In this thoughtful episode of The Coach Is In, Irene and Cat explore how we form our ideas of role models—what shapes them, how they evolve, and why it’s essential to remain mindful of who and what we admire. Through personal stories, parenting insights, and cultural commentary, they examine how values, struggle, and visibility intersect to influence both adults and the next generation.

⏱️ Content Highlights & Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters

– Irene and Cat reconnect and frame the discussion around the importance of role models in leadership and parenting.

03:12 – Unintentional Role Models: Who Shapes Us Before We Know It

– Irene shares stories from her upbringing in a rural town and how books and biographies shaped her worldview.

– Notable mention: Sirin Phathanothai as a formative influence.

08:45 – The Power of Biographies & Exposure

– Cat reflects on how reading about ballerinas influenced her discipline and appreciation for hard work.

– Discussion on how interests shape identity, even when they differ.

12:30 – Struggle vs. Joy in Identity Formation

– Irene reflects on how Southeast Asian narratives often center on struggle and the shift toward valuing joy and lightness.

– Cat opens up about questioning if her lack of dramatic hardship invalidates her story.

18:01 – Money & Morals: A Complex Relationship

– Irene discusses Warren Buffett and how reading The Snowball helped her see that wealth and values don’t have to be at odds.

– Cat shares concerns about media narratives that portray wealth as inherently corrupting.

24:50 – Visibility Bias: Why Do We See Certain Leaders?

– A discussion on Musk, Trump, and how attention is given to controversial figures.

– The absence of quieter, values-driven leaders in the spotlight.

29:35 – Power, Integrity & Role Models in Parenting

– Cat highlights the importance of helping kids think critically about public figures.

– Strategies for media literacy and value alignment.

34:30 – Speaking Out vs. Staying Silent: What’s the Right Move?

– Irene challenges the idea that silence always equals complicity.

– Nuanced take on how and when to speak out, especially around power and vulnerability.

41:10 – Admiration Without Pedestals: Holding Leaders Accountable

– A powerful distinction between the person and the position they hold.

– Leaders can be flawed humans—and still be worth learning from, so long as we stay critical and connected.

📌 Calls to Action & Takeaways

If this episode resonated with you, here are a few things to reflect on or try:

Think about your current role models. Do they align with your values?

Talk to your kids about the media they consume—who they admire and why.

Share a biography that shaped you with someone younger (or ask them to share one with you).

When admiring a public figure, ask: "Do I admire their values—or just their visibility?"

Practice media literacy at home: Question what’s shown and what’s not.

Help us grow the conversation:

👍 Follow the show

📝 Leave a review

📤 Share this episode with a parent or leader who’d appreciate a thoughtful take on modern role models

🌐 Resources & Mentions

The Dragon's Pearl: https://amzn.to/3G6SPEp

The Snowball: Warren Buffet https://amzn.to/4nrNzMy

Rethinking Narcissism: https://amzn.to/4loaMgq

Perry Mason: https://amzn.to/4ljSFch

🤝 Connect With Us

Follow us on Instagram: @thecoachisinpodcast

Learn more or get in touch: www.thecoachisinpodcast.com

🎧 The Coach Is In – Honest...

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.

🔗 Resources & Links

Follow us on Instagram: @thecoachisinpodcast

Learn more or get in touch: www.thecoachisinpodcast.com

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening to The Coach Is In. Remember: the coach is in, and this space is for you. 💛

In this episode, Carmelita Tiu dives into how parents can use current events to spark meaningful, age-appropriate conversations with their kids. From political turmoil to celebrity scandals, she offers guidance on turning the headlines into teachable moments that encourage empathy, critical thinking, and resilience. This episode reminds us that while the world’s news can be overwhelming, it’s also a powerful tool for connection and growth with our children.

[00:01:10] Why Talk to Kids About the News?

Carmelita opens with the importance of helping kids make sense of what they hear—from conversations at school to snippets from the radio or TV.

[00:03:30] What Are “Teachable Moments” in the News?

Everyday headlines can be springboards for value-based discussions. Carmelita explains how to spot these opportunities.

[00:05:20] Start with Questions, Not Answers

Instead of launching into a lecture, ask your child what they’ve heard or how they feel. This fosters trust and curiosity.

[00:08:00] You Don’t Need to Know Everything

It's okay to admit you’re still figuring things out. Modeling humility and curiosity teaches kids how to seek answers, too.

[00:10:00] Tailor Your Talk to Their Age

Different ages call for different levels of detail. Carmelita shares guidance for keeping the conversation age-appropriate while still meaningful.

[00:12:10] Finding Lessons in Scary Stories

From political unrest to celebrity scandals, news can be frightening. Learn how to reframe stories to emphasize hope, resilience, and positive action.

[00:14:45] The News as a Mirror or a Window

Stories can reflect kids’ own lives (mirrors) or show them different perspectives (windows). Either way, they’re tools for building empathy.

[00:17:00] When Not to Talk About It

Some news isn’t developmentally appropriate—or may overwhelm kids. Carmelita talks about respecting your child’s emotional boundaries.

