We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenn Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I call BS on work life balance. It’s a fallacy that sets all of us up for failure, particularly those of us working mothers who constantly feel like we’re either letting someone down at work or letting someone down at home. If I’m in an important meeting or interviewing someone for my podcast, I might be feeling guilty that my sick toddler is watching another hour of Disney+ on the couch. If I’m attending my son’s Robot Day parade at daycare, I might be feeling guilty for missing out on an important team strategy. We can’t win if we think there is some elusive “balance” that everyone but us can achieve. Instead, we need to strive to integrate our professions and personal responsibilities as best as we can, focusing on being wherever our feet are, and knowing that each day is a chance to try our best, be our best, and give our best to the people and projects we love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve spent nearly twenty years building brands for executives and organizations. I began my career as a speechwriter for General Schwarzkopf and General Haig, which was an incredibly humbling experience at the ripe age of 22. I stumbled into health tech more than ten years ago and haven’t looked back. It’s a fast-moving industry that keeps me a forever student, which I love. I’ve also recently launched a podcast, Mighty as a Mother, aimed at making it easier to talk about the hard things as it relates to building your career while raising children. We’re on a mission to normalize just how joyous – yet challenging- it can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I moved to Orange County from the east coast seven years ago and just adore living in this beautiful place I get to call home.

There are tons of great places to eat around town. Starting my day with a dose of caffeine, my go-to spots are:
– Hidden House Coffee in San Juan Capistrano makes such delicious cappuccinos and vegan chocolate chip cookies.
– JD Flannel Donuts (also in SJC) makes the most insane vegan and gluten free donuts. Their entire staff – owners included – are so nice too!

On the rare days when I have a free afternoon, I love spending my time outside – and hiking tops the charts. I’d send friends to Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, to the harbor in Dana Point, or along the ocean in San Clemente. Alternatively, doing a spa day at any of the fantastic resorts here is never a bad idea – Pelican Hill usually tops the charts for me!

For lunch and dinner, my go-to’s include:
– Grab a picnic basket and blanket to relax at Salt Creek in Dana Point
– Scarf down the freshest and tastiest Italian food at Giana in Dana Point – their wine selection is also fab!
– Hiro Nori does the best ramen I’ve had outside of Japan, bold statement but I’m standing by it
– Paradise Dynasty in Costa Mesa is hands down my favorite spot for dumplings 
– Chaak in Tustin has one of the most creative fish taco presentations I’ve seen – and their cocktails are spot on!

No matter where you go or what you do, you can’t go wrong spending time here in sunny OC

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Along the way I’ve had the extreme fortune of building and maintaining deep connections with friends and mentors who have inspired and supported me. The types of people who generously say my name in a room full of opportunities, especially when I’m not present. My husband and parents are a continual source of support and encouragement – as are my two tiny toddlers who remind me to stop, drop, and play. They make me want to continually improve so I can set the best example for them around what a strong and confident woman looks like. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyasamotherpodcast/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcohen427

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