What does it really mean to “have it all” and why does that idea so often leave women feeling guilty, stretched thin, or unseen at work?

In this episode, I sit down with Dessalen Wood, Chief People Officer at Syntax, for an honest conversation about motherhood, leadership, and the myths that still shape how we see women in tech. With over 25 years of experience across retail, learning, and technology, Dessalen brings both deep empathy and candor to the realities of building a career while raising a family.

We talk about the importance of owning your narrative from how you present yourself and manage expectations, to recognizing your worth and setting boundaries without apology. Dessalen also shares how organizations can better support working parents, what “ambition” really looks like after kids, and how slowing down can actually lead to more growth in the long run.

Even if you’re not a parent, the truths in this conversation are universal: learning to be intentional, to let go of perfection, and to define success on your own terms.