[00:19:20] Encouraging Critical Thinking

Teach your kids to ask: Is this source credible? What are the facts? These tools are essential for navigating the media landscape.

[00:21:10] Recap: 3 Simple Tips

Carmelita ends with three actionable takeaways: start with questions, tailor the message, and stay curious together.

Think of one current news story and how you might turn it into a conversation with your child this week.

Reflect on what values matter most in your home—and how current events can help reinforce them.

Share this episode with a fellow parent who’s feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle.

In this powerful episode, Irene and Cat explore the complexity of anger—where it comes from, how it shows up in our lives, and how to respond to it with empathy and strategy. From personal stories to insights sparked by the Netflix show Adolescents, they unpack how anger is often a mask for deeper unmet needs, and how to deescalate it in ourselves, our families, and even society at large.

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:01:00] Inspired by Adolescents

A discussion about the Netflix series Adolescents and how it surfaced key themes around anger, emotional regulation, and generational trauma.

[00:03:00] The Father-Son Dynamic

Jamie’s father tries to be a better parent than his own, but lacks the tools to process anger in a healthy way—leading to emotional confusion and inherited patterns.

[00:06:00] Normalized Dysfunction

Irene reflects on how many adults fail to recognize harmful dynamics because of cultural normalization or childhood conditioning.

[00:09:00] Anger as a Protector of Safety

Irene reframes anger as a protective response to an unmet need for safety, especially when underlying pain or shame goes unspoken.

[00:12:00] The Power of Emotional Regulation

The hosts praise the show’s psychologist for modeling how staying calm in the face of explosive emotion can lead to breakthroughs.

[00:15:00] Exercising Restraint

A conversation on how restraint isn’t weakness—it’s a practiced skill that can prevent escalation and create space for healing.

[00:17:00] Irene’s Professional Experience

Irene shares a personal story about a client’s outburst and how staying grounded helped defuse the tension.

[00:20:00] Personal Reflections on Family Anger

Cat and Irene open up about growing up in households with temper flare-ups and the different coping strategies they developed.

[00:24:00] Power in Silence and Diplomacy

Not all strength is loud—sometimes strategic silence is the most powerful response.

[00:30:00] Societal Anger and the Need for Solutions

The hosts draw a connection between personal anger and social unrest, and the importance of listening before reacting.

Reflect on how you’ve been taught to handle anger—do those strategies still serve you?

Start noticing the unmet needs that might be hiding beneath your own or someone else’s anger.

Practice staying grounded in tense moments and see what shifts.

Stay tuned for Irene and Cat’s upcoming course for parent leaders on teaching life skills while building deeper connections with your kids.

In this episode, Cat and Irene dive deep into the messy, meaningful topic of authenticity—especially when it comes to how we show up in our careers, relationships, and everyday lives. They explore how our identities evolve over time, how imposter syndrome can creep in during transitions, and what it really means to "practice" becoming who you are.

[00:01:00] Authenticity in Focus

The hosts reflect on showing up in multiple roles—lawyer, coach, mom—and how balance isn’t about doing it all, but knowing what matters right now.

[00:03:00] The Privilege to Explore

Irene talks about the luxury of choice in today’s generation, unlike the single-track goals of past generations.

[00:05:00] Surviving vs. Thriving

Discussion on the difference between earning for survival and building a career that’s an expression of identity.

[00:07:00] Aligning Actions with Values

Cat reframes how going to work or the gym can still align with values like supporting your family, even if it doesn't look traditional.

[00:10:00] Undoing Generational Scripts

Irene shares how many of us are unlearning beliefs about stability, creativity, and value from older generations.

[00:12:00] Taking it One Value at a Time

Real talk on the pressure to find a perfect career that hits all your values—spoiler: it’s okay to take your time.

[00:14:00] Faking It vs. Practicing It

Irene and Cat discuss the discomfort of growth and how “faking it” can actually be part of the process of becoming.

[00:18:00] The Power of Presence

The importance of just being there and showing up authentically—even in imperfection—is often more powerful than polished performance.

[00:20:00] Discerning Growth from Discomfort

A thoughtful reflection on knowing when you're on the verge of transformation versus just feeling off-track.

[00:23:00] Doing it Your Way

Irene shares her evolving identity and how she’s learning to lead and negotiate in a way that honors her femininity and authenticity.

[00:26:00] Visual Takeaway

Identity is like trying on new clothes—you get to keep what fits and change when it doesn’t. It’s all part of the journey.

Follow The Coach Is In wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Reflect on your own hierarchy of values: What matters most to you right now? Give yourself grace as you evolve—authenticity is a practice, not a fixed trait.

Share this episode with a friend who’s navigating identity or imposter syndrome.

Decision fatigue is real, and as parent leaders juggling work, family, and personal lives, we face countless small and big decisions daily.

In this episode, Cat and Irene discuss how reducing choices, embracing "mostly fine" decisions, and delegating responsibility can make decision-making easier and more effective.

