Default Parent Dynamics: Navigating Executive Roles and Family with the SVP of Operations at Niantic

New Modern Mom Podcast

Ever wonder how power couples juggle big careers and busy family lives without losing their minds? In this episode of The New Modern Mom, we’re chatting with Erin Schaefer, the SVP of Publishing, Go-to-Market and Global Operations at Niantic, who gives us an inside look at how she and her husband, both high-powered execs, keep their home running smoothly while killing it at work. She gets real about the chaos of managing family schedules, the burnout that sneaks up during those crazy times of the year, and why she’s seen moms often end up as the default parent—even when both partners have demanding jobs.

She also shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, even at the executive level, and how she’s learned to push through self-doubt. Packed with practical advice and relatable stories, this episode is a must-listen for every working mom out there!

In this episode, we dive into:

🗓️ The Magic of Family Organization: She shares how Google Sheets, shared calendars, and a solid support system help her manage the chaos of family life.

⚖️ Splitting Responsibilities at Home: A discussion on how she and her husband navigate dividing up the many tasks of family life, and why she’s noticed that in many families, moms often end up as the default parent.

🔄 Handling Burnout and Stress: Her go-to strategies for dealing with burnout, especially during those intense times of the year like the end of the school year, which she calls “Gray May.”

🧘‍♀️ Finding Time for You: Creative ideas for squeezing in self-care, whether it’s during the commute, sneaking in a solo walk, or planning intentional date nights.

🌱 Building Your Mom Tribe: The evolution of her support network, from local mom groups to lifelong friendships, and how these relationships keep her grounded.

🌍 Taking Risks in Your Career: A reflection on the risks she wishes she’d taken earlier in her career and some solid advice for moms thinking about making a big career move.

Tune in for practical tips on navigating a demanding career with family life—every working mom needs this!

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About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.

The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.