As we head into June and look forward to our “Stronger Together” summit, we’re still learning from the wisdom shared by so many women at our Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” summit.
Artist, poet, and podcaster Carla Magdalene Palmer spoke on our panel “Building and Scaling a Podcasting Business,” discussing using her voice and talent to help people, managing finances, staying authentic, and much more. Magdalene Palmer is the host of the “Wonder and Wellbeing” podcast and a co-host of “Podcasters Unleashed.” She explores personal identities and the lifelong pursuit of wellbeing in her work and art—capturing moments, moods, inner dialogue, and ideas in words and in visual art. Her podcast explores and discusses the relationship between holistic wellbeing and education; highlighting the importance of creativity, the arts, and a sense of wonder.
We asked her a few questions ahead of the summit, and she shared her thoughts on being guided by your own values as you pursue your goals and dreams, recognizing motherhood as a full-time job, the importance of mental health, and more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
I found motherhood to be the best self-development opportunity there is. I love supporting other mothers and sharing insights and experiences from my journey.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
Improving myself and being an authentic example of a work in progress.
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is anyone who continually improves themselves against the odds.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
Wonder and Wellbeing podcast, Coaching4Education, and Podcasters Unleashed.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Balancing your own wellbeing with that of your children, managing mental health and maintaining values whilst earning a living.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
These things affect society and mothers are the gatekeepers so everything affects motherhood.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
Mothers often think it’s not enough to just be a mother. You have to be a businesswoman, CEO, etcetera, and make lots of money as well. I hope the fact that being a mother is already a full-time vocation will be recognized and everything else a bonus will be recognized. I also hope there are changes to help mothers balance motherhood with earning and sustaining the care of themselves and their children.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Be yourself.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Think critically and feel deeply. The best solutions combine both.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
Rosa Parks. I work to love, support and inspire my own children first and then I work to support parents and teachers to be at their best.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
That growing in one area to the neglect of others will eventually lead to undoing your work. Real care is holistic and mental health is very important.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
Each woman must decide for herself what works and where the balance is. Sometimes you can learn this early in life with the right support and experiences. Other times you have to be brave and go through the process of trial and error. Whatever works to help you find balance and sustain it, never be afraid to keep that going and chose that for yourself and your children. Don’t give in to pressure or fads. Use your own value system to guide your decisions and surround yourself by people who support you to achieve your goals.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
Focus on yourself when criticizing and others when praising and celebrating.
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We’d like to thank Carla Magdalene Palmer for her time and expertise, for her voice both on podcasts and at our summit, and for her ongoing work to guide and inspire others. Keep following us to learn from other leading women—and thank you all for being part of the conversation.
