Career Mama newsletter - May 2026
Hi Career Mamas,
We’re officially halfway through the year.
May focused on staying steady under pressure. June is a natural checkpoint. A moment to look up from the pace of everyday life and ask:
What’s working?
What’s changed?
What do I want the second half of the year to look like?
For many of us, this reflection naturally overlaps with Q2 reviews and conversations about growth, impact, and priorities.
Wherever you find yourself right now, there’s still a lot of year left to write.

Up next: June events and our Slack challenge.
🗣️ Events
- Coaching Call: 6/10, 10-10:30am PT
- "From Overwhelm to In Control: The New Mental Model Working Mothers Need” Workshop: 6/11, 10-11am PT
- Circles (Connect + Support): 6/18, 12-1pm PT OR 6/19, 11am-12pm PT
đź’¬ Monthly Slack roundup
- Workshop takeaway - leading with intention: Amandeep G. shared a key takeaway from Shivani’s workshop about becoming more intentional with silence and resisting the urge to jump into conversations to prove expertise.
- PM interview coach recommendations: Shivani B. asked for recommendations for interview coaches, particularly those who specialize in supporting product managers.
- PMP certification - study plans and advice: Danielle D. asked whether anyone is currently studying for the Project Management Professional exam ahead of the July changes or has shifted to preparing for the new version instead.
More threads from this month…
AI
- Navigating AI-driven interview scheduling
- Building stronger prompting habits
- Getting started with Claude Cowork
Family & community
- Mother’s Day - kid-made gifts and cards
- Finding the right school fit
- Food allergies - advice and support
Product & Resource Recommendations
🎯 June Challenge: Control the Narrative
Mid-year is a powerful opportunity to take stock of your impact and shape how your work is seen. This challenge includes one focused action each week to help you advocate for yourself with greater clarity and confidence.
📆 Week 1 Challenge (June 1st week): Set Your 2026 North Star
📆 Week 2 Challenge (June 8th week): Prepare to Receive Your Review Like a Pro
📆 Week 3 Challenge (June 15th week): Identify the Visibility Gap
📆 Week 4 Challenge (June 22nd week): Shape the Forward Narrative
Look out for MJ’s Slack on June 1st to kick off our challenge.
✍️ Circle: Connect + Support
Same flexible format as last month, no prep needed.
Choose the breakout that feels good in that moment:
- Work challenge: Bring something you’re navigating
- Mom life: Talk through what’s coming up at home
- Coffee chat (just connect!): Low-key conversation, no agenda
Come as you are.

🌟 Member Spotlight

Danielle W. recently shared a win that came from staying one step ahead.
With her Design Director traveling, she proactively created a concise video update on her project that was easy to scan while still providing deeper context if needed. Then, as she was preparing it, her design lead reached out asking for the same information, but Danielle already had it covered.
A great example of proactive communication, visibility, and making it easier for stakeholders to stay informed. Nicely done, Danielle! 🎉

For anyone entering this next season carrying a lot behind the scenes, we hope this community continues to be a place where you feel supported, understood, and encouraged.
Excited to see what this next chapter holds.
Cheers,
Shivani & team
P.S. Let’s welcome our newest Career Mama members! Check out their intros in #intros and say 'hi'!