Content Highlights

The Burden of Daily Decisions

• The countless decisions parents make every day—from dinner choices to extracurriculars.
• How too many choices can create stress rather than freedom.
• The concept of decision fatigue and how it affects mental energy.

The Paradox of Choice & Analysis Paralysis

• Insights from Barry Schwartz’s book The Paradox of Choice.
• How excessive choices can lead to overthinking and stress.
• "Analysis paralysis" and how it manifests in everyday life.

Normalizing Fewer Choices

• Why limiting choices can actually bring relief.
• Practical parenting examples: picking out clothes, meal options, and bedtime routines.
• Understanding decidophobia and ways to overcome it.

Making Decision-Making Fun & Efficient

• How to gamify decision-making: random selection, coin flips, and delegation.
• The importance of knowing what’s truly important.
• How prioritization can help reduce decision fatigue.

Delegation & Teaching Kids Independence

• How parents can delegate decisions to children without anxiety.
• The long-term benefits of teaching kids to make their own choices.
• Irene and Cat’s personal experiences with their children and decision-making.

Recap & Actionable Takeaways

• Identify low-stakes decisions and simplify them.
• Reduce choices to make decision-making more efficient and fun.
• Embrace "mostly fine" decisions to release the pressure of perfection.
• Start small—experiment with simplifying one area and see how it feels.

Final Thoughts & Calls to Action

• Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
• Decision-making is a skill that can be refined over time.
• Listeners are encouraged to try one simplification method this week.

Follow The Coach Is In on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with a fellow parent leader who needs to hear it. Leave a review and let us know how you manage decision fatigue!

In this episode, we dive into the topic of invisible labor—the unseen emotional, mental, and logistical work that women often carry in their personal lives, friendships, and workplaces. We explore how these expectations shape our daily lives, why setting boundaries can be so challenging, and practical strategies to reclaim time and energy for what truly matters.

Episode Highlights

[00:02:10] – What is Invisible Labor?

How women take on unspoken responsibilities at home and work

Cultural and generational expectations that make it hard to say no

[00:08:45] – The Family Dynamic: Emotional Labor and Boundaries

The role of the "strong one" in the family

Why setting boundaries can feel selfish (but isn’t!)

[00:15:30] – Friendships & Emotional Energy

The impact of venting and how to create positive resonance

Checking in before unloading—how to support friends while protecting your energy

[00:23:15] – Invisible Labor at Work

Why women often get assigned tasks like note-taking and emotional support

How to push back without seeming unhelpful

Using humor and role rotation to redistribute responsibilities

[00:32:50] – Breaking the Cycle

Small steps to reclaim time and energy

The importance of strategic decision-making: Say "yes" with intention

Key Takeaways

✔️ Invisible labor exists in every area of life—family, friendships, and work.

✔️ Setting boundaries doesn’t mean withdrawing; it means being intentional with your time.

✔️ Instead of venting, focus on shifting the emotional tone of conversations.

✔️ Speak up at work—use humor, call out patterns, and suggest role rotations.

✔️ The power of strategic yeses: Align your efforts with your personal goals.

Where in your life are you carrying invisible labor? What’s one small shift you can make today? Share: If this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it! Subscribe & Review: Don’t miss future episodes—hit follow and leave a review.

In this episode of The Coach is In, Cat and Irene dive into the pressures of perfectionism in parenting. They explore how high expectations shape parental guilt, where these standards come from, and how embracing a "good enough" mindset can lead to more joy and fulfillment in both parenting and life.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

[00:01:30] - Defining Perfectionism in Parenting

How perfectionist tendencies amplify when kids come into the picture

The pressure to meet unrealistic parenting standards (sleep schedules, screen time, diet, etc.)

[00:06:45] - Where Do These Expectations Come From?

The influence of societal norms and social media

Reflecting on personal upbringing and inherited beliefs about parenting

The "Five Whys" technique for uncovering deeper motivations

[00:15:20] - The Perils of Perfectionism & Its Impact on Kids

How children absorb their parents’ perfectionist tendencies

Encouraging risk-taking and confidence in children

The importance of modeling a healthy relationship with failure

[00:23:10] - Mindfulness & Self-Awareness as Tools for Change

Learning to pause and assess whether a standard serves you

Embracing self-awareness as a starting point for change

The balance between keeping kids safe and fostering independence

[00:30:45] - Reframing Success: The "Good Enough" Parent

Moving away from perfectionism towards a "minimum viable product" mindset

Letting go of unnecessary pressures while focusing on core values

Creating meaningful memories rather than obsessing over minor details

[00:40:20] - Practical Steps to Let Go of Perfectionism

Identifying the root of perfectionist expectations

Striving for excellence, not perfection

Giving yourself permission to release unrealistic standards

[00:50:10] - Final Thoughts & Takeaways

"Your kids don’t need a perfect mother. They need a happy one."

The importance of self-care and prioritizing joy in parenting

Encouragement for moms to embrace imperfection as part of growth

🎧 Tune in for honest conversations, personal stories, and actionable insights. Because the coach is in, and this space is for you!