The Middle Ground Movement: Why I Believe It’s Time for a New Model
What This Episode Is About
This week’s episode is one of the most personal and passionate ones I’ve shared in a long time—because it speaks to something so many of us are feeling but not always saying out loud.
I’ve been sitting with this tension between work and family for years now—first as a mom, then as a business owner, and now as a coach to other high-achieving women. I believe the way we’re trying to do “work-life balance” is broken. We’re trying to live full lives inside a system that simply hasn’t caught up.
That’s why I recorded this solo episode- to name what isn’t working and to share openly about my own journey with all of it. And– to offer a new way forward—what I’m calling The Middle Ground Movement.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Why I’m Sharing This Now
A heartfelt welcome and an invitation to lean in to a conversation many of us are craving.
02:45 – The Structural Mismatch We’re All Feeling
This isn’t just about burnout. It’s about a work model that no longer fits the way we live and raise families today.
06:30 – My Story: From Career Growth to Career Pause
How my husband and I navigated full-time work, childcare shifts, and a season of change—including his career pause and my business reinvention.
14:20 – What I’m Hearing from Coaching Clients
Every single high-performing woman I coach is saying the same thing: “I’m exhausted. This isn’t working.”
17:45 – Why the Old Solutions Aren’t Enough
I loved Lean In. I appreciated The Power Pause. But neither felt like the full answer. We need something more sustainable.
21:00 – What the Middle Ground Looks Like
I lay out what I believe needs to change—both culturally and structurally—and how we start imagining something better together.
26:00 – An Invitation to Join Me in Minneapolis
If you’re local and this message lights something up in you, I want to hear from you. Let’s shape the future of work and family—together.
Why I Believe Work-Life Balance Is Broken
The System Wasn’t Built for Us
The 40-hour workweek was created in the 1930s for households where one parent stayed home. That’s not how most families operate anymore—and yet we’re still trying to force our lives into that mold. No wonder it feels so hard.
You’re Not the Problem
I coach high achievers every week—women with drive, discipline, and incredible habits—and while I believe habits and mindset can absolutely help (and are imperative), the structure itself is still flawed and outdated.
🌱 What Is the Middle Ground Movement?
It’s Not About Opting Out or Burning Out
The Middle Ground isn’t just about working less—it’s about working smarter, with more intention and flexibility. I believe in ideas like:
- Four-day workweeks
- Outcome-based performance, not time-based presence
- Equal pay and respect for flexible roles
- Work cultures that support parenting, not penalize it
We don’t have to sacrifice our ambition to be present parents—or vice versa.
We Can’t Self-Help Our Way Out of This
Time-blocking and communication strategies help—but they’re not the full solution. We need systemic change. That’s why I’m committed to building this movement with others who feel the same pull.
Want to Join Me in Minneapolis?
I’m looking for a few incredible women in the Minneapolis area to help shape this movement from the ground up. If you:
- Have strong corporate experience
- Feel this message deeply
- Want to co-create a new way forward
📩 Email me at mo***@*********in.com with the subject line “Middle Ground” and share a few sentences about who you are and why this matters to you. Or DM me on Instagram with the words “Middle Ground” to start the conversation.
Final Thoughts
“You’re not doing it wrong. The structure is off. We’ve outgrown it—and it’s time to build something better.”
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or colleague who needs to hear it. We don’t have to settle for a system that doesn’t support us. Together, we can imagine and create something new.
Resources & References
- Episode 109: Why My Husband Took a Career Pause
- Episode 191: Dr. Morgan on The Mental Load
- The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
