternal support in the United States, including limited time off and a healthcare system that often fails new mothers
• Mike explains what he learned about infant brain development and nervous system regulation, including why the "cry it out" method isn't supported by neuroscience
• The couple opens up about how becoming parents has tested their partnership and why their pre-baby work on communication (including reading Fight Right by the Gottmans) has been essential
• They share practical strategies for managing the transition to parenthood as a team, including not competing over who has it harder and actively supporting each other through rest and childcare
• Kristen highlights the value of mom support groups and community during the postpartum period
• Mike discusses the importance of long-term thinking in business, drawing parallels between supporting families and retaining institutional knowledge in organizations
• They announce the podcast will continue on a biweekly schedule for now, with fewer guest episodes until they establish a more consistent routine with their son

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection by John Gottman and Julie Gottman
• La Vie En Doula (Kristen & Mike’s postpartum night doula)

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com