In this heartfelt episode, Cat and Irene unpack what it really means to be "consistent" as parent leaders juggling work, family, and everything in between. They explore how flexibility, alignment with personal values, and redefining success can free us from guilt and pressure when life doesn’t follow the plan.

00:00 - Welcome Back + Real-Life Interruptions

Cat and Irene check in after a few weeks away, setting the stage for a conversation about the realities of showing up inconsistently.

03:50 - Redefining Performance and Consistency

Cat shares how her definition of consistency has evolved from rigid performance to values-based alignment.

08:22 - Life Gets in the Way (and That’s Okay)

Cat recounts a whirlwind of family events and how they shifted her focus, raising questions around guilt and presence.

13:05 - Values-Based Consistency vs. Habit Tracking

Discussion around showing up for your values rather than checking boxes. Consistency isn't frequency—it's alignment.

18:40 - The Generational Pressure on Modern Women

Irene reflects on the expectations placed on women to be high achievers while being primary caregivers.

21:58 - Embracing Flexibility Without Feeling Flaky

Why adaptability should be celebrated—not seen as failure—and how being flexible helps navigate real life.

28:45 - Every “No” is a “Yes” to Something Else

Cat shares a mindset shift that changed how she sees boundaries and declining commitments.

35:55 - Living for Yourself vs. Living for Others

A deep dive into how guilt and productivity are often tied to internalized expectations, especially from childhood.

42:30 - Celebrate the Comeback, Not the Absence

Why returning to something after a break is a success in itself—and how guilt often masks misaligned priorities.

47:50 - Gentle Parenting, Accountability & Boundaries

Cat discusses parenting from a millennial lens, balancing empathy and expectations with kids.

56:20 - Generational Shifts in Parenting and Self-Worth

Reflections on how modern parenting prioritizes connection while still holding space for structure and standards.

01:04:15 - Final Takeaway: Alignment > Frequency

Cat wraps with a powerful reminder: it’s not about how often you show up, but whether your actions align with who you want to be.

Reflect on where your guilt around inconsistency comes from—is it truly yours, or inherited expectations?

Reframe success from "how often" to "how aligned" you are with your values.

Celebrate flexibility as a strength, not a weakness.

Consider what you're saying yes to every time you say no.

Share this episode with a friend who might be stuck in the “I have to do it all” mindset.

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