Redefining the Corporate Culture: Motherhood and Leadership with Greer Van Dyck

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Michael is joined by Greer Van Dyck, a leader in organizational health coaching with a focus on supporting working parents. Greer discusses the importance of creating a nurturing corporate environment for mothers, addressing the loneliness and identity crisis that come with motherhood, and the need for both systemic and personal solutions. She elaborates on her journey from experiencing pregnancy and motherhood as a small business owner to advocating for working moms and parents, highlighting the significance of early and continuous support in the workplace. Greer and the host delve into the tangible and emotional challenges that moms face, the importance of human connection, and the positive impact of proper support on employee and organizational success. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in maternity leave policies, continuous mental and emotional support, and the inclusivity of dads in parental support efforts. Greer advocates for systemic change and shares insights on how corporate leaders can foster a supportive culture for working parents, stressing the ROI in employee fulfillment, engagement, and organizational health.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:07:09] Greer Van Dyck: "If you're waiting until maternity leave or return to work to connect with the parents...Why I mentioned the trying and that mindset and the pregnancy and that mindset is because that's when those identity crises begin to start, right? That fear and anxiety begins to start...if you can start those conversations early and have them often, I believe that so much preventative work can happen and it really gives that parent the opportunity to put language to what they're going through."
[00:30:20] Greer Van Dyck: “I have a lot of respect for what it takes to engage and integrate these changes. I do not have any expectations. a switch is flipped, and you're now integrating this library of offerings. But what I do talk often with CEOs about is what is progressive integration looks like? Let's create a 3 to 5 year plan about how you can reduce some of this support over time. What's 1 thing we could talk about doing? And integrating now, and then let's re engage in three to six months. And what's the next thing we could add, right? I would say that those conversations are pretty successful.”

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:09] The Personal Journey to Professional Advocacy
[00:02:52] Deep Dive into Supporting Working Moms and Parents
[00:07:09] The Importance of Early and Continuous Support
[00:09:42] Measuring Success and Impact in Supporting Working Moms
[00:13:33] Simplifying Support: Practical Tips and Insights
[00:19:21] The Ripple Effect of Supportive Practices
[00:20:39] Balancing Grit with Emotional Support and Connection
[00:26:05] Advice for CEOs: Cultivating a Supportive Culture
[00:26:31] Advice to CEOs on Maternity Leave and Employee Support
[00:27:01] The Importance of Flexibility in Maternity Leave Policies
[00:28:15] Addressing Mental and Emotional Support in the Workplace
[00:29:35] Cultural Preparation for Organizational Change
[00:30:34] Progressive Integration of Support Systems in Organizations
[00:32:28] Supporting Moms: Balancing Professional and Personal Life
[00:35:24] Understanding the Physiological and Psychological Changes in Motherhood
[00:37:38] The Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions Postpartum
[00:42:59] Supporting Dads in the Workplace
[00:44:01] Innovations and Opportunities in Supporting Working Parents
[00:46:51] The Role of Human Connection in Parental Support
[00:50:17] Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More Information