Say hello to:

MARA

Mara is a passionate advocate for empowering women, drawing from her experiences as a leader, mother, and entrepreneur to inspire others on their journeys. With a deep love for nurturing both people and passions, Mara embodies authenticity, connection, and a commitment to fostering growth in all aspects of life.

Meet Mara – Your 'In Her Land' Podcast Host

Can you share a bit about your professional journey and how it led you to co-host In Her Land?

Welcome to our podcast, where we celebrate and share the journeys of women (and sometimes men) in both their personal and professional lives! With an undergraduate degree in Business and a Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Labor Relations, my career began at General Electric in their Aviation division, paving the way for fulfilling HR leadership roles in multinational corporations and family-owned businesses.

In 2023, I launched my own HR consulting firm, specializing in supporting businesses with interim and fractional CHRO roles. I also help companies design processes and systems that enable sustainable growth and scalability. In addition, I’ve taken on the role of executive coach, working with individuals to reflect on their careers and passions, guiding them to find the intersection of both in order to build a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Personally, my global travels have deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures, and I find joy in cooking, baking, and skiing with my family during winters. Guided by the principle to "lead with love," I balance my roles as a mother, partner, professional, and community contributor, instilling in my daughters the importance of hard work, kindness, family, and giving back to our community.

This podcast, created with my co-host Carrie, blends our experiences to provide support, authenticity, and hope to women navigating life’s triumphs and transitions, sharing stories that inspire and resonate.

What roles or experiences have shaped your perspective on women’s journeys and storytelling?

Throughout my life and career, I have been passionately dedicated to empowering women as they navigate their careers and strive for financial equity, often drawing from my experiences as the “only woman” at the leadership table. These moments have shaped my belief in the power of solidarity among women while highlighting the importance of involving men as champions for gender equity. Inspired by my husband’s unwavering support and my vision for a world where my daughters grow up with equal voices and opportunities, I hope our podcast fosters inspiration, honesty, and connection. By sharing stories of triumphs and challenges, we aim to empower others navigating the complexities of careers, lives, and parenthood, creating a space where every story matters.

What’s your favorite go-to mantra or quote that keeps you motivated?

“Be smart. Be kind. Be confident.”

How do you hope listeners will feel after tuning in to an episode?

I hope our podcast leaves listeners feeling inspired, validated, and supported as they navigate the complexities of parenthood, careers, and caregiving. By bringing authenticity to these shared experiences, we aim to create a welcoming community that understands the highs and lows of life’s journey. With a touch of levity and intention, our podcast offers support and inspiration, fostering a space where everyone feels seen and empowered to embrace their unique paths.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

Enjoy the journey. I was so focused on reaching the top professionally, at the expense of myself, that sometimes I did not enjoy the journey of life and raising kids as I much as I should have. For several years, I survived my life. Today, I am living meaningfully, intentionally and on the days, weeks or months where I find myself surviving, I check in with my husband, myself and my therapist to make a path forward on how I can re-set to find equanimity, to enjoy the beauty of raising kids, building a business and enjoying my life.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I have a deep love for art and have always dreamed of owning or working in an art gallery, but many jokingly call me Martha Stewart 2.0 for my passion for hosting dinner parties, complete with meals made from scratch. I also nurture an extensive garden filled with vibrant flowers, fresh produce, and even a backyard pumpkin patch. My dream is to live on a sprawling farm, combining my love for nurturing both plants and people. Through our podcast, I hope to share this joy and explore the many facets of life that inspire us!