In this episode of The Consulting Moms Table, host Karin Mayer sits down with Paula Walworth and Sunita Das, both Technology Partners at AlixPartners, to talk about what it really takes to thrive in consulting while raising a family.

From childcare struggles to partner support, hybrid work, and bold career pivots, they share honest stories about the decisions that shaped their journeys. You’ll hear why being bold about what you need isn’t just good advice; it’s essential for building a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Whether you are a new mom in consulting or a seasoned leader juggling competing demands, this conversation will remind you that success looks different for everyone and that you have more options than you think.

Emily Vose, technology executive and IBM Consulting Partner, takes us through her remarkable career journey from fine arts to consulting, showing how her early skills in visualization aligned perfectly with her passion for emerging technologies, data, and AI. She reflects on how her career initially felt accidental but became far more intentional in her 30s, once she realized she had more control than she thought. Betting on herself and learning from others became central themes in her success as a woman in consulting.

Emily opens up about the realities of balancing an ambitious career with family life, especially during a period when she had four young children, high daycare costs, and constant travel demands. She shares a pivotal moment when she and her partner decided to relocate to a more affordable area and sell their home, a move that felt risky but ultimately aligned with her long-term goals. For Emily, the key was sticking to her decisions until new information made change necessary which was a mindset she applied both professionally and personally.

Throughout her career, Emily navigated seasons of significant travel, including stretches when she was pregnant and away from home for long periods. She credits understanding colleagues and a flexible work schedule for helping her manage those challenges. Over time, she shifted toward shorter-term or local assignments, with most of her work focused in the public sector or federal space. These decisions allowed her to prioritize family without sacrificing career growth.

One of Emily’s most personal reflections came when she attended her youngest child’s kindergarten sing-along (after missing the previous four older children's) and saw another child looking for their parents and wondered if her older children cried that day. This moment reinforced the importance of predictability and consistency in showing up for her children and work commitments. She acknowledged that it’s impossible to be everywhere at once, but being dependable in the moments that matter builds grace and understanding with both family and colleagues. Karin and Emily also explored how mom guilt persists long after the early childhood years and how finding balance remains an ongoing process.

Emily also stressed the value of creating your own flow rather than following others. She urged listeners to set trends, speak up in meetings, and define their own measures of success instead of relying on external definitions. Her approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity, self-direction, and inclusivity and particularly her mission to democratize consulting language so that boardrooms become more welcoming and accessible to all.

Through candid stories, hard-won lessons, and practical advice, Emily offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to thrive in a demanding career while honoring personal priorities. Her insights remind us that success is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about making deliberate choices, trusting yourself, and leading with clarity and purpose.

💬 If you're navigating the challenge of building a full career and a fulfilling family life, connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinmayer/⁠

You can also ⁠join my mailing list⁠ for additional tips and insights about having a full career and family life and also be notified of new episodes when they drop.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m so glad you pulled up a seat at the table with us today.

In this candid conversation, I sit down with Brittney Newman, a Risk Consulting Director at a Big 4 firm and new mom, to talk about her recent return to work after having her son. Brittney shares the highs, the lessons, and how she “PMO’d” her life including putting everything into a spreadsheet to bring structure to this full, fast-moving season.

We dive into how she planned for maternity leave, what helped her navigate the transition back, and the honest experience of mom guilt. She also shares powerful advice for women in consulting considering motherhood, especially when it comes to the fear of “falling behind.” As Brittney reminds us: there’s no single path or timeline and don't put your life on hold for perfect timing.

Role models like Brittney are rare—don’t miss this conversation.

💬 If you're navigating the challenge of building a full career and a fulfilling family life, connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinmayer/

You can also join my mailing list for additional tips and insights about having a full career and family life and also be notified of new episodes when they drop.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m so glad you pulled up a seat at the table with us today.