#MoreThanAMom: The Art of Balancing Motherhood with a Thriving Career By Jordan Sandoval

A Little About Me

I’m Jordan Sandoval, a Chief of Staff with a background in SaaS and e-commerce startups, based in Pennsylvania. My work has revolved around turning big ideas into action, building strong teams, and driving growth. Outside of my career, I am the mother of a 14-month-old boy—a role that has introduced me to a whole new world of challenges, joys, and continuous growth.

Learning to Let Go

When I was pregnant, I thought other parents had it all together. I soon realized that no one truly “has it all figured out.” Parenting and balancing a career are about adjusting, learning, and letting go of what’s beyond our control. One of my biggest challenges has been releasing the need for control—whether at home or at work. In motherhood, you learn that there will be scraped knees, and later, broken hearts that you can’t protect your child from.

At work, I had to let go of the idea that I could handle everything myself. Asking for help and trusting others to take the reins at times became essential. I now focus more on the outcomes and less on how things get done, which has brought a new sense of flexibility and grace to my life.

Setting Non-Negotiables

To keep my work-life balance in check, I identified my non-negotiables. These are the things I refuse to compromise on, like dedicating my evenings to family and breastfeeding. I set boundaries by blocking time on my calendar and making it clear to colleagues that I’m unavailable after 5 PM. Life, of course, isn’t perfect—emergencies arise, and sometimes work calls go over. But by advocating for my boundaries, I make sure my non-negotiables are protected.

Tips for Moms Returning to Work

Returning to work after having a baby was harder than I expected. I assumed my career-focused mindset would make the transition easy, but I found myself worrying about missing precious moments with my son. If you’re returning to work, be patient with yourself, and know that it’s okay if the transition feels challenging. Allow yourself grace and remember that it’s perfectly fine to take a break when you need it.

Prioritize your well-being; a healthy mom is the best foundation for a happy family. If you need mental health resources or a support system, reach out. You’re not alone, and there’s strength in taking care of yourself.

How Motherhood Shaped My Leadership

Motherhood transformed my approach to leadership. I became more comfortable delegating, empowering my team, and accepting that there isn’t “one right way” to get things done. I used to be very hands-on, but now, I trust my team to bring their ideas to the table. This shift has also made me bolder in my decisions. Where I once hesitated, I now approach challenges with confidence and authenticity.

Self-Care and Staying Grounded

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to make a list of the things that make me feel like myself before having kids. For me, that includes reading leadership books, learning new piano songs, and trying creative hobbies. These activities help me reconnect with myself outside of work and motherhood. If you haven’t made a list, it’s never too late. Pay attention to the moments that make you feel joyful and energized, and keep them close as a reminder when life gets overwhelming.

Self-care is also essential in my marriage. My husband and I make time for each other, even if it’s as simple as playing cards after our son is asleep. Those little moments of connection keep us grounded.

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Balancing motherhood and a career isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about recognizing your priorities, giving yourself grace, and trusting the journey. Each mom’s path looks different, but together, we redefine what it means to be more than a mom—to be both nurturers and leaders, giving our all to the ones we love and the dreams we pursue.