Redefining Success with Priya Rednam-Waldo: Finding Balance in a Top 5% Career and Motherhood

 Redefining Success for High-Achieving Mothers in the Automotive Industry

I’ve always charted my own course, embracing bold leaps-from parachuting out of U.S. Army planes to specializing in support for high-achieving mothers from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. After nearly two decades in leadership roles, earning advanced degrees, and building businesses, nothing has been more transformative than balancing motherhood while pursuing my professional dreams. Today, as a specialty coach, keynote speaker, and women’s advocate, I draw on my personal and professional experiences to support high-achieving mothers to find true balance for wellness and achievement. I’m beyond thrilled to share my story and strategic approach to the incredible automotive professionals at the 2025 Women Automotive Summit in Detroit.

The Unique Challenges of High-Achieving Mothers

Research shows at least 1 in 5 women experience postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, with rates higher for women of color and those with a history of trauma. As a licensed maternal therapist, I’ve seen how high-performing women are uniquely vulnerable. Their struggle often goes unrecognized beneath their type-A tendencies and environmental pressures, leading to burnout, anxiety and grief.

After facing these challenges myself, I was determined to find a healthier, more joyful path that balances ambition with wellness. As a mother of four now and CEO of Healing Home Counseling Group, I bring all of myself to my work as a leader, therapeutic expert and nurturing coach to ensure others their balance for health, happiness and success.

Redefining Success on Your Terms

A core aspect of my strategic approach is guiding professionals-executives, engineers, and entrepreneurs alike-to redefine success on their terms. This involves shifting focus from “doing” to “being.” I challenge the myth that career success must come at the expense of motherhood. There are infinite right ways to be a mother and professional. I coach women to find their unique path, aligning their values and ambitions with meaningful support.

Every mother’s journey is different and so is every pregnancy and postpartum playbook. Building a personalized foundation for motherhood and career that can evolve with time and growth is a coaching cornerstone along with real self-care and community connection. Walking the walk with authenticity is everything to me, so I’ve learned to make my decisions grounded in my right path, my personalized values and have effectively navigated challenges with compassion and confidence.

We are not meant to do this alone

Parenting isn’t a solo endeavor. I’m supported by family, friends, and caregivers who help raise my children and enable me to thrive professionally. Too often, women are taught to over-produce and under-ask for support. I coach my clients to flip the script and embrace the support they deserve. As mothers, we are vital in both top workplace roles and at home. By recognizing our value, we can set boundaries that honor our needs. These boundaries evolve as our children grow and I help clients communicate them clearly and unapologetically. Embracing support is a strength-it enables us to be the best version of ourselves and our families and companies reap the benefit too.

Leading Change in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry, like many male-dominated fields, must evolve to better support ambitious mothers. High-achieving women will lead that change. Many work-life balance conversation use an outdated concept of work and life as if they are not deeply interconnected. We embrace that connection and harass strengths for families and organization, rather than stress or deficits.

By adopting and communicating a new approach-a common focus on my coaching, mothers can demonstrate the immense value they bring to their companies-through innovation, leadership, and financial success. Creating flexible work environments for mothers, celebrating contributions and providing support isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an investment in a company’s future.

Crafting Your Personalized Playbook for Success

At the Women Automotive Network conference, I’m excited to guide you through creating your path to balance. It’s all about crafting you personalized playbook for success- one that aligns with your values, goals, and the evolving dynamics of motherhood.

Every woman has the power to define her success, grounded in self-love and supported by a strong community. You are not alone. I’ve walked this path and am here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can redefine what it means to thrive as a mother and a professional in the automotive industry.

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About the Expert: Priya Rednam Waldo a licensed maternal therapist and coach with credentials from Johns Hopkins University. She specializes in supporting high-achieving women through the transformative journey from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Drawing from her experiences as the daughter of Indian immigrants, the wife of an Irishman, and the mother of both birth and adopted children, Priya brings a deep understanding of complex family dynamics to her practice. Her personal motherhood journey enriches her work with empathy and insight.